Minnesota Vikings: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season
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There’s a lot of blame to place around a club that finished with only eight wins this past season. And a lot of the blame has been directed at the Minnesota offensive line and quarterback Kirk Cousins. But it’s safe to say that Mike Zimmer’s club had some issues on the other side of the ball as well.
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This was a unit than the previous year led the league that allowed the fewest total yards and points in the league. The 2017 NFC North champions allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the NFL and only the Jacksonville Jaguars surrendered fewer yards through the air. Minnesota permitted only 23 offensive touchdowns in 16 regular-season contests.
Of course, the Vikings’ defense wasn’t nearly as proficient in the playoffs that year. The team allowed 62 points and the defense gave up seven offensive touchdowns in the split with the Saints and Eagles. And that shaky showing seemed to carry over into 2018.
While Zimmer’s squad finished fourth in total yards and third in passing defense, the Purple Gang was a mediocre 15th vs. the run. And while the club finished with an impressive 50 sacks (14.5 by Danielle Hunter), Minnesota defenders permitted 113.4 yards per game rushing. That’s a figure that must get better this upcoming season.