DC Andre Patterson “Can’t Say it Wasn’t a Fit Thing” with Yannick Ngakoue

Andre Patterson spoke with Dan Barreiro on KFAN Radio earlier this week. While on, he was asked about the Minnesota Vikings’ Yannick Ngakoue experiment and why it didn’t work. Patterson’s answer was quite intriguing. He essentially blamed it on “fit”… or wouldn’t not blame it on “fit”.

The Vikings traded Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens on October 22, for a 3rd and conditional 5th round pick.

Andre Patterson spoke about the Yannick Ngakoue trade with @DanBarreiroKFAN earlier this week, and I thought this comment on Ngakoue's fit with the #Vikings was notable.

"He tried to do the best job he could to fit in. I really can’t say it wasn’t a fit thing." pic.twitter.com/O3cm7Xm1Z5

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) October 28, 2020

I’m glad Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated tweeted this quote out today. It may have been gone and forever forgotten, had he not.

It’s interesting for a few reasons. First, Ngakoue’s stats while in a Minnesota Vikings uniform, don’t seem to reflect the play of someone who struggled. While wearing the purple and gold, Yannick played 6 games (started 5) and posted 12 tackles, 5 sacks, 7 QB hits and 2 forced fumbles.

The Problem

Specifically, Patterson mentions the balance DE’s have to bring in the Vikings’ defense. That includes major responsibility in the run game. I’m not in the locker room and I don’t have any sources who are but this isn’t the first time I’ve heard or read about the additional run-game responsibility Zimmer and Patterson put on their pass rushers.

It’s also worth noting that, while the Jacksonville Jaguars’ base defense isn’t a 3-4, Ngakoue was treated a lot like a 3-4 rush LB while there. That could have played into his scheme fit issues in Minnesota too, where he was asked to put his hand in the ground much more often.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan