Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions: Who’s Better… Brian Flores or Ben Johnson?

By    |  
Updated:
Follow Us
Minnesota Vikings, Brian Flores
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football for the NFC North crown, and number one seed in the playoffs. Each team is 14-2 on the season, setting up a thrilling matchup in Detroit.

Minnesota’s elite defense vs Detroit’s high powered offense will be a massive factor in this matchup. This includes Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores vs Detroit’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and boy do these two have some history.

The History of Brian Flores vs Ben Johnson

Brian Flores has been a revelation for the Vikings since being hired as defensive coordinator, and the same can be said about Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator for the Lions. This is not the first time Flores and Johnson have crossed paths, either.

In 2018, Flores was hired as the Miami Dolphins head coach, where Johnson was the wide receivers coach. Flores fired Johnson in order to bring in his own staff. Johnson was recently asked about this, and he had this to say.

Brian Flores’ Minnesota Vikings defense

This Vikings defense has been terrorizing offenses all season. Minnesota has generated a turnover in each game they have played, which is something no other team in the league has done this year. Flores defense has generated a whopping 22 interceptions on the season, the most in the league by far.

The defense is also fourth in the league in opponent points per game, allowing only 18.8 points per game on the season. Only the Chargers, Chiefs, and Eagles have allowed less.

However, the Lions offense gave Minnesota’s defense problems in their first matchup. Detroit scored 31 points, including four consecutive touchdown drives. They averaged 7 yards per play and were efficient both on the ground and through the air. Creating a turnover or two will go a long way in Flores winning this chess match vs Johnson.

Quarterback Jared Goff completed 22/25 passes for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns while Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries. Flores has often been praised for confusing other quarterbacks and causing turnovers, and Minnesota will have to do a better job of confusing Jared Goff this time around to cause more incompletions and hopefully, interceptions.

Ben Johnson’s Detroit Lions offense

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been in complete control of this offense all season. The Lions are averaging a whopping 33.3 points per game this season, the most in the league. They are 2nd in yards per game as well, averaging 410 yards per game, trailing only the Baltimore Ravens. They’ve also had 5 games with 40 points and 0 turnovers.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Week 18 Practice Squad Elevations Curiously Elude New QB…

Johnson’s offense is lethal through the air and on the ground. The passing attack ranks 2nd in the league with 266.1 passing yards per game. On the ground, Detroit ranks 6th, averaging 144.4 rushing yards per game. Johnson will likely target the Vikings the most through the air.

Minnesota Vikings has the 2nd best run defense in the league only allowing 88.1 yards per game. However, although Minnesota leads the league in interceptions, they rank 28th in passing yards allowed, with 243.6 allowed per game.

X factors for Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions

There are a few key matchups in this coordinator showdown. For Minnesota, slowing down star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will be huge. It’s no secret Detroit is an elite passing team, and St. Brown is the engine that makes their air attack go. In the first matchup, St. Brown recorded 8 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in Minneapolis. The Vikings secondary will need to contain St. Brown much better in this matchup in order to see success.

Another key player for Detroit is Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs torched the Minnesota Vikings on the ground in the first matchup, and with David Montgomery out Gibbs is now the bell cow back in Detroit. He will likely see 20+ touches on Sunday Night. This is a very intriguing matchup, as Minnesota has an elite rush defense and Detroit has an elite rush offense.

Gibbs and Detroit won this matchup the first time around. So, look for Flores to emphasize slowing Gibbs on the ground in order to attempt to make Detroit one dimensional. If Minnesota can contain Gibbs, Flores and the Vikings will be in a good spot to win this matchup vs Johnson and Detroit.

Brian Flores and Ben Johnson are very familiar with each other, and there may be a bit of a personal edge in this game for these two coaches. They are both head coaching candidates, so each will be looking to outwit the other through their schemes and play calling, as they have both done to opposing teams all season. Sunday night should be an absolute thriller.

Mentioned in this article:

More About:
0What do you think?Post a comment.