So… Brian Flores is Testing Quite the 3rd Down Pass-Rush Package

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Brian Flores
An image from practice on November 16th, 2023 at TCO in Eagan, MN.Credit: Images Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

It’s no secret. The Minnesota Vikings had trouble getting to quarterbacks last season, ranking 20th in the NFL in sacks. Now that Danielle Hunter’s gone, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have to get even more creative with his pass rush packages.

Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did a fine job finding a Hunter replacement by signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel (played under Flores in Miami), plus drafting Dallas Turner.

But none of these players have ever actually suited up for the Vikings in an official game. The latter hasn’t even taken an NFL rep yet. In short, there’s no telling how productive, or unproductive, these EDGE rushers will be.

Brian Flores finding ways to get Minnesota Vikings’ best pass-rushers on the field, all at once

But, Flores is no stranger to scheming up exotic QB pressures. No one blitzes as often as the Vikings, with Flores calling the shots. But he can’t just send the same blitz every time. You can’t even do that in Madden anymore. This is chess, not checkers.

Images Courtesy of the Minnesota VikingsCredit: Images Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

So, how does Flores plan to keep opposing offenses guessing? One week into Vikings training camp, we’re already seeing some of the many different ways Minnesota’s defensive coordinator is getting creative. Like, removing all defensive linemen from the field and rolling with four outside linebackers up front.

While we haven’t seen them in action during the regular season quite yet, the Minnesota Vikings’ best pass rushers are expected to be Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. Add Jay Ward to that mix, and you have one of the 3rd-and-long pass rush combination Flores is experimenting with early at Training Camp.

“On Tuesday, the Vikings structured a portion of their practice around third-down situations. In those 11-on-11 reps, Flores used four edge rushers: Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, Patrick Jones II and Andrew Van Ginkel. Another offseason signee, Jihad Ward, mixed in at times. Expect that group to see the field once the season begins on obvious pass-rush downs.”

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis

Of course, this wouldn’t be an ideal alignment if the Vikings were on the goal line, expecting a rushing attempt from their opponent. But when it’s time to get after quarterbacks while defending the pass? That’s when you want your best pressure producers on the field.

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But it’s not just the personnel usage that’s eye-opening here. What may be even more notable is just where Flores has each player lined up.

Teams frequently find ways to squeeze in their three best edge-rushers on the field, but Flores is taking it to the extreme. Patrick Jones II has somewhat been forgotten about after making so many roster changes, but he’s one of the more accomplished young pass-rushers on the team, having recorded five sacks across the past two seasons.

Seeing Jihad Ward thrown into the mix comes as no surprise. He tallied five sacks with the Giants last season, and his 6-foot-5, 285-pound frame makes him a perfect fit to fill a down-lineman role in this package.

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Then, we also have undrafted rookie standout Gabriel Murphy already sneaking a few snaps in with the starters. This is a strong sign that the Vikings like what they have in the former UCLA star. It just might earn him a roster spot or at least a home on the Vikings practice squad.

Of course, this is just one of several different kinds of smoke Flores plans to throw at Vikings opponents. Just imagine all the packages they’re not even willing to reveal to the public. It might get even crazier from here.

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