One of the biggest storylines for the Minnesota Vikings this training camp—and likely throughout the season—has been, and will continue to be, the development of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. By most accounts, he’s coming along well in his first few practices as a professional. But something else about his development has stood out to one Vikings reporter.
According to ESPN’s Minnesota Vikings beat reporter Kevin Seifert, it’s “hard to judge” McCarthy, or any of the Vikings quarterbacks, so far this training camp because the defense has “chosen violence from the very first snap.”
He has looked ok, but honestly, the hardest thing about judging any of the Vikings’ QBs is that Brian Flores’ defense has chosen violence from the very first snap. Lots of different blitzes up front and personnel groupings in back. Very disruptive. https://t.co/fOkOu1qFVg
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) July 27, 2024
Seifert reports that the Vikings defensive coordinator has dialed up many different blitzes up front, is utilizing many different personnel groupings in back, and has been very disruptive overall.
That shouldn’t surprise anyone who has followed defensive coordinator Brian Flores throughout his career. He has always wanted his defenses to be able to play aggressively, give offenses multiple different looks, and for his cornerbacks to be able to survive in man-to-man coverage.
That last bit is going to be something to watch throughout camp, as the Vikings have had some well-publicized struggles at the position. A strong pass rush up front will go a long way toward mitigating issues for the Vikings’ corners.
Either way, it’s encouraging to see that the Vikings’ defense has been the star of the show and that Flores is continuing to be a defensive scheme master. It should be a great test and ultimately serve McCarthy well as he adjusts to life in the NFL.