Minnesota Vikings co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson isn’t running away from the fact that the defense has stunk to the high heavens in 2021.
The team is ranked 31st in the league in total defense behind the New York Jets. Things were rough in 2020 as well, but few thought it would devolve to the point where Minnesota would be riding next to Gang Green on the struggle-bus.
“You’re disappointed because that hasn’t been us,” Patterson told media members. “We’ve been one of the better defenses in the league since I’ve been here. So that hasn’t been us. But you are what the numbers say you are.”
It hasn’t been the easiest year when playing football in the middle of a global health pandemic. There has been a revolving door in Minnesota of guys coming in and out of the lineup due to failed COVID tests.
Even in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, the defense could be without their leading-tackler, Erik Kendricks. They’ve also been playing without standout defensive studs Everson Griffin and Danielle Hunter.
But there’s also the fact that this isn’t some new issue for the team. Sure, they weren’t one of the bottom-two defenses last season, but they ranked 27th with opponents averaging 393.3 yards per game against them.
The writing has been on the wall for a while now that change is needed in Minnesota. It’s only a matter of time before it gets here, and then we’ll see who it takes with it.