Jack Del Rio knows this week’s opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, presents his defense with many challenges. Yet, he did offer plenty of praise for his defense as a whole Thursday when he met with the press.
Del Rio has employed a five-man front at times in several games this season.
“That was our approach based on last week’s opponent (Colts) and our game planning. Every week we try to put together a plan to stop the people that we’re going against and utilize those we have available. I thought the guys handled it well.”
The Vikings (6-1) winners of five straight certainly have offensive weapons that concern Del Rio. Regarding WR Justin Jefferson, “He has a lot of talent, size, speed, athletic ability, route running, hands. He’s a good player.”
Kirk Cousins ➡️ Justin Jefferson
Longest play of the game so far
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/EKzbjgBC6I
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 2, 2022
“I think [Vikings HC] Kevin [O’Connell] has done a great job up there. Kirk’s a good player. He’s been a good player for a long time. The right head coach at the right time for Kirk and his career. They can run it; they can throw it, the boot game, and play action games. It’s legit.”
Del Rio praised his defensive coaching staff.
“The position coaches are breaking down our next opponent already. So they’re working ahead in their respective areas. It’s the power of the staff, the group working on what is best, thoughts, ideas within our system. We like to bring a plan together and take it to the players.We’re still in the middle of it as we get this red zone and third down day in today, it’s a big day. It’s a lot of work.”
A position coach Del Rio singled out was DL coach Jeff Zgonina. “Well, Jeff has to get some credit. I mean the group’s responded well to him. We brought a young guy in that ended up playing. JR [Jon] Ridgeway. To bring him along and have him play as big impact as he did last week in the game, that’s gotta be a credit to the coach to get him ready.”
Del Rio a fine former linebacker himself, really likes his defensive line play.
“Big Jon [Allen] and Daron [Payne] have been playing terrific and played very well in last week’s game. The entire group is prepared to understand what the responsibilities are and we’re working well together, playing with good efforts. We roll them all throughout the game.”
Ridgeway has shown Del Rio some promise to plug up the inside.
“That was big Phil’s [DT Phidarian Mathis] role until he got hurt. He [Ridgeway] stepped in; we were fortunate to be able to pick him up on waivers and added a guy that we liked in the draft coming out. He’s been a great addition for us.”
Del Rio named two defensive backs deserving praise last week. Kam Curl was given the green dot last week in the absence of Cole Holcomb. “He’s the guy we want to have on the field all the time. Also, Benjamin St- Juste, “He has done great; he’s matured. He’s been really good throughout the offseason. He’s very professional and working the right way, playing good football for us.”
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