Minnesota had a horrendous defense last year — an uncommon occurrence for the Mike Zimmer era.
PFF ranked the Vikings pass rush dead last in the NFL last year. Minnesota’s run defense wasn’t much better, with players like Jaleel Johnson and Shamar Stephen struggling. The Vikings defense pretty much got it eliminated from postseason contention when Saints RB Alvin Kamara gashed the unit for six rushing touchdowns.
Minnesota has made an effort this offseason to make sure that bad of a defensive performance doesn’t happen again. Here is one thing to watch for each Vikings defensive position group against the Bengals: