Brian Flores – Syndication Server

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter Week 10 coming off another tough loss on the road to the Philadelphia Eagles and will look to pull off an upset home victory against the 6-2 Minnesota Vikings.

Like last week, the Jaguars will be without some key players, including franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has been nursing a left shoulder injury this week. Losing Lawrence will be a hard blow for a team that has been relatively competitive largely because of his play in recent weeks.

However, there is a path to success that Jacksonville can follow. The Vikings do not have many weaknesses, but there are some areas the Jaguars can take advantage of to pave the road to an upset.

Jaguars Wire breaks down the key matchups that could be vital in ensuring win No. 3 for the Jaguars against the Vikings.

Jacksonville’s run game vs. Minnesota’s run defense

The Vikings own the NFL’s No. 2 rushing defense this season in yards allowed and have allowed the fewest rushing expected points added (EPA) this season. The Jaguars have found success on the ground this season and with Lawrence out, they will have to lean on their new star tailback Tank Bigsby.

A productive day from Bigbsy might be Jacksonville’s biggest key to victory this weekend. He is a tough runner to bring down, forcing a missed tackle on nearly 38 percent of his rushes, according to Next Gen Stats.

That’s good enough for the third-highest rate in football. Minnesota has struggled to tackle in space this season at the fifth-highest rate.

Bigsby has the skill set to handle a hefty workload on a moment’s notice. His downhill rushing ability and shiftiness in space make him a handful to bring down.

To add pressure for Minnesota, Bigsby can be a home run-hitting running back with his second-level explosiveness and quickness in the open field. It won’t be an easy go-around but this is strength vs. strength in this weekend’s matchup.

Jacksonville DE Josh Hines-Allen vs. Minnesota LT Cam Robinson

This matchup could be personal for both players. It was only a few weeks ago that Robinson was manning Lawrence’s blindside.

But after Vikings star left tackle Christian Darrisaw went down with a season-ending injury, they acquired Robinson and a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft choice in exchange for a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick.

The former Jaguar had an up-and-down career in North Florida. Robinson was playing steady football in pass protection with just a 7.1 percent pressure rate before he was traded. But he struggled against Indianapolis in his Vikings debut and is now tasked with slowing down Josh Hines-Allen for the first time as an opponent.

Jacksonville’s cornerstone pass rusher is tied with teammate Travon Walker for the most pressures on the team with 34. He’s as good as they come coming off the edge and is likely to spend most of his snaps lining up at right defensive end for his one-on-one matchup with Robinson.

Hines-Allen versus Robinson in the trenches is a key individual matchup that fans should have a keen eye on, one that could be a deciding factor in this weekend’s game.

Jacksonville QB Mac Jones vs. Minnesota pass defense

Losing a talent like Lawrence for just one or any number of games is a blow for the Jaguars. He’s the franchise quarterback and has played sound football for most of the season.

But now, it’s time for former Pro Bowler and once-surmised New England franchise signal-caller Mac Jones to make his starting debut with his hometown team.

Jones never proved to be the prolific quarterback from the incredible 2020 Alabama national championship roster in the NFL. More of a game-manager, a heavy dose of the run game and play-action should allow Jones to be fairly smooth sailing if things go according to plan.

However, the Jaguars might miss the vertical element that has been a staple of their offense with Jones under-center this weekend.

Jones will face a defense that is second in the NFL in blitz rate and has used split-safety coverage the most of any team this season. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has them playing some sound football and will pose a challenge for Jones this weekend.

Yet, there is a path where Jones performs well enough to put Jacksonville in a spot to pull off the upset. If he protects the ball and finds answers against pressure while giving receivers like Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington chances for run-after-catch plays, the Jaguars will be one step closer to victory.

NFL analyst wants to see Vikings trade for Raiders defensive tackle

Despite a two-game skid, the Vikings are still NFC contenders. One NFL analyst believes they should make a move to improve their defense.

Despite the recent two-game skid and some pessimism on the team that has crept in during the past two weeks, the Minnesota Vikings are still very much in the thick of the NFC playoff picture. Despite slipping to third in their own division, Minnesota is still one of the top teams in the conference by record and would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.

That makes them very much a contender, despite what their recent play might suggest. One of the biggest issues with the Vikings recently has been, surprisingly, the play of their defense. The defensive line and linebackers have not been able to create pressure like they were at the beginning of the season, and it’s putting strain on an already haphazard defensive backs unit.

One NFL analyst, CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan, believes the solution to the Vikings’ recent woes may come at the trade deadline. The Vikings have already been active on the trade market, trading for familiar running back Cam Akers and then filling the hole left by an injured Christian Darrisaw with former Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson, but they may not be done.

Sullivan suggests the Vikings contact the Las Vegas Raiders about defensive tackle Adam Butler. Butler is familiar with defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the defense he likes to run from his time with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.

Despite not getting to the quarterback yet this season, Butler has one of the overall best seasons of his career in 2024 with the Raiders. Bringing Butler into the fold for the Vikings could give the team a great rotation of defensive tackles, keeping everyone fresher for longer and hopefully increasing their production.

Butler is currently on a one-year deal with the Raiders for only $1.8 million and would likely not command a high price. The price may be a bit higher than what the Vikings gave up for Robinson, but they should still be able to make a deal without touching their limited 2025 NFL Draft capital.

Vikings DC Brian Flores is happy with Dallas Turner’s development

Some folks have also noticed that Dallas Turner has been rather silent on a team full of game-wreckers on the edge.

The Vikings’ defense is firing on all cylinders and is on pace for a record-setting year. The group and the performance that Brian Flores has gotten out of them is getting noticed by everyone around the league.

Some folks have also noticed that Dallas Turner has been rather silent on a team full of game-wreckers on the edge.

The first-round pick out of Alabama came in and had high expectations. People often forget that the development of edge rushers from college to the NFL takes time to fully turn into the gamewreckers they were in college. Brian Flores spoke to the media on Tuesday and shared his thoughts on his development.

“I think Dallas has done a great job… I think he’s an ascending player, he’s been great in meetings, when his number is called he’s showing up.. we’re constantly trying to figure out how to get him in. He’s in a really good spot”

We can use Jonathan Greenard as an example of how long it can take for players to develop. In the first three years of his career, he had a total of 10.5 sacks before recording 16.5 in his last 20 games over the last two seasons.

It will take some time with Turner, Flores has faith, so you should have some faith as well. In the meantime, enjoy Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard coming off the edge full-time.

Vikings get defensive line help in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft

The Minnesota Vikings get help along the defensive line in the latest 2025 NFL mock draft from ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid.

The Minnesota Vikings are still riding high as one of only two unbeaten teams left in the NFL. They’re sitting atop the toughest division in the NFL right now, the NFC North, and have their sights set on doing some big things this season. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking ahead towards the future of this team. That future starts with the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Vikings laid a good foundation with the 2024 NFL Draft, especially in the first round, grabbing who they believe to be the future of their franchise with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. They also make an effort to shore up their pass rush by taking edge rusher Dallas Turner with their second first-round pick. Turner has struggled some in his rookie campaign, but he still has a bright future ahead of him in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.

While the Vikings have several high-quality pieces on both sides of the ball, several areas can be improved. According to ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid, the Vikings’ biggest areas of need heading into the 2025 NFL Draft are along the offensive line—particularly at guard, the defensive tackle spot, and cornerback.

So, where should the Vikings look next April?

Reid has the Vikings getting some defensive line help with the last pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, taking Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Here’s Reid’s breakdown of the selection:

The Michigan State transfer has quickly become arguably Oregon’s best defensive player. With a quick first step, Harmon has been able to consistently penetrate the first level, picking up three sacks this season. His strong hands help him stack and shed blocks in the middle as a run defender, but he must do a better job of finishing plays. The Vikings’ defense has been excellent this season, but it probably still needs long-term depth at defensive tackle. Harmon’s explosion would work well in Brian Flores’ attacking unit.

It’s a little surprising to see Reid projecting the Viking to land help on the defensive side when guard has been such a glaring need for the team. However, that situation may improve with the return of Dalton Risner, and the Vikings could certainly use the depth at the position. Harrison Phillips isn’t going to play forever, and Minnesota would do well to think about the next man up despite his recent extension.

He’ll have some mighty big shoes to fill.

Aaron Schatz isn’t buying into the Sam Darnold effect

NFL history is filled with players such as Sam Darnold having breakout seasons and bounce-back performances.

NFL history is riddled with players such as Sam Darnold having breakout seasons and bounce-back performances. What usually doesn’t accompany those is being a part of a potentially Super Bowl-worthy team.

But that is what Sam Darnold is doing for the undefeated Vikings.

Aaron Schatz of FTN Fantasy is not as impressed as others. Schatz, the former editor in chief of Football Outsiders, isn’t buying into the hype. He compares the 2024 Vikings to the 2002 Buccaneers and 2015 Broncos — “teams powered by a defense that won Super Bowls with caretaker QBs such as Trent Dilfer and a final-season Peyton Manning.”

I ask Vikings fans: If you win a Super Bowl, does it matter what type of quarterback you have?

Darnold is playing winning football, and maybe he will win an MVP award, or maybe he won’t. The awards aren’t what the Vikings fans or players care about. If Darnold is the Trent Dilfer of this Vikings Super Bowl-worthy defense, that’s OK.

Vikings LB Andrew Van Ginkel hints not everyone was happy with defense’s performance

The Vikings’ DC was not pleased with his team’s second half play.

The Vikings defeated Green Bay 31-29 this past Sunday to move to 4-0, but it got to be tight. Minnesota held a 28-7 halftime lead before allowing the Packers to get back into the game. Minnesota recovered an onside kick to win the game.

Minnesota’s defense has been one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL through four weeks. Still, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel informed the media that defensive coordinator Brian Floris was unhappy with the Packers’ win.

Van Ginkel said Flores told the players that the play did not meet the standards. The Minnesota defense gave up several chunk plays, which had a snowball effect in the second half. Flores told his team that there were 10-12 plays in the second half that were negative for the Vikings’ defense and that it was unacceptable.

The Vikings lead the league with 17 sacks and have forced three turnovers on the season. Flores will get his defense ready to face the New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers on Sunday.

Vikings defense is brutalizing opposing QBs according to PFF

The Minnesota defense has been wreaking havoc against the opposition’s QB through four games.

The Vikings are off to a 4-0 start, and it’s not only because quarterback Sam Darnold is having a career year through four games. Another major reason is the Minnesota defense. Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings’ defense has been one of the best in the league.

Through four weeks, the Vikings are leading the NFL with 17 sacks and are tied for fourth with three forced turnovers. With how much havoc the Vikings’ defense has been wreaking on the opposition, the opponent’s quarterbacks have had terrible PFF grades.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Vikings’ defense has not allowed an opposing quarterback to have an offensive grade higher than a 68.8 through four games.

Giants’ Daniel Jones had a 57.2 grade, 49ers’ Brock Purdy was slightly better with a 61.2 grade, Texans’ C.J. Stroud ended the loss with a 64.6 grade, and Packers’ Jordan Love was the best with a 68.8 grade.

The Vikings will get former rival Aaron Rodgers and the Jets in London this Sunday. We will see if Minnesota can keep up the terror on the opposing quarterback.

Vikings DC Brian Flores already getting head coach buzz

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be a hot name for coaching vacancies this offseason, but will anyone hire him?

Perhaps the most surprising story this season is the Minnesota Vikings. Before the season started, few — if any — would have predicted that Minnesota would be undefeated after having to face the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans in back-to-back weeks.

Yet, that’s exactly where the Vikings are sitting going into a Week 4 matchup against their heated division rivals, the Green Bay Packers. A lot of the credit for the Vikings’ three-game winning streak has to go to defensive coordinator Brian Flores for what he’s been able to do with the Vikings’ defense this season.

Minnesota has quickly developed a reputation for giving opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators fits. Flores has devised a scheme and been able to mask what he’s doing to perfection, and it’s driven the Vikings to a 3-0 record, with two wins over two of the toughest teams the league has to offer.

The performance Flores has gotten out of his defense has put the league on notice in more ways than one. According to ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano, Flores is “the buzziest” name among coordinators working their way into the inevitable coaching carousel that will follow this season.

Some were surprised that Flores wasn’t considered for a head coaching position coming into this season after what he did with the 2023 defense. With a repeat performance this year, it may be hard for teams to ignore Flores. However, as Graziano cautions, Flores comes with significant baggage.

Flores is still actively involved in a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging “racial discrimination in the league’s hiring practices.” Graziano says that the Vikings’ defense “could be the reincarnation of the 1985 Bears, and it would still be hard to imagine an owner hiring a head coach who’s in the middle of suing the league.”

The lawsuit against the league certainly complicates things, but if Flores and the Vikings’ defense keep doing what they’ve been doing through three weeks, it’s going to be hard for the league to keep him out of an interview room for the second-year in a row.

Defense has Vikings in top 5 of NFL analyst’s latest power rankings

Thanks to a sweltering defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings have entered the top 5 of new power rankings

It’s not a stretch to say not many — maybe no one — saw a 3-0 start to the season coming for the Minnesota Vikings. Many could have predicted an opening-week victory over the New York Giants. But if you had told someone that the Vikings would go on to defeat the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans back-to-back, they likely would have laughed at you.

The Vikings’ hot start to the season has a lot to do with another unexpected aspect of the season: high-quality play from quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has come in and taken to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense quickly and, in turn, has experienced some of the most success he’s seen in his career.

How well the defense is performing shouldn’t be surprising to anyone. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has worked wonders with this team’s defense and has them becoming the bane of offensive coordinator’s existence. While their performance may not be surprising, just how good they’re playing shouldn’t be taken for granted.

That defensive performance has the Vikings breaking into the top 5 of the latest power rankings from Sports Illustrated’s NFL analyst Conor Orr. Orr has a glowing review of Flores and what he’s doing with the 2024 Minnesota Vikings defense, saying:

What has been masterful about Brian Flores’s defensive performances to me is that, like some of the other Bill Belichick disciples who have left New England only to commit the same sins—loading up on former Patriots, paying them big money and trying to run the same defense—Flores has loaded up on former Dolphins and Patriots. However, he has taken those players and plugged them into a whirlwind defensively that is zigging while the rest of the NFL is sitting in Cover 2 and praying for no big plays (sorry gang, Andy Dalton is back and that’s not gonna happen). While it’s harder to maintain a great offense than a great defense, and at some point the referees and the league will step in to goose scoring, we need to take note of how wonderful and maddening this defense has been over the course of three games.

Two former Dolphins — edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill — were instrumental in the Vikings’ upset victory over the Texans on Saturday. Van Ginkel, the Vikings’ leading tackler on the day, was all over the field for the Vikings’ defense, making tackles at every level, including getting one sack on Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Grugier-Hill stepped in on short notice to fill in for an injured Ivan Pace, Jr. and made several key plays for the defense. In the first quarter, Grugier-Hill came down with a huge interception after defensive tackle Harrison Phillips tipped the Stroud pass, ending Stroud’s NFL-leading consecutive passes without an interception streak.

It was a dominating performance all around, and that has been the case all season long for the Vikings, as it was to close out the season in 2023. The Vikings defense kept Minnesota in a number of games that they probably had no right being in, and kept the team in the playoff race for far longer than they should have been given the injuries and offensive struggles they experienced.

Now that the offense has at least somewhat caught up to the defense, the Vikings could be a dangerous team from now on.