In the last four seasons, the Vikings have ranked third, first, fourth and 14th in yards allowed defensively.
While last season’s team ranked more towards the middle of the pack, Mike Zimmer’s squad was still one of the better defenses in the NFL.
The team’s defense went through a makeover this offseason. Out is Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen.
The Vikings will rely on rookies and players who haven’t gotten the opportunity to prove themselves to do just that.
Even with the makeover, the Vikings still have very good and very familiar players on the defensive side of the ball. There’s still Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris at safety. There’s Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks at linebacker. And then there’s Danielle Hunter on the defensive line, who consistently ruins Sundays for offensive lineman.
Smith hasn’t been hearing the chatter that the Vikings aren’t supposed to be as good, but he’ll be using that as motivation.
“I guess I’ve been out of the loop,’’ Smith said via the Pioneer Press. “I didn’t know we were supposed to be bad. So, yeah, I guess that motivates me.’’
While this unit might look different in 2020, I’m not sure if that’s a bad thing.