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Minnesota Vikings Defense/Special Teams Putting Team in Good Position

By Paul Bellesen

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates his forced fumble during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates his forced fumble during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The stifling Minnesota Vikings Defensive and Special Teams units are putting this team in the position to make a deep run this year.

Coming into their bye week, the Minnesota Vikings are the lone undefeated team in the NFL. This has come as surprise to all, even Vikings fans. After loosing their starting quarterback, hall of fame running back, and left tackle, most thought the team was doomed.

Mike Zimmer knew that was not the case.

This team is loaded on the defensive side of the ball. The depth they have is insane. The Vikings backup defensive line could start on almost any other team in the league.

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Right now the Vikings are the number 1 scoring defense, allowing 12.6 points per game. They also lead the league in yards per play, at 4.4. The opponents passer rating is a league leading 65.3, and that is not against any slumps.

They also are tied for the lead the league in sacks, at 19. With 12 takeaways, that stat also leads the league. They come in third in passes defended, with 33. They would probably be higher on that list, if the quarterback could get a pass off before being thrown to the ground.

Here are some cool stats that a member on the Vikings subreddit mentioned.

"Brian Robison, Everson Griffen, and Danielle Hunter are all tied for fourth in sacks among defensive lineman (4) and tied for third among defensive ends.Danielle Hunter is one of only three lineman in the NFL with a touchdown and one of only four lineman to have a safety. He is the only player to have both, and he has more sacks than any of the other *five players with either.Brian Robison is tied for second among lineman in forced fumbles with two. Griffen, Hunter, and Linval Joseph all have one also.If Everson Griffen had not been unfairly called offsides last Sunday vs. Houston, he would be tied for first among lineman in sacks (5) and tied for second in forced fumbles (2).Bonus stat: Tom Johnson is one of only four defensive lineman with an interception and also one of only four defensive lineman with a pass defensed (2).-JespersNotHere"

Not to mention the Special Teams play. With Marcus Sherels, a player who is said to not make the final 53 every year, is playing like a superstar. He has run back two kicks already this year. His latest return last week was amazing.

Cordarrelle Patterson is still one of the best kickoff returners in the NFL. Now that he is contributing as the gunner on punt coverage, that adds another element of speed to that unit.

The Minnesota Vikings offense has been playing amazing as well, although the stats do not do them justice.

The Vikings offense is 25th in total yards. The reasoning for this is simple. The defense and special teams units are putting the offense in such great field position that they are not going to rack up crazy yardage stats.

Next: My Experience at US Bank Stadium

This team is a complete unit. They are playing together, and for eachother. We have a fun season ahead of us.

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