“We’ve got to do a better job defending it,” Flores said. “I say that plainly. It’s something that we’re obviously spending some time on. Detroit has it, but everybody’s got it in some form or fashion. Is it en vogue? Yeah, I would say so – against us, for sure.”
The Lions’ continuity on offense – and the Vikings’ developing chemistry on defense – are also key factors. A reworked Vikings defense is still getting on the same page about how opponent run games change when they see Minnesota on the schedule.
“Trying to make sure everybody understands,” Metellus said, “there’s only a certain number of runs that coaches would comfortably call, and we just got to understand how to play those. I think we’re in a good spot.”
Vikings outside linebacker Andrew van Ginkel, shown at practice on Thursday, was a full participant all week and appears ready to return. (Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Goff, the 10th-year veteran whose teams are 7-3 against the Vikings, keeps directing one of the NFL’s most prolific attacks despite losing his play caller, Johnson, and Pro Bowl center, Frank Ragnow, in the offseason.
Goff’s familiarity with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose seven touchdown grabs are tied for the league lead, and tight end Sam LaPorta extends to Flores’ defense, which he’s defeated four times in a row.