The Minnesota Vikings are preparing to strengthen their defense against the run as they face the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Ford Field. After a promising 2024 season, the Vikings’ defense has struggled significantly in 2025, particularly in their last two games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers. The team is keen to address these issues as they head into a matchup against a familiar opponent known for its potent offense.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores expressed his disappointment regarding the team’s recent performances, stating, “A challenging couple of games at that, presenting some adversity for us as a defense.” The Vikings allowed an average of 390 total yards to the Eagles and Chargers, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.
This season, the Vikings face the highest percentage of run plays in the NFL, with teams running the ball on 51.08% of their offensive plays. This marks a stark contrast from the previous year when the Vikings excelled at stopping the run. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel emphasized the interconnection between stopping the run and the overall success of the defense. “When teams are able to run the ball, it’s kind of tough to play defense because then they have play action and they have deep shots like we saw in Philly,” he noted.
Van Ginkel, who has been sidelined for the past four weeks due to a neck injury, has recently returned to full practice and is on track to rejoin the lineup. His presence could be crucial as the Vikings aim to reclaim their defensive prowess.
Challenges with Heavy Formations
The NFL landscape is constantly evolving, with new formations and strategies emerging each season. Flores pointed out that “jumbo personnel” formations have become increasingly popular, making it necessary for the Vikings to adapt. “We’ve got to do a better job of defending it,” he stated plainly. The Lions, along with many other teams, have utilized these heavier sets effectively against Minnesota’s defensive line.
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave acknowledged the effectiveness of these formations, indicating that opponents are likely to continue exploiting this weakness. He remarked, “Yeah, I mean, it’s been working. So, we kind of know it’s something everybody’s gonna try right now.”
The statistics back up this concern. Several players have found success on the ground against the Vikings this season, including Kenneth Gainwell of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns, and Quinshon Judkins, a rookie running back for the Cleveland Browns, who gained 110 yards. Last week, the Chargers’ third-string running back Kimani Vidal rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota.
Preparing for a High-Powered Offense
As the Vikings prepare for their encounter with the Lions, they face a formidable challenge in the form of one of the league’s most explosive offenses. The Lions boast a talented backfield duo in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, both of whom have proven to be game-changers. Van Ginkel assessed the situation, saying, “They’re lethal. Their skill positions are incredible. Jared Goff gets them the ball in space, and their offensive line is very good.”
This Sunday’s game presents a critical opportunity for the Vikings to address their defensive shortcomings and regain their footing in the league. With the return of key players and a renewed focus on stopping the run, Minnesota hopes to turn the tide against the Lions and reclaim their status as a formidable defensive unit.
