VIKINGS BREAKDOWN: 3rd Down Defense Efficiency

Luke Inman of Zone Coverage does a deep dive on what has made Mike Zimmer's defense on third downs so good thus far in 2017. Inman breaks down the tape and shows an in-depth look and gives insider analysis using specific film from the season.

[@tedlicious]

The Vikings do not blitz as often as people think. They get amazing pressure from the front 4. In cases like this even a blitz "look" is enough to rattle the O-line.

[@brianbacich9999]

Zim we miss you. Skol Vikes!

[@onehandedbandit5878]

Love the vid I hope Zimmer becomes Dallas DC

[@ZayLaFram]

He did nice

[@blowfishes]

I hadn't noticed how the DEs peeled outside either side of the gap leaving Barr and Kendricks an unhindered path to the QB. Excellent breakdown.

[@raviknutson3321]

Actually the A gap bluff creates one v one matchups occasionally when a lineman blocks air thinking a player is going to come. Bluffing a blitz is also effective at helping the rush.

[@cookookachu]

This is 100% true.... Its one of the biggest differences form the defensive last year to this year.... Zim had to adjust bc Rodgers and Stafford kept converting 3rd and longs with their legs.... So now, the fakes blitz w Barr or Kendricks... which forces OL to start to block (which in turn helps DL not see double teams) and then has said LBs drop back and mirror QB as QB spy.... Its pretty genius tbh

[@influentia1patterns]

With a defense that gets the ball back so frequently for the offense, the offense should naturally score more points OR control the clock and wear out their opponent. However I would like to see the offense with a lot more 1st down high completion percentage passes on 1st down and then do a lot of running on 2nd and short or 3rd and short. Much easier when defense is scheming to stop the run to get some permiter quick drags and whip routes and RB/TE checkdowns and hitches and quick routes that can go for yards after catch to set up 2nd and 3rd and short. From here we establish the run while keeping defense off balance and setting up eventual deep attack on 2nd or 3rd and short and then we can go back to running on first down later in the game when the opponent's defense is worn out. Hopefully everything the opponents think about Vikings tendencies on offense will make it easy to flip on them at least early on until we establish a lead.

[@atylerblack164]

4:56 Center looks like he is just blocking the air

[@KillaCrox.]

Watching this after the eagles game

[@russavsukraine1957]

The Eagles have been running college schemes (according Broncos defensive players). Some of these plays include the read option, something Denver had no answer for. How would the Vikes defend that? It seems the A gap stuff wouldn't be as effective.

[@LucasRodrigues-rx6ui]

Jesse Smith / The A Gap would easily destroy that. The first time it might catch them, but with Harrison Smith, it should be a gain

[@russavsukraine1957]

Makes sense. I wonder why other teams have so much trouble with Philly's offense. It seems a lot to do with the running game opening up the play-action. Jefferies will only need single coverage from Xavier Rhodes (most teams double cover him). Philly is in for a surprise.

[@LucasRodrigues-rx6ui]

Jesse Smith / Once we shut down their run game it'll most likely be downhill for them. They're a good team, but they've always had the run game going. If we're able to shut the run down. Praying Trae Waynes plays decent, we should have their number.

[@JeebyTube]

Jesse Smith Denver is 3-9 buddy

[@donaldd4136]

Don’t worry. Eagles will be eliminated in their first game in the playoffs

[@Jefff72]

Meet at the QB!