The Vikings will try to tighten up against the rush on Sunday at Ford Field with a tall task against a familiar foe in the Detroit Lions.

A season ago, Minnesota’s defense was the talk of the NFL for its high-pressure rates and exotic blitz packages. The Vikings effectively rushed the passer while also halting the run game.

It has been a different story in 2025, and the last two contests have epitomized those struggles. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said the defense is coming off disappointing performances against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers.

“A challenging couple of games at that, presenting some adversity for us as a defense,” Flores said.

The Eagles and Chargers averaged 390 yards of total offense on Flores’ defense.

Teams around the NFL have taken

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