The Minnesota Vikings were quite pleased with their 7-9 season last year. Not only did rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater inspire hope among fans and the front office, but new head coach Mike Zimmer's young defense played surprisingly well.
Forget Bridgewater's breakout potential for a moment; can the Vikings have the best defense in the NFC North by mid-season or sooner?
"I know this: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has always raved about Mike Zimmer's defenses," ESPN's Rob Demovsky wrote. "Just look at the game in Minneapolis last season. Rodgers had all kinds of trouble moving the ball in that game. He threw for just 209 yards - his second-lowest total in the final 11 weeks of the regular season. The Vikings only got better by drafting cornerback Trae Waynes in the first round and linebacker Eric Kendricks in the second round. They were just outside the top 10 in scoring defense last season, ranking 11th at an average of 21.4 points per game allowed. That was the second-best scoring defense in the division last season, ranking behind the Lions (who were third at 17.6 points allowed per game). This could be the best defense in the division in 2015."
The Vikings boast a top ten pass defense with CBs Waynes and Xavier Rhodes both 25 or younger. Second-year linebacker Anthony Barr is coming off an impressive rookie season and veteran LB Chad Greenway is a consistent force. Minnesota's defensive line is solid throughout with Brian Robison, Sharrif Floyd and Everson Griffen. Overall, the Vikings have amassed a lot of young talent on that side of the ball.
Elsewhere in the division, the Detroit Lions should see a bit of a fall after losing Ndamukong Suh in free agency. Chicago's defense was an absolute mess last year and Green Bay's defense is solid but not quite as dominant as a Super Bowl contender would like. Considering all of this, the door is wide open for Minnesota to assume the top spot in defensive ranking in the NFC North this season. That could help lead to a playoff berth.
