Overview
- The Vikings lead the NFL in blitz rate through three games, with outlets on Thursday reporting season figures ranging roughly from 66.4% to 71%, far above the league norm.
- Minnesota is averaging nearly five pass rushers per play and has translated pressure into league-leading marks in defensive EPA, points per drive allowed, sacks, third-down stops, and red-zone defense.
- Flores has used extreme packages before, including frequent six-plus rusher looks and heavy man coverage, and the current three-game blitz stretch includes historically high single-game rates.
- Miami coaches and players publicly say they expect heavy blitzing in Week 4 and named specific young linemen — including Kadyn Proctor, Jonah Savaiinaea and Austin Jackson — as likely targets to be attacked in blocking and pre-snap communication.
- Despite clear defensive success that has helped Minnesota open 3-0, Flores has not been hired as an NFL head coach since 2021 and his ongoing 2022 discrimination lawsuit and unconventional style are cited as factors shaping his career prospects.