Vikings’ Defense Shines Again as Flores Keeps Rookie QB Streak Alive
The Minnesota Vikings’ 16-13 win over the New York Giants wasn’t exactly a highlight-reel kind of game - more of a grind-it-out slugfest in the Meadowlands. But while the offensive rhythm was hard to find, the Vikings’ defense once again delivered in a big way. And for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, it was business as usual - especially when it comes to facing rookie quarterbacks.
Flores improved to a remarkable 11-1 all-time against rookie QBs, and this time, it was Jaxson Dart who ran into the buzzsaw. The Vikings held Dart to just 33 yards through the air on 7-of-13 passing.
That’s not a typo - 33 total passing yards. Dart didn’t complete his first pass until there were less than two minutes left in the first half.
To put that into perspective, the last time a team went an entire half without a pass attempt was back in 2017, when the Colts played in a literal snowstorm in Buffalo.
The Giants, under interim head coach Mike Kafka, tried to run the ball 16 straight times to open the game - a strategy that might’ve made sense if Minnesota wasn’t one of the most disciplined and aggressive front sevens in the league. The Vikings shut it down early and often.
After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell gave the defense its flowers - and rightfully so.
“Thought there were some really good individual performances, but the defense as a whole, that’s their game ball right there for what they were able to do,” O’Connell said. “Two of 10 on third down, zero of three in the red zone for those guys, and then the five sacks and [33 yards passing]. So really, really impressive performance by them.”
This kind of outing has become the norm for Flores’ unit. All season long, the defense has been the backbone of this Vikings team - keeping them in games even when the offense sputtered.
They’ve already proven they can slow down high-powered attacks. Just ask the Dallas Cowboys, who came into Week 15 with the league’s top-ranked offense.
Minnesota held them under 30 points in a 34-26 win, and it didn’t go unnoticed. According to reports, Dallas came away “certainly impressed” with Flores - and for good reason.
Flores’ résumé speaks for itself. He coached the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, and he’s been a defensive difference-maker everywhere he’s gone.
The Vikings hired him after Ed Donatell’s defense collapsed in 2022, and it’s been a full-scale turnaround since. Minnesota has quietly become a top-10 defensive team under his watch, and that identity has helped them weather the transition from veteran Kirk Cousins to rookie J.J.
McCarthy under center.
Even in games where the offense hasn’t held up its end - like the London game where backup Carson Wentz had to rally late, or the Baltimore matchup that stayed within one score - the defense has kept Minnesota alive. Against Seattle, the Vikings didn’t allow a touchdown until the fourth quarter, and that was a game where their own offense never found the end zone.
Yes, the Giants are a two-win team, but Dart has flashed potential since taking over for Russell Wilson in Week 4. He’s had solid performances against Washington, Chicago, and Denver.
He’s not just a placeholder - he might be their guy. And with weapons like Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers, the Giants have the makings of a young offense.
But none of that mattered Sunday. Minnesota did to Dart what they’ve done to every quarterback they’ve faced lately - lock them down.
In fact, the Vikings haven’t allowed a passing touchdown since Week 9, when Lamar Jackson managed to find the end zone. That’s a long stretch of dominance in a league where passing is king.
The only rookie quarterback to beat Flores? Trevor Lawrence - and that was back in 2021, when he led the Jaguars to a 23-20 win over Miami.
That was Jacksonville’s only win under Urban Meyer. Since then, Flores has made a habit of confusing young signal-callers with his exotic blitz packages and disguised coverages.
It’s not just about pressure - it’s about creating hesitation, forcing bad reads, and making rookies look like, well, rookies.
Minnesota currently ranks fifth in total defense by yardage, despite the offense being in flux. That kind of production is rare - and it’s why Flores’ future is such a big question mark.
He’s on an expiring contract, and teams around the league are watching closely. Pittsburgh could be a natural fit, given Flores’ past ties there.
Dallas might come calling too. But the question is: would any of those jobs truly be better than what he’s building in Minnesota?
There’s also the long-term vision to consider. The Vikings had a plan - let the defense carry the load while McCarthy develops.
Then, if McCarthy blossoms into a franchise quarterback, the team could shift toward an offense-led identity, especially once his rookie deal runs out and a big extension becomes necessary. That’s the blueprint.
But it only works if two things happen: McCarthy becomes the guy, and Flores sticks around long enough to bridge that transition.
Right now, both of those things are up in the air.
McCarthy left the game with a hand injury in the second quarter, and while it doesn’t appear to be season-ending, his development is still a work in progress. He’s shown flashes, but consistency is the next step.
And if Flores leaves this offseason, the Vikings will be hard-pressed to find someone who can replicate what he’s done. Defensive minds like his don’t come around often.
Minnesota has leaned into its defensive identity, and it’s paid off. But if the plan is to eventually flip the script and build around the offense, they’ll need McCarthy to grow fast - and they’ll need Flores to stay just a little longer.
Because right now, this team goes as the defense goes. And that’s all thanks to Brian Flores.