Harrison Smith’s return gave the Vikings a lift, but it didn’t magically solve the problem at safety.
Minnesota’s 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers last weekend had plenty going for it, especially once Brian Flores’ defense settled in. The pressure-heavy approach eventually started to land after a first half that featured explosive plays from Green Bay.
Flores dialed up blitzes on 82.1% of the snaps, an outrageous number even by his standards. For context, the next closest team was the Washington Commanders at 50.9%.
That kind of aggression only works if the back end can survive long enough for the rush to get home. Smith’s comeback from retirement certainly helps, but the Vikings’ safeties were still part of the problem against the Packers.
Three of the five lowest PFF grades on defense came from that room, with Smith, Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson all landing near the bottom. The film matched the numbers.
Jackson was the main breakdown on Christian Watson’s 81-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the first quarter.
The challenge gets sharper this week against the Chicago Bears. Minnesota leans on three-safety looks at a high rate, which means Smith, Metellus and Jackson are going to be on the field plenty again. And when Flores sends extra rushers, those defensive backs are often left to hold up in coverage for longer stretches than most.
That matters against Caleb Williams. Jordan Love was one of the best quarterbacks against the blitz last season, and Minnesota still managed to throw that trend off in Week 1.
Williams, though, brings a different problem with his ability to escape pressure. Dallas Turner said this week that the Chicago quarterback is hard to tackle, and the numbers back up the danger: Williams posted a 137.5 passer rating against the blitz last week against the Carolina Panthers.
The rest of the league saw how productive some quarterbacks were against pressure in Week 1, with Williams tied for second in passer rating against the blitz:
- C.J. Stroud - 141.7
- Lamar Jackson - 137.5
- Caleb Williams - 137.5
- Drew Lock - 133.9
- Drake Maye - 132.1
With Ben Johnson calling the plays for Chicago and routinely building in downfield shots, the Vikings’ safeties could be in for another busy day. Flores versus Johnson is the matchup to watch, but the deciding factor may be how well Minnesota’s back end handles the heat.
Getting The Hitman back for 2026 was a big move for the Vikings. Still, if they want to leave Chicago with a win, that safety group is going to have to be much better than it was against Green Bay.
In Other News...
Vikings Already Face A Tough Chicago Question After First Injury Report
The first injury reports for Sundays game at Soldier Field already added a little extra intrigue to a Vikings-Bears matchup that had enough of its own built in. Minnesota is dealing with the loss of Jordan Mason to injured reserve because of a thumb injury, while Chicago listed right tackle Darnell Wright as out of practice with a knee issue. On top of that, both teams had a handful of other players limited or sitting out entirely, leaving the usual early-week uncertainty around who will actually be available by kickoff.
For the Vikings, the bigger picture goes beyond one report and into how much the roster can absorb this kind of attrition before a divisional game on the road. Chicagos injury list is worth watching too, especially on the offensive line, where Wrights status can shape the entire feel of the matchup. More updates are expected later in the week, and for a game with this much familiarity between the teams, the health chart may end up mattering just as much as the game plan. [Read more 🡒]
Brian Flores Faces A Bears Problem Vikings Fans Should Worry About
Ben Johnsons Chicago offense just put up a reminder of why the Bears can be a tricky matchup for Brian Flores defense. The ground game powered the day with 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and that kind of production is exactly the sort of thing that can stress a Vikings unit built to create chaos. Flores defense led the league in blitz rate in Week 1, but Johnsons heavy use of motion and misdirection is designed to make aggressive defenses think twice before they attack.
For Minnesota, the concern is not just one hot game from Chicago but the pattern Johnson has already established against Flores groups. His offenses have done well in those meetings before, which gives this upcoming matchup a familiar edge for the Bears and a lot to solve for the Vikings. If Minnesota cannot keep Johnsons run game from setting the terms, the rest of the defensive plan becomes a lot harder to trust. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Win Over Green Bay Said Everything About OConnells Focus
The first week of the season offered a familiar kind of evidence for Minnesota, but it was the sort that has nothing to do with a box score line or a social-media debate. Kevin OConnell has long preferred to frame the Vikings through the lens of execution and team result, and the opener against Green Bay fit that mold neatly, with the defense affecting Jordan Love far more than any individual number could capture. Around the division, even other coaches were talking about the hidden work that decides games, from blocking effort to communication up front.
OConnells point has always been that the Vikings are at their best when the conversation stays on winning and not on public perception. The Packers offensive issues underscored how quickly a game can tilt when the details slip, and Minnesotas head coach has made it clear he wants his own team measured the same way. In a league that often turns every performance into a referendum, that kind of focus can be a competitive edge all by itself. [Read more 🡒]