The Minnesota Vikings are set to confront their defensive challenges as they prepare to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday, October 15, 2025, at Ford Field. After a strong defensive performance last season, this year’s struggles have raised concerns, particularly regarding their inability to stop the run. Notably, the Vikings have faced significant adversity in recent games, particularly against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores expressed his disappointment with the team’s recent performances, stating, “A challenging couple of games at that, presenting some adversity for us as a defense.” In their last two outings, the Vikings allowed an average of 390 yards of total offense, highlighting their defensive deficiencies. The Vikings now contend with the highest percentage of run plays in the NFL, with opponents running the ball 51.08% of the time, a stark contrast to their defensive strategy last season.
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel emphasized the connection between stopping the run and the overall success of the defense. He noted, “When teams are able to run the ball, it’s kind of tough to play defense because then they have play action and they have deep shots like we saw in Philly. If we can stop the run, I think we can put ourselves in a great position.” Van Ginkel’s return is anticipated after missing the past four weeks due to a neck injury, as he participated fully in practice leading up to the game.
Adjusting to Evolving Offensive Strategies
The NFL landscape continues to evolve, with new formations and strategies emerging each season. Flores pointed out that “jumbo personnel” is currently popular, and the Vikings must improve their defense against these heavier formations. “We’ve got to do a better job of defending it,” Flores added. This adjustment is essential as teams, including the Lions, are increasingly employing these tactics.
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave acknowledged the trend, stating, “It’s been working. So, we kind of know it’s something everybody’s gonna try right now.” Opponents have capitalized on Minnesota’s weaknesses, with several running backs achieving notable success against them. In their recent games, Kenneth Gainwell of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushed for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns, while Quinshon Judkins of the Cleveland Browns recorded 110 yards. Additionally, Kimani Vidal, the Chargers’ third-string running back, rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown last week.
As the Vikings prepare for their matchup with the Lions, they must contend with one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Lions feature a formidable backfield duo in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, which poses a significant challenge for Minnesota. Van Ginkel remarked, “They’re lethal. Their skill positions are incredible. Jared Goff gets them the ball in space, and their O-Line is very good.”
The outcome of this upcoming game will be a crucial test for the Vikings as they seek to regain their defensive prowess and turn their season around. The team’s ability to adapt and improve against the run will be pivotal in determining their success against a high-caliber opponent like the Lions.
