Before the press conference, we assumed Flores would bring an aggressive play style with him. When he was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, they ran one of the most blitz-heavy defenses in the league. It appears the difference in the Vikings defense from 2022 to 2023 will be drastic.
Brian Flores Confirms 1 Key Tactic for Vikings 2023 Defense
No one who spent any time watching the Vikings last year would say their defense was good. In fact, they were historically bad for the third year in a row. Surely, there is some blame on the players, but scheme also played a significant role in this.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores takes over the team’s defense at an introductory press conference on February 15th, 2023, in Eagan, Minnesota.
Flores confirming the Vikings will be aggressive is not really the news. We knew that was coming. The real news applies to the current players on the roster, navigating the salary cap, and potential free agents and draft picks.
There were a couple of comments Flores and Kevin O’Connell made during the press conference that will help us shed some light on the upcoming free agency. That was that players would be expected to play multiple positions and that they would be taking a hard look at the roster and free agents.
Flores Confirms Vikings Will Make Changes to Roster
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) reacts after making a stop against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
While Flores mentioned that many of the players he is looking for are already on the active roster, it seems they are ready to make some moves too. Versatility is going to be key under Flores. Therefore, the players we have might not be the best fit.
Here are a few names from 2022 that might not fit the mold the Vikings are looking for in the upcoming season:
- Jordan Hicks
- Patrick Peterson
- Cam Bynum
Jordan Hicks seems like an easy candidate to be cut or potentially traded. He has a cap hit of $6.5 million, and the Vikings can save $5 million by releasing or trading him. While he played admirably in 2022, his diminished speed proved costly toward the end of the season.
Additionally, Brian Asamoah appears ready to leap forward next season. His ability to cover a lot of ground quickly will be most beneficial under Flores. Watching him be used as a blitzer in some of the exotic looks will be exciting.
Patrick Peterson has made some social media posts recently, alluding to him coming back as a Viking in 2023. While this is certainly a possibility, his fit into the new scheme is questionable. Peterson in his prime would have been a perfect fit, but he will be required to play a lot of press man with no safety help with the Vikings.
Again, not inconceivable that he returns, but don’t be shocked if he doesn’t either. The Vikings should pursue a premium cornerback in free agency. Perhaps someone like Jamel Dean would be a good fit. If not, this deep cornerback draft class will surely have a few good press-man corners.
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Lastly, Cam Bynum doesn’t feel like a starter in the Flores scheme. The Flores scheme will play a lot of cover 1. The free safety will be required to play the middle of the field and be responsible for everything deep. Bynum doesn’t have the range to pull this off.
Of course, Bynum is still on his rookie contract and will be a part of the Vikings in 2023. However, Lewis Cine is much rangier than Bynum. He should be the clear favorite to start next year.
Nothing is certain yet, but by reading the tea leaves from the press conference, we can make some assumptions about what the Vikings will do. Regardless, one thing is clear. There will be changes, and the Vikings will be aggressive.