Vikings’ Upcoming Schedule Features a Persistent Challenge for defensive Coordinator Brian Flores
CHICAGO, IL – Brian Flores’ defensive track record against the Detroit Lions continues to be a notable outlier, adn the Vikings’ 2025 schedule will once again feature the team that has consistently exposed vulnerabilities in his schemes. Data from the past three seasons reveals a notable performance disparity when Flores’ defenses face Detroit, suggesting a schematic mismatch that could pose a recurring problem.
Over the last three seasons, the Lions have consistently outperformed league averages in key offensive categories during their two games annually against Flores-led defenses. In 2022, Detroit averaged 28 points and 408 yards per game against Flores’ Vikings, while the rest of the league averaged 19 points and 354 yards. last season, the Lions averaged 31 points and 323 yards per game in those two contests, compared to a league average of 17 points and 356 yards. Most recently, in 2023, Detroit posted 30 points and 419 yards per game against the Vikings, while the league averaged 19 points and 354 yards.
Analysts point to Flores’ reliance on blitzing as a potential weakness, particularly against quarterbacks adept at rapid decision-making. DetroitS Jared Goff has become a “notable blitz beater” in recent years, forcing him to release the ball quickly. This contrasts sharply with the struggles of quarterbacks like Chicago‘s Caleb Williams, who was sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie last year due in part to holding the ball too long.
Chicago has addressed its offensive line this offseason, specifically aiming to replicate the interior protection that Detroit previously enjoyed when it had a strong line and a quick-processing quarterback. Effective blitzes, like those favored by Flores, often target the middle of the line, a weakness Detroit neutralized with capable linemen and a decisive quarterback.
Furthermore, some observers suggest the Bears currently possess greater depth of skill position talent than the Lions did, raising the question of how this will impact the schematic advantage Detroit has demonstrated. Despite these developments, the recent performance of Flores’ defenses against the Lions does not bode well for the Vikings as they prepare for the 2025 season opener and beyond.
