chatting with the media on Tuesday, Coach Flores discussed the former Vikings passer for a decent amount of time. Darnold, quite evidently, made an impression. The defensive architect will be looking to make the passer skittish in Week 12: “We had a great rapport, friendship. So, I’m happy for him, but we will blitz him this week, that’s for sure.”
Vikings Coach is Going to Throw the Ball Up and In
As things stand, Brian Flores is leading the NFL’s 18th-best defense.
A normal game involves surrendering 23.2 points. Since the offense is averaging just 20.4 points per game, Coach Flores is sure to want better. Much was made of the offseason additions — in particular, the well-paid DTs Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — but Minnesota’s defense is worse in 2025 than it was in 2024.
 gets pressure on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Javon-Hargrave.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=577,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Javon-Hargrave.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Javon-Hargrave.jpg” alt=”Vikings DT Javon Hargrave pressures Chargers QB Justin Herbert in 2025″><figcaption>Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) gets pressure on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>A major part of the issue rests in not being able to turn the ball over. One thinks of Byron Murphy Jr. as an example of <a href=)
someone who isn’t living up to expectations.
The Vikings lead the NFL by blitzing 42.9% of the time. That means sending extra men in an effort to impact the quarterback somehow. Ideally, that’s going to mean forcing a turnover or walloping the passer. Or, perhaps, there could even be a less spectacular effect, pushing the quarterback to speed up his process. Doing so can create incompletions and poor decision making.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold has mostly been playing well for Seattle.
The 28-year-old quarterback boasts an 8-3 record as a Seahawk. The passes have been completed 69.5% of the time for 2,785 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. In other words, Darnold is completing a pile of passes and doing enough to win. He will, however, put the ball in harm’s way. Coach Flores will be looking to ensure that the blitzes prompt Mr. Darnold to make a boneheaded decision (or two) on Sunday.
 throws a pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/USATSI_27607041.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/USATSI_27607041.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/USATSI_27607041.jpg” alt=”Seahawks QB Sam Darnold in 2025 against the Rams”><figcaption>Nov 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Something to watch for within the blitzing: gaping holes in the intermediate area of the field, particularly toward the middle. </p>
<p>Sending Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace, and/or Eric Wilson — the off-ball ‘backers — means hollowing out the middle. Brian Flores is tasking these guys to get home quickly. Or, at the very least, contribute toward the large lads getting home. If not, then there can be huge open grass in the zones that would often be eaten up by linebackers dropping into coverage. </p>
<p>The issue has been evident in recent games. If a novice on the sofa can see the problem, then so, too, can NFL coaches and quarterbacks. </p>
<p>Kickoff between the Vikings and Seahawks is going to arrive at 3:05 p.m. CT on Sunday, November 30th. Losing the game would mean dropping down to 4-8. Brian Flores is hoping some chin music will keep the Vikings’ dying season alive for another week. </p>
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I’m the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
