Through the first four weeks of the 2026 NFL season, Brian Flores has commanded one of the league’s most terrifying defenses.
In 2026, the Vikings’ defense has racked up 17 sacks, six forced fumbles, six interceptions and 33 tackles for loss. But what is Flores doing that makes his defense so good?
On paper, there are much better defenses, but Flores has been the king of getting the most out of his players and putting them in positions to succeed.
Absurd Blitz Rate and Unpredictable Formations
This is because of his absurd blitz rate. In 2026, Flores has blitzed the quarterback 64.2% of the time. For perspective, the closest team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have blitzed 43% of the time.
But it’s more than just sending an obscene number of blitzes that makes Flores so good. Half the time, you can barely tell what formation his defense is in. His disguising is next level.
Flores runs defensive fronts ranging from 3-4, 5-2 and 6-1, with a primarily zone-heavy shell.
For example, there have been numerous times when the Vikings line up seven or eight players on the line, but half of them drop back into coverage. So, how are they getting so many pressures in a game?
That’s because no one has an exact role in that defense. No one plays true to their position. While they might be listed as one position on the roster, it all relies on what formation the offense comes out in.
The $7 Million Men
One of the most impressive parts of Flores’ defense is how much he gets out of his players, especially those who aren’t making superstar money. Flores doesn’t need a defense full of the league’s highest-paid players to create pressure and force turnovers. Instead, he puts his players in the right position and lets them use their strengths.
The beauty of Flores’ scheme is that it allows players to make an impact without having to win every matchup purely through athleticism. By disguising blitzes, changing formations and forcing offenses to make quick decisions, Flores gives his players countless opportunities to succeed in the NFL.
The $7 Million Men refers to the combined salary of the Vikings’ starting defensive tackles: Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. While the stats don’t show much, these three players’ impact is clear.
Finding Mismatches Along the Line
Now, put yourselves in the eyes of middle linebackers Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson and Ivan Pace Jr. When they are lined up in the A-gaps, they don’t know who’s blitzing or who’s dropping back until the ball is snapped.
If a lineman engages and tries to block you, drop back into coverage. But if no one engages, shoot your gap as hard as you can.
The goal is to get free rushers as many times as you can by letting the lineman come to you and hoping you can find a flaw in their blocking scheme.
Flores will also get free rushers by stacking one side of the line with edge rusher Dallas Turner and safety Harrison Smith, forcing the offense to make a decision.
This forces teams to either overcommit to stop them and leave the backside open, allowing Andrew Van Ginkel or Kyle Van Noy a free shot, or give the Vikings leverage by not bringing a tight end or running back to help.
Josh Metellus: The Conductor of the Defense
But when talking about Brian Flores’s success, safety Josh Metellus is at the center of the conversation. Metellus is the true conductor of this defense.
Valued for his versatility and ability to line up anywhere and contribute immediately, Metellus gives Flores what he needs to execute his defense flawlessly.
When trying to figure out a defense, the quarterback will first look to the safeties to see what coverage the defense is in.
If the safeties are between the hashes, it could indicate Cover 4, but if they’re outside the hashes and out wide, it could indicate Cover 2.
This is where Metellus becomes Flores’ true chess piece, disguising coverages and helping him communicate with the rest of his defense. Metellus has lined up everywhere as a defensive back, making it hard for quarterbacks to identify what coverage the defense is in.
Flores’ defense relies on key communication and passing off crossing routes across the middle of the field.
Metellus will be the main high safety, with a full view of the field, allowing him to see routes develop. If he sees a slant coming across, he’ll yell, “Slant, slant, slant,” letting any of the middle linebackers know to drop and get eyes on the slant.
Bringing Back the Zone Blitz
What was once a lost art, Flores is bringing back one game at a time. Flores is one of the only remaining defensive coordinators who run zone blitzes primarily.
A defense that relies on communication and discipline rather than pure athleticism, Flores is changing how defenses operate.
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