Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves to dial up the pressure.
Nobody in the NFL is blitzing opposing quarterbacks more than the Vikings through the first five weeks of the 2023 season.
Even though the Vikings haven’t created much pressure when they have blitzed, the Bears still need to respect and have answers for it when it inevitably gets called on Sunday.
Here are what Bears players and coaches are saying about the Vikings’ blitz-heavy defense.
Quarterback Justin Fields
What do the Vikings do with their blitzes that you have to account for?
“They do a lot,” Fields said on Wednesday. “Of course, they have a talented defense. They do a lot. A lot of vets on that team – good front, good secondary. Just gotta be looking out for everywhere. They can bring anybody from anywhere – corners, from nickels to linebackers to cover zeros to whatever. You just gotta have a plan ready to go. Everybody’s gotta be locked in for this week and just be able to perform on Sunday.”
Coach Matt Eberflus
How much of a challenge is it to prepare for the amount of pressure the Vikings bring?
“It’s unique to bring 61 and a half percent pressure,” Eberflus said on Wednesday. “So it’s unique that way. We have a plan for that. Again this is a big day for us to be able to work that plan of how we’re gonna handle that and work against that pressure. But it’s certainly brings many challenges for our offense.”
Quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko
When you face such a blitz-heavy team like the Vikings, what are some of the complications just at the quarterback position that Justin needs to be aware of when facing a team like that?
“I think we have to have answers,” Janocko said on Thursday. “You know when you play a scheme that is complex, every scheme gives you different things, this obviously gives you a little bit of a unique approach. So you just have to have answers, and if you have answers and, you know, it allows you to snap the ball and not flinch. Then it gives yourself a chance.”
Offensive line coach Chris Morgan
When you go against a blitz-heavy team in the Vikings, what are the difficulties for an offensive line to prepare for a unit that likes to bring a lot of exotic stuff?
“You just got to play with great eye discipline,” Morgan said on Thursday. “You have to have great communication, and you have to be ready cause they’re going to move.”
Offensive Lineman Larry Borom
What are some of things you need to focus on when you play a blitz-heavy team like the Vikings?
“You got to play with your eyes,” Borom told CHGO Sports on Thursday. “You got to understand your rules and the responsibilities you have and just know where things are coming from.”
What do you mean by play with your eyes? Like don’t get fooled by a blitz that actually isn’t coming?
“No. I feel like this week is more of if you see something and you think it’s coming, it’s probably coming. Playing with your eyes and seeing it, seeing the whole play before it kind of happens and just being aware.”
Running Back D’Onta Foreman
The Vikings like to bring the blitz. How does that impact you at the running back position?
“I mean, you know, just got to follow my rules,” Foreman said on Thursday. “Just do what I got to do. Follow my rules, and I think everything will take care of itself.”
