What was once a strength of this Vikings defense — its coverage — has lapsed while Minnesota surrendered more than 400 yards on average during the last three games before the bye.
On the most recent Monday night in Seattle, cornerback Xavier Rhodes followed top Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett in critical moments. The Vikings defense was characteristically stingy, limiting Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson to 10 completions, a long of 14 yards and just 14 points. So, the 21-7 loss led to offensive coordinator John DeFilippo’s firing.
Spearheads of these teams look a little different entering this Monday night in Seattle, where both the Vikings and Seahawks are capable of putting on a show worthy of the stage featuring MVP candidates and hefty NFC playoff stakes.