The 2021 Vikings, through four games, were outscoring opponents by a slim 94-92 margin. They had allowed 389 yards per game on defense, and they had played two games that came down to a last-minute score.
The 2022 Vikings, through four games, are outscoring opponents by a slim 86-80 margin. They have allowed 394.5 yards per game on defense, and they have played two games that came down to a last-minute score.
It is an oversimplification, but not a stretch, to say this: The only fundamental difference so far between the 2021 Mike Zimmer-coached Vikings and the 2022 Kevin O'Connell-coached Vikings is the final result.