The Vikings want their defense to return to its 2019 fire-breathing form. After one Sunday in Cincinnati, I have more concerns than optimism.
We'll find out soon enough, though, if the defense's clock can be turned back. The next two quarterbacks they'll need to stop, or at least slow down, this month: Arizona's Kyler Murray and Seattle's Russell Wilson.
Before we get to those two big challenges, a review of the reasons for concern that stacked up Sunday:
- Bengals rookie Ja'Marr Chase blowing past new Vikings cornerback Bashaud Breeland for a 50-yard touchdown dash.
- Joe Mixon rushing for 127 yards against a defense supposedly fortified by better health and offseason acquisitions.