During the eight seasons of Mike Zimmer’s leadership in Minnesota, the Vikings, via points allowed, are the NFL’s sixth-best defensive team, allowing 20.9 points per game.
Prior to Zimmer’s arrival in 2014, the eight seasons before his tenure showcased the NFL’s 21st-best defense in terms of points allowed (2006-2013). Zimmer transformed the Vikings into a defense-first team — and he did it with a climb of 15 spots in the NFL’s pecking order.
Yet, some folks believe his emphasis on defense is a singularly-focused. That is — he’s a glorified defensive coordinator, according to some Zimmer detractors.