Vikings defense post-bye: Elite pass game, run struggles—Cashman’s return key? Dive into analysis! In this episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano deliver a deep Vikings defense breakdown for the 2025 season, spotlighting strengths like top-tier pass coverage and weaknesses in run stopping. As a Vikings 1st & SKOL production partnered with Fans First Sports Network, this Minnesota Vikings podcast episode explores bye week needs, player impacts, and future fixes. Whether you’re a die-hard SKOL fan or NFL enthusiast, this Vikings defense analysis reveals why the unit’s B-grade performance could propel them in the NFC North—don’t miss the insights!
Hosted by expert Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano, this episode unpacks the Vikings’ defensive state through five games, blending stats, schemes, and bold predictions. Forness grades the unit a B overall, praising its pass dominance while diagnosing run issues tied to personnel shifts.
Key points include:
- Elite Pass Defense: Ranked 1st in EPA per dropback (-0.23) and 3rd in success rate (41.6%), thanks to Brian Flores’ aggressive schemes, high blitz rate (35.8%), and standouts like Isaiah Rodgers and Dallas Turner creating pressures.
- Run Defense Struggles: 25th in EPA per rush (0.008) and 24th in yards allowed (132.2 per game), attributed to injuries, trading Harrison Phillips for cap space, and poor gap discipline from the interior line—exacerbated by games like the Falcons’ 218-yard rush.
- Blake Cashman’s Impact: Returning from IR, Cashman’s green-dot leadership and run-stopping (74.5 PFF grade) could mend linebacker gaps, filling for Ivan Pace Jr.‘s penetration style and boosting communication.
- Real Unit Needs: Address defensive tackle for explosive pass-rush/run balance, add a versatile linebacker, and draft young cornerbacks; potential trades like Jeffrey Simmons discussed for immediate fixes.
- Dallas Turner’s Role: Defended as undervalued with 14% pressure rate despite versatile snaps (16% in coverage), fitting Flores’ simulated pressures over sack-focused metrics.
Listen:
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Vikings fans, if you’re craving unfiltered, expert Vikings defense analysis that cuts through the noise, tune into The Real Forno Show on Vikings 1st & SKOL—your go-to Minnesota Vikings podcast for season breakdowns, draft insights, and more via Fans First Sports Network.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and the network’s NFL feed over at Pro Football Insiders @Pro_FB_Insiders. Your ultimate source for NFL insights, breaking news, and expert analysis. From draft prospects to game-day strategies, we’ve got the inside scoop!
Question:
What’s your take on fixing the Vikings’ run defense—trade for a DT or rely on Cashman’s return? Share below!
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