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Minnesota Vikings News and Links: Are The Vikings Set At Defensive Tackle?

Yahoo Sports

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 01: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks pursues a play on defense during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images As I was preparing this, the Wentz signing popped. This is very interesting and curious to say the least.

Is it a precursor to a trade of JJ? I don’t think so but I would not be surprised. Yore AI question … why does Brian Flores not utilize true run stuffing defensive tackle like a nose tackle?

who was the last player he had on one of his teams that fit this description? Brian Flores generally avoids using “true” run-stuffing nose tackles (0-technique space-eaters) because his defensive philosophy prioritizes positionless versatility, explosive movement, and aggressive blitzing over static line play. Why Flores Eschews Traditional Nose Tackles One-Gap Aggression: While many 3-4 fronts use a nose tackle to “two-gap” (occupy two blockers to free up linebackers), Flores prefers a one-gap system .

This allows his defensive linemen to attack downhill immediately, creating disruption in the backfield rather than just holding ground. Chaos and Disguise: Flores builds his defense on “chaotic” pre-snap looks. A massive, 330+ lb nose tackle is often a “tell” for an offense; by using lighter, more agile interior defenders (or even safeties like Harrison Smith slanting into the A-gap), he keeps the offense guessing about who is rushing and who is dropping.

“Tite” Fronts: He frequently utilizes “Tite” fronts where defensive linemen align in 4i techniques (inside shoulder of the offensive tackle). This naturally plugs the B-gaps and forces runs outside, where his fast linebackers and safeties can make plays, reducing the need for a central “anchor”. Personnel over Tradition: Flores has stated he does not see players by their traditional labels (e.

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