The Minnesota Vikings know the new version of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold as well as any team in the NFL, which defensive coordinator Brian Flores intends to use to his advantage.
Minnesota’s defense is going to have to carry the team on the road in what is essentially a must-win game for the Vikings (4-7) against the Seahawks (8-3). Darnold, who led Minnesota to 14 wins and a playoff appearance during his sole season with the team in 2024, inked a $100.5 million deal with Seattle over the offseason and has thrown for 2,785 yards, 19 TDs and 10 INTs this year.
Flores spoke with media members on Tuesday, November 25 and detailed what he described as a close relationship with Darnold during their time together in Minnesota. He also sent the Seahawks QB a clear message on what he can expect from the Vikings defense next Sunday.
“Talking defense, talking offense. You know, we had a great rapport, friendship,” Flores said of Darnold. “So, I’m happy for him. But we will blitz him this week. That’s for sure. We will.”
Vikings Can Disrupt Sam Darnold With Consistent Pressure
GettySeattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.
Darnold has actually been one of the best quarterbacks in the league this season against the blitz, completing 63-of-97 passes for 1,003 yards and five TDs, per Pro Football Focus. However, he has also thrown five of his 10 interceptions when blitzed.
That translates to a blitz-heavy defensive scheme like the one Flores promised Tuesday as a high-risk, high-reward strategy. However, if Minnesota can get home on the blitz and/or create pressure off the edge with a traditional four-man rush, the Vikings should be able to disrupt what Darnold wants to do on a regular basis.
Darnold has completed just 50 percent of his passes when pressured this season, throwing for 647 yards, seven scores and six interceptions. He struggled mightily against pressure with the Vikings last season, which Flores recognizes and has undoubtedly informed his game plan.
That said, Darnold’s pressure-to-sack rate in 2025 is just 10.4 percent, which ranks third in the NFL. His overall player grade is 87.2, which is also third among 41 qualifying quarterbacks.
Darnold has made 25 big-time throws this season, which is first in the league. A significant part of that success is attributable to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has 80 receptions and seven TDs on the year and is leading the NFL with 1,313 receiving yards.
Vikings Offense in Shambles, as JJ McCarthy’s Injury Status Uncertain
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Flores and his defense will likely have to compensate for a struggling Vikings offense that could be without starting quarterback JJ McCarthy this weekend.
McCarthy is in concussion protocol and may not be available for the game. Even if he is, the 22-year-old quarterback has been terrible over a three-game losing streak, throwing for an average of 162 yards per contest and two TDs against six INTs with a completion rate of 51.6 percent over that span.
Should McCarthy miss the game, the Vikings will turn to undrafted rookie signal-caller Max Brosmer, who has thrown just eight regular-season passes in his NFL career.
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