sunlit1688 The Minnesota Vikings defense under Brian Flores is set to face a major test against Matt LaFleur’s Green Bay Packers this weekend. sunlit1688

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is set to battle it out with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, whose playmaking has helped Malik Willis emerge as a threat over the past two weeks in place of Jordan Love, NFL Network reports. ( sunlit1688 )

The Vikings start the 2024 season 3-0, and Flores’ defense has combined for 16 sacks (5.3 sacks per game), the most in the league. No team has averaged five sacks per game this season, since the Raiders averaged 4.8 sacks per game in 1967. Minnesota’s defense has given up just 30 total points, its fewest since 1988, through its first three games.

The last team to average 10 points or fewer per game and five sacks in the first three games of a season was the 2006 Baltimore Ravens, who finished 13-3 before being eliminated in the Divisional Playoffs. 

“We’ve definitely got one of the best offensive coaches in the world,” Flores said of the Packers coach. “I’ve had some tough days with LaFleur and his offense since he’s been in Tennessee.”

LaFleur has transformed Willis from a Tennessee Titans disaster into a playmaker over the course of two games starting in place of Love. He went from completing just 51 percent of his passes and posting a measly 39.6 rating to becoming a threat on the bench, completing 78.5 percent of his passes, throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions while posting a 126.3 quarterback rating. He also scored one more score on 12 carries.

Whether Willis plays or Love returns to the starting lineup, LaFleur can design a play that fits any situation.

“Honestly, we have to do everything we can to stay ahead of a guy like Matt,” Flores said. “I think the fact that Matt can go into his pocket and be a West Coast guy and then come back and he can read the zone/pro/counter is impressive.”

‘And I don’t think it’s been said enough. It’s impressive to watch. He’s obviously a very good coach, one of the best in the world. It’s going to be a challenge for sure, no matter who the quarterback is.’