The general premise for Vikings success in 2023 went something like this: The offense would score plenty of points, with dynamic rookie Jordan Addison replacing Adam Thielen, T.J. Hockenson on the team for a full season and Kirk Cousins facing fewer long third downs because of a more efficient running game. If new defensive coordinator Brian Flores could coax even modest improvement out of a group that ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed last season, the Vikings would win enough to be a factor in the NFC.
Through five games, the Vikings' defense is indeed marginally better than it was last season, ranking 22nd in points allowed and 18th in yards while placing in the middle third of the NFL on advanced metrics like success rate and expected points added per play.