Speaking to reporters this offseason, new Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell outlined his philosophy for what he called "the middle eight," a term he learned from Patriots coach Bill Belichick during his time in New England.
O'Connell wanted to stress the final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half, for the impact they can have on an opponent's psyche if the defense gives up points in quick succession or the offense is out of sync for nearly an hour of real time.
Had the Vikings' defense been even adequate in the middle eight minutes of games last year, O'Connell might not be the team's head coach right now.