What was clear for the Vikings this season, even early on, was that the defense was going to be the weak link. Just how weak a link it was became increasingly disappointing and frustrating, as it clearly prevented the Vikings from advancing further in the playoffs and being a bona fide Super Bowl contender.
While I don’t think it’s entirely on Ed Donatell- clearly he was working with a less than optimal roster at key position groups including linebacker and the defensive secondary- and that had an impact on both results and scheme options.