As the Vikings confronted their weaknesses this offseason, they kept coming back to the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams as a reference point.
The fact that veteran quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked seemingly every time he dropped back to pass in that game highlighted the importance of addressing the interior of the offensive line.
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (98) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
On the flip side, the Vikings also got a firsthand look at how impactful it can be to generate pressure from the interior of the defensive line, which explains why in the opening 72 hours of free agency they spent big money on defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
Both players have been known as disruptors throughout their careers, now they’re joining forces with the Vikings.
“I’ve always looked at him as my competitor because I think every guy in the NFL is competing with the top guys at their position,” said Allen, who signed a 3-year, $51 million contract. “Now, to be able to line up and play with each other, I’m super excited about that.”
The resumes speak for themselves. Allen has recorded 42 sacks in his career playing for the Washington Commanders, while Hargrave has recorded 45½ sacks in his career, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
The way that Allen and Hargrave play the game is a perfect example of how the NFL has shifted over the past decade, thanks in large part to the dominance of future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Though players on the interior of the defensive line were once looked at almost exclusively as run stoppers, they are now being relied upon to be pass rusher, as well.
“The money done jumped up for the defensive tackles who can pass rush,” said Hargrave, who signed a 2-year, $30 million contract. “Just having a defensive tackle who can pass rush and cause havoc is good for a defense.”
It’s also something defensive coordinator Brian Flores hasn’t had much of since joining the Vikings. He’s had to rely heavily on blitzes to generate pressure because the interior of the defensive line has rarely been able to overpower their opponents at the point of attack.
That should no longer be an issue pairing Allen and Hargrave with others players up front, including defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, among others.
“I’m looking forward to fitting in and doing what I can to help out,” Allen said. “It was definitely exciting to have the opportunity to pair with some of these guys.”
There is some risk involved for the Vikings. Allen, 30, is coming off a torn pectoral muscle, and Hargrave, 32, is still recovering from a torn triceps. If they can get back to where they were at the peak of their powers, however, the sky could be the limit for the defense.
“I don’t want to promise too much because we’ve still got a lot of work to put in,” Allen said. “Just excited to be here and get started.”
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