Inside The Vikings

Watch: Vikings Rookie Jay Ward Crushes Cardinals QB For Sack, Fumble

Ward laid the boom on a well-timed blitz drawn up by Brian Flores.

Will Ragatz

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So this is what a Brian Flores defense can look like.

With the Vikings already leading 7-0 in the first quarter of their preseason finale against the Cardinals, Flores dialed up one of his patented blitzes on a 3rd and 6. Seven players showed pressure on the line of scrimmage before the snap and five of the seven went after the quarterback, with two dropping into coverage.

The result was rookie safety Jay Ward being completely unblocked off the right side. He exploded downhill and crushed unsuspecting Cardinals rookie QB Clayton Tune for a sack and a forced fumble that Troy Reeder recovered. One play later, the Vikings scored again on Jaren Hall's first preseason touchdown pass.

That's the Flores experience the Vikings signed up for. We've seen it in action all throughout training camp, but this was the most vivid example so far of this defense's aggressive philosophy playing out in a game situation. When a disguised blitz works perfectly, the Vikings will be able to bring someone that the offense doesn't pick up in pass protection.

Now picture it being the regular season and Harrison Smith or Josh Metellus being the one to make that hit. The Vikings are hoping to see plenty of that this year.

Ward was drafted in the fourth round out of LSU this year. A 6'1", 188-pound defensive back, the Vikings love his versatility to play cornerback, safety, or nickel.

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Will Ragatz
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