Vikings’ Brian Flores sends a message about Anthony Barr’s potential.

Even though the Minnesota Vikings have officially signed Anthony Barr, there are still some unknowns about the four-time Pro Bowler.

The Vikings have a new head coach in Kevin O’Connell, their third defensive scheme and coordinator in three seasons.
Brian Flores has dramatically transformed the defense in recent months.

Coming off an 0-3 season, the Vikings rank fourth in points allowed per game, fifth in defensive efficiency, fifth in sacks and seventh in yards per game, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
Veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks, who was placed on injured reserve with a right leg injury, played a big role as the team’s starting linebacker and defensive play communicator.

“Honestly, it’s a big loss,” Flores said at a Nov. 14 news conference.
The Vikings need to move forward and snap a five-game winning streak despite hopes of a lengthy injury layoff, and Barr could be part of that treatment.

Flores praised Barr’s defensive potential, praising his smarts as a “green dot” signal caller in the Mike Zimmer era and seeing plenty of play in his defense against the former No. 1 pick.
9.
“I know the player well.
I just met him today for the first time, but I’ve seen a lot of film on him and Zimmer’s defense.
Very productive.
We are very experienced.
intelligent.
I heard that from some people I trust,” Flores said.
“His ability to take on the defense and understand things conceptually, I’m happy to have him, but again, it’s day one, another program.
Different terms.
We are excited to work with him and look forward to seeing how things develop.”

When asked what Barr’s role will be, Flores didn’t think Barr could have a role in Sunday night’s primetime game against the Denver Broncos.
“His job is to make sure he does that this week.” Flores said.

The Vikings plan to trade Jordan Hicks by committee.

Vikings quarterback Jordan Hicks during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023.
Flores said the defense had versatile players when he was first hired as defensive coordinator last winter, and he plans to use that versatility during Hicks’ absence.

Fourth-year Troy Dye took over immediately when Hicks came in after last week’s win over the New Orleans Saints.
He could make his first start of the season on Sunday.

Rookie Ivan Pace Jr. is ready to step into the defensive lineman role after gaining some experience in the role in the preseason.
Flores also mentioned that safety Josh Metellus could be sent as a linebacker in some packages.

Brian Asamoah also wants to play at linebacker, but he missed his third straight game with an ankle injury and is a “50/50” chance to play Sunday, according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.
Vikings, Broncos A primetime battle between two of the most popular teams in the NFL.

The Vikings and Broncos, who own the NFL’s longest two-game winning streak, face off on Sunday Night Football after both teams have had a rough start to the season.

Minnesota (6-4) started the season 1-4 and then went on a 5-game winning streak. The Vikings won all five games they played without Justin Jefferson, while Josh Dobbs won the two games he played for Kirk Cousins.

Denver (4-5) was 1-5 before reeling off three straight wins, including losses to the Kansas City Chiefs (24-9, Oct. 29) and the Buffalo Bills (24-22, Nov. 13).
It started.
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In Vegas, the Vikings didn’t score two points in the game, but Heavy Quarter4’s projection engine put them within one point of the Minnesota Broncos.

Given the Vikings’ tendency to go into games with one score and the narrow margin expected Sunday night, the coin could flip.