2. How do the Seahawks handle the Vikings’ aggressive pass rush?
The Seahawks have allowed a league-low 11 sacks this season, in part due to strong pass protection from the offensive line, and in part due to other factors such as play-calling and design, Darnold’s ability to get the ball out quickly, and the work done by tight ends and running backs to help in pass protection.
And just about all of those factors will be tested on Sunday facing a Vikings defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is known as an aggressive play-caller who loves to blitz.
So far this season the Vikings have 27 sacks, a total that ranks near the middle of the league, but their pressure rate of 40.6 percent ranks second in the NFL according to NFL Next Gen Stats. And a lot of that pressure is coming on blitzes, with Minnesota blitzing at a 48.5 percent rate that ranks second in the league.
“It’s an aggressive scheme, an aggressive group of players,” offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said. “I have a lot of respect for the way that they go about their business. They attack the ball and cause a lot of negative plays, so it’ll be a challenge for us.”
If Darnold is going to have a big game against his old team, the Seahawks will have to find ways to slow Minnesota’s pass rush.