Minnesota Vikings are getting insane production from an unlikely source, has been an X-factor in both wins

A Brian Flores defense is based upon being aggressive and deceiving the offense. Doing so is key as if you have to think during the course of the play, you have already lost.

The Minnesota Vikings defense has been great at deception through two weeks, including the use of their four edge rusher package that has been giving offensive lines fits. That package has been very effective for the Vikings , helping them lead the National Football League in sacks. The sack leader for the Vikings is coming from an unlikely source.

Vikings EDGE Pat Jones II is breaking out

After being the only one of four third-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft to make the roster in year two and beyond, Jones has been a rotational player for the Vikings. He has been the third or fourth edge rusher depending on who is injured. He wasn't expected to be a major factor this season with the additions of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, but that has not been the case.

Jones has been excellent for the Vikings in both the pass rush and in run defense. Jones has played in 68 snaps for the Vikings with 44 of those being pass rush snaps. What's most impressive with Jones is that, even though he has just five pressures, he's converted four of those into sacks.

Jones has been used as the crasher often in stunts and helped spring his teammates to get sacks and pressures. His performance has been huge for the Vikings, especially the underrated element of the run game. It also allows them to bring Turner along slowly and truly letting him develop over the course of the season, which is incredibly valuable.

Jones has been used very well so far by the Vikings in multiple different ways and that unlikely source of success has been a major part of their success early this season.

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