Detroit Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown sent shockwaves through the Minnesota Vikings fanbase with high praise for defensive coordinator Brian Flores during a recent episode of “The St. Brown Podcast.” While interviewing rookie wide receiver Tai Felton, a third-round draft pick for the Vikings in 2025, St. Brown didn’t hold back on his admiration for Flores’ defensive schemes.
“In games, he runs the craziest defenses I’ve ever seen in my life,” St. Brown said, reflecting on his matchups against Flores’ unit. His comments highlight the complexity and unpredictability of the Vikings’ defense, which has been a focal point in the NFC North rivalry.
Felton, who has been getting a taste of Flores’ system during training camp, echoed St. Brown’s sentiments with enthusiasm. “We were trying some of that stuff in training camp. So I was like, ‘Oh yeah, this is some work right here,’” Felton said with a laugh, hinting at the innovative and challenging schemes Flores is preparing for the 2025 season.
The Vikings, aiming to compete with the Lions, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers for NFC North supremacy, are banking on Flores to elevate their defense. Last season, Minnesota’s defense struggled, allowing an average of 335.4 yards per game. With emerging stars like Andrew Van Ginkel and Byron Murphy Jr., and a rookie quarterback now leading the offense, the Vikings will rely heavily on Flores’ defensive creativity to stay competitive.
In 2024, the Lions and Vikings battled fiercely for the NFC North crown, with Detroit ultimately clinching the division in a thrilling final game against a Sam Darnold-led Minnesota squad. St. Brown, who averaged 94.5 yards per game and scored just one touchdown in two games against the Vikings last season, is no stranger to Flores’ defensive tactics, given the frequent divisional matchups.
However, the Lions’ offense faces uncertainty in 2025 following the retirement of center Frank Ragnow. His absence leaves a significant gap in protection for quarterback Jared Goff and the team’s running backs, putting added pressure on St. Brown and fellow wide receiver Jameson Williams to perform against formidable defenses like Minnesota’s.
As the Vikings continue to refine their defensive approach under Flores, St. Brown’s surprising praise underscores the challenge awaiting opponents in the NFC North. With both teams gearing up for another intense season, fans are eager to see how this rivalry unfolds.