Brian Flores has built a reputation as an aggressive play-caller during his coaching career. The blueprints for that career were built in New England, working under Bill Belichick, and led to a head coaching stint in Miami.
Flores, now the defensive coordinator in Minnesota, hasn't shied away from that approach as the Patriots have participated in joint practices with the Vikings leading up to their preseason matchup on Saturday in Minneapolis. Armed with one of the league's best pass rushes, Flores used an aggressive nature in joint practices this week, which led to the Vikings controlling the line of scrimmage for most of the sessions.
That could be a bit of a concern for New England fans after the Patriots dominated the line of scrimmage in their joint practices and preseason game with Washington last week. NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry is apprehensive that Flores could expose many of New England's flaws.
"I think this could be the type of week where the fact they are as young as they are, and everybody is as new as they are to this Josh McDaniels' offense, really kind of gets exposed," Perry said on the Patriots' Talk Podcast recently.
While Flores and the Vikings could exploit some things that the Patriots need to work on, that may not be a bad thing.
Matchup in Minnesota could go a long way towards Patriots' development
The Vikings were one of the league's best teams last year, finishing 14-3, but were victims of the league's playoff system in having to go on the road on wild-card weekend after finishing second to Detroit in the NFC North. Minnesota's defense will provide a valuable preseason test for a Patriots' team that continues to build towards success on offense.
While Minnesota exposed a few things during Wednesday's practice, the Patriots made some big plays. TreVeyon Henderson continued to showcase his home-run ability in catching a 60-yard touchdown pass on a wheel route from Drake Maye. Mack Hollins caught a long touchdown pass as well.
Doing those things against one of the league's best defenses is a positive sign for an offense that was near the bottom of the league in most major categories a year ago. Yes, Flores may expose some things in Saturday's game, but Mike Vrabel is a smart enough coach to adjust to it. Not just in the game, but beyond that.