John Sigler·
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores blitzes at a higher rate than any other play caller, but there may not be a
quarterback more battle-tested for what's coming than New Orleans Saints passer Tyler Shough. According to Pro Football Focus charting, Shough has faced the most blitzes in the league through four weeks (74). Part of that is due to the high volume of passes New Orleans has asked Shough to throw, but he still has more reps against the blitz than any other quarterback this season. Flores is bringing extra pressure on 66. 9% of Minnesota's snaps, nearly twice as often as the next-closest defense (the Washington Commanders, at 36. 8%). That has powered the Vikings to the most sacks (16) and the NFL's highest pressure rate (39%). So how has Shough performed against the blitz? PFF charting has him at 46-of-64 for 442 yards with a scramble and nine sacks, scoring four touchdown passes while throwing an interception. He's made some of his best plays when the defense sends extra pressure. PFF credits him with six "big time throws" against the blitz, most in the NFL. Shough's NFL passer rating against the blitz is 105. 1, seventh-best at his position. A big part of his success against blitzing defenders is a quick windup -- Shough's average time to throw is 2. 41 seconds, second-best behind Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.