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The Vikings Are Knocking on the Door of NFL History
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- The Vikings Are Knocking on the Door of NFL History
Mark J. Rebilas
Somehow — some way — the Minnesota Vikings are knocking on the door of NFL history with a key defensive stat. In the last six games, defensive coordinator Brian Flores ' group has surrendered zero touchdown passes, a streak that has flown under the radar because Minnesota has been eliminated from postseason contention.
Minnesota's run isn't about one star or one matchup — it's a strange, sustained stretch of pass defense that has quietly put an all-time record on the table.
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The NFL record is seven games in the Super Bowl era without allowing a passing touchdown, so the Vikings will have a chance to break it.
The Vikings' Pass Defense Streak Is Suddenly Historic
NFL history is within the Vikings' grasp.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith reacts after intercepting a pass during the second half, Sep 8, 2024, against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The veteran's takeaway showcased anticipation and experience, flipping field position and reinforcing Minnesota's defensive momentum during a pivotal stretch of the road matchup. Mandatory Credit: John Jones–Imagn Images
No Passing TDs Allowed in 6 Games
The streak has evolved quiescently. A losing season buries statistics like this. But the Vikings have not allowed a passing touchdown in six games. Here's the statistical skinny:
No Passing TDs Surrendered in a Game,
Longest Streak in a Single Season,
Since 1966:
— 1987 Browns
: 7 Games
— 1976 Steelers: 7 Games
— 1972 Packers: 7 Games
— 2025 Vikings: 6 Games
— 1973 Falcons: 6 Games
— 1971 Browns: 6 Games
— 1971 Colts
: 6 Games
— 1969 Vikings: 6 Games
— 21 Other Teams: 5 Games
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The streak is quite remarkable, and there's just no other way around it. Minnesota is the only team to grace the top part of this list in the pass-happy era of the NFL.
Flores and Co. Could Break the Record in Next 2 Games
If you need motivation to watch the Vikings' remaining games — especially with J.J. McCarthy's injury status up in the air — this is it.
Holding Jared Goff and his pass-catchers out of the endzone in an elimination game (for them) won't be easy, and in fact, Detroit will likely bank a touchdown pass, two, or three. But if they do not, well, Minnesota can pursue the Super Bowl era record in Week 18.
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It's all lining up for Flores' men. The Lions are down bad and probably won't make the postseason. The Vikings will play them at a perfect time for the record's sake, as Detroit is not quite the same team as in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Then, the Packers are marred by an injury to Jordan Love — and QB2 Malik Willis . Nobody knows who will play quarterback for Green Bay in the final two games.
This record for the Vikings is gettable.
SI.com 's Will Ragatz on the streak : "Of course, the first three games of this Vikings streak were losses against the Bears, Packers, and Seahawks . The offense was the bigger issue for Minnesota in those contests, but the defense did allow four total touchdowns."
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"They just all happened to be rushing touchdowns by running backs. Over the last three weeks, all Vikings wins, the defense has been even better, including two dominant performances against NFC East cellar dwellers. They shut out the Commanders a couple weeks ago, gave up a couple more rushing touchdowns in a win over the Cowboys the following week, and then held the Giants without an offensive touchdown in Sunday's 16-13 win at MetLife Stadium."
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores speaks to reporters at the TCO Performance Center, Oct 16, 2024, outlining defensive progress and ongoing adjustments. Flores, hired in February 2023, addressed scheme development and accountability after Minnesota's prior struggles, offering insight into how the unit was evolving midway through the season. Mandatory Credit: Minnesota Vikings
It's also worth noting, sadly, that Minnesota's run defense hasn't matched the secondary's performance. It ranks 24th in rushing yards allowed this season.
Ragatz continued, "This streak is a reminder of what could've been this season for the Vikings and this defense, which has been mostly excellent despite some struggles against the run. The NFL record streak without allowing a pass touchdown, since the 1970 merger, is seven games."
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"The Vikings can tie that record on Thursday against the Lions, but they'll have to snap Jared Goff 's 21-game streak with a touchdown pass in order to do so."
An Unsung Secondary per Personnel
Here's the disconnect: no one around the league is pointing at Minnesota and calling this an elite secondary. The safety group leans on a late-career Harrison Smith , alongside Josh Metellus (now on IR), Theo Jackson , and Jay Ward . At corner, it's Byron Murphy Jr. , Isaiah Rodgers , and Fabian Moreau — capable pieces, not household names.
The teeth of the defense live up front. Jonathan Greenard (before the injury), Andrew Van Ginkel , Dallas Turner , and Jalen Redmond have supplied consistent pressure, masking plenty. Quarterbacks rarely get comfortable, which changes everything behind it.
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Still, this isn't an all-time unit. It isn't vintage dominance or overwhelming talent. It's a solid defense riding timing, cohesion, and a run that keeps growing longer.
Further Proof of Flores' Supremacy
So, just what in the hell is going on here then? Brian Flores is what's going on.
The man is a defensive mastermind, somehow cooking with a defense that is not stuffed to the gills with Pro Bowlers. He has some damn good players, but from head to toe, he probably won't send any players to the Pro Bowl, and none will pull down All-Pro honors.
Brian Flores watches practice during Vikings and Patriots joint training camp sessions, Aug 13, 2025, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. The joint workout offered extended evaluations as Minnesota's defense faced varied looks, with Flores observing positioning, communication, and intensity during a controlled but competitive preseason environment. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
Yes, Flores is on the cusp of breaking a Super Bowl era record with cornerbacks like Fabian Moreau and safeties like Theo Jackson .
Flores deserves a head coaching job. Maybe the impressive no-touchdowns-allowed spurt will put him on the map once again.
