Vikings will put the ‘D’ in offseason development

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have much to improve upon after a 3-13 finish.

Under particular scrutiny is the defense, where assistant coaches, players and even the scheme itself are being examined by coach Leslie Frazier and general manager Rick Spielman.

The Vikings have used a version of the Tampa Two system with a 4-3 alignment for years. But while several of the NFL’s top teams have succeeded with a 3-4 scheme, Frazier says he’s wary of jumping on the “bandwagon.” League sack leader Jared Allen says he has no interest in switching.

The Vikings will spend most of their energy determining how to upgrade key positions like cornerback, safety and defensive tackle. They set a franchise record by allowing opponents a cumulative 68.2 percent completion percentage for the season.