The Vikings defense has similar issues with the Lions and Rams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Vikings safety Josh Metellus didn't have to watch a replay.

There are clear opportunities to attack the Vikings' defense, which dominated 5-0 to start.

Back-to-back losses to the Lions and Rams showed that if you can keep your quarterback upright long enough, against coordinator Brian Flores' varied and stealthy pressure schemes, you can find spaces to throw the ball – especially over the middle of the field playing field.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford routinely handled Minnesota's zone coverages by throwing for 279 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the Vikings' 30-20 loss on Thursday night. And for the first time this season, the Vikings defense couldn't sack the quarterback. Stafford only had to take two hits.

“The lights were out for our first seven weeks,” Metellus said from the visitors’ locker room at SoFi Stadium. “The plan is to alleviate that pressure, whatever they can do to stop that pressure, no matter how long it may be, and then throw the ball into the middle of the field into the vacated areas where we play deep or the defender underneath plays too short.” . Very similar game plans; Ball out quickly.”

“There were a lot more screens this week than we saw against Detroit, so I would say that's something different,” he added. “Most of the shots we gave up are going to stay there all season, so it’s up to us to stop.”

The Vikings' lack of pressure on Stafford began with quick play instructions from Rams head coach Sean McVay. The Rams' first touchdown drive included a pair of screens for second-year receiver Puka Nacua, who had seven grabs for 106 yards in his first game back from a knee injury in the season opener.

And as the Rams rotated to take shots downfield, Stafford seemed to have the answers to Flores' pressure tests. Rams blockers rarely seemed confused, unlike when the Vikings successfully harassed the Jets, Texans and 49ers offenses earlier this season.