The Indianapolis Colts will have more than enough to think about against a Minnesota Vikings defense that keeps bringing pressure.
But for Colts head coach Shane Steichen, understanding Minnesota’s success starts with the players handling coverage behind those blitzes.
Asked about the Vikings blitzing nearly 70% of the time this season, Steichen noted the secondary’s communication and veteran safety Harrison Smith’s role in keeping everyone organized.
“They do it at a high level. I think they’re really connected on the back end,” Steichen said, via Colts radio host Matt Taylor. “Harrison Smith, I got so much respect for him. He’s the point guard on the back end for them. He gets it all wired up, in and out of checks, getting them in the right looks,
all formations, different motions. You see it all over the tape.”
Steichen on why the Vikings are having so much success blitzing nearly 70% of the time this season. pic.twitter.com/qnoXYGRmsc
— Matt Taylor (@MayTayColts) October 21, 2026
That coordination is most definitely an obstacle for Indianapolis. Sending extra rushers can open up rushing and passing lanes for an offense, but exploiting them requires superb identification and understanding how the coverage changes behind it.
Steichen’s comments underscore why anticipating a blitz is a mere piece of the assignment.
The Colts will need answers for a secondary that can adjust to their formations and motion, with Smith acting as Minnesota's conductor before the snap.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ Shane Steichen explains what makes Vikings’ blitz so effective
