The Minnesota Vikings defense has been the key to the team’s success so far this season. Following an uninspiring win over the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota holds a 4-0 record and remains unbeaten.

The Vikings are one of only three unbeaten teams. The Chiefs and 49ers are the other two teams without a loss.

Kyler Murray is Minnesota’s quarterback this season, but his play has not been especially impressive. With the Vikings continuing to win, however, Murray has not needed to carry the team.

Tom Brady addressed the Vikings in his Power Rankings for Fox Sports. The legendary quarterback placed Minnesota third overall and said he could not knock the team’s unbeaten record.

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Brady highlighted the defense, the kicking game and Minnesota’s ability to control possession in its game Sunday. Those elements allowed the Vikings to succeed even without producing a touchdown.

“They didn’t score touchdowns on Sunday, but that’s fine when your kicker goes five for five and you hold the ball for 40 minutes. They’ve only allowed 51 points this year. That’s the fewest in the NFL.”

The Vikings defense has created opportunities for the offense despite mediocre play, continuing a pattern from recent seasons. That defensive performance has given Minnesota’s quarterbacks room to settle into games without needing to force every opportunity.

Brady understands the value of that arrangement from his own time in the league. The former Patriots quarterback said he also benefited from having top defensive play behind him.

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“There’s nobody that was a fan of great defense more than yours truly,” Brady explained.

That support was especially valuable early in games, according to Brady. A dependable defense reduced the pressure he felt to make a difficult throw each time his offense encountered a third down.

“I always had great defenses that I could rely on, especially early in the game, to not feel the urgency that you got to thread the needle on every third down. It’s a great feeling when you’re out there as a quarterback.”

Brady sees a similar benefit for the quarterbacks in Minnesota. The defense allows them to become comfortable, while the offense can also lean on its running game before trying to capitalize on scoring chances.

“This Minnesota defense playing great football allows the quarterbacks to settle in. You can rely on that run game, and then when you get your scoring opportunities, you got to take advantage.”

Murray’s season began with an injury in his first game. Carson Wentz stepped in after Murray suffered the injury.

Minnesota also made changes among its quarterback options. The Vikings traded JJ McCarthy to the New York Giants and promoted Max Brosmer as the third option.

Murray has played in three games and thrown only one touchdown. He has also recorded two interceptions during that stretch.

The Vikings have not needed especially impressive quarterback production while their defense continues to limit opponents. Brady’s assessment focused on how that defensive play can remove some of the urgency a quarterback otherwise might feel.

For Murray, the support is giving him additional time to play his way back into form. The defense is making up for his limited production while Minnesota maintains its unbeaten record.

The expected return of Justin Jefferson from injury could also have a huge impact. Until then, Minnesota’s defense remains central to the formula that has helped the team reach 4-0.

Brady’s comparison draws directly from his own experience relying on strong defenses. He believes Minnesota’s current defensive play provides its quarterbacks with the same kind of opportunity to settle in and take advantage when scoring chances arrive.

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