After watching cornerback Isaiah Rodgers force a pair of fumble last weekend to help the Vikings run away with a 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, safety Josh Metellus couldn’t help but think of the dog days of training camp this summer.

“I don’t think people understand how much we practice turnovers,” Metellus said. “We would have a great practice and the coaches would be (ticked) because we didn’t knock the ball out enough.”

Though the focus on creating turnovers seems to fall in line with the identity of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, it’s actually something preached by special teams coordinator Matt Daniels more than anybody else.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers celebrates as he recovered a fumble for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

“You’re really looking to build this subconscious mindset,” Daniels said. “If we can continue to work and work and work, and really build that subconscious mindset, it all becomes natural in the game.”

Maybe the most noticeable coaching point that continues to show up for the Vikings is how much they legitimately punch at the ball in an attempt to force a fumble.

“We should always tackle with our fist balled up,” Daniels said. “That’s really how we think in this building.”

The move was popularized by former Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman. He forced 44 fumbles in his career, most of which came by him punching at the ball while going in for a tackle. The motion itself was dubbed the “Peanut Punch” in honor of his nickname, and while Tillman was and always will be the master, it’s slowly become more widespread across the NFL since his retirement.

Heading into Sunday’s game against the Steelers in Dublin, the Vikings lead the NFL with seven forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries — and are one of three teams to score a touchdown off of a recovery. Second in fumble recoveries with four: Pittsburgh.

Asked about the rise in players punching at the ball, veteran safety Harrison Smith joked that he wished it was taught when he was a kid. Maybe he would have more forced more than 12 fumbles in his career if it was built into his routine from a young age.

“I’m kind of the old dog trying to learn new tricks,” Smith said. “You look around and some guys are so good at it.”

That would include Rodgers, who last weekend alone punched the ball out against tight end Noah Fant and returned it for a touchdown, then followed it up by punching the ball out against receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

“Our players work at it,” Flores said. “There’s a great attention to detail to it.”

The risk reward involved with punching at the ball is an interesting thought exercise.

“I think we can punch at the ball and tackle at the same time,” Flores said. “It’s something we talk about quite a bit.”

Would he ever be OK with a missed tackle in certain situations?

“I would say in my early years I would’ve been much more upset about a missed tackle for looking to get the ball out than I am now,” Flores said. “I know the intent is there and I know there’s techniques and fundamentals behind it.”

As for Smith, it still doesn’t come naturally for him, and frankly, it might never come naturally to him. That doesn’t mean he isn’t trying to build it into his mindset. He understands the importance of adapting.

“You have to,” Smith said. “It’s such a big deal when we can get them out.”

Briefly

After missing practice this week, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) has been ruled out for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at Croke Park in Dublin. The other players the Vikings have ruled include quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), and tight end Ben Yurosek (knee).

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