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Mike Zimmer says the Vikings' top priority this offseason was to fix the offensive line. He said it was the only group last season that didn't have a tough-minded approach. All positions will be in competition.
Zimmer "I feel every other position group on our football team has a tough-minded personality. I don’t know that our O-line did" #vikings
Zimmer on Andre Smith: "He’s got experience. I like having 1st-round picks that leave other places because they have pedigrees" #Vikings
Mike Zimmer said he texted Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater after the Vikings signed Alex Boone and Andre Smith to help the offensive line. Part of the text: "No more excuses."
I hope he's right. I'm not that optimistic about the offensive line yet.dead_poet wrote:
Zimmer said Smith "possibly" could compete with Kalil at LT "I just want to get as many bodies in there and let them fight it out." #Vikings
Zimmer said Smith "possibly" could compete with Kalil at LT "I just want to get as many bodies in there and let them fight it out." #Vikings
Zimmer said Sullivan regaining strength, Loadholt progressing in weight room. Still pre-contact: "I think they’ll be ready but I don’t know"
On John Sullivan, Zimmer said he’s seen him in weight room recently and is hoping for best. Far from certain, tho.
Zimmer on CP:It’s really time for him to prove it now. If he wants to be something other than a returner this is the year he has to do it."
Zimmer on CP:"I don’t think he was really ready when he came into NFL (to be) a really good pro football player. He’s right on the fence."
Zimmer isn't banging drum for another marquee WR. Says in-house group can play better, better OL play will help Bridgewater improve #Vikings
#shotsfired?Zimmer: "I think that if we fix this one area (OL) I think it’s going to help (Bridgewater) a lot more than getting a WR in here." #Vikings
Zimmer: "We had WR here that was making a lot of $ that didn’t do what we needed. I don’t know that it’s a necessity to go sign another WR."
Zimmer prefaced that last quote saying "want to get into that Bridgewater and Wallace deal" but tossed the grenade anyway. #Vikings
From what Mike Zimmer said, there is 1 clear starter on #Vikings OL: Alex Boone. LT Matt Kalil’s $11M salary makes him likely but not given.
Zimmer self-criticism: "I could still do a better job with the offense and the special teams. I still spend a ton of time with the defense."
Zimmer on relinquishing defensive play calling: "It’s kind of my baby and it’s hard to give up. I don’t want to be a CEO. That’s not me."
Zimmer on #Vikings balancing shotgun/backfield carries for AP: "We’ve talked about ways to innovate with how we can marry that together."
How about direct snapping to Adrian on those, remove that hitch with the hand off that seems to screw up his timing.dead_poet wrote:
Did Rick Spielman text Zimmer and Norv Turner the same thing in regard to the offense?dead_poet wrote:
Sheesh, just how good does Zimmer consider Smith? He's an upgrade over Clemmings but he's struggled in Cincy the past two years. I doubt he'd be able to out-perform Kalil on the left side. It's good that Zimmer want to encourage competition though (let's see more at QB, Mike!)dead_poet wrote:
Thanks, DP.dead_poet wrote:For Jim:
