sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bisi Johnson, Chad Beebe, Kevin Stefanski, Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman, Sean McDermott

DAILY CLIPS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 LOCAL NEWS: Sunday, December 8, 2019

Star Tribune

With six seasons as an NFL , Vikings' is comfortable in his own shoes By Mark Craig http://www.startribune.com/with-six-seasons-as-an-nfl-head-coach-vikings-mike-zimmer-is-comfortable-in-his-own- shoes/565932552/

Vikings defense has gone missing By Jim Souhan http://www.startribune.com/vikings-defense-has-gone-missing/565932542/

Kirk Cousins' season could be a historic one for the Vikings quarterback By Sid Hartman http://www.startribune.com/kirk-cousins-season-could-be-a-historic-one-for-the-vikings-quarterback/565933732/

SKOR North

When did the Vikings’ rookies no longer feel like rookies? By Matthew Coller https://www.skornorth.com/vikings-2/2019/12/when-did-the-vikings-rookies-no-longer-feel-like-rookies/

The Athletic

Vikings Week 14 preview: What to watch vs. Lions, keys to victory and picks By The Athletic Staff https://theathletic.com/1439750/2019/12/07/vikings-week-14-preview-what-to-watch-vs-lions-keys-to-victory-and- picks/

NATIONAL NEWS: Sunday, December 8, 2019

Maven Media

How to Watch Vikings vs. Lions: Preview, TV Channel, Streaming, Radio, Odds By Wil Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/how-to-watch-vikings-lions-preview-tv-channel-streaming-radio-odds/

MULTIMEDIA NEWS: Sunday, December 8, 2019

Vikings vs. Lions By WCCO http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=0b421175-a1c5-4005-a48f-a8e8696846df

Cousins Finding Chemistry with Rudolph By KARE http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=e2d2901d-da8b-441d-bb24-b652f6f2f778

VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Sunday, December 8, 2019

Final Thoughts: Stefanski Details Weekly Approach, Process to Vikings Game Plan By Lindsey Young https://www.vikings.com/news/final-thoughts-stefanski-details-weekly-approach-process-to-vikings-game-plan

PUBLICATION: DATE: 12/8/19

With six seasons as an NFL head coach, Vikings' Mike Zimmer is comfortable in his own shoes

By Mark Craig

Mike Zimmer was on the podium bobbing, weaving and swatting aside all questions he didn’t want to answer when the twinkle in his eye suggested he knew his well-honed NFL head coaching stubbornness has just won another tug- of-words with the media.

“You know,” he said with a smile, “I’m a six-year veteran at this thing.”

Indeed, he is. And that, believe it or not, makes the 63-year-old Vikings coach eighth in seniority among active head coaches. Among NFC coaches, Zimmer is now fourth as he takes his Vikings into Sunday’s game against Detroit at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“That,” Zimmer said later, “is crazy.”

With Carolina sacking — its all-time leader in wins and a participant just four years ago — this week, only (20), (14), (13), (12), (10), (10) and (seven) have survived longer. And Garrett sits upon a seriously hot seat with the talented Cowboys floundering away at 6-7.

Zimmer — an inherent worrywart even with his .603 winning percentage, two division titles and a trip to the NFC Championship Game — was reluctant at first to sit down the with the Star Tribune for this story.

“It’s bad luck,” he said. “Like a football coach buying a house.”

Then he brought up his six-year run of good luck, mentioning ownership, , assistant GM George Paton, an in-sync coaching staff and a talented roster. If someone else in town hadn’t already trademarked it, you’d have sworn Zimmer was going to talk about everyone rowing a boat in the same direction.

“The turnover at head coach in this league is unfortunate, really,” said Zimmer, whose contract runs through next season. “There are guys who get these jobs who probably don’t deserve it, and then whatever they do with it, they do with it.

“And then there are guys who deserve the jobs and don’t get them. And then there are guys who do a good job, raise expectations so high and then aren’t able to sustain it because of injuries or whatnot, and teams make a change.”

Best trade ever?

Cowboys and Vikings fans would suggest the most lopsided trade in NFL history was the famous — or infamous — Herschel Walker trade.

Patriots fans would beg to differ.

On Jan. 27, 2000, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Jets owner Woody Johnson settled their tug-of-war over Belichick. Woody got a first-round pick in 2000 for unleashing the unheralded Belichick, who had accepted the Jets head coaching job and reneged 48 hours later.

Many thought Kraft had overpaid for a sub-.500 coach who hadn’t been a head coach in five years. They were doubling down when Belichick started 5-13.

But, six Lombardi trophies later, it appears the 16th overall pick was worth it. The Jets used that pick to move up four spots and select Shaun Ellis, a solid defensive end who played 11 seasons for the Jets and, in true Belichick last- word fashion, finished his career playing for the Patriots in one of Belichick’s nine Super Bowl seasons.

Since 2000, the NFL has made 137 coaching hires. The Patriots, of course, have made only one of them. The Raiders lead the way with nine followed by the Browns and Dolphins at eight apiece.

Among those 137 hires are 72 coaches (52.6%) with an offensive background, 64 with a defensive background and one former special teams coordinator in Harbaugh.

When Belichick was hired in 2000, seven of the league’s nine new hires that year, including Belichick, were defensive-minded coaches. In six of 10 seasons from 2000-09, more coaches with defensive backgrounds were hired as head coaches.

Shift to the offensive side

But that has changed drastically. In eight of 10 seasons from 2010-19, more coaches with offensive backgrounds have been hired.

After 2015, when six of the seven new hires were defensive-minded coaches, NFL teams have chosen offensive- minded coaches in 21 of 28 hires (75%), including all seven in 2016.

“I guess each organization has their thoughts on how to win,” said Zimmer, the noted old-school defensive mind. “Whether it’s scoring points and putting people in the stands. Or playing good defense and trying to win games.”

Zim with the zing.

After firing the defensive-minded Rivera, Panthers owner David Tepper sounded like a guy who’s ready to switch over to the other side of the ball. He didn’t rule out coaches with defensive backgrounds, but his comments were telling.

“In the modern NFL, I think there is a preference for offensive coordinators, and I think there are reasons for that,” he said. “The NFL has made rules to lean to the offense. That’s why you’re having more people go that way. And I think you have a lot of people on that side accepting the more modern processes.”

After hearing that quote, Zimmer looked like he was ready to send Anthony Barr and after Tepper on one of those vintage Zimmer A-gap blitzes.

“I don’t agree with that,” Zimmer said. “I think each individual is different. I know there are some defensive coaches who are very innovative and open-minded. And I’ve been around a lot of offensive coaches who are very stubborn and won’t change.

“An offensive guy can be disciplined and hard-nosed, and a defensive guy can be loosey-goosey. I don’t think that stigma is right.”

If Zimmer sounds defensive, well, that’s because more and more people seem to think his kind is going the way of the dodo bird. (Even though Belichick schooled young offensive wunderkind Sean McVay 13-3 in the Super Bowl just 10 months ago.)

Of the 26 head coaches with defensive backgrounds hired this decade, only eight (30.8%) are left: Carroll (2010), Zimmer (2014), Dan Quinn (2015), Sean McDermott (2017), Matt Patricia and (2018) and and (2019). And Quinn is most likely on his way out in Atlanta. Of the three hired in 2014, Zimmer is the only one left.

Of the 42 head coaches with offensive backgrounds hired this decade, 18 (42.9) are left. Two retired and one resigned. Of the four hired in 2014, only Houston’s Bill O’Brien is left after Washington fired Jay Gruden earlier this season.

Decades ago, comedian George Gobel went on “The Tonight Show” and asked Johnny Carson, “Ever feel like the world is a tuxedo and you are a pair of brown shoes?”

Zimmer laughed when asked that. He got the point and wasn’t offended that he basically was being called a dinosaur in a land where more attention is paid to the wizards on offense.

‘What can the players do?’

“I’m a figure-it-out guy,” Zimmer said. “I’m an, ‘OK, what’s the offense looking at? How can we move this chess piece to another spot? How can we come up with a different way?’ So I like it.

“I believe in the things we’re doing with our technique and fundamentals. But when you’re talking about scheme, then I’m always tinkering and looking at things. But there’s a fine line to that, too. I’ve had some very smart defensive coaches in the rooms with me. They’ll say, ‘Let’s try this, let’s try that.’ And I say, ‘Those are good ideas, but what can the players do?’ To me, that’s the most important thing.”

Many in Purple Nation are calling for Zimmer to figure out why his vaunted defense is ranked 16th in yards allowed, a mark that, if it holds up, would be the worst finish for a Zimmer defense since the 2007 Falcons finished 29th.

“We have not played up to my expectations in a while, maybe going back to it starting in Detroit [Week 7],” Zimmer said. “But it’s not a crisis. I have guys that I trust.

“Now do I want us to play better? Heck, yeah. I’m one of those guys who wants to choke every team we play. But at the end of the day it’s about wins, not rankings.

“Here’s a good example. One year in Dallas, I had a really good defense that was ranked fifth with four games left. We ended up 13th. It was one of the worst defenses, statistically, but that was a good defensive crew. All that stuff can change. All I worry about is the wins. I’m not panicking on it.”

As for that brown pair of shoes in a tuxedo world, well, Zimmer’s not fretting about that either.

“Every year, there is some kind of offensive trend, right?” he said. “It’s the rocket sweep, the wildcat, back in the day it was the run-and-shoot. Now it’s .

“It’s zone read, it’s all college football stuff, the rocket with the flash and everybody going this way and that way and this way. So, honestly, that gets my juices flowing because I want to prove to people that I can figure this stuff out.”

That’s not all.

“And the other thing is I want to prove to people I can put an end to it,” Zimmer said. “You know what I mean? Because if it don’t work, they aren’t going to run it anymore. They’re going to have to come with something else.

“That’s probably what the offensive guys they say about me. ‘He runs those double-A gaps, so we’re going to do this so he stops running it.’ And then I have to come up with something else. That really gets the juices flowing for me.”

PUBLICATION: STAR TRIBUNE DATE: 12/8/19

Vikings defense has gone missing

By Jim Souhan

V ikings fans might want to reconsider their signature cheer. When they slap palms overhead and chant “Skol!’’ it appears that what opposing offenses are hearing is “Score!”

This was another embarrassing week for what two years ago was the NFL’s top-ranked defense. On Monday night, the Vikings allowed 37 points and 444 yards to Seattle while star cornerback threw a fit on the field and sideline.

Rhodes apologized on Wednesday, but his mood, if not his tantrum, fit the Vikings’ dire situation. Their defense is in decline because of some of their best and highest-paid players.

The tend to be chicken soup for a franchise’s soul, but the Vikings have proved over the past two months that they can make almost anybody look good. Even the Broncos, who employ an offense only so can rest.

Through five weeks, the Vikings defense looked familiar, allowing an average of 14.6 points and 292.4 yards per game, with many of those yards produced by Atlanta and Oakland at the end of blowouts.

At that point, the Vikings were 3-2 and and his relationship with his receivers ranked as the franchise’s biggest concerns.

Trouble for the defense arose, strangely, amid a winning streak. The Vikings beat Philadelphia 38-20 but gave up 400 yards. They won in Detroit 42-30 but allowed 433 yards and four touchdowns to Marvin “Not Julio” Jones.

Then came a reprieve. The Vikings faced Washington at home on a Thursday night, and Washington displayed all of the organization savvy and maturity we have come to expect of Daniel Snyder’s losers, with the Vikings winning 19-9 and holding & Co. to 216 yards.

Against a backup quarterback in Kansas City who was out of the league last year, the Vikings allowed 26 points and 377 yards, including a stunning, straight-line 91-yard touchdown run on which Damien Williams was barely touched.

Against the , the Vikings won 28-24 but allowed 443 yards and may have survived only because of the Cowboys’ silly play-calling in the red zone on their final drive.

Against the Broncos at home, the Vikings fell behind a bad team and another backup quarterback 20-0 at the half before rallying to win. The Broncos managed 394 yards.

Then came Seattle, with the Seahawks rushing for 218 yards and torching Rhodes on a 60-yard touchdown pass to a reserve receiver.

The defense ranks 16th in the NFL in total yards allowed, 20th against the pass and 15th against the run. Over the past seven games, the Vikings have allowed an average of 387 yards per game (which would rank 28th in the NFL if extrapolated over the full season) and 415 if you remove the Washington gimme.

Their problem is simple: Four highly paid veterans are in decline or hampered by injuries.

Rhodes, 29, was once one of the best all-around cornerbacks in the league; now he’s the target of offensive game plans.

Defensive end , 31, was having a quality season until he wasn’t. In recent weeks he has disappeared.

Nose tackle , 31, rushed back from knee surgery and was not himself against Seattle.

Anthony Barr, 27, had 7 ½ sacks in his first two NFL seasons. He has 7 ½ sacks over the rest of his career, from the beginning of the 2016 season through today. That may not be the ideal statistic by which to evaluate a linebacker, but the Vikings were wary of signing Barr to a long-term contract unless he improved his pass-rushing skills. He didn’t, and they signed him anyway.

After flirting with the Jets, Barr signed a five-year contract, earning himself some stability. The others can’t feel safe.

The Vikings could save $8.1 million on their 2020 salary cap by cutting Rhodes and $12.45 million by cutting Joseph, and Griffen is likely to trigger statistical milestones that will make him a free agent.

Rhodes, Joseph and Griffen have been excellent players for the Vikings, who this month desperately need them to turn back the clock. PUBLICATION: STAR TRIBUNE DATE: 12/8/19

Kirk Cousins' season could be a historic one for the Vikings quarterback

By Sid Hartman

Kirk Cousins wasn’t perfect in the Vikings’ 37-30 loss at Seattle on “,” throwing for 276 yards, two touchdowns and one interception — but it says a lot that his 87.2 passer rating was his second-worst mark of the season, trailing only his 52.9 mark in the Vikings’ 21-16 loss at Green Bay in Week 2.

The fact is that Cousins is putting together a historic campaign.

And he said that even though the Vikings lost to the Seahawks, he can take positives away from that game just as he took negatives away from their 27-23 win over the Broncos.

“I mean there’s always positives and there’s always negatives,” Cousins said. “In a win like we had against Denver, there were a lot of negatives and the result is obviously what drives the narrative, but there are points throughout any game where you can point to good things and bad things.”

Cousins’ 111.9 rating ranks second in the NFL behind only Ryan Tannehill of Tennessee, who has played in just eight games. But that mark would be the highest in Vikings history, a record set in 2004 by Daunte Culpepper, when he threw for 4,717 yards and 39 touchdowns.

And when you consider that Cousins has now been without , easily one of the best receivers in the NFL, for four games, it’s all the more impressive.

Cousins said his view is that no matter what, you are going to deal with injuries throughout the season, and you have to respond.

“I don’t think many teams have the guys they started the season with,” Cousins said. “And we lost [in Week 3], he was a key piece of our offense and he hasn’t been here because of an unfortunate injury. You know you lose people. You have to find a way to keep going. I think the good football teams are the ones that regardless of who has been injured you still win and you find ways to get it done.”

One player who has definitely stepped up is tight end . Including the Week 9 game at Kansas City where Thielen got hurt, Rudolph has caught 16 passes for 154 yards and five scores in Thielen’s absence.

“I think it has been really just a result of play calls, coverages and then Kyle making some spectacular catches,” Cousins said. “But certainly he has had a little bit of an uptick through the middle of this season. I think that has been great not only for him but for our offense. It’s made a difference. It has been great to see how he’s made us right so many times when we give him the football, a tough catch, a tight window, making the play.”

Stefanski on system, Cousins

First-year offensive coordinator believes there’s no doubt the system the team put in place in the offseason is helping Cousins’ historic season. But he also said the game plan wouldn’t matter if Cousins hadn’t worked extremely hard to learn a brand-new system in just a few months.

“We’re definitely doing things that Kirk is really comfortable with, and it’s important as we put this thing together to have a scheme that plays to his strengths,” Stefanski said. “I think certainly you see with the way he has performed this is something that he does really well, our play-action game, the screen game, on third down, in the red zone, he has really taken the bit. To his credit it is a new system for him, and he has really grinded on it to get to know the ins and outs of every play.”

And the fact that Cousins has been able to roll out so much this season has changed everything. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Cousins has averaged 2.97 seconds holding the ball per pass, the best mark in the league.

“That’s something he has done in his career,” Stefanski said. “You go back to the Michigan State days, he was a really good player when you got him on the move. At least from our standpoint, it is something he is really good at, keep doing it, because he matches up with our run game.”

Clean pocket, fewer sacks

The pressure stats back up that Cousins is getting better protection. He has taken just 1.8 sacks per game this season after taking 2.5 per game in 2018.

“No sacks the other night [against Seattle] — when you’re going against these defensive fronts in the NFL, there are some really talented rushers,” Stefanski said. “We have put our guys in some tough spots, and they have responded.”

What has also pleased Stefanski is the fact that even though the team has had injuries on the line, players have stepped up to play multiple positions and still had success.

“We have had guys in and out of the lineup due to injury and you’d love to see all five of those guys play together for 16 games, but that’s just not the reality most years,” he said. “I have been really proud of the guys that have stepped up, stepped in at right guard, then come in at left guard; came in this last game and played. It’s a group that really is working together, which is so important for those five guys. It has been so impressive with how they’ve gone about it.”

JOTTINGS

• Jerry Reichow will be the Vikings’ honorary captain for their game with the Lions on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Reichow played for the Vikings from 1961-64 and has been with the franchise for over five decades in various scouting and player personnel roles. There are few people who have shaped the franchise more than Reichow.

• Vikings George Edwards on the team being ranked 16th in total defense after ranking in the top five the past three years: “We’re not worried about stats. What we’re concerned about is helping our team win.”

• Pro Football Focus’ NFL mock draft sees the Vikings picking cornerback Jaylon Johnson of Utah: “With a free agent and Xavier Rhodes struggling, the Vikings could very well address cornerback in the first once again,” PFF wrote.

• The fact that ’s Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman are believed to be the first teammates to be named All-Big Ten first team at receiver is unbelievable. The fact that Bateman can’t turn pro until 2021 is a huge bonus for next season.

• A big plus about the Gophers’ 2020 schedule is that their first four games are at home — nonconference contests with Florida Atlantic and Tennessee Tech, then Iowa on Sept. 19 followed by another nonconference game with BYU. They will also face Michigan, Purdue and Northwestern at home while traveling to Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan State and Nebraska.

• The latest projections have the Gophers playing in the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day. It could be a tough opponent, most likely from the SEC, such as Alabama, Auburn or Tennessee.

• The Gophers have played on New Year’s Day only twice — the 1961 Rose Bowl and the 2014 Citrus Bowl, under Jerry Kill. PUBLICATION: SKOR North DATE: 12/8/19

When did the Vikings’ rookies no longer feel like rookies?

By Matthew Coller

EAGAN — When we have reached the final quarter of the NFL season, there’s a coaching cliche that gets thrown around regularly about young players: “They aren’t rookies anymore.”

The ’ rookie class is among the top in the NFL in first-year impact. Five players — , Irv Smith, , and Austin Cutting — have stepped into significant roles and provided quality and sixth-rounder is starting to see the field.

“Fortunately, our rookie class is very smart,” offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski said. “I think you can go across the board on each one of those guys. We knew that because we got in front of them, we interviewed them, but there’s so much information that you need to get across to them in a timely fashion for them to contribute.”

They have roles. They have expectations. They are counted on. So they aren’t rookies anymore.

But when does that happen?

“It depends on the person really,” head coach Mike Zimmer said. “We have some young defensive players that are still rookies and then we have other guys that have advanced. (Armon) Watts, he’s advanced to where he’s been playing a little bit more. Some of them are different like (Kris) Boyd on special teams. He’s probably not a rookie there, but he might be rookie out at the back end. The offensive guys, I don’t really see those guys as rookies anymore.”

Do they see themselves as rookies still? What were their welcome-to-the-NFL moments? How do other players still let them know they are rooks? Well, we asked them…

When did it feel like you weren’t a rookie anymore?

Garrett Bradbury has taken big steps forward since his debut Garrett Bradbury: “I don’t think it’s something that all the sudden clicks, it’s something you continue to work on. It just comes with experience and reps. You can’t simulate game reps, I don’t care how many practices you have. Game experience is invaluable. I’m still trying to learn every day, that’s why I lean on the older guys I’m playing with.”

Alexander Mattison: “I’d probably say early on because coach KP would always say ‘you’re not a rookie anymore’ and I feel like the first game he’d tell me ‘you can’t have that mentality, you can’t think like a rookie, you can’t think of yourself like a rookie.’ I treated the game as that. I have a role on this team and I treat it as that, not really with the tag that I’m a rookie to it or first year. Just go out there and contribute, try and be special.”

Irv Smith: “During the first game I was like, ‘I’m out here playing the majority of the game, I’m out here making plays in the run game, pass game.’ And my coaches were saying ‘you’re not a rookie anymore, you’re out there so you have to play like you’ve been here before.’ So that’s the mindset I try to have.”

Armon Watts: “Once I realized that they started to trust me more, putting me in the game more and I was being consistent in my play. Now that that’s been happening a lot more you don’t feel like a first-timer, especially once you start making plays. It took awhile. I wasn’t playing the first nine games, I had to come in week in and week out and perfect what I was doing, focus on getting better, not hanging my head, knowing whenever the opportunity came I have to make the most of it.”

Bisi Johnson: “Once you start getting the respect of your coaches and your teammates. When your quarterback gains trust in you, specifically for a receiver and when you feel comfortable out there on the field. I wouldn’t say the first part of my season I was going through — not during games really but during those early practices — I would go out and just not know what the heck I’m doing. But it comes to a point where you’ve studied enough, you’ve played enough where you just have to trust yourself and go out there and play your game. Football hasn’t changed it’s just understanding the plays.”

What was your ‘wow, I’m in the NFL’ moment?

Alexander Mattison has offered a nice change of pace for the Vikings when needs a rest Bisi Johnson: “The big one for me was walking onto that Green Bay field. Very historic, huge stadium in the middle of nowhere. That was a lot of fun and it was overwhelming at first but then I got in a few plays there and it was like, ‘OK, we’re here, we’re doing it.'”

Austin Cutting: “To be honest it was [Us Bank Stadium]. I hadn’t been there before. It’s a cool atmosphere. I played in Dallas when I was in high school and that was kind of cool because I played there in high school for the playoffs and then the next time I played there was a month or so ago. It was cool. Coming back playing in the NFL. My family was out there for it.”

Armon Watts: “Just being able to get a sack on primetime football, Sunday night against Dallas, that was big for me. That’s a moment I’m never going to forget. I think it was a big turning point for me.”

Irv Smith: “Alabama really prepared me but certain players are just unbelievable. Khalil Mack, Clowney, guys like that.”

Do you feel like you’re comfortable with the X’s and O’s now? Bisi Johnson: “I still have a lot to learn, I’ll tell you that. I understand defenses a lot better than I ever have right now but I still don’t know it. It’s not second nature to me. I know my job well and that allows me to look up at the defense and try to understand coverages and things like that but there’s still so much more to it.”

Garrett Bradbury: “Definitely trying to built off each week. It’s not a finished product in Week 1, that wasn’t the expectation, that wasn’t my hope but the goal is always to be better than you were last week, be better tomorrow than I was today so going out and practicing and going out and playing games with these guys is just trying to put it all together so you’re playing your best football in December and postseason when it matters.”

Alex Mattison: “That comes with being comfortable with the base stuff but I’m learning new things every week. I’m learning more than just my position. Trying to learn the concepts of some plays and read defenses. There’s always more to build on.”

How do the veterans let you know that you’re the rookie in the room?

Irv Smith has been one of the top performing tight ends in the NFL Bisi Johnson: “They give me crap. They give me a hard time on the sidelines, during practice. I have Adam out there all the time. I even told him today, ‘you’re always on me for something.’ That’s basically it, that’s how I know I’m still a rookie. But they respect me and it’s all fun.”

Irv Smith: “They haven’t been too bad on me. I had to decorate the room for Christmas. I have to do little stuff. This Christmas they said they’re going to get on me with the presents so we’ll see how that goes.”

Austin Cutting: “Yeah they do but not in a degrading way. That’s just Britton’s personality, he will be like, ‘whoa, whoa hang on a second,’ just messing with me. We mess with each other all the time and that’s what makes a good unit is everyone being able to get along. I’ve been fortunate to be in a place where there’s people who have almost 20 years combined.”

Armon Watts: “I still have rookie duties, getting breakfast on certain days, little stuff. Our room is close. They tell me what I need to do week in and week out and they are very supportive on and off the field.”

Garrett Bradbury: “Everything. Daily reminders.”

PUBLICATION: The Athletic DATE: 12/8/19

Vikings Week 14 preview: What to watch vs. Lions, keys to victory and picks

By The Athletic Staff

The Lions make their annual trip to on Sunday, and in one sense, it might be the most important game left on the schedule — because it should be the most winnable. Next up is a road game against the unpredictable Chargers — they’re 4-8 but are outscoring their opponents on the season and beat the Packers in LA earlier this year — followed by home games against the division-leading Packers and heating-up Bears.

At 8-4, the Vikings are in a good position to earn at least a wild-card berth for the playoffs, but that outlook would take a hit if they can’t take care of business against the Lions and their third-string quarterback, David Blough. Will they get it done? Our crew of Chad Graff, Arif Hasan and Jon Krawczynski previews Week 14.

What I’m watching Graff: The Vikings’ defensive line against a backup quarterback. Last year, the Vikings sacked Matthew Stafford 10 times in the Lions’ game in Minnesota. This year, Detroit is stuck trying to slow that front four with a third-string quarterback. This is a great opportunity for the Vikings’ defensive line to get back on track.

Hasan: The secondary. Right now it seems like the Vikings’ greatest weakness, and head coach Mike Zimmer is well aware. The coverage rules seem to have changed, and if they have, the secondary will look a lot different. Despite the final score, they mostly did well against Russell Wilson — minus one long touchdown. They absolutely need to do well against Blough or it’ll be a short playoff run.

Krawczynski: Dalvin Cook. The Vikings’ medical and training staff is among the best in the league, so there is no reason to believe they would allow a player to take the field if it was against his best interests. But it was hard to watch Cook go down Monday night in Seattle and writhe in pain — then tell KFAN this week he tries to shift his body as he’s going to the turf so his chest injury doesn’t hurt as much when he hits the ground — and believe he is good enough to go. He is very important to what the Vikings do, so if the injury worsens and he has to miss a chunk of time, that would be unfortunate. On the other hand, if he’s able to play well, it makes a massive difference in what the Vikings can accomplish on the offensive end.

Start ’em, sit ’em Each week, we’ll be taking a look at something positive (start ’em) and something we’re not so crazy about (sit ’em) for the game ahead. Some of it might help you with your fantasy team, some of it will just be in good fun.

Graff: Start — Zimmer against rookie quarterbacks. It’s a lot for a first-year quarterback to start in the NFL. But it’s a whole other thing to start against Zimmer’s defense. This ain’t West Lafayette, David Blough. Sit — The NFC wild-card race. I can’t remember a year with this little intrigue for which teams would make the postseason. Of course, that could change if the Vikings lay an egg at home. But I don’t see that happening.

Hasan: Start — Runaway games. It’s been a bit since the Vikings definitively won a game and sat on a lead — this could be such a game. A seemingly demoralized Lions team without their MVP-level quarterback and a defense that couldn’t keep up its early success should be a prime opportunity for the Vikings. Sit — “Must-win.” If it’s possible some games in the NFL aren’t “must-win,” this would be one of them. Winning three of their last four should be enough for the Vikings to make the playoffs — though technically it wouldn’t guard against a simultaneous Rams and Eagles run. It’s an important game, but they all are.

Krawczynski: Start — Kyle Rudolph. The veteran tight end has put together back-to-back strong performances with nine catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games. Kirk Cousins has said Rudolph has the best hands of any receiver he’s thrown to, and there is an inherent trust there that has helped the offense keep going while Adam Thielen has been out. Sit — Xavier Rhodes. It was admirable that Rhodes spoke at length and with honesty about his struggles this season. He clearly believes he is capable of more, but right now there is not much evidence to support it. If he can eliminate some of the mental errors and outbursts, that will be a decent start.

The Vikings win if … Graff: The offense shows up. Or if the defense shows up. Or if they aren’t a disaster on special teams. As long as they don’t overlook the Lions (too much), this one shouldn’t be an issue.

Hasan: They stay composed. They needed to be aggressive against the Seahawks and failed, but that doesn’t mean they need to then take unnecessary risks against the Lions.

Krawczynski: They respect the Lions enough not to believe they can just mail it in. This should be a tuneup for more challenging games that lie ahead. Emphasis on “should be.”

Quote of the week “I’m at a place right now where I feel like I can do better and I can help my team out much more.” — Xavier Rhodes

Prediction Graff: Vikings 27, Lions 14. The Vikings shouldn’t have to sweat this one out. They build an early lead and rest Cook for much of the second half as they improve to 9-4 on the season.

Hasan: Vikings 28, Lions 10. Blough performed better than anyone could have expected last week against Chicago, but it’s unlikely he can maintain that.

Krawczynski: Vikings 24, Lions 13. The defense should be much faster and more aggressive playing at home. Facing a quarterback like Blough rather than Wilson is a plus as well.

Week-by-week picks Chad retook the overall lead last week after being the only one to pick chalk and take the Seahawks. This week, not surprisingly, we have Vikings picks across the board, meaning Chad will be up one game with three to go. Who do you think will win? Head over to our Twitter poll to let us know. — Zack Pierce

PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 12/8/19

How to Watch Vikings vs. Lions: Preview, TV Channel, Streaming, Radio, Odds

By Will Ragatz

The Vikings (8-4) are back in Minneapolis in Week 14, and they're looking for a season sweep of the Lions (3-8-1).

After coming up short in Seattle last weekend, the Vikings will attempt to bounce back and remain undefeated at home this season. Now just one game up on the Rams and 1.5 games up on the Bears for the second NFC wild card spot, the Vikings need to take care of business in this one as 13-point favorites.

Once 2-0-1, the Lions have lost eight of their last nine games and five in a row. Their only win since September ended came at home against the Giants in Week 8. Rookie third-string quarterback David Blough will make his second career start after impressing in a narrow loss to the Bears on Thanksgiving.

The Vikings are the far better team on paper, but they aren't overlooking the Lions. Kirk Cousins referenced the Broncos game the last time the Vikings were at home, as well as last year's Bills game, when saying that anyone on the team would "have to be pretty clueless" to look past this game. The Vikings, who scored 42 points the last time they played the Lions, will look to continue their offensive success against a struggling defense. On the other side, Mike Zimmer stressed the importance of actually covering Marvin Jones, who had four touchdown receptions in the game in Detroit.

All the preview content you need is below.

The Vikings fell slightly in the power rankings this week. Takeaways from the loss to the Seahawks as the Vikings move forward All the details of Dalvin Cook's injury Xavier Rhodes called his own press conference on Wednesday. Does he have a future in Minnesota? The full injury report for the Vikings Expert predictions My prediction: Vikings 35, Lions 9. The Vikings are due for a blowout win. They'll come out focused and hungry to start fast and avoid a Broncos-esque scare. Zimmer will fluster Blough, and the Vikings will have their way on offense. This won't be close.

Broadcast Information Location: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis

Game Time: 12:00 pm CT

TV Channel: FOX (Thom Brennaman, )

Radio: 100.3 KFAN (Paul Allen, Pete Bercich)

Online/Streaming: FuboTV, Yahoo Sports App, FOX Sports Go PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 12/8/19

Final Thoughts: Stefanski Details Weekly Approach, Process to Vikings Game Plan

By Lindsey Young

EAGAN, Minn. – It’s never ideal to have key pieces of your roster sidelined, but the Vikings always have a plan in place.

The Vikings announced that Adam Thielen, who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 during 2019’s first meeting between the Vikings and Lions, is doubtful for Sunday’s matchup.

Two other starters – left tackle Riley Reiff and running back Dalvin Cook – left Monday night’s game with injuries. Reiff (concussion) is designated as questionable; Cook, who has maintained confidence throughout the week that he will play Sunday, did not receive a status and should be good to go.

But regardless of who’s in the lineup come Sunday at noon, the Vikings coaching staff will be ready with a game plan.

Vikings Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski spoke with Twin Cities media members on Thursday and explained the approach.

“You always sit there on Monday and Tuesday, and you’re working with the training staff on who they think might be available, so you’re putting a plan together and you have a, ‘If this guy is ready, we’ll do it out of this formation, and if he’s not, it’ll be this formation,’ ” Stefanski said. “So, it’s certainly something that we’re talking about throughout the week, and even on game day you have to have those conversations.

“Luckily, I have a really good coaching staff that can help me through that and say, ‘All right, hey, we’ve lost this guy, now we’re out of that personnel group. Now the next time you want to do that, let’s do it out of this personnel group,’ ” he added.

If Reiff isn’t able to play this weekend, tackle Rashod Hill would get the nod in his place.

Since the Vikings signed him off the Jaguars practice squad in 2016, Hill has played in 39 games for Minnesota and made 15 starts.

Stefanski highlighted Hill’s versatility as a swing tackle who prepares throughout the season to step in on the right or left side, depending on where he’s needed.

“You saw in that game [against the Seahawks] he came in, and I thought he performed pretty well,” Stefanski said of Hill. “Riley’s a captain of this team, [and we] certainly want him out there. If he’s not available to go, that’s why you have backups that are on point like Rashod, like he showed this last week.

“Rashod is certainly a guy that we’ve leaned on,” Stefanski added. “He’s come in during a game before. He’s come in during the week. He’s really taken the bit as being a player that is always ready to go.”

Injury Report

The Vikings on Friday announced that Thielen (hamstring) is doubtful, and Reiff (concussion) is questionable.

DT Linval Joseph (knee), RB Dalvin Cook (chest), DE Everson Griffen (knee), DT Shamar Stephen, LB Eric Wilson (shoulder) and S Harrison Smith (hamstring) were not given a status on Friday’s report and are likely ready to go.

The Lions ruled out DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle) and QB Matthew Stafford (hip/back).

DE Austin Bryan (hip) is doubtful, and CBs Jamal Agnew and Rashaan Melvin are each questionable.

DT Damon Harrison, Sr., (calf/knee/resting vet) and P Sam Martin (abdomen) did not receive a status and likely will play on Sunday.

Fan Mail

How is our practice squad doing? Anybody there “coming on”? In particular, offensive linemen?

– Gary

The Vikings currently have just one offensive lineman on the practice squad in center John Keenoy. He was with the team in training camp but came back last month. Aviante Collins had been on the practice squad for most of the season, but he was recently elevated to the 53-man roster.

Some names to keep an eye on might be tight end Brandon Dillon, who originally made the 53-man roster out of camp, and defensive end Stacy Keely, who could show growth next year in OTAs and training camp.

Thanks for the support, and SKOL!

Quotable

“This is just about the next game. It’s about getting back on track. Stacking good play together and building some momentum leading into that potential playoff run. The only thing we’re trying to do is get a ticket to the dance; once we get in, it’s anyone’s game. It’s about whatever team shows up to play on that given Saturday, Sunday, Monday – I don’t even care what day it is. The only thing we want is a ticket in, and then we’re going to take care of business.”

- DE on if there’s a “higher sense of urgency” this week

ProBowl_1200x1200 Voting Now Open!

Vote to help make sure all your favorite Vikings make the 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando.

VOTE NOW Stat of the Week

Cook and Company could play a key role for the Vikings on Sunday.

Minnesota is 6-1 when gaining at least 150 net yards rushing.

Against Detroit in Week 7, the Vikings racked up 166 yards on the ground. Dalvin Cook led the way with 25 carries for 142 yards and two touchdowns. If he in any way has a limited workload, however, the Vikings have equal confidence in rookie running back Alexander Mattison, and Mike Boone.

“I think you saw at the end of this last ballgame we didn’t have Dalvin. and we’re in a two-minute throwing session and not much changes,” Stefanski said. “We look at it as our backups know the game plan cold, and they’re ready to go. Are they the same player as a Dalvin Cook? No. We understand that, but we’re not going to limit ourselves and what we can do without any one of our players.”

Broadcast Info

TV BROADCAST

FOX (KMSP in the Twin Cities)

Play-by-Play: Thom Brennaman

Analyst: Chris Spielman

Sideline Reporter: Shannon Spake

LOCAL RADIO

KFAN (100.3-FM/KTLK 1130-AM in Minneapolis/St. Paul)

Play-by-Play: Paul Allen

Analyst: Pete Bercich

Sideline Reporters: Greg Coleman & Ben Leber

Radio Pre-game Show: Mike Mussman | 10 a.m. (CT)

KFAN and KTLK serve as the flagship stations for the five-state Vikings Radio Network.

SATELLITE RADIO

Sirius: DEN 133 or Streaming 809; MIN 81 or Streaming 819

XM: DEN Streaming 809; MIN 225 or Streaming 819

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Click here for the full bevy of options that include over-the-air, cable, satellite, over-the-top and streaming methods.