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| On 7 years ago

Zimmer: Case Keenum Has “Big Balls,” Will Start Thursday

By Sean Borman

Image courtesy of Vikings.com

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer just blew up Twitter.

In Tuesday’s press conference, Zimmer explained what he loves about quarterback Case Keenum, how he plays football and his willingness to takes risks.

“The thing I like the most about Case [Keenum] is he’s got big balls. He’s not afraid. He’s going to pull the trigger and he’s going to play like that, so, you know, that’s a good thing.”

Zimmer confirmed Keenum will start the Week 12 Thanksgiving matchup against the Lions.

Press Conference Quotes

Zimmer on this week’s game: “Big division game this week, on the road. Ought to be a good contest. We’re looking forward to going over there on Thursday and playing.”

Zimmer on the Detroit Lions:

“They’re a good team. They’ve got a great quarterback. Really good skilled receivers, tight ends. The two running backs are nifty, catch the ball out of the backfield.”

The coach continued, “Defensively they’ve got a good scheme. The back end doesn’t give up a lot of plays. They’ve got a heck of a punter and a heck of a kicker. The linebackers are active. The d-line gets up the field and goes. It’s a good football team. They’re well-coached.”

Zimmer on things the team needs to do better against the Lions: “We haven’t scored enough points. I mean, 16-13 twice I believe. Kicked a 60-yard field goal once and then last year was 14-7… We turned the ball over three times last game. We got in the red zone and haven’t converted. One time I think we had a turnover down there… in the red zone we ended up going backwards and had to punt the ball. Things like that.”

Early Injury Report
  • Tackle Mike Remmers (concussion) is expected to practice today, according to Zimmer.
  • Defensive end Brian Robison (lower back) was listed as a non-participant on yesterday’s injury report even though the team did not practice.
  • Cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes (calf) and Mackensie Alexander (ankle) are expected to play Thursday.
  • Safety Andrew Sendejo (groin, hamstring) is expected to play as well.

This is the second consecutive year the Vikings have played in the Motor City on Turkey Day. The divisional opponents face off at 11:30am (CST) on Thursday. The Vikings (8-2) have won six games in a row. Detroit (6-4) has a three-game winning streak.

Sean Borman

Sean Borman is a writer with Minnesota roots that's a Vikings optimist. He was an intern with the Vikings during college and is an IT nerd by day. You can find him on the golf course during summer and on Twitter @SeanBormanNFL.

Tags: andrew sendejo brian robison case keenum Mackensie Alexander Mike Remmers Mike Zimmer xavier rhodes

View Comments

  • Lets give it our best, and see who's standing when the dust settles. Can't wait. SKOL

  • Classic Zimmer. However you want to say it, Case isn't afraid to chuck it. And that is a good thing. Yep sometimes it's going to end up going the other way. But you have to throw it to get the big plays and the 1st downs. He's got guts... and guts is enough.
    We're in a good spot. Big game in a couple days. Detroit has beat us the last 3... time for a little payback.
    SKOL!

    • Lol, Zimmer isn't afraid to say what's on his mind. Gotta love the old school terminology. Time to beat Detroit! SKOL

  • No doubt he was referring to the slightly oversize and much weightier footballs he practices with. Ahem ... yep that must be it.