A Vikings Assistant Coach Knows How to Fix the Team
Dustin Baker
|
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is the NFL’s fourth longest-tenured skipper, outlasted only by Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin, and Pete Carroll.
Those men have won Super Bowls, so their leashes never seem to tighten. Such is not the case for Zimmer as his Vikings are 3-4, staring down the barrel of three murderous games — at the Baltimore Ravens, at the Los Angeles Chargers, and back home in three weeks to host the NFC North-leading Green Bay Packers.
Right now is crunchtime for the Vikings — and more specifically, Zimmer. His job is on the line, and the Vikings must win enough to reach the playoffs. And if they get there, a win is likely required for Zimmer to see the 2022 season.
He has a somewhat rosy interpretation of the season so far. In one of his recent press conferences, Zimmer preached statistics portraying the team in a positive light, insinuating the Vikings are not too far off from a successful season. This could be an act of defiance — Zimmer has never adored the media — or truly how he feels about a team. Meaning — he thinks his men might just turn the season around. We shall see.
One of his assistant coaches expressed a clear pathway for improvement this week. The words of wisdom came from Andre Patterson, the team’s co-defensive coordinator and longtime defensive lineman whisperer.
Here’s what Patterson said to reporters on Wednesday:
“We’ve got to get to the point to where instead of trying not to lose the game, as players, we’re going to win. We’ve got some guys that are trying not to make a mistake. That mentality has to flip.”
This nails it. For most of 2021, the Vikings play just well enough not to lose — which causes them to actually lose some games. Rarely does Minnesota smother an opponent without remorse. Zimmer wins, for the most, have always been a slow-burn of defensive suffocation. The problem is — in 2021, the defense is pretty decent but not sweltering. The suffocation strategy worked in 2017 and then in some 2018 games. But, on the whole, the Vikings defense has diminished in effectiveness since the start of 2019. They were plain bad last year because of injuries. So far this season, Zimmer’s defense is a sturdy bunch in the middle of games, caving down the stretch in final-drive situations.
What does Patterson mean? Well, his defense that allows 22 points per game (12th-best in the NFL) shouldn’t have to routinely bail out an offense showcasing talents like Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Kirk Cousins. He wants the offense to step on proverbial throats so the defense isn’t even given a chance to blow it. That’s what good offensive teams do.
Sure, many games will require defensive stands — but not all of them. Because nearly every 2021 Vikings game tunnels down to the final drive, the defense is always magnified, and yes, it has made crucial mistakes.
Patterson could very well be speaking about the defensive personnel. Yet, the message is more applicable to the offensive side of the operation.
Convert third downs, don’t allow absolute dry spells of playcalling on offense, and run up the score — is probably the best mantra for the Vikings remaining 10 games.
Now, let’s see if the team actually heeds Patterson’s warning.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
You must be logged in to post a comment.