Questions Answered: Patchover QBs, Zimmer’s Dallas Ties, Where’s Bieniemy?

Patchover QBs Zimmer's Dallas Ties Where's Bieniemy?
Vikings/Rams, 2021

The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today’s is the January 21st edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].

Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.


Q: Do you guys endorse a patchover quarterback while grooming a young guy like Kellen Mond or another rookie?

Kellen Mond
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

A: No, we do not willfully want the Vikings to find a patchover quarterback.

Minnesota, before signing Kirk Cousins, endured QB-instability hell. The team never found a guy they liked for longer than a couple of seasons, aside from Daunte Culpepper or Fran Tarkenton. And it appears, if Cousins is traded, we’re headed right back to that Vikingsesque saga — finding a patchover guy, trying to squeeze the prime years out of him, and hoping the guy waiting in the wings is any good.

If the franchise wants to patch over a young guy — just do with it Cousins. Draft a quarterback in April’s draft — or truly evaluate Mond — and then wind down the Cousins era with a new guy waiting and verified good passer in Cousins.

It’s how the Chiefs did it. The method worked for them. Now, the Vikings just need to find a Mahomes. Easy, right?

Q: Have been hearing chatter about Zimmer going to the Cowboys. Is that real?

Purple PTSD: Fire-Zimmer Pros and Cons, Vikings 2022 FA, Ezra Cleveland Emergence
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

A: Yes, we firmly believe Zimmer will eventually be the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

Jerry Jones loves him. The Cowboys run a 4-3 defense — Zimmer’s baby. No rumblings have leaked indicating a Zimmer retirement. He isn’t interviewing for head coaching jobs. All of the last two weeks have been set up for Zimmer as a defensive coordinator. We believe that will indeed be with the Cowboys.

Dan Quinn needs to be hired as a head coach somewhere. After that, expect Zimmer to join Dallas’ staff. That’s our prediction. And it isn’t all that bold.

Q: You said Eric Bieniemy is the frontrunner to coach the Vikings. Will he actually be interviewed?

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

A: If you’re puzzled by why Bieniemy hasn’t been called by the Vikings for an interview, that same befuddlement must be present for Brian Daboll of the Buffalo Bills and his lack of interest from the Vikings.

Those two big names have not yet linked to the Vikings. For some reason, Minnesota is likely waiting until those teams either lose a playoff game or win the Super Bowl. Plus, the Vikings haven’t hired a general manager yet — and that man or woman, per the Wilfs, is supposed to make the head coach decision.

Sure, it’s strange that many other men are interviewing for the head coach opening. But for Bieniemy, Daboll, or Byron Leftwich, patience is likely a virtue.

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).



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