Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated veteran quarterback Matt Cassel will remain the team's starting quarterback entering the week of preparation for the New Orleans Saints. Zimmer also said he will continue to hold the quarterback position to a high standard, just like every other position on the field.
Derek Wetmore writes about the Vikings quarterback position as well as Zimmer and other teammate's votes of confidence in Cassel:
"If you play this position for long enough, you have to have tough skin," Cassel said. "I know fans were frustrated today, just like we are. When you lose in the manner you did, I understand their frustration. At same time, have to try and tune it out, go out and perform."
*Head coach Mike Zimmer put a rest to any potentially quarterback controversy this week by saying after the game that Cassel would be his starter next week, as the Vikings travel to New Orleans to play the Saints. *
Zimmer said he didn't consider putting Bridgewater into Sunday's game.
"No but as I've said before I'm going to hold the quarterback position -- just like every position here -- to the same standard.
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View images from the home opener at TCF Bank Stadium as the Vikings played host to the Patriots.
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"And I also said I wasn't going to have a quick hook," Zimmer said. "Matt needs to play better. It's pretty obvious he needs to play better. We all need to play better. I need to coach better."
Cassel apparently agreed with his coach's assessment of the quarterback's performance.
"I do appreciate [the confidence], there's no doubt about it," Cassel said. "Obviously today was a tough day for me. You want to put your team in a great position to win. I take full responsibility for not taking care of the football today. I'll do a better job, and I will. But it didn't go the way I wanted it to today."
Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson said he supports Cassel as the starting quarterback.
"I stand behind Matt," Patterson said. "I'm going to stand behind him each day because I respect him and the things he [does] and what he brings to this game every day."
Patterson's confidence in Cassel is shared throughout the locker room and look for the 10-year vet to bounce back on the road against the Saints.
Quick Hitters
- Wide receiver Greg Jennings grabbed his 500th career pass during Sunday's game vs. the Patriots.
- Decoy role doesn't frustrate Cordarrelle Patterson, via John Shipley of the Pioneer Press.
- Tim Yotter: Vikings reinstate Priefer after suspension.
