Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer
Big division game this week – on the road. It'll be a good contest. We're looking forward to going over there on Thursday and playing.
Q: When you look at the last several games against the Lions, what stands out that you have to do better?
A: We haven't scored enough points – 16, 13 twice I believe, kicked a sixty-yard field goal once, and last [game] was 14-7.
Q: Do you feel that the offense has made the most strides?
A: Well, we turned the ball over three times the last game [vs. Detroit] and we got in the red zone and haven't converted. One time I think we had a turnover down there and we ended up going backwards in the red zone and had to punt the ball. Things like that.
Q: What's been the key to success on third down conversions and red zone attempts?
A: We've been working on it a lot. We've been spending an awful lot of time on it.
Q: How is Mike Remmers health wise?
A: I don't know. He's going to get out here today and practice a little bit.
Q: Any concern at the cornerback position considering some guys are a little banged up?
A: No.
Q: Is the team playing over their head?
A: I don't know. We're doing a lot of good things right now. Our offense is moving the football. We're playing good on special teams. Defense is solid most of the time. I don't know about a division, but each game's differently. But we're doing okay.* *
Q: Anthony Harris made a couple of splash plays with the fumble, but overall how did you think he did?
A: He was fine. I really don't want to talk about last week anymore. Today's Thursday really.
Q: This might be obvious, but is Case Keenum starting?
A: Yes.
Q: What kind of value does Terence Newman's level headed approach do for the team?
A: That's part of who Terence is. He's always been great in the locker room, good mentor to these young guys. He's seen a lot of different things throughout his career and plus he's not afraid to voice his opinion.
Q: How much of a difference do you think it makes for them to have Taylor Decker back?
A: It helps. He's good. Helps a lot.
Q: More in the pass protection or run game as well?
A: Both. I mean guy's a good player, better than the guy that was playing before.
Q: When you look at the Lions what do you see?
A: 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 the backfield – we missed some tackles in that last ball game. Defensively they've got a good scheme. The backend doesn't give up a lot of plays. They got a heck of a punter and 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.
Q: What do you see from both Mike Remmers and Riley Reiff that when you decided to bring them in here made you believe that they would be a good fit?
A: A lot of it is about mentality. Brought in a couple guys with the mentality that we're looking for. Smart guys, tough guys.
Q: Does Detroit look any different from the last time you played them?
A: There's a few wrinkles here and there, but pretty much they're the same.
Q: What are they keys to keeping Case Keenum upright since he hasn't taken a lot of sacks?
A: We're doing a good job of protecting. We're changing protections. He is doing a good job of moving in the pocket. He's getting the ball to the right place.
Q: When you look at the way Case Keenum plays, what is the balance that you need between a guy who is willing to take some risks versus a guy you want to fit within the way you want to win games?
A: The thing I like the most about Case is he's got big balls. He's not afraid. He's going to pull the trigger and he is going to play like that. That's a good thing.
Q: With the Lions having several former head coaches on their staff, can you talk about their group?
A: They're good coaches, number one. They've been through a lot of these experiences that I might not have been. We have good communication with all of them. I think those guys have done an outstanding job. Not only with me, but with everybody.
