When a team is 1-7, blame starts falling on everyone involved. Panic sets in and people say things they probably should not. Naturally the first people blamed for a losing streak are the coaches and Leslie Frazier is learning that firsthand. After several Minnesota Vikings players made off-hand remarks about the coaching state of the team, Frazier is defusing any idea of locker room drama.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, defenders Brian Robison and Kevin Williams have both made coy comments on the coaching schemes that are leading to the struggles of the Vikings. Williams said there could have been better things called towards the end of games while Robison said there are issues with the team internally. Now, Frazier is left to make up excuses for the player's comments.
"I understand the frustration," Frazier told reporters, via Chip Scoggins of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "We were all frustrated at the end of that ballgame. But there are so many positive things that occurred before that two-minute drive. But we'll definitely talk through that situation as a team and just where we are and what we have to do to move forward."
Robison would not back down from what he said. He believes he is entitled to speak his opinions on the team while claiming he never "threw anybody under the buss." Careful Robison, do not bite the gane that feeds.
"I don't take back anything I said," Robison said. "I'm probably going to get griped at for it. In my honest opinion, I don't think I said anything out of line. I don't think I necessarily threw anybody under the bus. I didn't say anything that I shouldn't have said. We've always prided ourselves on holding each other accountable."
Defensive coordinator Alan Williams does not mind criticism from players getting out into the media. He told reporters that he believes that when players express their opinions, the team learns and grows as a result.
"I don't take that in a negative way at all," Williams said. "Our guys are competitive. They put a lot of work in. Good players ask why: 'Hey coach, why did you make this decision? What were you thinking?' I have no problem whatsoever about a guy asking me why. We explain it, we talk about it and we move on."
The Vikings prepare to face the Washington Redskins on Thursday night. The team's defense will really have to play smart against quarterback Robert Griffin III.
