The Minnesota Vikings have faced a lot of distractions this year. First there were major injuries, then a highly publicized quarterback battle and now ongoing legal issues to the team's best player. Things have been easy for first-year head coach Mike Zimmer who's season game plan was essentially tossed in the trash. The head coach is not thrilled with amount of things outside of football and as a suspension looms for Adrian Peterson, he is speaking out.
The Vikings did not help their case on Sunday when the team fell to the Detroit Lions 17-3. It was a game that they lost because of mental errors according to Zimmer. The team committed nine penalties. They allowed eight sacks on Teddy Bridgewater and they converted just three of their 14 third-down opportunities. Zimmer is blaming unnecessary distractions.
"I expected better today," Zimmer said, via ESPN. "I thought we practiced well all week. Disappointing we didn't protect the quarterback, we didn't block guys, and until we figure out that -- this game is about blocking and tackling and catching the ball, doing your job -- we're going to have more results like this. But we're going to keep grinding them, pounding. I'm not going to let them slide. I'm going to keep fighting. I'm going to keep pounding my head, and like I told them, the fines are going to start going to the max now. I'm tired of it."
Things really came to blows for the Vikings when Peterson was arrested on child abuse charges. News surrounding the running back continues to unfold and none of it is positive. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, even if Peterson is cleared of all charges brought upon him, the league could still opt to suspend him without pay for violating the personal conduct policy. Peterson has been on the exempt list since Sept. 17 while still receiving his $11.75 million salary for the team. The only difference is that he cannot participate in team activities.
Zimmer is not happy with the status of the team. The loss to Detroit comes after the loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Players like Crodarrelle Patterson and Bridgewater took the blame for the loss and their mistakes, but it is clear Zimmer is worried about the bigger picture.
