Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Patterson on Ngakoue's impact in the run game
There was no question when the Vikings traded for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue that he was a talented pass rusher, but how has he been against the run for Minnesota?
Patterson said he's been pleased with Ngakoue's performance through his first five games with the Vikings.
"I think he's done a really good job fitting into what we're asking him to do, which is a lot different than in Jacksonville. We found a way to mix what makes him comfortable into what we want to do, too," Patterson said. "So that's helped him become more comfortable faster. And you're seeing his ability to make plays throughout the course of the game. He finds a way to get into the backfield and make a tackle for a loss.
"But he's shown his strength at the point of attack, too," Patterson added. "I think he's done a really good job of adjusting to what we've asked him to do so far."
Zimmer on emphasis – or lack thereof – on interceptions
As the Vikings young cornerbacks group improves each game, is the next step to start recording interceptions?
Zimmer reminded that interceptions are less of a specific focus and more a byproduct of correctly executed coverage.
"Like [Head Coach Mike Zimmer] always says, you never pick or coach getting interceptions – you coach covering your guy, and then the interceptions come," Adam Zimmer said. "If you're always looking for the ball, especially with the way we play tight in coverage, you're going to lose the receiver and he's going to get open. So we can't coach, 'Hey, we've got to get an interception, get an interception.' You get interceptions from being tight in coverage, from a good pass rush and affecting the quarterback, and tipped balls and things like that.
"But if you're pressing and going for the interception every time, you're going to give up a lot more plays than you make," Zimmer continued. "The quarterbacks are excellent in this league. They're accurate, they get the ball out fast, and the receivers are really good. So it is hard to get interceptions. But the common theme as I look at turnovers every week from around the league is pressure on the quarterback and the quarterback is forced to make a bad decision or throw it into a tight window, and tight coverage. Those are what get interceptions; it's not trying to jump every route, because if you jump routes, the receiver is leaving you."