Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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“It’s probably part of him becoming more reliable,” Zimmer added.
The Vikings have turned to Smith, Jr., at times this season. He now has 27 catches for 261 yards and a score.
But they have relied on him more of late, as the tight end has multiple catches in each of Minnesota’s past six games. By contrast, Smith, Jr., had multiple receptions just once in the Vikings first five games.
Smith, Jr., told the Twin Cities media on a conference call Monday that he feels his role in Minnesota’s offense growing by the week. He also credited Vikings Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski and Vikings tight ends coach Brian Pariani for helping bring him along through the offseason program.
“It definitely brings more confidence. It sucked with Adam going down … but I just wanted to step up as much as I can and be a contributor, either in the run game or the pass game,” Smith, Jr., said. “I try to be a young leader on this team, so anything I can do to help this team get victories and be successful on offense, I try to do it.
“I feel like each game, it’s definitely a step [forward] for me. As a rookie coming in, I had a lot on my plate at first, just trying to come in and learn the offense,” Smith, Jr., added. “But Coach Stefanski and Coach Pariani did an amazing job of getting me ready. Each week I just try to come with the mindset that I can’t be stopped, and this offense can’t be stopped. I try to have that mindset each day. And each game is more experience for me under my belt.”
When the Vikings drafted the Alabama product, they raved about his versatility and ability to line up anywhere on the field. Smith, Jr., has shown those traits — plus an ability to block — in making his initial impact on the Vikings.
“He’s a guy we can use sometimes as a receiver, sometimes as a tight end,” Zimmer said. “You’re not sure if you’re going to get nickel or the base defense when him and Kyle [Rudolph] are in there together.