Lunchbreak: Sessler Predicts Vikings to 'Be a Factor' in December

[Viktor]

Among his observations was praise for Minnesota's offensive line and for Head Coach Mike Zimmer. Graff wrote of the Vikings men up front:


[For] the first time in recent memory, there should be confidence (even if it's only a small amount) that the Vikings offensive line can somewhat manage the Bears. Ever since Ezra Cleveland replaced Dru Samia as the team's right guard, they've made major strides. Handling the Lions isn't going to turn any heads, but they played well against the Packers, too.


It's not a group that's going to be confused for one of the best offensive lines in the league. But you can win with these five linemen.


Again, I'll stress that this is all a moot point if the Bears do to the Vikings offensive line what they've done during recent trips to Chicago. But they're at least offering hope headed to Soldier Field.


As for Zimmer, Graff said the head coach "still has his 'A' game."


When Zimmer gathered his fellow defensive assistants Monday morning to recap the game, he offered some encouragement. He told them that this was probably the best coaching job of their lives.


"And we're still giving up 400 yards a game," Zimmer said. "It's a work in progress, but I think some of these guys are getting better."


It can sound a bit odd that Zimmer is touting their coaching while admitting the struggles on the field. But he's right. It doesn't take an expert to see that the Vikings defense has adjusted and improved since the beginning of the season.


Zimmer has realized that he can't ask these corners to play on an island. He has to play more Cover-2 with the team's two talented safeties playing deep to help out the corners. That means the Vikings are more susceptible to getting beat underneath. But that's a tradeoff Zimmer is willing to make.


His goal for this group is to bend but not break. Allow teams to complete 6-yard passes, not 60-yard passes. Then be stout on third down and in the red zone. It worked on Sunday.


To see all 10 of Graff's takeaways, click here.