NOTEBOOK: Thielen Describes Non-Vacation Mindset Heading into Break

[Viktor]

If the previous five seasons are any indication, it seems Zimmer’s group thrives with the underdog mentality.


Minnesota went 7-9 in 2014, Zimmer’s first season in Purple, but surprised the league with an 11-5 record and an NFC North title in 2015.


That set the pace for lofty goals in 2016, but Minnesota went 8-8. Zimmer’s squad rebounded with a 13-3 mark in 2017, a season in which they claimed another division title and went to the NFC title game.


But that led to a frustrating and inconsistent season in 2018 where the offense and defense both had big moments but were never seemingly on the same page. Minnesota missed the playoffs by half a game.


Vikings running back Dalvin Cook said Zimmer implored his team to be ready to go when training camp begins in late July.


“Just stay a step ahead. That’s part of being in the league,” Cook said. “Just be a step ahead of everything and not let an opportunity pass up when we get back.


“Everybody is going to have an opportunity to earn a job and go out there and show the coaches they’re ready to make plays, so don’t let that opportunity pass you up and be ready when we come back,” Cook added.


Vikings safety Harrison Smith added that the veterans have passed along the message for younger players on the team.


“Offseason-wise, showing up in shape and not showing up to training camp trying to play catch up,” Smith said.


While Zimmer himself won’t need to worry about his acceleration on a route or his technique in the trenches, he did say that he’ll also be tuned in and engaged while at his ranch.


“Typically, I try to [disengage from the game],” Zimmer said. “But like this morning, I had Nick [Rallis], our assistant linebackers coach, put a bunch of teams on an iPad for me, and some other things that I’m looking at.


“So, I’ll go through the cut ups from the spring and some of the things that we did. Today, I'm probably going to be done with football today,” Zimmer added. “But I know that I’m sitting back there in Kentucky, I’ll probably get the iPad out a decent amount.”


The 2019 season will be Zimmer’s sixth in Minnesota. And if his players have learned anything, it’s that the expectation is crystal clear heading into summer.


“I don’t really want to talk about what I talked to the players about,” Zimmer said. “They know what I expect.”