Presser Points: Zimmer on Vikings Mindset After Bye, Ngakoue Trade

[Viktor]

1. Some self-scouting


Zimmer was hard at work even though the Vikings had a bye in Week 7, diving into stats and analysis about how he could improve his team in the coming weeks.


Zimmer said he went "through everything" he could, including a combination of stats and schemes that could help both his defense (ranked 30th with 32.0 points allowed per game), and his offense (which is 28th on third downs at 37.70 percent).


"[Just] trying to look for ways we can continue to get better and ways to help the players scheme-wise," Zimmer said. "All the areas that we're good at and all the areas that we need to correct. We are going to continue to work on those and excited to get ready to go play Green Bay."


Zimmer was asked if any particular areas stood out to him when he was doing a deep dive on his squad.


"There were a lot of different areas. Some areas we were good that we feel like we can continue to do that. Some of it was just schematic things," Zimmer said. "And again, a lot of it was like — especially with a lot of these young guys — player technique, being in this position or that position, and then trying to get those guys in there.


"Without getting real specific, obviously you can look at the stats and see good points and bad points," Zimmer added. "Obviously, we can't turn the ball over and do the things that we're doing and making penalties and things that don't allow us to win games."


2. Trade opens door for playing time


Zimmer spoke publicly for the first time since the Vikings traded defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who played six games in Purple after being acquired from the Jaguars in August.


The head coach gave his thoughts on the move.


"At the end of the day, we sat down and discussed it and we felt like at this time it was best for the organization overall," Zimmer said. "You know, we've lost a few good players this year so that part is what it is … whether it be an injury or whether it be a suspension or whatever it is.


"We just go out there and try to fight like crazy and try and get these guys better every day," Zimmer added.


The move could open the door for more playing time for other defensive ends on the roster, such as rookie D.J. Wonnum or former fourth-rounder Jalyn Holmes.


"We feel good about those guys. All these young guys are improving," Zimmer said. "Wonnum is getting better and better. Jalyn is doing a much better job as the season gets going. And part of that [trade] was the evaluation of those guys as well."


The Vikings also have Ifeadi Odenigbo and recently added Jordan Brailford to the 53-man roster.