Presser Points: Zimmer Says Seahawks Pose Big Challenge Even Without '12s'

[Viktor]

EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings are prepping for their third road game of the season.


They're quite familiar with the destination, having traveled to Seattle in 2018, 2019 and now 2020 for a prime-time game. That being said, though, this season's road trips look vastly different – as do the opposing stadiums.


The Vikings are used to a hostile atmosphere at CenturyLink Field, but the Sunday Night Football game between Minnesota and Seattle will be played without fans due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer was asked Wednesday during his video conference with media about not having to worry about the infamous "12s" this weekend. He said the biggest challenge of facing the Seahawks remains in place.


"Well, they're a good football team; that's why they're hard to play [against], whether it's in Seattle and the fans or there [or not]," Zimmer said. "Obviously, they've got great fans there and they're very loud. [But] we're just trying to prepare for Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner and all the guys they have. It makes it a challenge in itself."


And as far as the travel itself, the Vikings won't see much of the Emerald City outside of the stadium.


"It's very different," Zimmer said of away games in 2020. "We don't leave the hotel. We take 10 buses or something like that [to accommodate social distancing]. Guys don't go out to dinner. We don't get together. Last week, we had virtual meetings, so it's all a different kind of thing. I actually had the team meeting before we left [Saturday for Houston] because of all of the virtual stuff."