Mike Zimmer’s Vikings were soundly beaten in their preseason debut, and he did not mince words when asked for his thoughts at halftime last weekend.
Zimmer ripped his team at the end of the intermission, explaining during a brief interview that he was disappointed with nearly every facet of its lackluster play in the first half of what eventually became a blowout loss to the Broncos.
“I told them it was a very poor performance,” Zimmer said. “We’re going to scrimmage next week with this same bunch, because we didn’t tackle well, we made the wrong checks on defense with the safeties, we throw an interception for a touchdown, we go three-and-out the first two series, terrible punts. So other than that, it’s been great.
“We’re gonna play next week and the week after, but some of these guys haven’t earned it yet.”
The preseason isn’t exactly the Super Bowl, but what bothered Zimmer most was his team’s lack of a sense of urgency. Instead of taking the field as if they’re fighting for their livelihoods (which many of them are), Zimmer’s Vikings came out flat and were promptly handled by the Broncos, who amassed quite a collection of highlights for one preseason game.
“I’m looking for some guys to compete,” Zimmer said when asked what he’d like to see in the second half before quickly walking away from the microphone.
Immediately after the interview, Greg Joseph kicked it away to LeVante Bellamy, who returned it for 62 yards down to the Minnesota 40. Denver was in the end zone seven plays later.
