Presser Points: Zimmer Outlines Challenges Awaiting Vikings Against Bears

[Viktor]

Here are four other topics Zimmer covered during his media session:


1. Confidence in the offense


While Zimmer acknowledges the challenge that Chicago presents, he also feels good heading into the prime-time matchup with the way Minnesota's offense has been playing.


Over the past two games, the Vikings have racked up 811 yards from scrimmage, with 448 of those occurring on the ground. Against the Lions last week, Kirk Cousins recorded a passer rating of 141.7, his best with the Vikings.


"I have a lot of confidence in our offense. I think Kirk has been playing really well the past couple weeks," Zimmer said. "We've got skilled receivers, tight ends, and then our offensive line, I think, is getting better and better.


"I just know our offense feels very confident about what their capabilities are," he added. "It'll be a good test for them this week, though, with the Bears, because they're really good."


2. Irv keeps defenses guessing


The Vikings have an offensive weapon in tight end Irv Smith, Jr., who caught two touchdown passes against the Lions on Sunday.


So far this season, Smith has 13 catches for 159 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per catch compared to the 8.6 he averaged as a rookie in 2019.


Zimmer was asked about the versatility Smith brings to the table as both an asset in the blocking game and a downfield target.


"[Defenses] have to figure out, 'Are you going to play nickel when he comes in the game? Are you going to play base?' [We think about] 'What kind of matchups can you get? Can you go out there against the corner and win?' All of those things add to the versatility of your offense, I guess would be the best way to say it," Zimmer explained.