Presser Points: Zimmer Stresses Importance of ‘Finishing Better’ in Run Game

[Viktor]

2. Feeling out fourth-down decisions


The Vikings and Chiefs were both 1-for-1 on fourth-and-1 attempts Sunday afternoon.


Just before halftime and at the Kansas City 15, Zimmer opted to go for it rather than kick a field goal.


Cousins connected with rookie tight end Irv Smith, Jr., for a 4-yard gain and a first down. Unfortunately, three consecutive incomplete passes put Minnesota at fourth-and-10 on the 11, and the Vikings settled for a field goal anyway.


In the Vikings last game, a win over Washington, the Vikings converted just once on three fourth-down attempts. Zimmer said Monday there are a lot of factors that go into make the decision to go on fourth down.


“Part of it is … the team that we’re playing, how we’re playing the game, field conditions, the wind. Do I feel like we need to score more points? There’s a lot of scenarios,” Zimmer said. “Do we want to play field position?”


Is there an analytical element to it, or mostly instinct?


“Well, analytics says to go for it,” Zimmer answered. “But I don’t go by that, though.”