With Vastly Improved Defense, Vikings Stay In Race
Mike Zimmer's reputation as a defensive mastermind was a significant factor in him getting the job with Minnesota. His influence with the Vikings on that side of the ball has been immediate. The learning curve is typically steep for a first-time NFL head coach, and barely halfway into the season Zimmer and his staff have already faced several unpleasant surprises and had to navigate a handful of setbacks.