Zimsu shines the spotlight on XR...

[purplefaithful]

As Xavier Rhodes returns to the Twin Cities next month for the start of offseason workouts, at the beginning of his seventh season with the Vikings, he’ll have some work to do to move beyond a 2018 season that the cornerback said was his hardest in the NFL.
Coach Mike Zimmer effectively said as much during the coaches’ breakfast at the NFL owners’ meetings on Tuesday morning, telling reporters in Arizona that Rhodes “needs to play better,” and that he’ll make sure that happens.
“I just don’t think he played as well as he can play,” Zimmer said. “He needs to play up to his ability level. We’re paying him a lot of money. He needs to play up to that contract.”
Rhodes’ $10.4 million base salary for the 2019 season became fully guaranteed on March 15, and he figures to remain one of the keys to the Vikings’ defense at age 29 this season. Zimmer said on Tuesday morning it’s more about Rhodes returning to his proper technique than about any decline in the cornerback’s ability, and the coach’s prodding of the former first-round pick has helped Rhodes reach two Pro Bowls while earning a first-team All-Pro nod in 2017.
As it relates to last season, however, it’s difficult to separate Rhodes’ slippage on the field from his struggles to stay healthy.
http://www.startribune.com/first-step-fo...507683352/

[Guest]

If feels like Zim is starting to recognize the financial constraints on his ability to get good players.  He lobbied (I assume) for HIS players to get paid... and they did.  But the team realized that it couldn't win with just it's defense in 2017, so they went out and got a QB in 2018.  Then the defense took a step back... and the OL continued to be below average.  I really believe that Zim really believes... that he can win with a super defense and an average offense.  I think that that's why he's upset about XR having a down year.

I love Zim; I really do.  But it appears to me that he has a blind spot... and unless he identifies it and corrects it... we'll always be good (good enough to win the division and make the playoffs)... but never Super-Bowl-great.  As much as the blame SHOULD probably lie with Rick, I think Rick is simply doing what Zim wants him to do.  And maybe that comes down from the owners: that Rick's job is to fill Zim's cupboards with the ingredients that he wants.