Is O'Connell building a Zimmer team?

[Vikesrock]

I heard this on Purple Daily yesterday and found it quite interesting, but does the success of the 2025 Vikings look like the 2017 Vikings?  Did O'Connell channel his inner Zimmer?

Run the football effectively with a good OL.  Play outstanding defense and turn the opposition over.  Get a backup QB in there that doesn't melt down a game plan.  Could we be seeing this all over again?

[Zanary]

I heard this on Purple Daily yesterday and found it quite interesting, but does the success of the 2025 Vikings look like the 2017 Vikings?  Did O'Connell channel his inner Zimmer?

Run the football effectively with a good OL.  Play outstanding defense and turn the opposition over.  Get a backup QB in there that doesn't melt down a game plan.  Could we be seeing this all over again?

...maybe, sorta, but it's more along the lines of "a broken clock is still right twice a day" thing.

Zimmer did believe in stout defense, heavy running game, clock control, etc. That said, a big chunk of his success came from having good passers for Diggs, Thielen, JJ, and Rudolph.

That was practically all of the team's success after a bit, as the league figured out his defense, he couldn't seem to train any serious CBs behind Rhodes, and he never liked any QBs after Teddy.

KOC is smart enough to recognize and build on those fundamentals, but he was a QB and is offensively-minded in general. Flores has been a gift straight from Odin in that he's an innovator that has the absolute respect of his head coach and GM. For the moment, the team exists in a balance where EVERYTHING is a priority...

...and, sorry Flores, but I hope it lasts a long while, yet.

[purplefaithful]

I think its simply a realization that if you're going to beat the best teams in the NFC (Philly & Detroit) you better bring a stout D and some big uglies with a running game

I dont think anyone is trying to emulate Zimmer or a 2017 that ended in flames. Although I did like that team overall and was privy to see the Mpls Miracle Live.

[Kentis]

I sure hope not. looked like Green Bay tried that Zim-ball Sunday… 

[FLVike]

Coaches that he could try to emulate:

Jerry Burns got to NFCC with Wade Wilson
Denny Green got to NFCC with Randall Cunninham and another with Daunte Culpepper
Brad Childress got to NFCC with Bret Favre
Mike Zimmer got to NFCC with Case Keenum

[Montana Tom]

I think its simply a realization that if you're going to beat the best teams in the NFC (Philly & Detroit) you better bring a stout D and some big uglies with a running game

I dont think anyone is trying to emulate Zimmer or a 2017 that ended in flames. Although I did like that team overall and was privy to see the Mpls Miracle Live.

yeah, I agree here.  KOC is on another plane altogether with regard to QB development (remember Zim wouldn't even talk to Cousins), offensive strategy and having BFlo at his side.  Once you open the box, it is a different animal than any Zimmer team.  It also shows pretty black and white in the W-L %


Kevin O'Connell     .667 
Bud Grant             .621 
Dennis Green        .610 
Mike Zimmer         .562 
Jerry Burns           .547 
Brad Childress       .527 
Mike Tice              .492 
Leslie Frazier         .398 
Norm Van Brocklin .363 
Les Steckel           .188

[Vikesrock]

...maybe, sorta, but it's more along the lines of "a broken clock is still right twice a day" thing.

Zimmer did believe in stout defense, heavy running game, clock control, etc. That said, a big chunk of his success came from having good passers for Diggs, Thielen, JJ, and Rudolph.

That was practically all of the team's success after a bit, as the league figured out his defense, he couldn't seem to train any serious CBs behind Rhodes, and he never liked any QBs after Teddy.

KOC is smart enough to recognize and build on those fundamentals, but he was a QB and is offensively-minded in general. Flores has been a gift straight from Odin in that he's an innovator that has the absolute respect of his head coach and GM. For the moment, the team exists in a balance where EVERYTHING is a priority...

...and, sorry Flores, but I hope it lasts a long while, yet.

I mean, lets be honest, the 2017 version of Mike Zimmer was an excellent version, pre Kirk Cousins.  That team was built to survive, and it really is too bad that Bradford couldn't stay healthy.  I think Bradford wins that Championship game vs. the Eagles, unfortunately Keenum turned in to a pumpkin.

[Zanary]

I mean, lets be honest, the 2017 version of Mike Zimmer was an excellent version, pre Kirk Cousins.  That team was built to survive, and it really is too bad that Bradford couldn't stay healthy.  I think Bradford wins that Championship game vs. the Eagles, unfortunately Keenum turned in to a pumpkin.

I think a BIG element of that team was also our OC, Pat Shurmur. Our revolving door at OC could have possibly been prevented if he hadn't gotten the Giants' gig, as it seemed like Zimmer actually respected him as opposed to his successors. Definitely agreed on Bradford, and I think the hefty trade price for Bradford was still stinging when they ponied up for Cousins. A defensive minded head coach saw both draft picks gone and a ton of money in a QB he didn't ask for.

I had no idea, for years, how miserable of an SOB Zimmer was towards his offense, or I'd have been pushing for his replacement in 2018.

[comet52]

Build a Zimmer team?  Like, one where he hates the QB, won't talk to the g.m., mostly won't game plan for specific opponents, and can't get out of his own way or over his own emotional deficits?

[medaille]

I don't think KOC is really channeling 2017 at all as much as it being a good team generally means being good at most things football related. If anything, I think KOC is replicating teams like the Lions that had recent success, and where multiple. I also think he's looking at his weaknesses and addressing them.