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There's a new sheriff in town, and if the tweets and quotes from today's press conference all ring true, the phrase 'meet the new boss, same as the old boss' is one phrase we will never, ever use when talking about Mike Zimmer and his staff when compared to the last couple regimes.
After today's practice, Zimmer and several players were made available to the press, and the first quotes were from the new head coach. He emphasized discipline, and will try to ensure the Vikings are the most disciplined team in the NFL. To do that, you have to start with the basics:
Zimmer says the Vikings are starting with the basics and with fundamentals.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
Mike Zimmer Pat Riley had a quote that said discipline is not a nasty word. So we're going to.. be disciplined.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
And you better be on time:
Greg Jenning says "everybody's in their chair at 8:55'' under new coach Zimmer.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
He also talked about the quarterback. Zimmer's approach is more philosophical, focusing on the intangibles, and while he won't cede the coaching of the offense to NORV! Turner, it will be Turner who he will lean on from a talent perspective. And for the time being, anyway, he will focus on the defense:
In terms of drafting QB, Zimmer said he's focused on the type of leader they get, Turner with examining QB fundamentals. #Vikings
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) April 30, 2014
Mike Zimmer: "Norv is the expert on the quarterbacks. He always has been... My input is more about what kind of player... worker he is.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
Mike Zimmer says at this time he has to spend more time with the defense and run the meetings.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
Mike Zimmer said he has spent a lot of time with the defensive backs. Feels like he is an expert in that area. #Vikings
— VikingUpdate.com (@VikingUpdate) April 30, 2014
When Zimmer was finished, it was time for WR Greg Jennings. Jennings had a lot to say both about the new coach and the new offense. It appears he is a fan of both:
.@GregJennings: "You're going to see a completely different offense." pic.twitter.com/roKLdImmgC
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 30, 2014
Greg Jennings on Norv Turner offense: "My head is spinning even though the offense is coming and it's sinking in.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
Greg Jennings: "It's exciting to have a guy who's going to teach me things to be even better than in the past.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
GJ on Tunrer's O: "Hes going to showcase what we do well" said it's great because he's "in a position where you can't dictate what happens"
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) April 30, 2014
GJ said #Vikings O will be "absolutely" more complex than last year, said his head is spinning because of all changes "More of everything"
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) April 30, 2014
After Jennings, it was Cordarrelle Patterson's turn:
Cordarrelle Patterson said he wants to play every receiver position this season.
— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) April 30, 2014
CP: " I've got a lot of confidence in myself. I just want to be great."
— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) April 30, 2014
Patterson is also taking classes in the off-season, and already has a post football career path set out:
Patterson: "I might be a fashion designer.'' Said he might get a degree in fashion.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
Not that there's anything wrong with that. He also admitted he didn't preapre as much as he should have, but that's going to change:
Patterson admits that he doesn't think his work ethic was good enough last season. Said he's determined to change that
— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) April 30, 2014
Finally, it was Brian Robison's turn. And it was Robison that had the most telling comments of all, in what some might call vintage Rickspeak fashion.
Brian Robison: "it's a totally different atmosphere than last year. A different attitude."
— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) April 30, 2014
Hmmm....But it was only just beginning:
.@Brian_Robison: "We can be a great team because of the way that they are coaching us and the way they are showing emotion on the field."
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 30, 2014
Common theme: Robison, GJ and Patterson say it's very different than last year in terms of atmosphere, preparation, etc.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) April 30, 2014
ROBISON: "They want to make sure that we stop the run first and earn the right to rush the passer." #vikings
— Aj Mansour (@AjKFAN) April 30, 2014
Brian Robison said the way the Vikings are thinking is different. Says Zimmer goal is to make playoffs not "try to make'' playoffs.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
Brian Robison talking about difference from last year to this year didn't name Leslie Frazier but sure sounds as if likes this regime better
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 30, 2014
Robison: "it's no longer about, we're ok just sliding into the playoffs. We're trying to be the best team in the league."
— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) April 30, 2014
Robison on Zimmer's hands-on approach: "You want a head coach who coaches you."
— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) April 30, 2014
Robison: "(Zimmer) is actually grabbing guys, showing them what to do. You don't always get that with a HC."
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) April 30, 2014
Last season, I got kind of perturbed with the faction of the fan base that criticized Leslie Frazier for not showing any emotion on the sideline. My fallback argument was Bud Grant, and his success in spite of not being very emotional, and I never thought that was a big deal.
You all have my humble apology.
One last thing: It's sure nice to talk football, isn't it?