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Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer did not mince his words after losing 25-20 to the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.
Zimmer reported numerous errors – including missed tackles in the first half, moderate coverage on some third tries and two backs in the red zone, among others – which contributed to the loss.
But when it was the Vikings' inability to protect football, Zimmer left no ambiguity about his feelings, especially when the head coach pointed out the importance of balloon safety for his team in recent weeks.
"Yeah, that's really a concern," Zimmer told the press. "Or they do not listen or they do not pay attention or they do not really care, so we'll have to find out which of the three is."
Quarterback Kirk Cousins was convicted of two interceptions, including a heartbreaking six in the fourth quarter on Sunday night, and running back Dalvin Cook scored the ball inside the Bears' 20-yard line. .
Cousins totaled four interceptions and one fumble lost in the last three games, a period in which the Vikings doubled. The turnarounds that have changed in recent weeks have contributed to the Vikings 5-4-1 record and the team now has a game and a half behind the Bears, leaders of North NFC (7-3).
With six games to go, including three against divisional opponents, Zimmer's message on football protection must be understood sooner or later if the Vikings hope to bounce back and compete for a playoff spot.
For his part, Cousins understands the importance of immediately resolving the problems that have recently affected the team.
"I think that every time you play a game like this, you come back Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with a real sense of urgency and an increased awareness of your preparation, your training, your mutual training", Cousins told reporters after the match. "It certainly humiliates you and I think it's positive."
The next Vikings match will be against a dangerous Green Bay Packers team (4-5-1) who desperately need to win.
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