Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer doesn't think cornerback Xavier Rhodes' play is declining, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. During his Thursday morning press conference, Zimmer said his play really isn't a big deal and everyone is making it a bigger deal than it actually is.
Mike Zimmer on CB Xavier Rhodes supposed decline in play: "It's really not a big deal. Everybody's making it out to be a big deal, but it's not."
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 19, 2019
Rhodes used to be a shutdown corner that went against the opposing teams' best wide receiver. This year, the Vikings have had to be tactical with where they put Rhodes because he has had issues covering almost everyone.
These last couple of weeks, the Vikings have started to rotate their cornerbacks more. Last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, Rhodes only played 23 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Zimmer said earlier in the week that had nothing to do with injury and more with design.
“He was fine,” coach Mike Zimmer told reporters on Monday via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “I don’t think that [injury] had anything to do with it.”
Rhodes was dealing with an ankle injury going into the game, so there was some thought the lack of playing time might have to do with the injury.
Whatever the reason for the limited snaps, the Vikings need better production from him when he is on the field. The Packers have good wide receivers all over the field and if the Vikings' secondary struggles, it's going to be a field day for Aaron Rodgers.
The Vikings still have a chance to win the NFC North, but if they lose on Monday night it will be the Packers taking home the crown.
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