Kalil reflects on tough day, apologizes to media

Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil had a frustrating Sunday.

It started with his performance in the 24-21 loss to the Packers at TCF Bank Stadium and spilled into the parking lot during a brief exchange with a fan after the game, which Kalil apologized for Monday.

Kalil was flagged three times for 35 yards against the Packers and declined to speak to the media in the locker room. Then Kalil flicked the hat off the head of Rhett Wade, a 25-year-old Eagan resident and Vikings fan, who heckled Kalil outside the stadium.

"The whole incident yesterday with the media thing and the fan, obviously a lot of frustration losing a game like that and losing [right tackle] Phil [Loadholt] in the game to injury and stuff like that," Kalil said. "Obviously I was a little upset. But hopefully you guys didn't take anything personally. It was just one of those days, so I apologize for that."

Coach Mike Zimmer said players put a lot of effort into the week and can be in an emotional state after a loss, but it didn't excuse Kalil for his actions.

"He was wrong in what he did," Zimmer said. "We appreciate 99.9 percent of the fans, they're great for us and he should have conducted himself in a better manner. It's a good lesson for all of us. I know in the past there have been times I've been upset with people, too, but they pay money to go watch us play and watch us perform so they have a right to express their opinion. We just have to keep our composure and not let things get out of hand."

More importantly, Kalil had a critical facemask penalty on the team's final drive in the first half, which caused the Vikings to settle for a field goal. He also had three quarterback hurries but didn't allow a sack, per Pro Football Focus.

"We can try and build his confidence, but you've got to go out and play good," Zimmer said. "That's part of it. That's how you get confident, you play good."

Rhodes settles into a top role

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes had an impressive performance against the Packers, blanketing their receivers, to the point of frustration, throughout the game and received high praise from Zimmer.

"I'm pleased with his progress and where he's going," Zimmer said. "He studies really hard. He's still a young, young guy in the development of where I think his football career can go. But it's nice to have a guy that you can say, 'Hey, you've got this guy and let's go.' "

Rhodes has made strides this season understanding Zimmer's specific technique. The second-year cornerback has also caught the eye of cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, who felt Rhodes has had a great year.

"He's definitely learning how to let the receivers go, use his speed and use those long arms he's got to make plays on the ball," Munnerlyn said.

Banyard steps up

Zimmer said running back Matt Asiata, who was inactive Sunday because of a concussion, has not passed the league's concussion protocol yet.

Joe Banyard served as the backup to Jerick McKinnon over the recently acquired Ben Tate. Banyard had five carries for 26 yards and three catches for 19 yards.

"I thought [Banyard] did some good things," Zimmer said. "His yards after contact was good, had some good runs; had a good run on that third down. Caught the ball a couple times, the ball wasn't exactly in the right place and made some catches. He continued to help keep drives alive."

Zimmer likes aggressive play

Zimmer wants the Vikings to carry an aggressive mind-set in every phase of the game. It was on display on their third drive of the game, when the offense converted two fourth-down attempts to tie the score.

Facing fourth-and-5 at the Packers 39, the Vikings received a first down on a defensive holding call. Four plays later on fourth-and-1, McKinnon picked up 3 yards to set up receiver Charles Johnson's 22-yard touchdown reception on the next play.

"There's times in ball games where you take those chances, and if you hit them, their offense gets to stay off the field," Zimmer said. "You get to continue to sustain drives. It's a lot about mind-set too and them believing that you can get it done too."