Mike Zimmer, known for coaching defense, takes on Vikings offensive issues

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer had to stay away from his team during the start of organized team activities this spring, because of his eighth eye surgery. Zimmer missed about two weeks as his doctors, assistant coaches, players and front office made sure he knew that his recovery was more important for the team long term, even if Zimmer wanted nothing more than to get back to coaching.

And the good news last week was that Zimmer's latest checkup showed his eye making a full recovery.

While Zimmer is viewed as a stellar coach around the league, he knows that the Vikings' results have been mixed in his three seasons here. While he has absolutely improved his defense over the course of three seasons, going from 14th in total defense in 2014 (344.7 yards allowed per game) to 13th in 2015 (344.2 yards) to third last season (314.9 yards), he has reached the playoffs only once and his team's great 5-0 start last season was clouded by its 3-8 finish and a missed chance at the postseason.

For the 2017 season it's clear that the Vikings are going to need much more out of their offense, which ranked 28th in the league in 2016, if they are going to compete for a Super Bowl bid in their home stadium.

In an interview last week Zimmer gave a breakdown of his squad, looking primarily at his offense as the team gets ready to break before starting training camp in late July.

Q As you near the end of OTAs, do you like what you've seen from your players so far?

A This team has done a really nice job this spring. They have come out focused, paying attention, working hard. I think practice has been crisp. We obviously still have a long way to go and we have some time, but I really like this team. I like the way they work. I like the way they prepare and the way they show up. We had our physicals … and everyone was on time, everybody. The doctors all said what a great bunch of guys we have here. To me those things are very important. I think that leads to doing things right on the field.

A Riley Reiff is playing left tackle, and he has done a nice job. … He's going to go to work every day, make you compete, he's going to make you work. I really like his mentality. Mike Remmers, who is playing the right tackle, is really doing the same thing. The thing I like about Mike is you know he gets a chance to go against Everson [Griffen] every day, so he's going to give him a lot of different looks, and Danielle Hunter, he gives him a lot of different looks, different sets, changes things up, and he's a battler and he'll compete. The one thing, other than the way they're fitting into the program, is that these two guys will really battle and compete.

Q You had some question about their pass blocking. Have they eased your mind about that?

A I think they're better in the run game, but these two guys have really impressed me this spring in the passing game, as well. I think we've changed a lot of things with the protections we're using, and it's helped a lot. I think the centers are aware of where the pressure is coming from, the guards are doing a good job. I feel like they're all working on the same page. I think we're going to be fine.

Q What will happen at the offensive guard position?

A I don't know yet. [Alex] Boone is back, and he has been doing a good job. [Joe] Berger has been playing the right guard. We've had Nick Easton there some, T.J. Clemmings has been in there some, and I think that's a good spot for him. He's kind of a space-eater, so that's a good spot for him. Jeremiah Sirles has done a nice job.

A We have a few. Pat Elflein is doing a really nice job for a rookie. He has good movement skills, he's a tough guy, he's smart. Nick Easton has done a good job. They're really similar guys, they're both tough guys, they're both good athletes, they're both on top of the calls.

Q Is it most likely that Berger will stay at guard?

A We have him at guard, and I think that's a good spot for him. He's doing a good job.

Q Do you think this offense is actually improving?

A I feel like they are, but the proof is in the pudding. I feel good about the running backs. [Quarterback Sam] Bradford is doing a nice job. Our offensive line has improved. [Tight end Kyle] Rudolph I think is doing a better job as a blocker. I think we have a good set of receiving guys. But at the end of the day it's all about going out and playing the game. [Jerrick] McKinnon is doing a nice job. [Dalvin] Cook I think has a chance to be a really good back. But we have to put it together and do things right. We can't have penalties and hurt ourselves and all of those things. On paper we're better. Now when we go out and play on Sundays, that's going to be the tell-all. But I like this group of guys. I really like this group of guys.

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• It's not well-known that Mike Remmers, the tackle who signed as a free agent with the Vikings from the Panthers, was on the Vikings roster in 2013 and 2014. In '13 he was with the team for Weeks 13, 14, 16 and 17, and in '14 he was with the team during the offseason before joining the Rams practice squad.

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