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Access Vikings morning walkthrough: Crazy league, Kalil defends Kalil, Smith sits out and more

By Matt Vensel

November 27, 2014 at 3:21PM

Every weekday, our Vikings reporters walk you through what's happening with the team that day.

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

— Despite similar records, the Vikings and Panthers are in very different spots.

— Panthers C Ryan Kalil defended his little brother, Vikings LT Matt Kalil.

— RT Phil Loadholt is disappointed that his season is over due to his injury.

— S Harrison Smith is one of five Vikings who missed yesterday's practice.

— QB Teddy Bridgewater wants to take advantage of easy completions.

TWEET OF THE (YESTER)DAY

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BEHIND ENEMY LINES

— It has been a frustrating season for Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams.

— Panthers QB Cam Newton is handling adversity better this season.

— Carolina CB Josh Norman has become one of the team's best defenders.

TODAY'S VIKINGS SCHEDULE

The Vikings are practicing on Thanksgiving, but there is no media access. Enjoy your turkey and football, folks. I know I will.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Coach Mike Zimmer doesn't like to match up cornerbacks on specific wide receivers. Instead, he keeps his outside cornerbacks on their designated sides to simplify things for his players and help disguise his coverages. But Zimmer said he might consider using CB Xavier Rhodes on imposing Panthers rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin. Considering the way the Bears took advantage of a size advantage against CB Josh Robinson two weeks ago, that uncharacteristic change would make sense.