Mike Zimmer on Monday — one week before his team opens the regular season — said he has "lots of concerns" about how various parts of the Vikings will function this year.

But it also sounds like the play of tackle Matt Kalil — perhaps highest on many fans' list of concerns — is lower on Zimmer's list.

"Kalil has had a really good preseason. He's blocked his guys all the time. I think he got beat one time on a spin move or something, but for the most part, Matt has really improved," Zimmer said. "I want him to take it to the game this week, so hopefully he will do that."

That will be the real test, indeed — but as long as those aren't just words of encouragement for Kalil, it's a good sign for the Vikings.

another slugger At Grantland.com, Jonah Keri makes the case that Kennys Vargas could be very important to the Twins this September.

has his back Tom Brady's father recently called into a Bay Area sports talk radio program to defend his son, per sbnation.com.