| December 31, 2020 Opening Statement: “I think you saw this morning that we released some information about our players and their work on the Inspire Change initiative that we have. That was something that was obviously started before I got here, but I mean, what a great thing that our players have been doing to continue to work that. Not just in the midst of what was happening at the time, but that they’ve continued to grow that and continue to put their efforts toward it. We’ve had a few talks and conversations in our meetings, and it’s a great deal that they’re giving back to the community, giving back to those people that are trying to support us as well, and I just really applaud those guys for what they’re doing in that. Also, just for more information: Practice today will be outside. So, we’ll be out there. As far as the injury report update, really, similar to yesterday. So, (Matthew) Stafford won’t practice, (Kenny) Golladay, (Jamie) Collins (Sr.) and Joe Dahl. Those four guys will not be practicing today.” On if these last few weeks have changed his desire on wanting to become a head coach: “No, I appreciate the question. No, not at all. It hasn’t deterred me. This has been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot. There’s been a lot that’s been thrown at me in a short period of time, but like I’ve told you many, many times, I love this game, I love being around these players and I love, really, everything that goes on with it. To have an opportunity to run your own team, I think, is a blessing and a gift and something that I would definitely embrace.” On his assessment of the Vikings’ offense: “They’re really loaded at really all the positions: tight ends, running backs, wide receivers, obviously the quarterback position. So, they’re very talented. They’ve done a great job of building the roster. Even though Dalvin (Cook) is unfortunately not going to be able to play this week, and my heart goes out to him and his family, but they still have, obviously, great backs that are back there behind them. (I have) a lot of respect for those guys. They look good, they’ve obviously built it through the run game, and it starts with that. The ability to mix in the play-action pass, throw the ball down the field, I mean (Justin) Jefferson has been a great addition for them, along with (Adam) Thielen. It’s a solid offense that they’re building.” On if there’s a scenario where WR Kenny Golladay would play Sunday: “Yeah, I don’t think that will happen this week.” On what QB Matthew Stafford must show to play in the game: “No, he does not (have to show anything). The guy – he’s dialed in. He’s in every meeting. He’s going through all the process of everything that we need him to go through, just to go out and get the physical reps, it’s a little unnecessary. I think I said it in the past, this guy could go on no-reps. Now, do I want him to have reps? Obviously – that’s a positive thing for us. But he knows our offense, he knows what we’re trying to get going on, and he has no issues with being able to function if he doesn’t get reps.” On if he’s more optimistic that QB Matthew Stafford will play Sunday: “Matthew – you’re going to have to convince me a lot that this guy is not going to go. He’s as tough as they come, tough as nails. He wants to be out there. I think, really, those two things are probably the most important. If the guy wants to – I always say this, I always say that your mind is a powerful thing. You can do a lot if you just believe in that. The guy wants it. There’s not a doubt in my mind that he won’t make it happen, but obviously, we’re going to continue to go through the week and see how it goes.” On how Minnesota’s offense changes without Vikings RB Dalvin Cook: “I don’t think it’s going to change much. (Alexander) Mattison also is a great back. They’ve done a nice job of building the whole thing. It’s kind of how they shaped it, how they built it, and I think they’ll continue to do that.” On his approach to Sunday’s game: “We’re going in to win the game, that’s always going to be our approach. Obviously the roster is very limited, in terms of how many backups and how many guys that you have. I think you’ll still probably see the same familiar names that we know, maybe mix in a guy here or there, but for the most part, it’ll be the guys we know.” |
