The Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North by (barely) beating the St. Louis Rams at the same time as the Packers lost to the Carolina Panthers. Both the Vikings and Packers now have 6-2 records, but Minnesota has more wins within the division so they’re technically ahead (for playoff standing, divisional wins are more significant than conference wins, which are in turn more important than out-of-conference wins).
Oh hi NFC North standings pic.twitter.com/vfS8lF5a4d
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) November 8, 2015
The game itself was a slugfest, with both teams depending heavily on their defences to mask the weaknesses on the other side of the ball. Neither team was at full strength, with the Vikings lacking new rookie sensation Eric Kendricks at middle linebacker and the Rams without defensive ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn. Injuries piled up during the game even before the personal foul that took Teddy Bridgewater out of the game. Cornerback Terence Newman (suspected concussion) and backup middle linebacker Audie Cole both left the field, with Cole being carted to the locker room with a broken ankle and is probably done for the season. After the game, reporters noticed that linebacker Anthony Barr had his left arm in a cast, although he didn’t appear to miss any snaps during the game. Both Bridgewater and Newman have to go through the concussion protocol, so it won’t be known for at least a few days whether either player will be able to play next week. Rookie Trae Waynes stepped in for Newman and veteran backup quarterback Shaun Hill played the remainder of the game for Bridgewater.
It didn’t take long for suspicions to form about infamous (former New Orleans Saints) defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams repeating his “bountygate” past:
Any chance Gregg Williams has a bounty out on Bridgewater.
Yeah, I said it.
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) November 8, 2015
Zimmer said he thought hit on Bridgewater was dirty. Brought up history "of their defensive coordinator" #Vikings
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) November 8, 2015
Mike Zimmer agreed that the Joyner hit was cheap. Added, "If we were out on the street, we would have had a fight. #Vikings
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) November 8, 2015