*Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer    *

I thought it was a really hard fought game, I know we played very clean on our side of the ball. It was great, it shows our team has a lot of heart, a lot of fight. These guys work hard every single day, they bust their rear ends to get better. I'm proud of this football team, the way they fight, the way they compete even when situations don't look real good, they fight.

Q: St. Louis is a pretty physical team, do you think they crossed the line today?

A: Yes.

Q: Did you feel the hit that knocked Teddy Bridgewater out of the game was a cheap shot and could you elaborate?

A: No I won't elaborate, but yes, I do.

Q: Do you think that should have been an ejection?

A: No, I don't think they can eject him.

Q: It looked like after the game you didn't have much to say to Jeff Fisher, is that because of the way the game went?

A: No, that's not why. I didn't have much to say him.

Q: What did the hit on Teddy Bridgewater do to the emotions of your players on the sideline?

A: I would say if we were out on the street, we probably would have had a fight.* *

Q: Do you think they targeted Teddy Bridgewater?

A: I don't know about that. I do know that there is a history there of their defensive coordinator, I'll leave it at that.

Q: What did you learn about your football and how they handled all of the adversity after Teddy Bridgewater got hurt?

A: We're a pretty resilient football team. I think even last week and as it continues on, I think they believe in each other. I think we played very good complimentary football. It's not always pretty all of the time, but it's awful pretty when you get the W.

Q: Can you talk about the decision to take the wind after winning the overtime coin toss?

A: It wasn't an easy one, I can tell you that. The guy kicked a 60-yard field goal earlier with the wind. I thought, 'man, I don't want to give them an opportunity to kick another long field goal to win the football game.' We decided to defend the goal, the defense did a great job on the three-and-out. [Marcus] Sherels made a nice return and we had a couple of nice plays to get the ball down there to kick the field goal and Blair [Walsh] knocked it through.* *

Q: Does this say something about your team, their restraint to not retaliate after the hit to Teddy Bridgewater?

A: Well, we're a disciplined football team, we do things right. That's why we are the least penalized team in the league, because we play by the rules, we continue to play by the rules and just because other teams don't do it doesn't mean we're going to do it.

Q: Do you have any concern about Teddy Bridgewater's status for next week at Oakland?

A: I don't know. I haven't had a concussion before, so I don't know how serious it is. He's going through the concussion protocol.

Q: Did you talk to the team about the history of the Rams defensive coordinator?

A: We did tell them going into the ballgame that we were going to use a hard-count a lot to get them to jump offsides. We thought we'd only get five, but I think we got way more than that. It shows about discipline and doing things the right way.

Q: What did you think about how your defense handled Tavon Austin?

A: Yeah, we had to do some change-ups in the second half. I got a better feeling, I thought, of what they were trying to do in the second half. They had me a little flustered in the first half. The offensive coaches there did a nice job.

Q: How bad is Audie Cole's injury?

A: Audie [Cole] has got a fractured ankle.

Q: How do you feel Shaun Hill did filling in for Teddy Bridgewater?

A: Under the circumstances, I thought he did okay. I think Shaun [Hill] is a very good backup quarterback. He's done a great job. I've watched him in practice every single day. He's a good kid that works real hard and he'll be an asset to this football team.

Q: How impressed with the way your defense containedTodd Gurley?

A: We did alright.

Q: Would you talk about Linval Joseph's game?

A: Yeah, Linval [Joseph] continues to be a terrific player for us - he's tough, physical, smart, a great competitor, loves the game, loves his teammates, wants to do the dirty work. He's a guy that I'm awful glad that we have.

Q: Is Linval Joseph's improvement in run defense from him not trying to do too much and doing his job and following the assignments he's supposed to do?

A: I don't know. Whatever he says, I agree with. I think he's done a good job of understanding things, playing blocks and understanding what we're trying to teach each week and how we're trying to do things. He's too big to disagree with.

Q: Would you talk about the fans being loud throughout the game and what this win does for you being tied for the division lead with the Packers?

A: We're halfway through the season. I did think the crowd did a great job today. It's nice to have these guys behind us. I've always said that it's important for me that this football team - when our fans watch us on Sunday they say, 'wow, I can't wait to get back and watch this team again. The way they play, the way they fight, the way they do things right.' I think they're starting to believe in us a little bit. We've still got a long way to go, but at least we're in the hunt.

Q: How do you think Trae Waynes did filling in for Terence Newman?

A: It seemed like he did good. It's hard for me to tell everything. I say I see mistakes a lot, but I thought he did well, from what I could tell.

Q: Was Terence Newman cleared to return?

A: No.

Q: Can you feel a sense of confidence your team has in its ability to win these close games?

A: I think that our team is resilient. Man, I want to say some things right now, but I'm not going to say them. I can't do it, I can't do it. I think our team is resilient. I think we've been in a lot of these close games, I think we will continue to be in close games. When you play good defense, you run the ball, I think you have an opportunity. But I also think we're going to continue to get better offensively. I think we played good on special teams and I think all of these situations that we get into, you kind of put them in your memory bank and you think – you know, we were in this situation before, we can do this. They had the momentum going into the third quarter and we were kind of muddling around there a little bit, but our guys are resilient, we'll fight.

Q: When did it come apparent that the wind was going to be a big factor?

A: Yeah, I didn't think it was going to be, but when he kicked that 60-yarder, the wind was going good. They took the wind in the fourth quarter and they ended up kicking the field goal. I just felt like both teams were going to get a possession as long as we didn't give them a touchdown there, I figured them going against the wind, they weren't going to get that.

Q: Is today an example of why you make sure you get a good backup quarterback?

A: Yeah. I mean, it's important for all of our positions. Chad Greenway went in and played Mike today, Brandon Watts went in and played the Will linebacker some. Audie [Cole] was playing the Mike until he got hurt. Trae Waynes is another guy that came in and played. [Brandon] Fusco went out for a play or two, I think. We just keep fighting, as long as we keep fighting and keep trying to do things the right way. I like this football team, I've said that a long time.* *

Q: Are you going to send tape into the league tomorrow with things you weren't happy with?

A: No, I might make a phone call.

Q: Is Audie Cole out for the season?

A: Yes.

Q: How do you feel about your depth at linebacker?

A: I think [Eric] Kendricks will get back, I think we'll be fine. You love injuries, don't you?

Q: You've got some guys behind Eric Kendricks and Brandon Watts, are you comfortable with them?

A: Yeah, [Brandon] Watts is doing a good job. We're not going to cry because we have injuries, we're going to get the next guy in there and we're going to go fight. I mean, that's just the way it is. I'm not going to feel sorry for myself, you don't feel sorry for me. Right?

Vikings Quarterback Shaun Hill

Q: How did it feel to get in a regular season game and take snaps at quarterback?

A: There wasn't any time for nerves or anything like that. You're in a tough position as a back-up because you never want to see an injury happen to the starter, but when it does, you have to buckle up and go do it. 

Q: That's what you were brought in here for though, right?

A: Yeah, my job description can change in the blink of an eye, so yeah, that's what happened today.

Q: What did it mean to go up against your former team?

A: Not just that, but this was an opportunity to get to 6-2 at the midway point of the season and that's a great place to be right now. That's all we talked about when we came in here today is whatever it takes to leave here 6-2 and that's what we did.

Q: What is the most important thing you have to do when you come in the game as a bac-up?

A: You have to ask somebody else about that, but I try to bring a calm demeanor. I know the game plan, I know what we're doing, so I get in the huddle, I know what's going on. Hopefully that helps.

Q: It must help to have Adrian Peterson behind you?

A: Yeah, that always helps for sure. That's nice to have back there.

Q: What were your thoughts on the hit on Teddy Bridgewater?

A: I didn't see it to be honest with you and I still haven't seen the replay on it. I just saw him on the ground, so at that point, I'm getting ready.

Q: How do you feel about the idea of potentially taking over this offense next week if Teddy Bridgewater is unable to play?

A: I feel confident, I feel comfortable in our system, I feel confident in this team. Obviously, everybody hopes that Teddy is back and ready to go. But like I said, my job description can change in the blink of an eye. Whatever it is I'll be ready.

Q: How much time was there to warm- up, between knowing that you were going in to taking that first snap?

A: A second [laughs]. No, there was a little bit more. I'm to the age now where just raw emotions is not going to get me warmed up, so I stay warmed -up all game. On the sidelines I throw about every other series, I stretch, move around, things like that, so if it happens then I'm ready to go. I take snaps from the starting center before the game, so it's one of those things if something happens, then you're ready.

Q: Did it help at all that you were familiar with this team that you went up against?

A: Maybe a little bit. Obviously, just watching the way they were playing us from the sidelines. So yeah, there were certainly some cues that I picked up on over there that I was able to carry over.

Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson

Q: How did that win feel?

A: It felt good. We made it kind of hard on ourselves offensively, but the defense did a great job of giving us an opportunity when we needed it most there in overtime. Special teams came up with a big play with Sherels giving us good field position. We were able to get a couple of runs offensively. The offensive line, they took it personally all week, kept fighting, and we were able to be productive in the run game and were able to set it up for Blair, and he nailed it. 

Q: What was Shaun Hill like?

A: He's a veteran. He came in and nothing changed, nothing changed at all but a different player. He came in and controlled the huddle and was able to come out and help us get this win.

Q: You're six and two, how do you feel?

A: I feel good. Just another confidence builder for us. We knew it was going to be a dogfight coming in. To win in this fashion, with a nod to knowing that there was so many things offensively that we could have done better. We're still learning, and I feel like that's the scary thing, but it's always good to come out on top.

Q: Were emotions running high in this one?

A: Yeah, you know I haven't false started in a long time. But I kind of had to keep my wits about myself and remain calm, not get ahead of myself. I kind of found myself doing that a little bit, but I was able to settle in and just play it one play at a time.

Q: Were the Rams defenders a little overaggressive at times today?

A: It is what it is. I love guys that play like that. The shot on Teddy, it was kind of wishy-washy. It didn't really look too bad from the review, but you slam your head like that, and they have to have some type of responsibility for that.

Q: All week people have been painting Todd Gurley as a guy that would take the torch from you. Did you kind of send a message today of "not yet"?

A: I don't plan on passing the torch any time soon. He came out and had a good game. I was able to sit back and watch him. He's a very explosive and strong back. I would just like to encourage him to keep pushing. He's going to come out of his game against our defense as a better player.

Q: Is it your job to punish their defensive backs? Do you look at that as your own responsibility?

A: Of course. Coming out and being physical is what Coach talks about. The offensive line did that, and tight ends, receivers, and fullbacks. That's what we wanted to do was establish the run and be physical because we knew what we were coming in to. I just want to take my hat off to those guys for stepping up to the challenge.

Q: Was Zimmer particularly emotional out there today?

A: I guess a little bit, no more than he normally is. He's always emotional and into it. You see the fire, and we feed off that. Any time he talks, we feed off the energy that he's providing. That's helpful to have a coach like that.

Q: Adrian, you talk about that hit on Teddy and a lot of the offensive line guys are saying that that was a dirty hit. Do you think he was targeted that way or would that be maybe taking it one more step?

A: I think maybe taking it one more step. I really looked at it and was kind of evaluating it, because I was hot. He kind of got him with the shoulder as he was going down, and caught the tail end of his helmet, wasn't as full force, but he was coming with force and that allowed his head to bang back. I feel like you have to call that even though it didn't look bad.

Q: Well then there was another hit earlier on that was on his leg that some people have said could have been called too.

A: You know, I told the refs during the game that they were doing a good job of calling the game. We make mistakes offensively and defensively, and vice versa with St. Louis, and unfortunately they're human and make mistakes as well. So it's a good thing it didn't come back to bite us and we were able to overcome it and come out with this W.

Q: You remember New Orleans, that defensive coordinator went after the quarterback too. Was there any of that today, those were two questionable hits on Teddy?

A: Yeah, they were, they were.

Q: Any connections between New Orleans and this?

A: I definitely remember playing against those guys in New Orleans, and they played physical and they played through the whistle so with that you get some shots that don't look that good. Teddy, hopefully he comes out and he's healthy and he's going to be okay. The most important thing is that we got the W, so we'll just take it for what it is.

Q: It also says a lot about his team that you can get angry and come back and win. Sometimes you've been on teams that would just get angry and it would fall apart and the wheels would come off. Now you can actually back it up.

A: That's the mindset no matter what the adversity is throughout the game. Stay on focus, remain focused, and use that anger in a positive way. We did that on offense, defense and special teams, and we got the W. 

Q: On the first play when you guys got the ball back before it went to overtime, it looked like Shaun was dropping back to pass on that play. Was that a busted play?

A: When he handed it off, I don't know if he just got tripped up or we had penetration, but I remember running back and telling him good job on handing the ball off because I was able to see him tripping up. It could have been a bad play for us, but I think I was able to get it back to the line of scrimmage.

Q: A couple of fumbles today, any concern?

A: Not at all. The first one was just a great play by the defender. The second one was one of those opportunities that I missed, being too anxious. I was too fast and didn't lock the ball in and have ball security, so it came out. I was able to pick it up real quick, good thing it didn't hurt us and they didn't get the recovery. But that hurt us because it was definitely a first down and a big run. So that was one of those opportunities offensively that we had to close it out. That one hurt, but we'll try to refocus and look forward. We had other opportunities that we were able to capitalize on.

Q: You feel like it's becoming a trend at all, a trend of putting the ball on the ground this year?

A: I don't think so I don't think I had one last week or the week before. San Diego was a long time ago, so not really. It happens; these are professional players. Plays are made. So I'm not going to focus on that, I'm going to focus on being six and two and going in to Oakland and trying to get a W.

Vikings Kicker Blair Walsh

Q: When you were taking warm-up kicks before the game, it looked like there was a difference between one kick to another?

A: Yeah, you know what, it was definitely helping in the way we finished in the game. As you saw, Greg [Zuerlein] hit a 61-yarder and he's got a very good leg. But, in our field, that wind is going to aid you that way. It did.

Q: How many times has it worked when they try to freeze you? Has it worked, ever?

A: In the way we look at it, it's more opportunity for us to be on the field, physically. So, I kind of calm myself, go into it and say, "hey you know what, this ball is meant to go through the upright, you're meant to do it, so just do it."

Q: Were you expecting your coach to take the kickoff and take the wind?

A: I think it shows you how smart Coach Zimmer is and how smart Coach Priefer is, to take that wind. It made such a difference. Nobody made or attempted a P.A.T. the other way. That kind of tells you something about the way the offenses were moving and the way the game flow was going. He was smart to take the wind in case we needed a long one.

Q: On a windy day, do you watch the other kicker to see how the wind is going?

A: The only thing I took from him was that when he pushed that ball right, before his last make, going out there, I was like, "hey, this wind is going to push it a little bit right, but don't overdo it." You kind of learn from him, just like last week, I learned from Robbie's [Gould] miss on the run. But hey, interesting game.

Q: What do you have to be careful about with wind like this?

A: Thinking too much about it. You just have to hit a true ball, hit it dead center and sometimes it will affect it, sometimes it won't. More often than not, if you are hitting a true ball, it's going to move it minimally.

Q: Is this where it pays off with all of the extra work that you guys have done during practice week?

A: No doubt. I probably hit 60 balls down here on Wednesday. The wind was a little bit less than today, but it was very similar. I kicked that exact kick on Wednesday, so it was nice to come back out here and say hey, I'm comfortable in this stadium and I've said this all along – we can make this stadium our home-field advantage.

Q: Is this the most effective game you've played here in strategies and decisions?

A: It was pretty brutal today. Like I pointed out, I thought it was crazy that nobody attempted a P.A.T. or field goal into that wind, and that kind of says something about the way the wind affects the way that guys can throw the ball, too. It was still smart of us to take that wind at the end of the game and go for the win.

Q: What would your range have been in the other direction?

A: Fifty. We were comfortable with 50 [yards] going into that wind but that's at the maximum range. But as you saw, it kind of gusted where there were times that it was going hard and times that it wasn't.

Q: What's your routine in overtime? Any different than the first four quarters?

A: No, I kind of tell myself exactly what the magnitude of the kick is. You don't want to try to trip yourself, but you have to go out there and believe that you can make the kick and do it. I've got so many people in my corner helping me and getting me ready for each and every week that you go out there and do your job. Great snaps and holds by Kevin [McDermott] and Jeff [Locke]. They make my job so easy when I go out there.

Vikings Linebacker Anthony Barr

Q: With Eric Kendricks out in today's game, how did that change things for the defense today?

A: He's a great player for us but we have a lot great players that are capable of stepping up and providing some energy and going out there and executing well. I think Chad [Greenway] Audie [Cole] and Brandon [Watts] stepped up and played well today.

Q: Linval Joseph talked about the second half adjustments you guys made, what was the biggest key in the second half?

A: They kept on running that flash formation when Tavon [Austin] kept coming across the formation and getting the ball. We made an emphasis to try and keep our eyes on him and keep him bottled up as much as possible. 

Q: As a defense, when you see Teddy Bridgewater go down early in the 4th quarter with a three point lead, what's your mindset on the sideline?

A: We have to win. We have to win for our quarterback. He's a warrior. He's a fighter. We had to go win the game for him.

Q: What did you take from Coach Zimmer electing to put the defense out on the field first in overtime?

A: He believes in us. We believe in him. It's a good player/coach relationship. We go out there and play for our coach. We play for our guys. We play for each other. We go out there and win the game for each other.

Q: From a linebacker's perspective, with Linval's play this season, how much impact does that have on what the opposing offense does?

A: It would be hard pressed to find a better nose guard in the NFL right now. You're playing lights out. He's playing the pass rush and the run great. It's fun to watch. Your behind him and kind of watch him do his thing. It's amazing to see the way he's playing right now.

Vikings Defensive End Brian Robsion

Q: What was your reaction when coach Zimmer decided to put the defense on the field first in overtime?

A: First thing was that I was surprised. Second thing was that tells me he has confidence in us to go out there and get the job done. Anytime your coach has that type of confidence in the defense, you don't want to disappoint. We just had to go out there, get it done and we were able to get the ball back to our offense. It wasn't a pretty win once again, but we got it done. 

Q: Do you guys have enough players left? Your depth is really being tested of late.

A: Next man up. Doesn't matter who's out there. We just have to go out there and try and win a ball game.

Q: The St. Louis Rams offense has done some damage to other teams this year, what did you guys do right in the second half to hold them to three points?

A: All 11 guys being where they are supposed to be. At the end of the day, I think I have said it 100 times, in this defense if all 11 guys are where we are supposed to be, we have an opportunity to do something really special. That's what we did for the most part in the second half. All 11 guys being in the right gaps and being in the right places.

Q: How about the game Linval Joseph had today? Where did that come from?

A: That's what we see from him every day in practice. He's having a Pro Bowl type season. I am going to lobby for him just like I did for Everson [Griffen] last year. He should go to the Pro Bowl. If he doesn't, it's a travesty.

Vikings Linebacker Chad Greenway

Q: The Vikings are currently tied for first in the division midway through the season. Is it a big deal?

A: There is so much football left. We have a ton of tough road games in general. Teams coming in here with great records, so we are not worried about any of that at this point. Nothing is won after eight games. They don't hand out midseason awards with congratulations. It's about continuing to grind. We have a lot of guys that are dinged up and injured. A lot of guys that are having to play through things. We just have to keep grinding away. There is nothing pretty about a NFL season.

Q: What did it mean to you about patiently waiting on an opportunity to contribute more in today's game?

A: I really didn't wait to contribute. I was just trying to do my job. That's really it. When you buy into something like we're buying in, it's not about who's on the field or what's the situation or the role. It's about how do you figure out how to win this game? If you can get over yourself and there are a lot of players on this team that have done that. Everybody on the team is unselfish and we just want to go out there and grind out our roles. 

Q: What did you guys do in the second half defensively as the Rams were running that reverse action for a good part of the game. Seemed like you guys really stifled their offense in the second half and in overtime.

A: Tavon Austin is a unique player with the ball in his hands. Every NFL team has a player like that but he is a unique guy. So you have to try and figure out a way of defending him. We did some different things. It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination but the second half we played better. I know he got dinged up a bit in the game, but when the ball is in his hands he is as good as anyone in the NFL. We tried to contain him as much as we could. Some of the plays were not pretty but we figured out a way to get off the field in a lot of tough situations.

Q: Talk about your season, you look rejuvenated out on the field?

A: I am just trying to play. Throughout the entire season I have been just wanting for an opportunity to play. My role today obviously changed with Erik [Kendricks] having to sit so it's just about filling in and playing. It's something I have done before.

*Vikings Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn *

Q: What did you think of Lamarcus Joyner's hit on Teddy Bridgewater's slide?

A: I'm sure he'll hear from the league about it. Teddy clearly gave himself up and he's [Lamarcus Joyner] still trying to go on with the tackle. At the end of the day, I try not to read into it too much, but he hurt our quarterback, so I don't know how to look at it as that. But at the same time, we tried to just press through it. Shaun [Hill] came in and we got the win.

Q: How important was it for you to not let your anger get the best of you after that?

A: We did really well with that, not retaliating after the play or getting personal fouls. I think I got a facemask penalty, but I didn't try to clearly. I think we did really well and let our play speak for itself.

Q: What was the mindset like late in the game with Shaun Hill coming in and you only holding a three point lead?

A: Shaun's a pro. Shaun has been in the league for a long time. Shaun has been playing this game for a long time. I trust him, I trust him; to go out there and compete at a high level. I just knew if they didn't score any more, they don't win. I knew that. It was obvious, but we just tried to compete and that's what we did.

Vikings Safety Harrison Smith

Q: How did you guys try to slow down Todd Gurley?

A: Guys up front had a great game, Linval [Joseph] obviously. I was already saying that he causes havoc every game. I think more people might have noticed today because of the tackles he had, but he always does that. Guys did their job.

Q: Did you have a key on Todd Gurley throughout the game?

A: No, we just played our game, tried to fit with what we were supposed to, still didn't do as well as we wanted to do, but we got the W and that's all that matters to us.

Q: How big was this win?

A: Every win that we can get is big, especially in the NFC, so it's huge for us and (now we) just focus on the next game.

Q: Did Coach Zimmer's call to play defense first show you guys he had a lot of faith in you?

A: Yeah, I think he would probably say both of those things. We were excited about it and I think we wanted to back Zim up on it and we did and got the three-and-out. Then special teams, offense and special teams again with Blair [Walsh]. Blair kicked the field goal, so it was a good team win.

Vikings Defensive Tackle Linval Joseph

Q: Do you feel like you had more of an impact on the game today, personally? You were all over the field today.

A: I was just trying to do my job. I love this team. Right now everybody is playing together and that is all you can ask for. Right now we are one heartbeat and the last couple of games have come right down to the wire, but we got heart and we don't give up. That's what we are trying to teach and coach here and that's what we're doing.

Q: You had a career day in tackles, maybe none bigger then that first play of overtime?

A: That was a big play for our team. I am just glad I was there in position to make that play. I am just glad we won the game, I really am.

Q: With all of the injuries, do you still think this is the best the defense is playing?

A: Right now when somebody goes down, the next man has to step up and that's what we're doing this year. It doesn't matter if it's the quarterback, running back, corner, linemen, we just have to step up. That's what everybody is doing. Everybody is trying to do their job. That's what we coach in practice and that's what we're doing in the game. 

Q: What did you guys do in the second half to hold the Rams to three points?

A: We just came out of halftime and rallied up. That's what we're supposed to do. In the first half they were doing a lot of reverses and we couldn't figure out a way to stop it. We came in at halftime and came together and stopped it in the second half. 

Q:  How much energy did you spend this week on trying to figure out on how to stop Todd Gurley?

A: We are just trying to do our job. Small ball. We held him under 100 yards and that was our goal. On to the next week.

Q: What did it mean to you when coach Zimmer wanted to put the defense on the field first in overtime?

A: I loved that. We're just aggressive right now. We're just hungry. We just want to keep winning and do whatever it takes to win.

Q: Green Bay lost, so both teams are 6-2. How do you feel about that?

A: Right now we are just taking it one game at a time. Right now we have to play the Oakland Raiders next, so that is our focus.

Vikings Left Tackle Matt Kalil

Q: What was their game plan with Chris Long and Robert Quinn out?

A: Obviously, that's two of their best defensive lineman. Every guy you face is going to be a challenge. Even if they're not playing, they still got a good defense. So I don't think it's a sigh of relief or anything. I was actually looking forward to playing against them. I hope they get better and I'm just glad to get a win.

Q: Do you think it changed the play calling and how you guys wanted to attack them?

A: No, I mean we have the same plays, nothing really changed that much. Maybe needed less help, because obviously when you get those guys you get some chips on the way out, but as far as our game plan I don't think too much changed. 

Q: Do you guys think that the Rams were maybe a little over aggressive? I don't want to say cheap necessarily, but do you feel that there were a couple of plays where they had a little more juice that they needed to?

A: We know how they play. I've played them a couple of times before. It's just their mentality, they're going to get after it and they don't care who they're playing. I think their biggest thing is they're trying to get you rattled, they're trying to get you to retaliate, and I think we did a great job of keeping our composure and not playing into that whole game.

Vikings Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs

Q: How does it feel to win?

A: It's always good to get a win, especially as a collective unit, as a team. All sides of the ball playing at a high level, you just have to love it.

Q: Pretty good defense on the other side, too, right?

A: Definitely good defense. They had a good defense all along. Catching up with the pass-rushers, they had some good guys in the back end. You've got to respect them as a defense. They play at a high level all the time.

*Q: Shaun Hill was thrusted into the game after Teddy was out from the concussion. *

A: You never know when a guy is going to go down. It shows a lot of courage and a lot of integrity for Shaun to come up and step up. He stepped up at a crucial time for us, to come out and put out another win. Teddy going down, it hurts. It hurts a lot. He's a big key in this offense and hopefully he can come back on the field. But, if not, I definitely have 100% confidence in Shaun as well. He prepared the right way all week.

Q: Were you guys fired up after Teddy was taken down, just by the nature of the hit?

A: That's your quarterback. Everybody knows you feel something different for your quarterback than you do for anybody else on the offense or defense. He's the general and when he goes down, everybody feels like we have to step it up another notch. Our guy isn't here and we have to play for him. That's how it works.

Q: Did you feel that the Rams key in on you more than other defenses have this past couple weeks?

A: Everybody has different schemes and different plays on how they want to play certain receivers. I don't take it as keying in or anything like that. Maybe, maybe not, but that's not for me to say. My job is to read the coverage and run the route.

Q: Was it a really intense game? It seems like a couple of times, you were getting really fired up.

A: I love football so as far as playing at a high level, competing at a high level with some great guys, you got to love it.

Q: Do you think it was a cheap hit on Teddy?

A: From the offensive side of the ball, I'm going to say, yeah, because that's my guy. But from the defensive side of the ball, he left his feet. Everybody tries to take a hit on the quarterback no matter what because it always counts. You know I'm going to side with my guy all of the time, but I'm going to give you both sides of the ball and both points of view. But it's not for me to decide the call. Of course I'm going to guard my guy. I hope he's ok.