*Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer *

We're hoping that it's a hostile environment and that our fans are loud and excited. It really is a great test. They're very, very talented all across the board. We're going to have to play very good in order to win.

Q: If it was the old rules would Alex Boone be listed as probable?

A: I don't know, it's not the old rules. But, I'm assuming he will play, yes.   

Q: How much of the struggles on the offensive line have to do with all the changes?

A: Well when you get guys hurt it always makes it a little difficult with the communication. It's what we do, you see all across the league guys getting hurt and being out. We just have to figure out a way how we can win.    

Q: How much of that do you think is communication?

A: Yeah, some of it is communication. Especially when you're doing some communicating at the line.

Q: Have you ever had to use wide receivers as defensive backs in practice like New York had to do this week?

A: I think Arizona last year. We had receivers playing DB. It happens.    

Q: Do you think the fact that the defense has been in the same system for three years has led to this year's success

A: I definitely think it helps. The terminology stays the same, the communication stays the same. I think knowing where guys are going to be and understanding where their assignments are and things they do. I think all that stuff is important. From the first day that I came in here we've always met together as a defense. So they hear the same things over and over for three years so I think it does help, yeah.

Q: Do you prescribe to the Parcells philosophy of 'Let's not put them in Canton yet'?

A: I don't think we have anybody like that yet. We have good players that are good team guys.  They care about doing things right. They're competitive, they're smart. We definitely have not arrived. I think that it's a long season, we have to continue to play good.

Q: Has that continuity abled you to add more wrinkles to the blitz packages?

A: Well what's easier to do is we go out here and I say, 'Hey, let's try this.' They handle things pretty good that way. Or if you're talking about coverages or adjustments, those things are much easier than the first year obviously.

Q: How good of a tackler is Terence Newman?

A: He's pretty good. For not a real big guy he's physical, throws his body around. He's always been like that, he's a tough guy.   

Q: Will you continue with your cornerback rotation?

A: I don't know, we'll see.   

Q: Is rotating cornerbacks a way to get an older veteran like Terence Newman a few less snaps down the stretch?

A: If we rotate it will be a way to get less snaps, yes.    

Q: Have you seen an improvement in deep coverage from Andrew Sendejo this year?

A: Yeah, I guess. There hasn't been too many of those situations I don't think. When you rush the quarterback it helps. The thing about Sendejo is he's smart, he communicates well. He's a good tackler and he's in the right place the majority of the time.

Q: Where would you place Eli Manning in terms of quarterbacks being able to get the ball out quickly?

A: Well he's very good. I don't rate guys or rank guys or anything like that. But I mean the guy has won two Super Bowls. He knows where to go with the ball, he gets it out quick. He's got good footwork. He's always a big challenge to play.   

Q: How much of a quarterback having a quick release is pre-snap or just having a quick release?

A: A little of both. Knowing where you're going to go with the football is important. Obviously if you go back there and you drop it or whatever it gives the defenders a little bit more of a chance. He's got a great release, obviously. He's got pretty good stock, comes from pretty good stock. He's good. 

Q: How does their trio of receivers fit into that as well?

A: Well and they've got some shots too. These guys can all run. Shepard in the slot is very, very dangerous. They've got a lot of double moves with him. Obviously Beckham has got a lot of double moves, he's quick and great run after the catch. Cruz too, Cruz made a big catch against New Orleans to win the ballgame there at the end. All those guys are really stop-and-start guys but they all have deep speed.

Q: What do you remember about Leon Hall?

A: I'm sure Leon hasn't changed. He's a guy that was extremely competitive, very, very smart, very tough. There was so many times where we'd line him up on guys and he would fight them all day long and play great. Never wanted to miss practice, always had a smile on his face. He's a great kid.