Mike Zimmer Comments on Rams Defense, Teddy Bridgewater's Injury

When asked, Mike Zimmer didn't mince words: The Minnesota Vikings head coach believes Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner's hit that concussed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was a dirty play.

"If we were out in the street, we probably would have had a fight," Zimmer said, per Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.

Joyner, a first-year safety out of Florida State, hit Bridgewater hard in the head with his shoulder as the second-year quarterback was attempting to slide to the ground on a fourth-quarter run. Bridgewater was knocked out on the play and was later diagnosed with a concussion. Joyner, who said it was not his intention to hurt Bridgewater, was given a 15-yard personal foul penalty.

"I don't agree with the hit," left guard Brandon Fusco said, per Vensel. "I think some of those players on that team are pretty cheap, to tell you the truth. I hope we see them again because it was a fun game to play in and a physical game. I just don't like seeing our quarterback go down that way."

Zimmer also pointed to Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, saying "there is a history" of his defenses playing dirty, per USA Today. Williams, of course, was the New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator during the Bountygate scandal. The NFL's investigation found that the longtime assistant "administered" a policy in New Orleans that rewarded players for hard hits or even injuring opposing players.

"I don't know about that, but I do know that there is a history there with their defensive coordinator," Zimmer said when asked if he thought the Rams were targeting Bridgewater. "I'll leave it at that."

Former Vice President of Officiating and current Fox analyst Mike Pereira broke down the two plays involving hits on Bridgewater: 

Bridgewater threw for 144 yards and an interception before leaving the Vikings' 21-18 win. Minnesota has now won four straight games, with Bridgewater's steady hand helping key a slowed-down, conservative offense.

The Louisville product will now be subject to the NFL's concussion protocol. He'll need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before resuming football activities. The Vikings travel to Oakland next week for a game against the Raiders, so he'll likely have a confirmed status before the weekend. Shaun Hill will start if Bridgewater is unable to go.

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