Mike Zimmer Downplays Significance of Xavier Rhodes' Struggles in Vikings Secondary
By Andy Loughmiller
Xavier Rhodes is a far cry from the player he was a few years ago. Rhodes was an All-Pro in 2017 and regarded as one of the top corners in the NFL. However, that has not been the case this season.
The 29-year-old has been incredibly unproductive in 2019, and while Vikings fans have every right to be concerned about Rhodes' play, it seems head coach Mike Zimmer isn't sweating.
Mike Zimmer on CB Xavier Rhodes supposed decline in play: "It's really not a big deal. Everybody's making it out to be a big deal, but it's not."
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 19, 2019
While Zimmer refused to throw the cornerback under the bus, Rhodes' decline has been evident. The seventh-year defensive back has yet to log an interception and has recorded just five pass deflections in 2019, despite seeing the field for at least 70% of the team's defensive snaps in all but two games.
It's difficult to take Zimmer at his word, too, when you consider the fact that he admitted Rhodes' lack of playing time in Week 15 was intentional and not related to injury. The DB saw just 14 snaps in the 39-10 rout of the Chargers.
Xavier Rhodes, who played 14 snaps, came into Week 15 w/ an ankle injury and then injured his calf against the Chargers. Zimmer said the injuries weren't the reason for Rhodes' limited playing time. "That was just the plan going in."
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 16, 2019
With the playoffs on the horizon, Zimmer will be faced with the undesirable decision of whether or not he can trust Rhodes to log meaningful playing time. Based on his limited role over the past two weeks and his overall body of production in 2019, the Vikings may be better off turning to Mike Hughes or Mackensie Alexander.