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VIkings head Mike Zimmer wasn't a fan of Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams before Sunday's game. He barely tried to contain his contempt after the Vikings' overtime win when asked about the hit that took out quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with a concussion.
"If we were on the street, we probably would have had a fight." Zimmer also references the "history" of "their defensive coordinator.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 8, 2015
Zimmer reportedly had an icy handshake for Rams head coach Jeff Fisher after the game, too. Most of his ire was clearly targeted at Williams, however.
"I know we played very clean on our side of the ball." Start of Mike Zimmer’s opening statement.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 8, 2015
#Vikings H.C. Mike Zimmer: "I agree that it was a cheap shot. [Gregg Williams'] defenses are all like that." https://t.co/dWVGWEaLHs
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) November 8, 2015
The play in question occurred with 13:36 left in the fourth quarter with the Vikings leading 18-15. Rams safety Lamarcus Joyner hit Bridgewater as the quarterback was sliding feet first to the ground. Under NFL rules, a runner declares himself down when he begins a slide feet first and defenders are expected to pull up on the play. Joyner didn't, and was flagged for a 15-yard personal foul for unnecessary roughness.
Both Fisher and Joyner defended themselves after the game.
Jeff Fisher on Teddy Bridgewater hit: "It is not the first quarterback that has been hit while going into a slide." #Vikings
— VikingUpdate.com (@VikingUpdate) November 8, 2015
"I know Bridgewater. We grew up across the tracks from each other. Our moms know each other. I would never intentionally hurt him." -Joyner
— Dani Klupenger (@daniklup) November 8, 2015
But no one on the Vikings was convinced, not even players.
Matt Kalil on Joyner's hit: "Knowing these guys, I've played them 2-3 times in the past. That's what they do." https://t.co/dWVGWEaLHs
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) November 8, 2015
Munnerlyn: "I've played against [Gregg Williams] a lot man. That's what he does. It's going to get chippy." https://t.co/dWVGWEaLHs
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) November 8, 2015
Rodney Harrison wasn't surprised that a Fisher-coached took a cheap shot, either.
oh wow (regarding Bridgewater hit): pic.twitter.com/5REhaKuhGg
— OHB (@ohholybutt) November 9, 2015
Joyner faces a potential fine, but he won't be suspended for the hit:
#Rams DB Lamarcus Joyner won’t be suspended for the blow to the head of #Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater, I’m told. Could be fined.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2015
Still, it's probably a good thing that the Rams and Vikings don't play each other twice a season.