Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions: 5 players to watch
By Dan Zinski
Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Robert Blanton (36) celebrates a play against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
4. Whoever ends up playing safety
Who will line up at strong safety against Detroit? Even Mike Zimmer probably doesn’t know yet.
Zimmer put Andrew Senedjo in against San Francisco even though Sendejo had participated with the first team in only one drill during practice the week before.
It seems like Zimmer just made a gut-level decision to go with Sendejo, likely anticipating that the 49ers would run the ball a lot.
Zimmer was right about the 49ers running the ball, but he was wrong about Sendejo being able to help stop it.
Sendejo had an ugly game in run support, getting cut down by blockers on the outside and generally not living up to his reputation as a heady player.
Sendejo did so poorly that late in the game Zimmer went to his bench and got Robert Blanton, who turned out to be no better than Sendejo.
So who will it be against Detroit?
The situation is still fluid according to Zimmer. But I’d put my money on Blanton who is generally perceived to be a better coverage safety than Sendejo.
But then again…