Mike Zimmer responds to Justin Jefferson throwing the offense under the bus

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer downplayed any conflict after receiver Justin Jefferson criticized the offense and playcalling.

There was plenty of frustration in Minnesota on Sunday as the Vikings fell to the Rams, 30-23, and made their playoff climb that much harder.

There was also plenty of spice afterward when star wide receiver Justin Jefferson called out the team’s offense for failing to score touchdowns in the red zone.

“We should be more aggressive when we get down there. As soon as we get down there,” Jefferson said. “But I’m not the one calling the plays. I’m just here to do my job and do what was told to me. But we can’t get down to the red zone that many times and come out with three points.”

What did Mike Zimmer have to say about Justin Jefferson’s criticism?

Head coach Mike Zimmer was asked about the comments on Monday and he played them off diplomatically.

“Justin was just frustrated,” Zimmer said, per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “Hey, we’re all frustrated. When we don’t win a game, we’re all frustrated. We all say things 10 minutes after a game we wish we wouldn’t have, but you know every time I’ve talked to him when he’s been frustrated, he’s, ‘I got you coach, we’re good, let’s go.’

“In my opinion, he just wants to win and part of that is he wants to get the ball if he can, and I don’t think he’s calling out anybody. That’s not the type of person he is. He’s a guy that wants to go out and play and play his best every single week.

“Justin’s a great kid, I’m sure he’s just frustrated about not scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Each and every game is different down there as far as what the opponents are trying to do, so I don’t worry too much about Justin. He’s a great kid, great teammate. Does a lot of good things.”

Jefferson was essentially saying what many Vikings fans feel. They were left wanting throughout a very winnable game against the Rams.

Kirk Cousins threw an interception on third-and-goal from the eight and settled for field goals at the four and six-yard line. The lack of production in the red zone allowed Los Angeles to build and hold on to a lead despite three Matthew Stafford interceptions.

Of course, Zimmer was always unlikely to do anything but downplay Jefferson’s comments. Will he do anything with them internally? That’s the question.