Fmr. Vikings Coach Frazier Faces Old Team Sunday
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings' bid for a win Sunday involves the past.
Leslie Frazier was the head coach last year at this time. He is now the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His return provides a mixture of memories and incentive. It's not been great, but make no mistake -- the Vikings defense has improved.
Maybe the Vikings' defense can help the Vikings' offense?
"I mean, if anyone has any questions, I still remember a lot of the stuff," said safety Harrison Smith. "I haven't really watched our defense too much, so I don't know exactly what they're doing."
Maybe the meeting between the Vikings and Frazier will be described as "misery loves company" this season.
The Buccaneers have struggled on that side of the ball. But when you talk about Frazier, you're talking about a man who helped develop many of the Vikings -- and not just as football players.
"He's helped me, you know, grow and develop as a player, and not only that – as a human being," said defensive end Brian Robison. "You're always thankful to have coaches like that."
So what they're trying to say is simple: This is the NFL.
"I was with Coach Frazier for four years now, and you know he was a great dude," said defensive end Everson Griffen. "He taught me a lot of things and, you know, now he's with Tampa and, you know, our whole purpose is to go out there and beat 'em."
The Vikings face the Buccaneers Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Kickoff is at noon.
