The Minnesota Vikings are in a watershed period with Xavier Rhodes. He’s due the money top NFL cornerbacks get and he’s ready to be a long-term leader for the franchise.
One of the most critical players for the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 is cornerback Xavier Rhodes. The former first-round pick is nearing a big payday with the Vikings that would keep him a shutdown corner in Minnesota for years to come.
Rhodes spoke following Tuesday’s practice session and said that this week has had a new dynamic with the big dog in the yard – head coach Mike Zimmer – back on the prowl.
“We definitely missed him while he was gone,” Rhodes said. “Zim is going to be Zim, so he’s going to be on us hard. He basically wants things perfect on both sides of the ball. The energy on the field during practice is the same. We’re out there practicing and competing each and every day to make each other better.”
While organized team activities are merely the formative steps of what the 2017 team is going to become, every OTA, practice, minicamp and training camp session can be a learning moment.
Asked if he believed that the experience is making any significant progress as a group, Rhodes said he’s been impressed with what he’s seen early on.
“Actually, a lot,” Rhodes aid. “The bond and the chemistry is getting a lot better on the offensive side and the defensive side. The defense are making calls, making checks into certain formations and we’re getting into motions. The bond and the chemistry is getting a lot better this year so far.”
One of the most rewarding points, and frustrating as well, for Rhodes is that he has a fan in Zimmer, but his is more a tough-love than a feel-good rapport.
He holds Rhodes to a higher standard because he knows that he has a rare talent and needs to continue working to improve the little nuances of his game. That can be a mixed blessing. Rhodes knows that Zimmer is in his corner, but he will also be in his face.
“He’s always been on me,” Rhodes said. “He’s always telling me that I have the potential to be great. I just have to believe and listen to him and listen to the other coaches that are trying to coach me. I also listen to the other vets on the team. I listen to everyone that’s willing to help and give me the knowledge to help me improve my game.”
One part of Rhodes’ game that he knows needs refining is his vocal leadership. While many of the top corners in the league are defined by their cockiness, trash talk and overzealous on-field emotion, Rhodes is much more even-keel.
He doesn’t see that as a weakness – it’s just his personality. But, he isn’t devoid of emotion and one of the things he’s going to work on this season is to become a more vocal on-field leader. He has the passion for his craft and the overall improvement of the defense.
His focus is going to make sure his voice is heard more in the huddle and on the fly when the defense is making on-field adjustments.
“I feel like I need to be heard,” Rhodes said. “I think the guys are looking forward to seeing me talk, to be more vocal, to be more of a leader. So, I’m trying to take it on and get used to that role. So, I’m starting here in practice.”
Leave a Reply