As an NFL coordinator or head coach, Mike Zimmer posted three top-five scoring defenses with three different teams over 13 seasons from 2003 to 2015.
"I didn't know that," said Vikings cornerback Terence Newman. "I'm not much of a stat guy."
Only one player has followed Zimmer from Dallas to Cincinnati to the Vikings and started on those defensive units that finished Nos. 2, 5 and 5, respectively. Certainly Newman knew that about Newman, eh?
"I hadn't really paid attention to it, to be honest with you," Newman shrugged.
Obviously, this makes Newman a lock to follow Zimmer to his next NFL stop, right Terence?
Not exactly. Newman began shaking his head. And it had nothing to do with the fact he now weighs in at 38 years of age.
"I don't think Zim's ever leaving Minnesota," Newman said. "He's found his home."
Zimmer is 60, which is two years older than Bud Grant was when he retired for good after 18 seasons. He also got a contract extension two months ago. And, oh yeah, he's kind of a prized possession locally with the league's only undefeated team (5-0) and its top-ranked scoring defense (12.6) by more than 2½ points ahead of No. 2 New England.
Newman was a rookie in 2003 when the Cowboys clicked defensively in Zimmer's fourth season as a coordinator. They led the league in total defense (253.5) and passing defense (164.4) while Newman intercepted a team-high four passes.
"As for comparisons, I know we had a lot more blitzes back then," Newman said. "Teams really couldn't figure out what we were doing. We had some guys who first got after the run, which is what Zim preaches. 'Stop the run, you stop the pass.' "
The 2003 Cowboys and the 2013 Bengals both ranked fifth in run defense. Where the 2015 Vikings differed was the inconsistency of their 17th-ranked run defense.
That's now the biggest difference in this year's defense compared to last year. The Vikings now rank fifth in run defense, allowing just 77.8 yards per game.
"The schemes between 2003 and now are not technically the same," Newman said. "But, player-wise, both teams have guys who are tough, smart and get after the quarterback. In that aspect, it's very similar."
But can the Vikings take it a step further and earn Zimmer his first No. 1 ranking as a scoring defense? The Vikings would have to unseat Seattle, which has won that title the past four seasons.
"When I look at Seattle, it's a deal where they understand their system and they play it to the best of their abilities," Newman said. "Can we be a defense that ranks No. 1 in whatever? I don't know. It would be nice, but none of us are going to start that conversation here. We understand the system and just do our jobs to the best of our abilities."
The Vikings have allowed 63 points, their lowest through five games since they gave up 49 in 1977. The franchise won its only three scoring defense titles during a three-season stretch from 1969 to 1971. The 1969 team allowed a franchise-record 9.5 points per game en route to Super Bowl IV.
Through five games this season, the Vikings haven't allowed more than 16 points in a game. Every other team in the league has given up 20 points or more at least once.
Buffalo and Seattle are the only ones that have surrendered 20 or more points just one time. Among division leaders, Atlanta and Oakland have given up 26 or more points five times apiece; Pittsburgh has given up 30 or more twice and 16 or fewer four times; and Houston and Denver have given up 20 or more four times apiece. Meanwhile, New England and Dallas have gone four straight games without allowing more than 17 points.
"Obviously, we don't want [the other team] to score," Zimmer said.
So the scoring title must be a goal that's harped on and hanging on a wall somewhere at Winter Park, eh Mike?
Not exactly. Zimmer focuses on the direction, not the destination.
"I've never talked to them about [being] No. 1 in scoring defense," Zimmer said. "Actually, I've never talked to them about [being] No. 1 in [any category]. For us, I know it sounds cliché or something, but we just try and work on the process of guys doing their job, being in the right place and making plays."