With Rhodes Hurt, Vikings Turn To Terence Newman For Leadership
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (WCCO) -- With the health of Xavier Rhodes an issue and second-year cornerback Trae Waynes still getting comfortable in the NFL, the Vikings turn to a veteran for leadership.
Mike Zimmer coached Terence Newman in Cincinnati and wanted him here. He's glad he made that move.
It's simple to Terrance Newmann. He plays because he understands the game he plays.
"Don't make mistakes, understand what's expected of you. You understand the ins and outs of what you're doing as far as offense, defense and special teams," Newman said.
Then there is the other part of his NFL equation, that he can lead with knowledge.
"It's been awesome man. I mean we've got some great guys in this locker room. Guys that care about their job and they're hungry to get better," Newman said. "So for me it makes it that much simpler."
That's in part by example. He sets a tone.
"Just so much wisdom and experience. You just look at him and relax. The moment is never too big for him," linebacker Anthony Barr said. "He's seen everything you can see in an NFL career.
Because he knows this game, and he knows what works.
"You know I just try to give what I can with them as far as knowledge because I've seen quite a bit in 13 years. But it's been a dream ride," Newman said.
In Mike Zimmer's world, it means having a guy on the field he can trust who understands the head coach.
"Position is good and making plays is better but you can't do the second without the first so you've got to be in position to make plays and that's the way these coaches coach," Newman said. "They're going to have you in positions fundamentally to be in the right place to make the right play.
