Adrian Peterson

Mike Zimmer rips Vikings' effort after embarrassing loss, demands more fight out of them

Published Dec. 18, 2016 5:42 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

The Minnesota Vikings had ample motivation heading into Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Adrian Peterson made his first appearance since suffering a torn meniscus in September, and the Vikings were still in the hunt for a playoff berth.

So why did Minnesota look so lifeless in its lopsided 34-6 loss to Indianapolis, a huge blow to the Vikings’ dwindling shot at the postseason? Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer wondered the same thing after the game and vowed that he wasn’t going to put up with it.

“I want to find out who’s going to fight because that wasn’t a fighting performance,” Zimmer told reporters. “If they’re not going to fight, they’re going to get their butt out.”

https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/810593807259619328

https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/810594074835161090

Zimmer didn’t point fingers at specific players, but the defense’s effort Sunday was especially eye-opening. The unit allowed an opponent to score at least 30 points for the first time this season in a must-win game.

Peterson was far from his normal form, finishing with 22 rushing yards on six carries. The Vikings have now lost three of four and finish their season facing two division foes – the Packers next Saturday and the Bears in Week 17.

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Adrian Peterson

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