Detroit Lions

Zimmer on Megatron: 'He's one of the greatest receivers of all time'

Published Oct. 22, 2015 10:45 a.m. ET

foxsports

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer holds his upcoming opponent in high regard. He's not taking the 1-5 Detroit Lions lightly, and that's because they have a future Hall of Famer at wide receiver in 30-year-old Calvin Johnson.

"All our guys understand who Calvin Johnson is and he's one of the greatest receivers of all time," Zimmer said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "So we have to play good in order to contain him. I don't know that you ever shut him down, but you try your best to contain him."

Megatron presents a serious matchup challenge, even for a defensive mastermind like Zimmer. He has 45 career 100-yard games, thanks in large part to his massive frame (6-5, 237 lbs.) and incredible jump-ball skills. Johnson currently ranks 32nd on the NFL's all-time leader board for receiving yards (10,893).

Although he got off to a slow start, Johnson had his best performance of the season in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears (six catches, 166 yards, one touchdown). The Vikings will have a tough time covering him this Sunday.