All About the Big Men

 

Despite all the injuries on both sides, Monday night’s result should come from a traditional place.

“I think it’s still won in the trenches,” Rivera said. “If we’re running the ball well, if we’re protecting the quarterback and if we’re getting pressure on the quarterback – I think that’s where it’s won. It’s going to be won on the line of scrimmage.”

 

Some Good News

 

A hamstring injury will keep running back Jonathan Stewart out of his third straight game, but he could be back before the Week Seven bye.

Stewart began running this week, and Rivera said “I feel pretty comfortable” about Stewart’s chances to return for next week’s trip to New Orleans.

 

Parting Shot

 

Two weeks after the Vikings left Bank of America Stadium with a win, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn took a dig at his former teammates.

“When we took the lead … I know those guys. I knew it was over,” Munnerlyn told Alex Marvez of the Sporting News. “I’ve been in that locker room before so I knew. Those guys really don’t play well when they are down.”

When asked if he wanted to respond, Rivera smiled and said:

“Absolutely. I just want to remind him, short-term memory, when we played San Francisco in the playoff game, if I remember correctly, he did get a 15-yard penalty for head-butting somebody. He’ll get the message from there.”

And to be clear …

“I am half-joking because I know Captain,” Rivera said.

“Knowing him and the intent – I know sarcasm and that stuff doesn’t get translated … I’ll probably get a text later on, ‘No, see; they misquoted me!’ I’m betting money he does.”