• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Sep 9, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during a game between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

“Needs to Play Up to That Contract:” Xavier Rhodes’ Slippage

March 30, 2019
Jets Look For Face-off Success Against League-Leading Maple Leafs

Jets Look For Face-off Success Against League-Leading Maple Leafs

March 8, 2021
Remembering ‘The Fight of The Century’ 50 Years Later

Remembering ‘The Fight of The Century’ 50 Years Later

March 8, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Bucs, Brady Inch Closer To An Extension

Bucs, Brady Inch Closer To An Extension

March 8, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Ronnie Perkins

March 8, 2021
Flight Cancelled: Patriots Take the Win Over Jets, 30-27

A Clare Perspective: And the kick is good!!…. Or is it?

March 8, 2021
Chicago Bears offensive linemen

Chicago Bears: Offensive Line More Solid Than Many Think

March 8, 2021
2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Linebacker Micah Parsons

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Linebacker Micah Parsons

March 8, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Frustration Becomes Common

March 8, 2021
Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

March 7, 2021
D'Wayne Eskridge

2021 Packers Prospect Profile: D’Wayne Eskridge

March 7, 2021
Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

March 7, 2021
Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

March 6, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

“Needs to Play Up to That Contract:” Xavier Rhodes’ Slippage

Sam Smith by Sam Smith
March 30, 2019
in Featured, Minnesota Vikings, NFC, NFC North, NFL
Reading Time: 3min read
0
Sep 9, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during a game between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 9, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during a game between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Mike Zimmer has never been one to mince words: not when criticizing others, not when fielding blame, not when defending his players. His curt manner of speaking has provided valuable insight with regards to many of the Vikings’ moves, most recently in his strong praise for Anthony Barr following the linebacker’s lucrative re-signing. But this week, Zimmer’s bluntness stirred up a bit of buzz around his star cornerback Xavier Rhodes. In evaluating Rhodes’ down 2018, Zimmer was characteristically forthwith in his description.

“He’s kind of gotten away from his technique a little bit and we’re going to get back to it,” Zimmer said to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. “I just don’t think he played as well as he can play. He needs to play up to his ability level. We’re paying him a lot of money. He needs to play up to that contract.”

More FromFPC

Remembering ‘The Fight of The Century’ 50 Years Later

Remembering ‘The Fight of The Century’ 50 Years Later

March 8, 2021

Bucs, Brady Inch Closer To An Extension

March 8, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Ronnie Perkins

March 8, 2021

A Clare Perspective: And the kick is good!!…. Or is it?

March 8, 2021

His criticism echoed sentiments shared by many a Vikings’ observer. Rhodes in two prior seasons established himself as one of the league’s preeminent shutdown corners. 2017 in particular saw Rhodes square off with some of the best of the best at the receiver position. Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, A.J. Green and Julio Jones all struggled to find space against Rhodes.

Yet, that Xavier Rhodes did not appear as often in 2018. In fact, one can hearken back to the 2017 postseason when Rhodes’ lockdown reputation took its first hit since his early years in the league. He surrendered a touchdown and over 80 yards to Michael Thomas in the Division Round, and then played a role in allowing the Eagles’ passing shellacking in the Championship Game the next week.

Then, come 2018, Rhodes posted some of the weakest performances of his career. His 65.2 catch-allowed percentage was his worst ever, a 88.4 targeted passer rating his second-worst and he combined for just six pass breakups and interceptions, again his worst (numbers from Pro Football Focus). And while there were not games in which Rhodes was burned time and again, his ability to hold an island, a staple of the Vikings’ defense, was not in the same rarefied air this season.

For some silver lining, there is the distinct possibility that Rhodes’ under-performance was in part due to injury difficulties. He dealt with ankle troubles midway through the season, missing one game. Then, a groin injury kept him out of the season finale. Plus, even with apparent dips in coverage, Rhodes graded well in coverage when taking opponent into account. According to STATS, when evaluating expected performance against opponents versus actual performance, Rhodes consistently rated among the better corners in the league.

But Rhodes’ past play transcended opponent. Julio Jones and A.J. Green combined for four catches and 54 yards in 2017. He was not the same level of game-changer in 2018, and given the about $13.3 million cap hit he will account for next season, Zimmer’s criticism is understandable.

The free agency rumor mill included talks of the Vikings answering calls for Rhodes and his counterpart Trae Waynes. While nothing has come of such talk, the Vikings’ tight cap situation leaves the door open heading towards the draft. Trading Waynes would clear more space than Rhodes would. Plus, Waynes is two years younger, so he seems the better target for trade. Still, even considering a Rhodes trade seemed inconceivable a year ago.

Given Zimmer’s comments, it is clear how much value he puts in Rhodes. He did not give Rhodes an ultimatum, and he stated explicitly that they are going to work with him to shore up his technique. As such, it would seem Rhodes will continue with Minnesota for the foreseeable future. But for the first time, his future in purple is a touch murky.

Rhodes will be 29 in week one, theoretically the meat of a player’s prime. Plus, the majority of his time as a starter has seen him among the elite of the elite at cornerback. The hope is that 2018 was a mere hiccup and not a sign of things to come. The Vikings’ defense obviously needs Rhodes at the top of his game. 2018 showed what can happen if he falls short.

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith.

 Follow @fpc_vikings and Follow @fpc_nfl

Latest Vikings News

  • Fall from Grace for the Once-Proud Minnesota Vikings Defense
  • Vikings at Buccaneers: Preview and Prediction
  • NFL Monday Night Football Odds: Vikings Favored to Claim Rare Win in Chicago
  • Lions Commit Three Turnovers, Get Run Over in Loss to Minnesota
  • Disappointing Vikings Poised for a Second Half Run
Tags: Mike ZimmerMinnesota VikingsNFLXavier Rhodes
Share608Tweet380
Previous Post

Senators Clawed By Panthers

Next Post

Quinn Hughes Electrifies in Canucks Debut

Sam Smith

Sam Smith

Next Post
Quinn Hughes Electrifies in Canucks Debut

Quinn Hughes Electrifies in Canucks Debut

Chiefs 2019 NFL Draft Prospect: EDGE Chase Winovich

Chiefs 2019 NFL Draft Prospect: EDGE Chase Winovich

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 14 - All Star Review; Is LeBron Sending the Wrong Message About Vaccines?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 9, 2021 at 1:58 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43801193/pick_and_roll_3_8.mp3
  • 3/8 - Eddie Murphy; Coming to America; Watson/Murray Trade Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2021 at 7:56 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9692024116.mp3?updated=1615234164
  • Ep. 74: Gators Bite Dynasty
    by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3880782513.mp3?updated=1615220743
  • Ep. 73: Week One Breakdown Roundtable
    by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2021 at 4:13 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5302595244.mp3?updated=1615176841
  • Ep 66: NBA 1st Half Recap/Look Ahead To Championship Week
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8477261670.mp3?updated=1615056349
  • Ep 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1124025915.mp3?updated=1614915539
  • Ep. 189 - AEW Revolution Predictions
    by Talkamania on March 5, 2021 at 10:37 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43759334/talkamania_episode_189.mp3
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 13 - The NBA All Star Spectacular!
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 8:55 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43758121/pick_and_roll_3_5.mp3
  • Ep #96: Anthony Sherman Retires, Alex Smith Return?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7101463072.mp3?updated=1614967778
  • Ep 66: Pending Packers Free Agents
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 11:04 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9985321098.mp3?updated=1614898723

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Evan Gomes on March 6, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 4, 2021 at 4:29 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021 A.K.A. The One With Shaq Going Through A […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 2, 2021 at 4:49 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Lashley Finally Did It […]

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Tense And Tired, The Flyers Are Sliding In The East Division
    by Carol Schram on March 9, 2021 at 2:50 am

    Having fans back in the stands at Wells Fargo Center should have been cause for celebration on […]

  • Jets Look For Face-off Success Against League-Leading Maple Leafs
    by Carter Brooks on March 8, 2021 at 10:34 pm

    The Winnipeg Jets are set to begin a pivotal three-game set with the NHL-leading Toronto Maple […]

  • NHL Betting: Matthews Still A Rocket Richard Favorite But Others Lurk
    by Chris Wassel on March 8, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    Auston Matthews is still the betting favorite for the Rocket Richard Trophy but he has some stiff […]

  • Pacific Division Weekend Recap: March 5-7, 2021
    by C.C. Hawkley on March 8, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    All seven AHL Pacific Division teams were in action for two games between Friday, March 5 to […]

  • IceHogs Find Success Against the Wild
    by Elaine Shircliff on March 8, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    The Rockford IceHogs and Iowa Wild were on the hunt for positive momentum this weekend. Only one, […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage