I’d like to thank Julia Schmidt and EAG Sports Management for allowing me to interview Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield. Winfield, a first round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1993 is now entering his 13th season in the NFL, sixth with the Vikings.
This interview was conducted after Minnesota’s week one game against San Diego.
Lars Hanson: This past weekend you guys lost 24-17 how do you feel the team performed and also with Donovan McNabb now the starter hows’ the team different from that of Brett Favre?
Antoine Winfield: Well I mean he only threw 15 passes, one was a deep ball that went incomplete. But the first half we did well. We got off to a fast start but didn’t’ finish in the second half. We didn’t want to give up anything down field so we gave up the short game (underneath passes) and he (Rivers) took advantage of it. They beat us with what we gave them and we just didn’t close out the game.
Lars Hanson: Going back before the lockout ended how did you keep in shape during the offseason?
Antoine Winfield: This is my 13th season in the league so I know the routine. I worked out four times week, ran four days a week , traveled, kept my weight right. When I got to camp by body felt the same as always so it wasn’t anything different even with the lockout. So it was an easy transition from lockout to training camp.
Lars Hanson: Against San Diego you led the team with 10 tackles, but Rivers still threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns. How long would you say it will take for the defense to get into regular season form?
Antoine Winfield: I think we’re in good shape. We had some missed tackles, but we didn’t give up anything deep just they took what we gave them. Gates, who’s a great tight end, had 8 catches and the rest were dump-offs to the runningback there wasn’t much from their wide receivers. So I think we’re already in regular season form.
Lars Hanson: Now that Lesley Frazier is the permanent head coach to start the season how is the team different under him compared to Childress?
Antoine Winfield: Well every season they’re personnel changes. We went from Favre to Donovan and Childress to Frazier. It was a great change because we know him and we know what he expects out of us. They (Childress and Frazier) preach the same thing starting fast finishing strong. I’ve known him for the last 6 years so it’s a seemingly easy transition.
Lars Hanson: During Favre’s tenure in Minnesota how was the team inside the locker room compared to how is it with Donovan?
Antoine Winfield: I don’t think the locker rooms different. We’ve got players that have been here the last 6 years, me being one of them that form a core group. So there’s always the same tone but Farve was a great character. I love Favre he’s great teammate. It didn’t workout last season but he did lead us to the NFC Championship game.
Lars Hanson: You guys missed the playoffs last season and now have a new starting quarterback, and a new head coach. What’s the goal this season for Minnesota in terms of success?
Antoine Winfield: Its not gonna be easy. We have Detroit, Chicago, and Indy. Our goals are the same as always come out win the division. Get the automatic bid into the playoffs and if possible a first round bye. That’s always the goal but this season it will be difficult with the teams not only in our division but with our entire schedule.
Lars Hanson: What kind of coach is Lesley Fraizer?
Antoine Winfield: I would say he’s the best players coach. He’s won a super bowl, he’s been a cornerback. He fits our mold defensively and philosophically. His doors always open. He’s always around and always has a smile. He’s not a cursing coach, he’s very mild mannered. (Follow up question: So he’s not Jon Gruden material? (laughs) no not at all.
Lars Hanson: For you where do you see this team finishing at the end of the season?
Antoine Winfield: It’s not gonna be easy, we should be the NFC North Champs. But every week we have to prepare, come out and play our game in order to reach that goal. It’s possible, it’s our goal, but it’s not going to be easy.
You can follow Lars on Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson
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