Mike Zimmer PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings walks out of the tunnel before taking on of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer had a rather unique message to send his team on Friday before making a trip to Philadelphia this weekend.

It didn’t seem to deliver with the results Zimmer had in mind.

Before dismissing his 5-0 team for the bye week, coach Mike Zimmer scattered stuffed animals of the feline variety throughout Winter Park. Their throats were slashed, with some of the white stuffing within seeping out, and were then splattered with red paint.

Hanging on the larger cat in the locker room was a sign that read “Fat Cats Get Slaughtered.”

Translation: Don’t let the headlines get to you.

OK, that’s still a little weird, but points to Zimmer for looking for a new way to reach his players. Perhaps he could have simply stuck to some pep talks in practices this past week reminding his players of that point instead. Now the Vikings locker room has a number of garbage stuffed animals you wouldn’t even want to donate to a hospital or charity. Such a loss, especially since it didn’t lead to a win.

The Vikings had been lauded for having the NFL’s best defense in the league and were the only undefeated team left standing as they headed to Philadelphia. The Eagles sent them home with a 21-10 loss, snapping that undefeated streak in a game that saw ugly offense on both sides. Maybe Zimmer needed a few more stuffed tigers around the locker room?

[Star Tribune]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.