Zimmer: Additions of Reiff and Remmers add competitive mentality to Vikings’ O-line

PHOENIX — Of the offseason moves the Minnesota Vikings made to try to get better, two of the biggest came on their offensive line.

It isn’t that they only acquired a pair of offensive tackles who they expect to upgrade the unit from a talent standpoint.

‘They’re great competitors, No. 1’

It’s the collective mindset that Riley Reiff, signed from the Detroit Lions, and Mike Remmers, signed from the Carolina Panthers, bring to the table.

“The best thing about these guys is that they’re great competitors, No. 1,” coach Mike Zimmer told Alex Marvez and Tom Pelissero. “I think both of them are smart guys, I think they’re tough guys, along with (guard) Alex Boone and (center Nick) Easton and (guard Joe) Berger and those guys that we have. I think that they’re going to try to bring that mentality that we’ve been trying to achieve since I’ve been there with the offensive line.

‘The mentality of a football team comes from your lines’

“I’ve told lots of people this, the mentality of a football team, in my opinion, comes from your offensive and defensive lines. And I believe our defensive line has that mentality and we’re working every day to get the offensive line that mentality.”