Minnesota Vikings give Xavier Rhodes boxing gloves to wear in practice

Apparently aRockylike moment at happened at Winter Park today. The Minnesota Vikings gaveXavier Rhodesboxing gloves,according to 1500ESPN. Not as a gift either although it was kind of presented like one from fellow corner backCaptain Munnerlyn.

The Vikings decided to make Rhodes wear boxing gloves so he will hopefully stop grabbing the receivers he is covering. Rhodes has fallen back to the bad habit this season after it looked like he had possibly shaken out of it in 2014.

Rhodes was flagged twice for pass interference in the Vikings’ last game against the Denver Broncos. Plus, he was fined over $17,000 for a horse-collar tackle of Broncos’ receiverEmmanuel Sanders.

Here’s some photographic proof via a tweet from Eric Oslund of VikingUpdate.com that Rhodes was ready to put up his dukes:

More from Minnesota Vikings

• Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
• Kirk Cousins: More wins with fewer turnovers
• Minnesota Vikings Kyle Rudolph Conundrum
• Minnesota Vikings: how the Vikings can upset the Patriots
• Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Rhodes could be difference-maker versus Lions

According to 1500ESPN, when Rhodes was given the gloves, Vikings defensive back coachJerry Graytold Rhodes: “Now you can’t grab.”

Rhodes leads the team in a good category and a bad category. He leads the team in pass deflections with three, but he and defensive end Everson Griffin are tied for the team lead in penalties with seven each.

It’s a cute idea, but it’s also a pretty practical idea as well. I’m sure this isn’t a ground breaking practice, but this is one of those small things that some coaching staffs wouldn’t even think of. The Vikings are having some pretty good secondary play and this can only help those numbers improve for the purple.

Next: Is it time to trade Patterson?

More fromSporting Sota

• Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
• Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
• Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
• Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
• Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Follow