Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer argues a call during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

At any point during this 2016 campaign the Minnesota Vikings could have lost hope, and nobody would have blamed them.

Injury after injury decimated the depth chart , when would this streak of bad luck end? The next-man-up mantra became this team’s rallying cry. After Sunday’s victory over the Panthers, the Minnesota Vikings are now 3-0.

Mike Zimmer’s fighting spirit and team philosophy are fueling his player’s inspired play.

Everson Griffen is Sunday’s prime example. After leaving with an undisclosed illness during the second quarter, his return was listed as questionable. Everson not only got back into the game, but he absolutely dominated the second half.

Griffen recorded three sacks on Cam Newton, all together the team tallied eight. When asked about his strong performance post game, Griffen had this to say. “I was sick, but I fight for my team.” Continuing. “I love this game. I love the way we work. We’re 3-0 and we got to keep it going, man. Winning is a lot of fun.”

Certain keywords keep popping up every time a microphone is around coaches and players alike. Words and phrases such as- fight, team, win, work, being physical and imposing your will have all been used frequently in Coach Zim’s vocabulary.

At this point it’s safe to say the message is being received.

After falling behind 10-0 in the first half, Minnesota kept fighting. Zimmer apparently imposed his mighty will on the offense as well during halftime. Sam Bradford started to lead some scoring drives during the second half. giving his defense a well deserved break.

Specialist Marcus Sherels felt inspired, returning a punt for a TD. Every facet of Zimmer’s team was humming along Sunday afternoon. Cordarrelle Patterson was the gunner on special teams, and he made some key plays, unbelievable.

Winning football is contagious, and Zimmer is spreading the fever. Everyone is stepping up their game and it’s showing on Sundays.

Defensively, the Minnesota Vikings are making a strong case for being one of the best units in the NFL. Opponents are scoring a measly 13.3 points per game, and Minnesota is currently ranked seventh overall.

Sam Bradford has seemed to absorb Norv Turner’s offense like a sponge. Jerick McKinnon showed up big in the running game. Things are clicking for the Vikes heading into Monday’s game versus the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium.

After all this team has been through, Zimmer is focused on one thing, winning.