The coach hasn't absolved his quarterback of blame, but he hasn't wavered in supporting Smith, either, ahead of a critical offseason.

Geno is our top competitor on our football team,” Macdonald stated. “We’re not sitting here with life at the end of December unless Geno has done the things he’s done. He’s a fighter, man. I thought he played a good game.”

Starting cornerback Riq Woolen was not on the field on the opening drive as the Vikings marched down the field to take a 7-0 lead. Woolen had a rough game last week against the Green Bay Packers, but according to head coach Mike Macdonald,