Mike Zimmer: 'Matt Cassel will be given time'

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has insisted that he will not drop quarterback Matt Cassel despite his poor performance against the New England Patriots.

The 32-year-old threw four interceptions in his side's defeat to the Patriots, and there were calls from the Vikings' supporters to replace him with rookie Teddy Bridgewater during the match.

However, Zimmer is adamant that he will give the quarterback time to improve the level of his performances.

"I'm going to hold the quarterback position just like every position here to the same standard, and I also said I wasn't going to have a quick hook," Zimmer told reporters.

"Matt needs to play better. It's pretty obvious he needs to play better. We all need to play better. I need to coach better."

The Vikings are 1-1 in the 2014 season after the first two weeks of the campaign.