 touchdown during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kevin-OConnell-2.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=664,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kevin-OConnell-2.jpg”><figcaption><span>Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts to running back Aaron Jones (33) touchdown during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The most vocal reasons for criticism of new quarterback J.J. McCarthy <a href=)
always stemmed from the running game that supported him at Michigan. Sure, a quarterback should have a strong arm, good instincts, and the ability to spread the ball around. I’m not sure being propped up by a good running game is a bad thing, though.
Kevin O’Connell has been a progressive offensive mind as head coach for the Minnesota Vikings, but he could lean into traditional roots more.
Kevin O’Connell has been a progressive offensive coach since taking over as the lead man for the Minnesota Vikings. Whether it’s Kirk Cousins under center or dealing with Nick Mullens and his yolo-ball play, the goal has been to throw.
depth is being tested early. Justin Jefferson is going to see double coverage way more often than he’d like out of the gate, and keeping the defense honest will be a must.
This might be the season we see O’Connell go with a ground-and-pound strategy for a while. It probably will work too.
Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
