Kevin O'Connell News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/kevin-oconnell/ Minnesota sports, but different Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:18:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg Kevin O'Connell News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/kevin-oconnell/ 32 32 KOC Dodges Questions About JJ McCarthy, Vikings’ QB Future https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/oconnell-dodges-questions-jj-mccarthy-offseason-qb-plans/ Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:14:55 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=77802 Against all odds, the Minnesota Vikings won the final five games of their 2025 schedule to finish the regular season above .500, at 9-8. Once again, it wasn’t much thanks to the quarterback play we saw Sunday afternoon.

JJ McCarthy started the game, but his hand injury was far from 100%. The 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick entered today’s contest with pain that he described earlier in the week as 8.5 out of 10.

JJ McCarthy refused a toradol shot to help manage pain

During that same in-game report, we also found out that the 22-year-old refused a toradol shot this week. Why did he refuse the shot?

According to CBS’ on-field reporter in Minneapolis Sunday, Aditi Kinkhabwala, he did not want to take anything that might numb the pain… because he did not want to numb the pain.

“It’s not only about pain here. He told me earlier this week that his pain level is at an 8.5. This week, the question was whether he could actually grip the football. He told us that he refused to get a toradol shot. He didn’t want anything that would numb the pain or numb the feeling [in his hand].”

Aditi Kinkhabwala – CBS

JJ McCarthy played the entire first half of week 18 vs the Green Bay Packers, but he only lasted one offensive snap into the second. On the Vikings’ first play of the third quarter, McCarthy dropped back and threw a screen pass to Justin Jefferson, wide-left. Immediately after, he waved to the sideline and took himself out of the game.

McCarthy finished Sunday 14-of-23 for 182 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a 85.8 QB Rating. His first as MN Vikings quarterback came to an end with 1,632 passing yards, 11 TD and 12 INT.

When JJ ran to the sideline, former Gopher Max Brosmer yet again replaced him. This time out, the 2025 UDFA turned in one of his more efficient halves of NFL football, completing 7-of-8 passes for 57 yards and earning a 96.4 QB Rating.

KOC dodges question about JJ McCarthy as 2026 MN Vikings starter

What kind of future does Max have in the NFL and will it be with the MN Vikings? Time will reveal the answers to those questions. But for the Vikings, the only Brosmer hypothetical that matters for the short-term is already answered. He most certainly is NOT the answer in Minnesota at QB1.

But is JJ McCarthy the guy, heading into this offseason? Well, that’s tough to answer when the head coach dodged, ducked, dipped, dove and dodged his way up, down and around that exact question immediately after today’s win over the Packers.

Reporter: “Are you comfortable going into next year with [JJ McCarthy] as your starter?”

KOC: “I think every year, you’re coming back to build a team throughout the offseason, throughout the offseason, throughout the draft and leading into training camp.

I think he’s improved throughout the season. I think he’s grown like a lot of young quarterbacks do throughout the season. I can’t wait to work with him in the offseason and absolutely look forward to the continued development and improvement.

I’m excited about where he’s ending the season and know that there’s some things we can really dive into as a group, [along with] JJ and myself. You know, I look forward to being the best version of myself, not just for JJ, but for the entire team as well.”

When given the opportunity to lead us one way or another, Kevin O’Connell danced around Jim Souhan’s (Star Tribune) question like a true media pro. But in his silence, KOC told us a lot.

Minnesota Vikings are bringing in QB help… but how much?

If the head coach can’t tell us on January 4 that McCarthy is the Minnesota Vikings’ starter for the 2026 season, just seven months from now, then at the very least, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah better get a much better insurance plan in place than Sam Howell and Max Brosmer.

Because let’s be real. Not only has the former Gopher proven that he is not QB1 material in the NFL just yet, but he isn’t even good enough to enter camp as a QB2 on a good team.

Related: Tom Brady Looking to Reunite With MN Vikings Coach

We found out yet again this week, what we’ve already been taught over and over again during the 16 games prior. That without a requisite insurance plan behind JJ McCarthy, he is not a viable answer at starting quarterback for a team that thinks it is ready to win right now.

In a perfect world, a real contender would trade him out for an unhappy high-end QB like Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow. If Kwesi and his front office can’t get that done, then they need to bring someone in who can at least make camp a legitimate QB battle.

]]> Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:18:21 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Longtime MN Viking Goes Off on Kevin O’Connell via X https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/erin-henderson-attacks-kevin-oconnell-coaching-abilities/ Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:05:50 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=76958 The Minnesota Vikings are guaranteed to finish no worse than 8-9 this season. With the Green Bay Packers expected to rest their starters, it’s entirely plausible Minnesota ends up with a winning record.

That outcome doesn’t change the reality that the Vikings’ season has effectively been over for weeks. There has been growing noise around potential changes at the general manager position, but very little criticism directed toward head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson, however, isn’t buying the free pass.

Erin Henderson Not Buying the KOC Pass from Vikings

Erin Henderson has deep ties to the Minnesota Vikings. His brother, E.J. Henderson, was a second-round pick in 2003 and spent all nine years of his career with the organization. Erin went undrafted but played for Minnesota from 2008 to 2013. Though he finished his career with two seasons for the New York Jets, his loyalty has remained firmly rooted with the Vikings.

On Monday, following Minnesota’s Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions, Henderson took to X to voice his frustration with O’Connell.

Henderson was quick to clarify that his criticism was grounded in analysis rather than emotion. While O’Connell did manage a handful of hollow wins down the stretch, this has easily been his worst-coached season since arriving in Minnesota.

Replacing O’Connell outright would be shortsighted, but the need for a true offensive coordinator, one who possibly calls plays and handles situational responsibilities, feels increasingly urgent. Clock management has been somewhat of an ongoing issue, and the play-calling has taken a noticeable step backward this season.

There’s no denying the impressive job DeMeco Ryans has done in Houston, and Henderson’s desire for the Vikings to reach that level is understandable. The good news is there appears to be a path forward without firing the head coach.

KOC’s MN Vikings Tale of the Tape

O’Connell is now in his fourth season as head coach of the Vikings. He owns a 42–25 record (.627 winning percentage) and has guided the team to the postseason twice. Unfortunately, both appearances ended in losses, and nearly $270 million in free-agent spending this offseason resulted in a largely average on-field product.

The comparison may not be perfectly fair, but it isn’t entirely off-base either. O’Connell has an abundance of offensive weapons, yet his results pale in comparison to what Brian Flores has accomplished on defense.

Since joining the Vikings, Flores’ defenses have ranked 11th, 2nd, and 6th in DVOA. During that same span, O’Connell’s offenses have finished 28th, 23rd, 15th, and 19th. Even last season’s 14–3 campaign with Sam Darnold felt destined for disappointment, given the offense ranked just 15th in the league.

Moving on from O’Connell this offseason isn’t realistic, nor should it be. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may need to be replaced, and multiple assistants could be shown the door. Whether O’Connell hands playcalling duties to Wes Phillips or brings in a new voice entirely, the offensive coordinator role clearly warrants a thorough review.

]]> Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:43:54 +0000 Minnesota Vikings MN Vikings Trying to Talk Player/Coach Harrison Smith Out of Retirement https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/koc-nudging-harrison-smith-no-retirement/ Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:41:02 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=76635 On the scoreboard, the Minnesota Vikings breezed passed the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, 23-10, a near two-touchdown margin of victory. But those who watched Thursday’s game know better.

Unlike the loss he took earlier in the season against Seattle, Max Brosmer protected the football at home against the Lions. Other than that, the former Gopher struggled, totalling 51 yards passing for 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

If you include the seven sacks Max took, which added up to -48 yards on the day, Brosmer netted just THREE total yards Thursday against Detroit. At this point in his career, even for those of us who were highest on Max Brosmer, it’s clear he’s not NFL ready.

Minnesota Vikings defense defeats Lions

But yesterday at U.S. Bank Stadium, Brian Flores’ defense didn’t need Kevin O’Connell’s offense to be even serviceable, in order for the Minnesota Vikings to find victory.

The Vikings turned Detroit over SIX times (2 INT, 4 FR) and sacked Jared Goff FIVE times. They tried to run the football too, but that didn’t go well either. Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 41 yards on 17 carries (2.4 YPC), Montgomery rushed 10 times for 25 yards (2.5 YPC).

Related: MN Vikings Star Hits Another Record in Confusing Victory

All around, it was a Purple People Eater performance that must’ve had Carl Eller shedding tears on Christmas Day. And the best part of yesterday’s shutdown defensive effort was Harrison Smith’s role in the middle of it all.

Smith totalled just three tackles in the win, but two were for loss and one was a sack. He also piled up THREE passes defended and grabbed the game-sealing interception.

Vikings player/coach: Harrison Smith

After the game, Kevin O’Connell revealed to reporters that Flores has essentially handed over the keys on defense to Harrison Smith, in a rather unprecedented way.

It sounds like he is pretty much a player/coach out on the field, allowed control and flexibility pre and post snap that he did not have his first two seasons under B-Flo.

That trust then allows Smith to make adjustments and checks to the MN Vikings’ defense in real time, that other teams around the league would never even be able to dream up.

“I think part of, you know, these last few weeks — and I credit Flo — just really turning a lot over, even more so, [to Harrison Smith]. Harry’s quarterbacking and a lot of things for us defensively, but in these games, especially against a divisional opponent…we wanted to be able to once again give Harrison the ability to kind of, you know, win the pre-snap in many ways.

And then, what I think he did tonight was win the post-snap in many ways — just with his ability to get after the quarterback, you know, with the sack, and then he had a couple of TFLs, interception, just phenomenal.”

KOC trying to nudge Hitman into MN Vikings return

KOC continues to be so impressed by Harrison Smith — who he openly admits is one of the favorite players he has ever coached — that he can’t currently imagine life at TCO Performance Center without him.

Thus, Minnesota’s head coach has been trying to nudge the 14-year veteran and future Ring of Honor entrant to return for a 15th season in 2026.

“I’ve been nudge nudge and kind of, catching him, picking [my] spots to keep on saying, ‘I know you’re having a lot of fun doing it, so…He’s remarkable. He’s one of my absolute all time favorites.”

Kevin O’Connell on trying to get Harrison Smith to return in 2026

Just like with any good Christmas gift, Minnesota Vikings fans didn’t know when we woke up Thursday morning that there was a throwback Harry the Hitman performance waiting for us under the tree later that day. But when we unwrapped it, the moment was pretty special.

Yet somehow, the show Harrison Smith put on AFTER the Vikings’ eighth win of the season was even better than what he did on the field vs Detroit.

Emotional Harrison Smith talks life, the past… not his future

Not only can Smith still hang athletically enough to make everything else he brings from an on-field coaching standpoint more than worth it, but his love for the game and continued growth as a leader of that locker room is second-to-none.

While talking with media after the game, a 36-year-old Hitman waxed nostalgic on his career, gushed over his love and respect for Vikings fans and tried to describe how much fun he’s having playing football right now.

Tears never really came… but boy they were close. As far as his future, Harry isn’t ready to talk about that. If he wasn’t having so much fun, I’d be convinced he’s on his way out, just by the way he is talking.

“The fans here have never experienced a Super Bowl, always show up. And for them to keep showing up, it just shows how much they love the team, how much they love, you know, everything that goes into it. We’re out of the playoffs, everybody shows up in white. They do their part. And one of these days they’ll get it.”

“Today was one of the best defensive performances, as a unit, that I have ever been a part of. Guys were flying around, we were having fun, and that’s what it’s all about.”

“As a kid, playing the game, you never think you’re going to end up here with all this love from these great fans. Anytime we can come out here and walk between the white lines, there’s just nothing better.”

Related: JJ McCarthy Gets Nervous Throwing to Justin Jefferson?

We’ll find out soon enough if Harrison Smith is going to indeed return for one more season. But just in case he doesn’t, Minnesota Vikings fans need to soak all of this in while they still can.

Because there aren’t a lot of historic figures on this team that strike a chord with fans quite like Harry the Hitman.

]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2025 11:41:05 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Vikings WR Justin Jefferson Did NOT Want to Exit Game Early vs Commanders https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/justin-jefferson-vs-commanders-hiding-from-koc/ Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:40:30 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=74602 “Any given Sunday” will live in the heads of Minnesota Vikings fans forever, after the roller-coaster ride of a season we’ve all endured during the 2025 NFL season. Week 14 against the Washington Commanders was no exception, either.

In fact, today’s 31-0 stomping of Jayden Daniels his reeling squad out of DC was one of the best examples of just how random life in the National Football League can feel week-to-week.

Just seven days ago, the MN Vikings were on the receiving end of a 26-0 beatdown at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks that felt very similar to the one they laid on the DC Commanders this afternoon.

Justin Jefferson left out of Minnesota Vikings win

In that loss, superstar wide receiver Just Jefferson caught just 2 passes on 6 targets for 8 total receiving yards, arguably the worst performance of his NFL career.

If you look at Justin’s box score this week, you can barely tell the difference. Again, the highly compensated wide receiver caught just 2 passes, this time for 11 yards (4 targets).

Justin Jefferson - Minnesota Vikings vs Washington Commanders
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

After the game, Kevin O’Connell met with reporters, where he was asked late in his press conference about Justin Jefferson’s lack of production lately. To that, KOC said that the Minnesota Vikings captain only cares about winning, which was THE difference that mattered to Jefferson between last week and this week.

Just because this week’s blowout was flipped in favor of the Vikings, that doesn’t mean an ultimate competitor like Justin Jefferson wants to exit the field of play early.

Justin Jefferson TRIED EVERYTHING to stay in vs Commanders

And with Minnesota up big against Washington late, that’s exactly what the Vikings coaching staff wanted him to do, with about 7-8 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

According to KOC, Jefferson did everything he could this afternoon, to avoid being pulled early. The 26-year-old even hid from the head coach, before needing multiple staff members, including security director Dave Korus to track down the organization’s most valuable asset before he could put his body in harm’s way.

“We’re going to find ways to get Justin the ball. He did not play 60 minutes today. That was a tough conversation. He tried to avoid me and run out on the field with about 7 or 8 minutes left in the game.

We were able to, you know, a collective group effort between myself, Keenan, and a couple of other folks, probably Dave Korus, our security guy as well, because Justin did not want to come out of the game, obviously.

If Justin has demonstrated anything this year. The leadership, the smile on his face right now, he wants to win. In this day and age where it’s really easy to look at these and say, ‘this guy did this’ and ‘this guy did that’.

Justin Jefferson’s been playing at a really high level, and he did again today. It’s not necessarily going to always show up in the stat sheet, but he means the absolute world to this organization.

You don’t have a performance like we did today unless your leadership, Justin being a huge part of that remains driving the ship forward and bringing some teammates along with him.”

Kevin O’Connell on Justin Jefferson’s lack of productivity vs Commanders

If JJ McCarthy continues to play better, Jefferson’s touches will come

Obviously, as KOC said, the Minnesota Vikings must find a way to get Justin Jefferson the football more regularly. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of two people for the most part, Kevin O’Connell and JJ McCarthy.

The last time we saw JJ McCarthy take the football field, he threw up one of the most disgusting performances of any QB in Minnesota Vikings franchise history — completing 12/19 passes for a whopping 87 yards and 2 interceptions (0 TDs) in a 23-6 loss @ the Packers.

I don’t know if this is where the “Nine” thing comes into play, but whoever that kid was back in Green Bay, it wasn’t who took the field at U.S. Bank Stadium in week 14. On Sunday vs Washington, McCarthy made great decisions, delivered accurately and ran (a semi-limited) O’Connell offense to near perfection.

When the dust settled in Minneapolis, JJ’s stat line was better than mind-blowing… it was efficient. The 22-year-old went 16-of-23 (69.6%) for 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. His passer rating an impressive 129.2.

But if there is one thing the Vikings were pushing for this week, that they did not see out of their 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick, it was more completed passes to superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Related: Top MN Vikings Assistant Not a Head Coach Candidate

The last thing our developing QB needs now, however, is to worry about his star receiver not getting enough catches. We’ve seen what can happen when a young McCarthy gets overstimulated.

If Jefferson wants to be a true leader, he will celebrate the kid’s performance and decision-making today, knowing it will pay him back in the future.

]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2025 17:44:55 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Former MN Vikings QB is a Shocking Cut Candidate https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/sam-darnold-seattle-seahawks-offseason-cut-candidate/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:38:30 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=74451 This offseason promises to be an interesting one for the Minnesota Vikings. After putting all their eggs in the J.J. McCarthy basket, the team has learned he couldn’t have been less ready to lead an NFL franchise.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spent heavily last spring, yet the Vikings sit at 4-8 through 13 weeks. Significant turnover is coming, and Minnesota must find ways to shrink a massively inflated cap sheet.

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

One area Kevin O’Connell will need major help is quarterback. McCarthy can’t return as the unquestioned starter, and now one of the quarterbacks they moved on from might unexpectedly hit the open market.

Although the Vikings didn’t want to meet Sam Darnold’s full asking price, they did want him back. Minnesota reportedly offered a similar deal with shorter terms, but Darnold chose stability in Seattle. It’s now possible the Seahawks won’t actually provide that stability after all.

Sam Darnold Could Be Cut by the Seattle Seahawks

NFL insider Dan Graziano recently listed several surprising cut candidates over at ESPN.com. Not only did Darnold make his list, but Dan makes a pretty compelling case for why the Seahawks cutting Darnold this offseason isn’t as crazy as it seems.

Remember, this is the same organization that sent Geno Smith packing, following one of the most productive seasons of his NFL career in 2024, in favor of Darnold.

Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks in free agency this year. He is under contract for a very reasonable $28 million in 2026 and $45.7 million in 2027. But as is the Seahawks’ policy with veteran contracts, none of the money beyond the first year was guaranteed at signing.

If Darnold is still on the Seahawks’ roster five days after the Super Bowl (so, Feb. 13), then $17.5 million of his 2026 compensation becomes fully guaranteed. But if they were to cut him before that, they wouldn’t owe even one more penny and would be on the hook for just $25.6 million in dead money.

Odds are the Seahawks keep [Darnold] for 2026. But they build these contracts this way on purpose — to give themselves maximum flexibility. If the Seahawks decide Darnold isn’t their guy — or if they find someone else they think is an upgrade — they would be in position to pivot without very much financial pain.

ESPN

After posting a 66.2% completion rate with Minnesota last year, Darnold has been even sharper in Seattle, completing 68.2% of his passes. He’s thrown 19 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions while helping Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerge as one of the league’s brightest young receivers.

There’s no obvious football reason for head coach Mike Macdonald to reset his quarterback situation, but the Vikings quite literally just made the same choice. If Seattle falls short of a Super Bowl run, the front office could decide to allocate resources elsewhere.

It would be a truly wild full-circle moment if Darnold ended up back in Minnesota. It would be nearly as shocking if he hit the open market at all. For now though, Graziano isn’t ready to rule it out.

]]> Sat, 06 Dec 2025 07:04:04 +0000 Minnesota Vikings NFL Legend Accuses MN Vikings Coach of Publicly Selling Out JJ McCarthy https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/bruschi-oconnell-sold-out-jj-mccarthy-mn-vikings/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:36:21 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=73901 The Minnesota Vikings are now 4-8, after their latest beatdown of the 2025 season, a 26-0 skunking at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks.

While former Vikings QB Sam Darnold stood tall for the Seahawks and calmly withstood a heavy storm brought on by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Vikings backup Max Brosmer was busy throwing the game away (4 interceptions, 0 touchdowns).

JJ McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

So on Monday, when head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that JJ McCarthy is expected to be back under center for the Minnesota Vikings in week 14 against the Washington Commanders, fans celebrated right? Not exactly.

Normally, getting your starting QB back under center would be a huge boost to morale in the locker room. That is unless that QB went into concussion protocol after throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (6) and completing just 54% of his passes through six starts.

Remember when Kevin O’Connell listed off JJ McCarthy’s mechanical problems?

While the fanbase is happy to see their 22-year-old franchise QB bounce out of concussion protocol so quickly, NOBODY is expecting the former National Champion to suddenly look like a competent quarterback on Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, among those underwhelmed by JJ McCarthy early in his NFL career is his own head coach, Kevin O’Connell. Last week, KOC publicly said that we need to start “seeing the cement dry” on a multitude of mechanical issues McCarthy has been working on, since being drafted two offseasons ago.

During an interview a few weeks ago with Paul Allen (KFAN), O’Connell open up about the many mechanical issues plaguing his young quarterback, including timing, touch, footwork and body control in the pocket.

Related: Why Did MN Vikings Release Homecoming Cinderella, Adam Thielen?

It was a rare moment of transparency from a MN Vikings head coach that normally fills his media sessions with far more fluff than actual words that mean anything of substance.

Well ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown spent about half of one segment this week discussing our favorite professional football team. I’d recommend going back and watching the entire thing yourself, if possible, because it’s must-see TV for any Vikings fan.

NFL legend calls out Minnesota Vikings head coach

First, former NFL QB Alex Smith talked about whether or not general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his obsession with building a Super Bowl caliber roster around a rookie-contract quarterback has doomed the exponential rise of this Minnesota Vikings team under 2024 NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell.

But then, the conversation on Sunday Countdown took a surprising turn when legendary linebacker Tedy Bruschi turned the conversation back on O’Connell, accusing the head coach of publicly selling out his redshirt rookie QB during his conversation with PA, above.

In my opinion, Kevin [O’Connell] calculatedly sold out the quarterback that they decided to keep, and that was JJ McCarthy. Because, when you’re talking about which way your foot’s pointing, your base, your leg kick; Kevin let everyone inside to what he was thinking about his very own first round pick quarterback, and the guy who is going to be his quarterback for the next ten years.

‘This is what’s wrong with this kid and this is why I can’t coach this kid. This is why the cement’s not drying.’ These aren’t my words…this is what Kevin O’Connell said. What I take those comments as, is maybe Kevin O’Connell wasn’t happy with the whole decision too, because we obviously know what the fundamental problems are with JJ McCarthy as a quarterback.”

Tedy Bruschi – ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown (video above)

Related: Viking Superstar Declines Interview After Loss

Was KOC too open about the deficiencies of a developing quarterback that he mostly hand-picked to lead this organization into the next phase of its chase for a Super Bowl?

It didn’t get a lot of negative attention, back when it happened, but there is no doubt O’Connell’s public undressing of McCarthy’s deficiencies feels a bit weird, in retrospect.

While I appreciate the head coach’s honesty, what good did offloading JJ’s skeletons for the football world to chew on really do, other than make Kevin O’Connell feel better in the moment.

]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:36:25 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Growing Frustrated with JJ McCarthy? https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/kevin-oconnell-frustrated-jj-mccarthy-rival-coach/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:14:44 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=72238 What are the Minnesota Vikings going to do to fix their offensive woes, short of benching JJ McCarthy? That is the most pressing question hanging over the local sports world on Monday.

There’s no hiding it anymore, not after his week 11 performance against the Chicago Bears. On Sunday, McCarthy went 16-of-32 for 150 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. The redshirt rookie’s QB rating was an abysmal 47.7, his QBR a somehow more depressing 22.0.

The kid QB was missing left, right, high and low… if he saw the open receiver at all. Some (me) are blaming Kevin O’Connell for putting JJ McCarthy in a position where he clearly wasn’t ready to succeed, especially given how many other (better) options the MN Vikings turned away last offseason.

We all know Kevin can scheme receivers open. But as of Sunday afternoon, his starting quarterback is not capable of seeing and/or hitting those often wide-open targets. Others around the league, however, see it a different way.

Rival NFL coach: Kevin O’Connell growing frustrated with JJ McCarthy

Watching from afar, one opposing NFL coach tells league insider Mike Sando (The Athletic) that they can’t help but see an offensive-minded head coach and play-caller who’s growing frustrated by a former first round QB who is handcuffing his offense. Worse yet, it looks to JJ McCarthy can feel that frustration too.

“The receivers are visually frustrated, and they are open all over the tape,” another opposing coach said heading into Sunday. “All of them — (Jalen) Nailor, (Jordan) Addison, (Justin) Jefferson, the tight end (T.J. Hockenson). That should be a Cincinnati offense, but all you hear from Minnesota is about how rosy and great it is there. What I see is a quarterback who feels like he is really frustrating the play caller.”

The Athletic

Think about this. Had JJ McCarthy not gone 6-of-8 for 76 yards and a touchdown on the Vikings’ final drive, which nearly stole a win from the jaws of defeat over the Bears — McCarthy would have finished his day 10-of-24 for 74 yards, 2 interceptions and 0 touchdowns.

If you think the kid QB is taking heat, as it is, imagine how much worse it would be, had he not marched the MN Vikings offense down the field late in yesterday’s fourth quarter.

Can’t blame Minnesota Vikings head coach for being frustrated

We saw after Sunday’s game, and we will likely get more of the same on Monday — Kevin O’Connell is not the kind of coach who is going to throw his quarterback under the bus publicly.

When asked by The Athletic’s Alec Lewis during his postgame presser what it’s like managing a young quarterback with a team trying to win now, O’Connell admitted it’s a crucial part of his job, and that he is not doing it very well right now.

Lewis: “What is the balance for you right now, trying to manage [JJ McCarthy’s development] with the final result?”

O’Connell: “Yeah, what’s best for the young quarterback, what’s best for our offense, what’s best for the team. That’s my job to manage all those things and I have to do a better job of that.”

Kevin O’Connell’s exchange with Alec Lewis after Vikings loss vs Bears (video below)

Lewis’ question was followed by an even better one, via veteran NFL reporter, Kevin Seifert. After his latest failures against Chicago, the Vikings-assigned ESPN beat writer asked O’Connell the question on minds of Minnesota Vikings fans everywhere.

How bad does JJ McCarthy have to be in order for his head coach to seriously consider replacing the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick with former Gopher and UDFA backup, Max Brosmer?

MN Vikings HC refuses question on right time to bench JJ McCarthy

Immediately, KOC took an out from Seifert’s question — which lead him down a tangent on play-calling (worth an article of its own) and how the entire team missed on opportunities to help the Minnesota Vikings beat Chicago, both beyond and including the quarterback.

But ultimately, O’Connell danced around the purpose of the original inquiry. So, Seifert re-ask it in a much more direct way, at which time O’Connell declined to answer.

Seifert: “To the finer point, is there a level of performance that [McCarthy] would need to get to for you to consider if he needs to be replaced in a game?”

O’Connell: “Yeah, I’m not going to get into any of that right now.”

Snippet of Kevin O’Connell’s exchange with Kevin Seifert after Vikings loss vs Bears (video above)

KOC’s silence is his right. Unfortunately for him and JJ McCarthy, it’s also telling. That’s especially true if you buy into the theory of anonymous rival coach guy, in Sando’s article from earlier. On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings coach pared down the offense’s pre-snap cadence and schemed open all sorts of open receivers.

And yet, JJ McCarthy still looked like a quarterback vs Chicago yesterday who was not ready for the moment. If that doesn’t leave a guy like KOC frustrated, then nothing will.

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:14:46 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Kevin O’Connell is the MN Vikings’ Biggest Problem https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/kevin-oconnell-mn-vikings-problem-jj-mccarthy/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:25:20 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=72164 This season has been one of the most difficult of Kevin O’Connell’s near four-year tenure as Minnesota Vikings head coach. The only prior KOC season that even compares would probably be 2023.

That was the year Kirk Cousins tore his achilles tendon, forcing KOC and the Vikings to shuffle through five different less-than-favorable QB options on the way to a 7-10 non-playoff record. But for Minnesota’s head coach, this season feels different than that one, and not in a good way.

JJ McCarthy, Kevin O'Connell - Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Back then, O’Connell took in backup quarterbacks with inferior talent and no expectations — like Nick Mullens, Josh Dobbs and Jaren Hall — and turned them into semi-serviceable interim starters.

To the football world, that season only increased KOC’s standing among the league’s top offensive minds. If anything, it cemented him as the newest up-and-coming QB whisperer to watch around the NFL.

JJ McCarthy is not a good quarterback right now

Fast forward to 2025, and the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach is in a much different place with this team than he was back then. Now, he is tasked with raising a 22-year-old first round draft pick that he hand-selected. Blame JJ McCarthy’s torn meniscus if you want, but the early results haven’t been pretty.

After the fifth start of his career Sunday afternoon, the young Vikings quarterback is now 74-of-140 (53%) for 842 yards, 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. That’s hardly the Super Bowl caliber QB Minnesota needed him to be when this season started.

So, on important questions the Vikings now face is where to point the finger for JJ McCarthy’s slow start. only once they figure out the cause of his struggles, can KOC and his staff fix the root problem.

But when O’Connell and all of his QB gurus get their heads together, I don’t think they’re going to like what they find. Because it seems more and more obvious with every week that goes by that McCarthy’s failures through the first handful of NFL games are a product of his environment, specifically his head coach.

Kevin O’Connell is the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive problem

If you watch back the all-22 tomorrow, you will see a bunch of receivers that Kevin O’Connell schemed open today. Sometimes McCarthy saw them, oftentimes he did not. Either way, the result is the same.

With the kid QB, as currently developed these pass plays (especially as O’Connell draws them up) are not successful. Period. The numbers don’t lie. On the contrary, the Minnesota Vikings have been unbelievably good on the ground lately.

They averaged 6.7 yards per carry in week 10 against the Ravens and 5.2 yards per carry today against the Bears. In those two games, McCarthy has completed 51% of his passes for 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

Yet for whatever reason, the MN Vikings tasked their young quarterback with throwing the football 74 times total during those games. He handed the ball off just 40 times.

Related: Cris Carter Calls Out JJ McCarthy’s Latest Stinker

After the game, O’Connell talked yet again about how guys are open and something else about situational football, before he almost admitted that running the football nearly stole them a game against the Bears that they had no business of winning. It came in the 4th quarter, with Minnesota down 16-3.

Chicago punted to Myles Price, who returned the kick all the way to their 21-yard-line. Finally, KOC called Jordan Mason’s name two straight times. His new running back rewarded O’Connell with an 8-yard run on first down, followed by a 16-yard touchdown run on second down, to make the game 16-10.

One drive later, JJ McCarthy found his talent somewhere on the Minnesota sideline, completed 6-of-8 passes on his final drive, which was topped off by a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison that gave the Vikings a 17-16 lead with just 50 seconds left.

We all know what happened after that. But did KOC learn his lesson, in the last-second loss? He was asked that after the game, and per usual, it was difficult to tell, given the runaround answer he gave.

Fixing JJ McCarthy starts with more carries for MN Vikings running backs

Whether Kevin O’Connell wants to admit it or not, he is the Minnesota Vikings’ biggest problem right now. JJ McCarthy is not ready to take on the load his head coach is trying to put on his shoulders.

Because of that, he is in way over his head and it shows. So if KOC is going to continue to run his kid QB out onto the field, he MUST lighten JJ’s load. Maybe he has to go see a hypnotist or maybe a therapist.

Either way, the Vikings need to run the football more until McCarthy can catch up with all of the time he missed while injured. If not, his confidence may be too shattered by the end of the season to fix.

The final drive of Sunday’s game against Chicago, which briefly got Minnesota the lead late, was a good start to building McCarthy’s ego back up.

But if O’Connell can’t swallow his playcalling pride, and help out his quarterback a little bit the next seven games to close out the regular season, then any positive momentum from today’s fourth quarter will go right down the toilet.

Don’t want to change your best, Kevin? Then it’s time to play Max Brosmer, as one former Gopher called for during the game today. At least he can move beyond his first read and throw over the middle of the field.

From there, JJ can get work on the scout team and in practice, while backing up Brosmer in case of emergency. Come next July, McCarthy would get another opportunity at starter.

]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:48:22 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Vikings Coach Comments on Justin Jefferson’s Lackluster Game https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/justin-jefferson-attitude-ravens-defended-kevin-oconnell/ Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:41:46 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=71583 There was a moment in time Sunday, after the Minnesota Vikings took a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, where life was pretty good. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, as the Vikings were outscored to the tune of a 24-9 for the rest of the contest.

There were a lot of things that went wrong on Sunday and everyone deserves blame, including Justin Jefferson who was not his usual self in week 10, as frustrations with their slow start continue to build up internally.

We got the full young quarterback experience this weekend, with J.J. McCarthy, who completed just 20-of-42 passes, to go with 2 interceptions and 0 touchdowns. Both picks were thrown to Jefferson, who the redshirt rookie QB targeted 12 times, completing just four (37 yards).

Today, O’Connell was asked by Kevin Seifert (ESPN) was concerned at all with the way Justin Jefferson reacted to either interception against the Ravens, or over his star receiver’s frustration level in general.

Justin Jefferson’s attitude didn’t bother Kevin O’Connell

KOC took that opportunity to make it very clear that he and the Vikings’ higher ups never have to worry about Jefferson on or off the field, instead pointing the finger at himself for not keeping the wideout “fresher on game day.”

There were multiple throws from McCarthy that didn’t put Jefferson in a position to succeed, and his superstar receiver wasn’t afraid to let him know it, though he was quick to praise JJ and temper any sort of concerns regarding their relationship.

There was always going to be a learning process for McCarthy in the NFL. For whatever reason, neither O’Connell or Jefferson seem immediately capable of understanding that.

Related: Thielen’s Temper Tantrum May Have Been Warranted…

Let’s not forget that this kid played only one series during the preseason and none of those plays had No. 18 lined up out wide. We need to stop pretending that joint practices and mental reps are enough to prepare a 2nd year quarterback who missed his entire first season due to injury.

If the Vikings are going to make use of this expensive roster intended to win now, then McCarthy has to take substantial steps forward quickly. If that is going to happen, then the head coach needs to put him in positions succeed, and his superstar needs to show more patience.

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:03:18 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Vikings’ Latest Full System Failure vs Ravens https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/ugly-loss-week-10-baltimore-ravens-mccarthy-occonnell-jefferson-failure/ Sun, 09 Nov 2025 22:07:15 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=71478 A week after the Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Detroit Lions in upset fashion, there was hope that they could slither their way back into the playoff picture. As slight home underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens they were going to have their hands full.

Thankfully the injury report continued to trend positively for Minnesota and they have virtually all of their key cogs locked and loaded. When the final seconds ticked off the clock though, it didn’t matter and the mess was on everyone’s hands.

McCarthy and O’Connell fail each other

The phrase “slow car accident” sufficiently described what took place at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Although it was just a 27-19 loss for the Minnesota Vikings, the game was effectively over after Minnesota failed to add onto a 10-3 lead.

J.J. McCarthy dropped back 43 times and had multiple arm punts resulting in a pair of picks. He sailed wide receivers, and despite the running game clicking, Kevin O’Connell made no adjustments.

For weeks this season O’Connell has shown an inability to handle play calling responsibilities. Time management has always been an issue, and changing the plan of attack as the game evolves around you hasn’t been a strength. That was on full display Sunday, and McCarthy made matters worse.

I don’t know if the head coach needs to give up play calling duties, but if he wants McCarthy to develop as an NFL quarterback, this isn’t the way to get it done.

Aaron Jones turned his nine carries into 47 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and Jordan Mason had four rushes for 25 yards (6.3 yards per carry). Giving them just a combined 13 totes makes no sense, and puts all of the pressure on an untested quarterback that has shown struggles.

MN Vikings inflict death by paper cuts

It’s hard to win in the NFL, and getting the job done on any given Sunday is largely why style points don’t matter. It’s also hard to win when you struggle to get out of your own way.

Minnesota had 13 penalties for 102 yards. Of them, eight were false starts for 40 yards. Myles Price also fumbled two consecutive kick returns, and was only bailed out by the second one not being a turnover.

This was a home game for Minnesota mind you. Noise, or the lack thereof while watching the performance later in the game, should not be an issue at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Vikings offense. The level of complete ineptitude from a discipline standpoint on Sunday was jarring.

Whether the Vikings turn things around going forward or not, continued mental mistakes will sink whatever hopes they have.

Superstar level flop from Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson is quite arguably the best wide receiver in football. On Sunday you could have made the argument he looked like one of the worst. Jefferson turned his 12 targets into just four receptions, and he often looked disengaged and uninterested.

Both of McCarthy’s arm punts were targets to Jefferson. One was into double coverage, but the wideout did little to come down with the ball. The other he tripped over the defender’s feet and was never in a position to make a catch.

With the Ravens letting Minnesota hang around, there was plenty of opportunity for a star to step up and make a play. Unfortunately Jefferson had little interest in being that answer Sunday and Minnesota came up short in what amounted to a one-score game.

There is opportunity for soul-searching prior to another key divisional matchup. The Chicago Bears come to U.S. Bank Stadium next week, and they present an opportunity for the Vikings to get the season sweep. Now 1-3 at home, they need to start showing up in front of the people that care the most.

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:27:55 +0000 Minnesota Vikings