Kevin O’Connell’s Nuclear Option

If, in the end, the Kirk Cousins pickup does not trigger a revival on offense, then there is however one alternative staying for Kevin O’Connell: give up play calling.

Minnesota’s affable, favored skipper appears to take pride in making the offense appearance snazzy. And, for whatever it’s worth, that’s not a naturally bad thing. Scheming up explosive gains for Justin Jefferson is to be praised. When things fall flat so regularly, there requires to be some difficult discussions. As an outcome, there requires to be some Cousins radiance if the Vikings are to prevent some extremely unpleasant truths throughout the 2026 season.

news Kevin O’Connell and the Possible Fix Few are Discussing

The apparent problem that develops in the possible fiction being checked out is who will do the play calling. In all probability, OC Wes Phillips would require to fill the function, though he does feature some unpredictability about his efficiency. Because unpredictability, however, is some possibility of benefit that streams from untapped capacity.

Think about how VT’s Tom Rudelius went over that concern in his current post: “Barring such a QB trade, the only course forward is to turn over playcalling tasks to another person. Kevin O’Connell can continue to be the head coach and culture-setter for the Vikings, however at this moment, even an unverified offending playcaller like OC Wes Phillips is more suitable. The previous is not likely to be fantastic however brings upside possible; the latter has actually revealed that he merely can not suffice.”

Ever since, Cousins has actually been obtained, so Rudelius might change his calculus now that he’s got some additional details. There’s however some excellent insight included in his reasoning. If Phillips isn’t the replacement, then Frank Smith (the assistant head coach who was the OC in Miami) might be the one to see the duty included onto his plate.

Bring up the league-wide numbers at an area like Pro Football ReferenceWhat you’ll discover is quite wild. Think about where the Vikings rank for Kevin O’Connell’s side of the operation:

• 2,134 Yards Gained|32nd in NFL
• 146 Points Scored|29th in NFL
• 8 Passing TDs|27th in NFL
• 3 Rushing TDs|32nd in NFL

Remember, folks, that football is an interconnected video game. Getting such fantastic field position therefore lots of basket from the unique groups make life method much easier for the offense. The excellent work from the Brian Flores defene makes life much easier for the offense.

Even these benefits, however, have not resulted in an outstanding team for Coach O’Connell.

Oh, and after that there’s a real elite skill in WR1 Justin Jefferson offering the Vikings a weekly edge. Far, that’s a benefit that has actually been misused over and over once again. Perhaps Cousins repairs it; if, nevertheless, Cousins stops working to do so, then the spotlight will shine a lot better on Coach O’Connell.

In the circumstance being checked out here, Kevin O’Connell would deliver ground as it connects to an extremely direct training effect throughout video games. Put in a different way, his finger prints would not be so simple to discover considering that it’s another individual– probably, Coach Phillips or Smith– choosing what play to call and when.

Where O’Connell might still make his existence felt is as an interaction, culture, and agreement wizard. Have to do with the vibes, as the kids would state. Keep things positive and loose while providing broad regulations over the technique while then getting out of the method to permit other coaches to bring the offense, defense, and unique groups to life in a granular, moment-to-moment way.

Kevin O’Connell isn’t most likely to discover himself in this circumstance; spying playcalling out his hands isn’t something he appears eager about. What’s however real, however, is that things merely aren’t working. Or, a minimum of, they have not been.

Kirk Cousins is being took a look at the rescuer to repair all that ails the Vikings’ horrendous offense. Seeing Cousins stop working would leave however one last alternative that Kevin O’Connell most likely wishes to prevent.

The Vikings’ Week 10 video game occurs in Green Bay. Losing that a person would suggest sitting at a 6-3 record due to a three-game losing streak.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudryvikingsterritorycom. Canadian. Jude 1:24 -25.