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Kevin O'Connell is going into Year 3 as coach of the Minnesota Vikings. In his first year in 2022, the Vikings went 13-4 and got a bye into the NFC divisional round.
They got a matchup against quarterback Daniel Jones and the New York Giants. Unfortunately, the Giants walked into a raucous US Bank Stadium and took down the Vikings 31-24 behind a masterful performance from Jones.
Jones completed 24 of 35 passes for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns. He demolished defensive coordinator Ed Donatell's defense. Jones also had some help from running back Saquon Barkley, who carried the ball 9 times for 53 yards and 2 touchdowns. A promising first year under O'Connell ended in a second-round loss and an early exit.
O'Connell's Sophomore Season
Fast forward to Year 2 under O'Connell and the Vikings were ready to bounce back.
But the season started off badly. They dropped their first three games, losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers. Those defeats were all by less than one score. What was the major problem in the losses? It was in the turnover battle, losing it 7-1.
O'Connell's Vikings had a very difficult time holding on to the ball. Fast forward to a few weeks later when the Vikings hosted the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson got hurt.
Then, weeks later, quarterback Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles in a Week 8 win at the rival Green Bay Packers. The following week, the Vikings traded for quarterback Josh Dobbs to try and save their season. They started Jaren Hall against the Atlanta Falcons while Dobbs was learning the playbook.
In this game's second drive, Hall suffered a concussion. Dobbs came in cold, leading the Vikings to a 31-28 victory.
The Dobbs experiment did not last long, however. The Vikings finished O'Connell's second year at 7-10 and missed playoffs.
Looking Ahead
Entering Year 3, O'Connell has a lot of work to do this season in seeking to become a postseason contender again.
In their opener, Minnesota is set for a rematch against Jones and the Giants. However, this matchup is in New York. The Vikings look to avenge their playoff loss.
As for the following three weeks, it gets tougher. Minnesota hosts quarterback Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers. That's followed by old friends defensive end Danielle Hunter, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and the Houston Texans. Then, the Vikings travel to play red-hot quarterback Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.
Minnesota then travels to London for an NFL game against quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Following a bye week after the London game, the Vikings host quarterback Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions. That's followed by a primetime game in Los Angeles against the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford. Minnesota then hosts promising star quarterback Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts.
After Week 1, those next 6 games are going to be a gauntlet for O'Connell and the Vikings. If they are serious about getting into the postseason, they will have to go 4-2 in this stretch.
But a key 4-game stretch involves the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, and the Arizona Cardinals. This should take the pressure off of the Vikings a bit. If they are to make the playoffs, Minnesota should go 3-1 or sweep these 4 games.
After the Cardinals, the Vikings host old friend quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14. This will be an emotional game. Cousins spent the last 6 seasons with the Vikings before signing with the Falcons in the offseason.
The Vikings finish up this season against the Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Packers and Lions.
The NFL playoffs are not out of reach based on how well O'Connell did in Year 1. He took steps backwards in Year 2 due to injuries to star players. The Vikings need to limit turnovers and play their game. If they do so, then they will be back where they were in Year 1 under O'Connell.
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