4 ways the Vikings can avoid complacency in Week 2 at Eagles
By Dean Jones
Ignore the outside noise
Such a statement victory against the Green Bay Packers did not go unnoticed by the media. The Vikings surged up national power rankings on the back of their dominant display, with some even putting them in the top five as a result of the team’s incredible effort.
The extra attention and enthusiasm surrounding Minnesota’s chances are unlikely to go unnoticed by those within the locker room. Therefore, it’s up to Kevin O’Connell and his staff to keep everyone’s feet on the ground with so much football still to play.
Fans are right to be encouraged.
There hasn’t been much to shout about over the last two seasons, which were the last for previous head coach Mike Zimmer and departed general manager Rick Spielman. But if this provides the Vikings with a false sense of security where they start taking things for granted, that’s when the problems can arise.
Ignoring the outside noise and remaining a cohesive unit capable of great things is the best avenue forward. There is also a far more relaxed atmosphere in Minnesota thanks to O’Connell’s presence, with the former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator’s methods resonating well with those taking the field so far.
Minnesota isn’t in a position to start looking too far ahead. And even the slightest lapse of concentration at the Philadelphia Eagles could prove to be their undoing.