3 unsung heroes from the Vikings Week 12 win over the Patriots

Kevin O’Connell – Head Coach

Kevin O’Connell had a hard task this past week. After such a terrible beatdown that Minnesota received from Dallas, the team was on a short week and was set to face off against another stellar defense in the New England Patriots. The team responded, getting a big victory on Thanksgiving and getting one step closer to the NFC North crown.

It’s easy to forget that this is O’Connell’s rookie season as a head coach. He has only been a head coach for 11 games, yet his team has won nine of those matchups. There are certainly hiccups that have come along with O’Connell, but it is very apparent that he has nothing but respect in the Vikings locker room.

Not taking a shot at former coach Mike Zimmer, but the contrast in locker rooms is night and day between the two coaches. O’Connell wears his emotions on his sleeve and shows it to the players, and the players respond back with positivity.

After an embarrassing loss, it was easy to write off the Vikings for their next game against New England. Kevin O’Connell, in turn, rallied the troops and got the team back in the win column. He’s doing a fine job in his first season, and he’s only improving as he keeps going forward.