Kevin O’Connell reveals if Vikings will change defensive play-caller

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that the team will continue to have Ed Donatell call the plays for the defense moving forward.

There’s no other way to describe it. The defense for the Minnesota Vikings has been atrocious during the last few weeks and it’s resulted in two losses in their last four games.

In their last five matchups, the Vikings’ defense has allowed their opponent to finish with at least 400 total yards. That’s the longest streak of games in team history in which Minnesota has given up 400 yards or more to their opponent.

Despite the massive struggles that their defense is dealing with, the Vikings still have a 10-3 record, their lead on top of the NFC North is still huge, and they’re still the No. 2 seed in the NFC. That being said, Minnesota needs to make some changes to their defensive strategy before it’s too late.

Minnesota Vikings will continue to have Ed Donatell call plays for the defense

Following his team’s loss to the Detroit Lions this past weekend, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell met with the local Twin Cities media on Monday to answer questions about everything that took place inside Ford Field.

O’Connell ended up getting asked if he is considering changing any assignments on Minnesota’s defensive coaching staff, including the possibility of having someone other than Ed Donatell call the plays for the unit.

Here’s how the Vikings head coach responded to that question.

"“You’re always looking at things that you think might be a possible answer to help the guys play better, be more consistent, but as of right now, no, not something that I’m considering.”"

So there you have it. Donatell will continue to call the defensive plays for Minnesota, and with there only being four games left in the 2022 regular season, the team likely won’t make any defensive play-calling changes, if any, until next year.

O’Connell’s answer might be a bit disappointing for some Vikings fans, but it’s understandable. Changing play-callers with a month left in the season is a pretty drastic move, and at 10-3, Minnesota isn’t currently in a position where they have to make a drastic decision to get into the playoffs.

The Vikings’ next matchup is on Saturday inside U.S. Bank Stadium against a 4-8-1 Indianapolis Colts team. The Colts’ offense currently ranks 31st in scoring and 25th in total yards this season, so if they are able to carve up Minnesota’s defense, then O’Connell might want to reconsider his decision to keep Donatell as the team’s defensive play-caller.