Kevin O’Connell’s rise to the top tier of NFL head coaches came thanks to his ability to squeeze every ounce out of his Minnesota Vikings teams, no matter the situation or quarterback.
After two night games in seven days to open the 2025 season, O'Connell might be facing his toughest challenge yet.
“Gotta coach better,” O’Connell lamented after Sunday's rough, 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. “Specifically me.”
O’Connell putting the onus on himself to fix Minnesota's sputtering offense sounds like coachspeak, but it should take on extra meaning for Vikings fans this week.
That young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, has struggled behind a patchwork offensive line over the balance of his first two starts isn’t a huge surprise. It's hardly a surprise, either, that McCarthy has picked up a potential multi-week injury, considering some of the hits he took on Sunday night.
What’s surprising is that one of the top play-callers in football has done little to help protect his 22-year-old quarterback through those eight quarters, with Sunday night’s game a brutal example.
Play calling needs to do more to help Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy in his next start
It’s only Week 2, but injuries have piled up at an alarming rate for the Vikings already. McCarthy's ankle issue is just the latest ailment.
The defense started Sunday’s game without cornerstone players like middle linebacker Blake Cashman and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel. The offense was once again without left tackle Christian Darrisaw and wide receiver Jordan Addison.
You couldn’t ask more from Brian Flores and the defense against the Falcons. Atlanta used its rushing attack and quick passing game to move the ball freely between the 20s, but the Vikings stiffened in the red zone, holding the Falcons to field goals on four of their five trips.
That effort created a winnable game for the Vikings, especially at home. But they never led due to an offense that once again failed to sustain drives and score points.
With that in mind, here are three easy second-guesses that could help fix the Vikings’ offense overnight, whether it's McCarthy, backup Carson Wentz, or undrafted rookie Max Brosmer under center.
Feature Jordan Mason
The Vikings have the ingredients for a power-rushing attack with Jordan Mason, their 230-pound running back. For some reason, O’Connell has chosen not to lean into that strategy to help protect his young quarterback.
Mason got just nine carries in the Falcons game, and none in Minnesota’s lone red zone trip. Establishing the run with Mason and others feels like the obvious early-season game plan, as it would allow the Vikings to get some easy throws off play-fakes and bootleg-action.
Start the game before the fourth quarter
Attacking downfield with Justin Jefferson on longer developing routes is a staple of O’Connell’s offense, but the Vikings should be seeking a simpler approach over the next few weeks.
Finding an early-game rhythm will be crucial going forward for an offense that's gone scoreless in the first quarter in back-to-back games and is averaging just 6.0 points in the first half.
Utilize screens and T.J. Hockenson more
The NBC broadcast heaped praise on Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons for their quick passing game. Surprisingly, those types of throws have not been absent from Minnesota’s repertoire.
Schemed-up passes to Jefferson, Jones, and tight end T.J. Hockenson in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field would be nice to see in Week 3 and beyond.
Hockenson only saw three targets against the Falcons. Prioritizing higher-percentage throws and limiting turnovers should be the focus for Week 3 and beyond.