For the second week in a row, a bonehead mistake by the special teams unit had a significant impact on the outcome of a game for the Minnesota Vikings, and this time, it might result in someone losing their job.
Against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, it was a mistake by Vikings rookie Myles Price in the third quarter that completely shifted the momentum of the matchup and played a large role in the eventual result.
Following the loss to the Packers, Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell shared why he thinks costly special teams mistakes keep happening this season.
"We've got some rookies. [It's the] part of that phase, where, to a certain extent, you know there's going to be some [errors].
But at the same time, it's just what are we doing as coaches? What are we doing to emphasize how to play smart football as the starting point?"
Minnesota Vikings firing special teams coordinator Matt Daniels feels inevitable after Kevin O'Connell's comments
The fact that O'Connell brought up coaching when he was asked about the struggles of the special teams should tell everyone all they need to know about who he believes is deserving of the most blame for the mistakes.
Those comments felt like they were directly meant for Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels, who has been with the team since 2022, when O'Connell was hired.
Sure, kicker Will Reichard and punter Ryan Wright have been performing great this season. But none of that matters when Minnesota continues to make costly mistakes on kickoffs and punts every week.
Only two teams in the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills, have been penalized for more yards on special teams than the Vikings so far this season. And after 11 games this year, Minnesota has already been flagged for more special teams penalties (18) than the amount the unit had in the entire 2024 campaign (16).
Yes, the players have to be the ones to go out and execute what they are taught in the meeting room and on the practice field. However, it's reached a point for the Vikings where it is completely fair to question if Daniels is still the right person to lead the special teams.