The Minnesota Vikings fell to 4-6 on Sunday, suffering a heartbreaking 19-17 loss to the Chicago Bears. It was an ugly game from start to finish for the Vikings, but they were still in position to win the game late. Minnesota went ahead 17-16, with under a minute left, and were close to escaping with a victory. However, the Vikings then gave up a 56-yard kick return, setting the Bears up for an easy game-winning field goal.
Unfortunately, poor play from the special teams is something Minnesota’s fans have gotten used to. So while the big kick return was disheartening for Vikings fans, it wasn’t surprising. However, that play is a big reason why Minnesota now has six losses, is slipping out of the playoff picture, and why the Vikings may soon move on from special teams coordinator Matt Daniels.
Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels is on the hot seat for Vikings
Daniels, who spent four seasons in the NFL as a safety after going undrafted in 2012, started coaching in the NFL in 2018. He was named the special teams coordinator for Minnesota in 2022, and has served in that role since. Unfortunately, things have started to unravel for his units recently.
This season, the Vikings have had multiple returns negated by penalties, in addition to other issues sprinkled across the special teams units, and Sunday’s coverage bust may be the final straw for Daniels. Of course, the players are on the field making the mistakes, but in sports, things always point back to the coach leading the way. In Minnesota, that coach is Matt Daniels.
While the Vikings certainly have far more problems than just the special teams, the special teams haven’t been helping the team out. Teams are best when their special teams are either good or overlooked; it’s never good when the units are getting recognized for all the wrong reasons. Additionally, the margin for error is much smaller for special teams in the NFL. Since the Vikings haven’t been able to get things straightened out this season, they could soon be looking for a new coordinator.