Daniel Jones Highlights the Perfection That Is Kevin O’Connell
The Minnesota Vikings worked with Mike Zimmer until the crotchety head coach ran his course. They found the perfect transition talent in Kevin O’Connell. Now, in the third year of his tenure, it couldn’t be more apparent they found the perfect leader of the franchise. Daniel Jones wanted to be part of that, which benefits everyone moving forward.
Daniel Jones Highlights the Perfection That Is Kevin O’Connell
When the Minnesota Vikings transitioned to Sam Darnold from Kirk Cousins, they did so because of money and belief. The former gave them substantial spending power, and his arrow with new talent and a better coach was pointing straight up. That has translated to a 9-2 record through 11 games, and no one is doubting how well it has worked.
Because Darnold has played so well, he has worked his way into a Baker Mayfield situation. Someone should pay him a substantial amount of money to be their starting quarterback next season. He isn’t going to be as good because he doesn’t have the same weapons, but he isn’t trash because he won’t play for the Carolina Panthers or New York Jets.
The Vikings paid Daniel Jones because Ed Donatell was among the worst defensive coordinators in recent history. However, Brian Daboll could not figure out how to utilize his signal caller. Jones also didn’t have much around him, and even the addition of rookie Malik Nabers this season wasn’t going to save him.
Coming to Minnesota, Jones gets the opportunity to learn from Kevin O’Connell, and wherever he plays, he’ll have elite talent around him. There is a possibility that Jones will get garbage time down the stretch, but even if he doesn’t, the quarterback room will advance his career more than anything has to this point.
The former New York Giants quarterback turned down starting opportunities to work with O’Connell and Minnesota. That speaks volumes for a coach just getting into his tenure at this level. It would be great if Jones could provide a bridge or backup option for J.J. McCarthy next season, and the more Minnesota can make him feel comfortable, the better.
Ultimately, the Vikings once again added talent to their roster while doing very little to acquire it. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can be criticized for his draft acumen, but the general manager continues to nail all of the free agent and trade acquisitions.
There’s a logical reality where Jones evolves into a better version of Darnold, and at the rate Minnesota will be paying him, it represents yet another surplus in value.
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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