What if Kevin O’Connell Flips the Script?
The most vocal reasons for criticism of new quarterback J.J. McCarthy always stemmed from the running game that supported him at Michigan. Sure, a quarterback should have a strong arm, good instincts, and the ability to spread the ball around. I’m not sure being propped up by a good running game is a bad thing, though.
Kevin O’Connell has been a progressive offensive mind as head coach for the Minnesota Vikings, but he could lean into traditional roots more.
Kevin O’Connell has been a progressive offensive coach since taking over as the lead man for the Minnesota Vikings. Whether it’s Kirk Cousins under center or dealing with Nick Mullens and his yolo-ball play, the goal has been to throw.
That shouldn’t come as a shock when you have pass catchers such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and others. Minnesota is never going to abandon the pass, and it’s goofy to think that McCarthy is incapable of contributing in that aspect of the game.
Might Kevin O’Connell, Alas, Run the Ball More?
It’s also ok to acknowledge the Vikings may have built something unique on the ground as well. After a career-high in rushing yards last season, it’d be naive to think an aging Aaron Jones will surpass that total this season. However, he doesn’t need to. Now paired with Jordan Mason, Minnesota employs a legitimate one-two punch.
The tandem is capable of contributing at a high level in a starting capacity individually. They can rotate in different sets and circumstances to allow each to remain fresh. A combined production between the pair may be something similar to what we used to see individually from Adrian Peterson.
Then again, hope doesn’t just rest on their shoulders. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the team’s poor offensive line and made things happen on the interior. With Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, and Donovan Jackson between the bookends, the Vikings have one of the most formidable groups we have seen from them in years.
As Paul Allen will joyously call them, the Minnesota Moving Company should have no problem bullying the opposition and getting push. Being able to win in the trenches doesn’t just keep McCarthy clean, but it also generates holes for the backs to run through. Despite his production last season, that’s not something that Jones experienced often.
I’d be pretty shocked to see Kevin O’Connell lean into the run 70% of the time all of a sudden. However, the Vikings’ wide receiver depth is being tested early. Justin Jefferson is going to see double coverage way more often than he’d like out of the gate, and keeping the defense honest will be a must.
This might be the season we see O’Connell go with a ground-and-pound strategy for a while. It probably will work too.
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