Within the Vikings’ Special Teams Backlash, Consider Some Purple Perspective
In Week 11, Minnesota dropped down to 4-6, making their already slim chance of making the playoffs even slimmer. Chicago’s explosive kickoff return played a starring role in the Vikings’ late-game collapse. The game broadcast appeared to show head coach Kevin O’Connell giving special teams coordinator a less-than-kind assessment of the play.
To be sure, the Vikings’ special teams snafu was consequential. Holding onto a tenuous 17-16 lead meant that the Vikings had to be perfect to pull off the comeback victory. In a single moment, the pursuit of perfection dissolved, allowing Chicago’s offense to do close to nothing before Cairo Santos drilled a game-winning field goal. But while some blame rests with Coach Daniels, there needs to be some common sense.
The Vikings’ Special Teams’ Gaffe (and A Call for Common Sense)
To his credit, Matt Daniels took responsibility for the issue, handling questions aplenty while chatting with the Minnesota media.
Daniels, as per usual, was down-to-earth and charming. So, too, was he sophisticated in his insight, drawing on specific facts to clarify his motives for the decision. Over the course of the season, Minnesota has done very well on kickoffs. “We really earned the right to cover that ball,” Daniels contended, while pointing to keeping 94% of returns behind the 35.
Furthermore, Coach Daniels took responsibility for his share of the mistake. He noted the need for enhanced “discipline” within the play-to-play of special teams. Daniels said the result was “sickening” and that he “never felt the way [he] felt” after the loss.
Matt Daniels, in other words, is understanding the issue in the correct manner.
Start off with him accepting his portion of the blame as the coach who is leading the special teams. Fair. Admirable, too. But then there’s specific insight about the reason for his decision alongside how his group has performed. Hindsight tells us that there ended up being an issue, but the coach had his reasons for the decision he made. So be it; turns out he’s human (like the rest of us).
Consider, as well, what’s been taking place for the component of the team he’s leading.
At present, sophomore kicker Will Reichard has drilled 19/21 field goals alongside being 19/19 on extra points. The pair of missed field goals have come from 50+ (quite possibly, one was hindered by a rebellious camera cable). Finishing the season at 90.5% on FGs and 100% on XPs could lead to an All Pro honor.
There’s then rookie returner Myles Price doing excellent work. Don’t forget: Minnesota doesn’t snap the scoring deadlock were it not for a great return from Price. He is averaging a very healthy 10.7 yards-per-return on punts. As for kickoff return, Price sees his average coming in at 25.9. Very soon, Price is going to put up points.
Punter Ryan Wright is dropping 36.6% of his punts inside the 20 while only having a single touchback. Much of the credit goes to Tai Felton and Tavierre Thomas, a tremendous pair of gunners. Wright, though, is someone who deserves credit for continuing to improve, averaging 44.4 net yards per punt (a career best).
Since 2022, Andrew DePaola has either been a first-team or second-team All Pro at long snapper. He has gone to the Pro Bowl all three seasons. I spoke to the long snapper back in training camp about the correlation between his individual success and Matt Daniels becoming the coordinator in Minnesota. Per the veteran DePaola, Daniels has been excellent.
Any chance Matt Daniels has had anything to do with these players operating at such a high level?
And then there’s the reality of what was an awful offense. Yes, the final drive was brilliant, but that was the minority (as Cris Carter pointed out to some controversy). The defense and special teams had a wonderful day overall; the offense can’t say the same.
Minnesota had possession of the football for just 23:01. A major part of the problem was going 3/11 on third down alongside the half dozen drops. Completing just 50% of the passes is a major issue. There were the 2 interceptions, as well. Fixing some of those issues would go a long way in taking the heat off the Vikings’ special teams to continue being perfect.
Look for Coach Matt Daniels and the Vikings’ special teams to have a strong day in Week 12 when Minnesota takes on Green Bay at Lambeau Field.
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