Learning from Lions Loss & Improving for Wild Card Game vs. Rams | X's and O's with Kevin O’Connell

[@kolpants]

I'm done grieving the week 18 loss. let's use that lesson for fuel for the playoffs.

[@teddytaylor1436]

Same

[@smartbiz888]

Exactly! SKOL! 👍😎👍

[@thatguy6645]

Ok, cool, but don't cry if the RAMS Win!!

[@MosesMaloney-e6v]

U better, cause the Rams can beat yall, Go Lions🦁

[@timpauley9254]

Anyone crying if they lose to the Rams hasn't been a Vikings fan for too long. I'll admit I'd be a little frustrated but MIN just craps the bed at the worst times so I think I'm more surprised when they DO win a big game. I think this may be the most snake bitten team, not just in the NFL, but all sports.

[@anthonyleydens]

One and 0 this week boys. I'm excited to see this team play in playoffs.

[@troyhernandez805]

Actually we are zero and 1 this week. Let that fuel this team into a reckoning force.

[@2Evil2Hope]

0 and 0 you doofs

[@GenXponders]

Sometimes a pop in the mouth is what a team needs . LFG!!!!

[@CGDetroit]

Lions fan here, KOC is so legit and a hard dude for any football guy not to like and respect. Good luck boys. It’ll be a fun next decade.

[@ColonCornwallace]

Go back to your own social media bubble… You sweet man, you. Hope to see y’all in 2 wks! I can say the same for DC. 2 HC’s that have completely opposite vibes but both damn likable.

[@brentonhickman2739]

Lions fan here also , love Kevin O’Connell

[@deezpleez3832]

Vikes fan here. Don’t enjoy the bye week too much! Haha

[@TylerRomano-z6y]

@@ColonCornwallace why are getting mad at him bro

[@ArlenPierce]

I’d like to mention the respect between the two head coaches. Dan saying we’ll see you in a couple weeks let’s me know that he knows how strong this team can be and has a lot of respect for them 🫡

[@Isen502]

I mean maybe the loss is a blessing. They were on a 9 game win streak. To win the superbowl the Vikings would’ve had to win 13 straight. That’s insanely difficult in the NFL. Revenge tour starts Monday night.

[@StillKeepOnLosing]

Who they beat during that stretch? A GB game that was meaningless for them? Lmfao. Mac jones? Flacco? Levis? Bears fraud? List goes on lmfao

[@fistopher7178]

@@StillKeepOnLosingtrue but I think we can beat the rams

[@mr.treinen]

​@StillKeepOnLosing Cardinals, Falcons and Seahawks too, they were close playoff teams. But hopefully they win on Monday.

[@ANEMIC27]

Your 🤡 ass has been really quiet this year 😅😅 ​@@StillKeepOnLosing

[@jaxonelie1994]

Love KOC he’s a genius sometimes we need a loss to get the win

[@jweezy2912]

He's definitely going to lose😂

[@mr.treinen]

16:35 Tell me how lucky we are to have such an amazing coach? His awareness, politeness but also his battle face, battle time demeanor is second to none compared to any other professional sport coach in the United States!

[@arcticgaming4225]

Turn up and make something happen KOC let’s get to the bowl

[@nicktironi7677]

It’s a whole new season boys! Let’s get the job done!!

[@Oni1975]

I really appreciate KOC's assessment/reflection of the game at Detroit. I was worried he'd lean too much on execution. Execution was certainly a problem, but for a loss of that magnitude, there had to be problems all over, and he owned it.

[@Skywalker-h8c]

Go lions . And we were happy to do it!

[@dmartin7107]

I love everything about this team and what KOC has brought to this organization. I've watched the Vikes since the 90s with my dad and the talent, energy, and potential of today's team is drastically different from any other point in time that I could remember. There were many seasons where we had a handful of great players here and there but this entire 2024-2025 team is outstanding. Minus all the missed kicks from Riechard (just kidding, he's still solid in my book lol). Having said that, we WILL get our chance when it is our time. Whether we bounce back as the 5th seed and take it all the way to the Championship or if it means next season with more development. It's coming, enjoy our ride and every bump in the road. SKOL!!!

[@timpauley9254]

@@dmartin7107 I think the 98 (Moss rookie season) and 2012 (Favre first year in purple and gold) were more exciting. And I think that the 2012 team was the most complete team I've ever watched them put on the field. AND all the Vikings did was crap the bed, like they always do, and not get to a SB with a SB team.

[@StillKeepOnLosing]

Ya said the same thing about Zimmer until ya foolishly made Kirk cousin the Vikings owner. Lmfao

[@christianwangen1279]

@@timpauley925409 was farve

[@willmpet]

I’ve watched them since the first game!

[@khle521]

I really enjoyed that segment! Great interview, and hoping for many more! Go KOC and Vikings!!!

[@XueHer-to6eg]

One hint. Try a screen pass mix direction to quick reciever

[@craigwhitman5064]

Ever hear of quick slants, screen plays and running the ball in the red zone?

[@grahamculbertson6920]

Guys were wide open in the red zone bro, Darnold couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn.

[@craigwhitman5064]

@ true but I’m talking about when the lions were constantly blitzing they can’t do a long developing play with our o-line

[@trueflight1010]

That’s KOC not being able to go off script. There’s a reason why this team leads the league in big plays. That’s all KOC wants to do. If it doesn’t work just keep trying. Then lose by 3 scores. And say we need to get better in the press conferences

[@mjthethird1]

@@grahamculbertson6920Darnold was rattled first time this season I’ve seen him that rattled.

[@joesousa4570]

EXACTLY CHANGE THE OFFENSE IF THEY ARE ON TO YOURS BEATING YOU UP. No adjustment at all KOC

[@Bluboy30]

I know many of us Vikings fans are still upset about SNF game. But in 2021, the 49ers swept the Rams in the regular season but the Rams won in the NFC Title Game. It's hard beating your divisional foe three times in one season. Also, in 2020 the Saints swept the Bucs but the Bucs won when they met in the Divisional Round. in 2007, the Cowboys swept the Giants but the lost to them in the Divisional Round. Then in 2004, the Packers swept us in the regular season but we got our revenge in the Wild Card round. So, there's hope that if we the Lions again, we can get our revenge.

[@MohamedSaad-pn1wn]

Yeah your right we are going to win superbowl because rams did it

[@TheFord1965]

Also, for a change of pace, give Ty Chandler 3 to 5 carries and see what he can do. He’s got some serious power and quickness and youth.

[@noorzanayasmin7806]

As Lion fan, much respect to the Viking coach, team and fans. Lets keep the NFC North in the equation.

[@aceashley3570]

Listen the Vikings win with class and we lose with class! We are HONORED to be your “Bridesmaid”. Sorry we weren’t any competition 😔

[@brandonblock288]

We can work together to gate keep the packers from winning this division as revenge for what they've done to the lions and vikings all these years. I hope both these franchises can win a SB.

[@aceashley3570]

@ I hope so too but with the Vikings, there has to be a sense a realism. And frankly, it may be in our destiny to never win a Superbowl. Would that be the worst thing in the world? Hardly.

[@KellienMag]

We believe in you Kevin!

[@JacobSutley]

Rams pipe in crowd noise. It's ear piercing. I was at the last game. I looked around and asked the Rams fan behind me, "who is yelling, you're not yelling, I don't see anyone yelling'. Ridiculous and borderline cheating.

[@richardsmith3772]

He owned it! Awesome! Darnold was hit not stop and protection is key to the game plan. Use those 3 TE's for both protection and crossers. I think KOC sees it the Sam way.

[@juanm.romero4089]

I live in LA and I'm a Vikings fan best believe I'll be there I've also met a few fans out here

[@clownmode3626]

KOC and the team will perform this Monday!!

[@maxamillions320]

I’m a service member out here in San Diego, who happens to bleed purple! Missed the Thursday night game due military service obligations😢 how do I get my hands on some tickets for this wildcard rematch!?!?!? SKOL 🙆🏻‍♂️!!!!!!!!

[@airforceadams]

My Mom and I drove from Vegas to the last Rams game. There was a lot of purple there!

[@toddaulner5393]

Our O-line needs to improve and we need more exotic looks to our running game rather than hoping the o-line opens lanes in the middle.

[@davidj.7227]

Ditch Sam, play JJ and spend the 50+ million on those needs

[@leoprzybylowicz8602]

@@davidj.7227 jj is a duel threat ,,,,,,, kids going to be dangerous

[@toddaulner5393]

​@@davidj.7227I believe we can keep Sam and still do that if he signs for 38-42 million.

[@MNWILD43]

This year was not expected, so I take it with a grain of salt. I'm not expecting a SB, but enjoy this while it's here.

[@Kanjo_Bazooie]

Glad KOC pointed out the D was likely worn out due to the offense and ST struggles. Defense more than did their part, despite the scoreboard

[@leoprzybylowicz8602]

lions have been spanking your defense since 2022 and you guys shouldnt even won that first game.....way back in 2022

[@brandonblock288]

@@leoprzybylowicz8602 1 score game until the 4th quarter. At some point if you can't score on defnse what good does it do to stop a team on defense. It's 2025 who cares who won that game.

[@ryanbrademeyer616]

I’m a little disappointed that PA didn’t ask what probably 80% of fans are wanting to know. Why was there no adjustments made for a quicker pass game when about halfway through the second quarter it was very obvious they weren’t going to allow us to beat them with long developing 15+ yard routes?

[@johnn.marshall4566]

Because the receivers including JJ, weren’t getting open. They were held for the majority of the game. I doubt that happens again against the Rams tho.

[@brent4723]

Jim Souhan's tantrum in the Strib on Monday was reprehensible. These Vikings, every one of them, have accomplished so much this year. I'm excited to watch their response Monday night. SKOL.

[@nonsense2369]

If we start winning games in the playoffs I hope KOC starts saying 1-0 2-0 3-0 Just to sorta highlight that it’s a different type of season.

[@mikey10879]

theres alot of us vikings fans here in the central valley (fresno,visalia,hanford) in ca i remember in 2021 i believe we took over SoFi vs the chargers

[@Osoyoos-Wine-Tasting]

Great coach!

[@Richard-k1j8e]

There's no WAY L A could be as loud as Detroit. SKOL. RUN THE DAMN BALL. MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AS NEEDED.

[@tylermcnair4921]

Not a Vikings fan but Ohio State used their loss to beat Oregon in their playoffs after losing to Michigan. They never wanted to feel that again. Vikings will be a different team the 2nd time around.

[@bagassi78]

Let's go Vikings! Beat those Rams!

[@cole0848]

from a lions fan?

[@bagassi78]

@ yeah, I rather see you guys again instead of Stafford 😂

[@cole0848]

@@bagassi78 hahah that’s fair! i’m looking forward to another rematch

[@leoprzybylowicz8602]

@cole0848 i mean if you werent you would be out of the playoffs if that doesnt happen lol

[@bagassi78]

@cole0848 also, my brother lives in Minnesota and his most of his clients are the Vikings players.

[@CheaJerbohJr]

My learning from the week 18 Vikings loss to the Detroit Lions: 1. When the team is in the RedZone with no touchdown on 4th down, please kick the field goal for the 3 points. Avoid the temptation of going for a touchdown on 4th down. All points matter. Don't leave points on the field with all the effort into every drive. 2. When the opportunity presents itself, the team will score touchdowns building upon the points gained from previous field goals. 3. Remember #1, having #2 in mind.

[@robe2504]

McVay did the same thing in week 1. Sometimes you just have to experience it.

[@jakelz9885]

Go look at the 2021 rams season and our season this year the similarities of teams and losses are scary!! They lost to the niners 31-10 and 27-24 in the regular season..we lost 31-9 and 31-29 to lions. We can do this

[@donXjuan]

KOC please for the love of God scheme up some running plays in the redzone. You can't put it all on Darnold to play flawless ball especially in the playoffs. RUN THE FRICKEN BALL In the redzone!! SKOL!!! 💜💜💜💜

[@LoveHateVikes]

Thank you coach & PA. I was pretty dejected after Sunday night. But my confidence in this team is coming back around. Let's adjust & execute and beat the hell out of the Lambs. Skol!

[@jordanperez4540]

call some slants and short routes over the middle vs the blitz

[@tylerbean8265]

I love this comment. It's crazy how many times a the intermediate/deep routes were called when you know their defense was sending 5/6/7 guys. Sometimes it's the basics that win.

[@StillKeepOnLosing]

I only go deep only knows one thing. Go deep... I only blitz only knows one thing... More Blitzes. These 2 are a perfect couple.

[@bartwieden]

If you have to go on the road in playoffs LA isn't a bad place to go. Make adjustments, suck it up and Skol!

[@rudyb2755]

KOC is a special coach. SKOL

[@Scoobmcdumpster612]

When Jones is resting, throw in the HAM!!!! CJ will be the norths savior. Run it out

[@mattt8889]

play as the underdog, embrace the spoiler mentality. No one thinks they make it far in the playoffs so harness that and play with no expectations.

[@isaacleipprandt5379]

It was really sad to see the team just give up like that against the lions :(

[@robe2504]

They did not give up. They pushed the Lions hard, but the game got away from them in the 4th.

[@frankbj1152]

Vikings Defense did they thing but the Lions O line too tough

[@patrickbrowder6857]

Shout out to guava Beach Bar and Grill in Pacific Beach. Wish I could get out there more often it's just finding that safe driver that's difficult. It's an awesome location just steps from the beach and bay.

[@fleafly70]

Also. Shout out to the Regal Seagull up in Encinitas, packed every Sunday with Vikings fans!

[@wesdryden2382]

Uber bro I spend plenty to be safe and enjoy

[@patrickbrowder6857]

@@wesdryden2382 I live nowhere near the beach and refuse to drink and drive so...

[@wesdryden2382]

@patrickbrowder6857 why are you angry? I just told u to Uber bro

[@wesdryden2382]

@@patrickbrowder6857pick better friends or .... we'll we can't pick our family. Sad you can't make it to where you love to be. Do t get angry w me .I'm here to help. SKOL VIKINGS

[@dmarlan]

The Lion hangover is real, remember?

[@garyhirsch4217]

There's a big difference between an eight vs a four day window... This is gonna be fun!

[@wesdryden2382]

Alotta haters out there. Win or lose this doesnt change my job ir my family. Enjoy Viking fans fun to be in the playoffs.

[@tymurphy8285]

Ima always be a fan just heartbreaking we never show up for big games 😫😞💯

[@Amy-wh9dz]

I believe! SKOL!

[@jimmiehawkins1946]

Got a decent lil club/bar in Dallas too! Not quite SD size, but pretty legit

[@DVega-b1q]

I have no belief in the Vikings we’re not going anywhere this season the Vikings have never played 4 complete quarters under KOC IN 3 SEASONS

[@swanksthetiger1169]

I like the energy in the comments. Its on to the Rams and the expectations are no longer there so hopefully Sam balls out!

[@hwnfrd]

All season we have been hearing about the "complete game" and since it's the playoffs where there is no next week if you lose, will we get to finally see the Vikings unleash this " complete game"?

[@CaribbeanSimPilot]

Sam missed 5 TDs where receivers were wide open. He missed high, he missed low. This was not a scheme problem and they didn’t not blanket the receivers. I really hope he can bounce back, but that was a bad time to have your worst game. I think sometimes you need that wake up call. Go KOC! SKOL! 💜 💜

[@robe2504]

Was it? Certainly a better time to have a bad game than this week. It might have been the best time to have a bad game. There is an argument that week 17 might have been a better time, which would have made last week a virtual bye and back up game, but would you prefer to back into the playoffs with back to back losses? Maybe week 14 vs the Bears might have worked to spread out the losses, but then week 18 would still have been an irrelevant bye game.

[@mr.treinen]

Coach. Please keep an eye out on how the teams are playing you. When the offense starts to get going, the lions cool you down, I have noticed that in the games played against them and the rams, the packers tried doing that as well. Please let Sam play catch with the receivers while they attend the injured player of the other team. Repetition, Repetition,Repetition. Keep the drive alive and the momentum alive while the injured player is sideline. If you feel good about what you want to do, do it, continue it but don't fall for the opponents cooling down your drive. Those are attention to details that need to be address. Once the game resumes, get JJ a blocker and throw some short secure passes to him. Use your other receivers as blockers for the other receivers. Align JJ and Addison on the same route, one goes for the cornerback and the other for the ball on long throws. Get TJ Hockenson blocking on the same direction but if the long gain isn't there, gain a few yards with Hockenson or another TE. Get Aaron Jones involved, run some play action. Brian Flores will adjust the defense, you best believe that. But we need points coach.

[@GomerBarnFloyd]

KOC completely zoning out at the beginning lmao

[@Esol625]

Holy I’m tired of people acting like that ugly loss is the end of the world

[@lennydaniel2291]

comments didnt dissapoint!!!! we go full throttle next week

[@nikkicovington6389]

We are not done yet because we are going to the playoffs and winning it all for KJ

[@pitbullforce101]

Hey, we were supposed to be 6-11, we lost to a really good team, we missed four red zone opportunities, let’s just hope they are confident and they play their best football on Monday

[@johnpreston3706]

Hoping to see improvements in Vikings Red Zone. A) Vs Man coverage, Receiver & TE Rubs executed well are a nightmare for defenses. B) In Redzone open the playbook. Make defense defend Run & Pass by utilizing combinations of Hock, Oliver, Mundt, Ham in Red Zone C) Viking coaches & players are top units this year. Make opponent have to defend BOTH Run & Pass in the Red Zone. KOC is an awesome coach. I am hoping Vikes Red Zone offense becomes less One Dimensional. 3 WR routes in tight area is not ideal due to all the holding the DBs get away with in playoff games. TEs are big, can box out and are always open. TEs are engines for both Run & Pass. They are also Sam Darnolds best friend in Red Zone - SKOL

[@Krimmp]

I love learning from all these head coaches in the comments.

[@BackdownGang]

Sam's been playing good football all year I rather him 💩 now then do it in the playoffs

[@nononowhyno]

i love this guy. if the wilfs trade him they fucked up hard. hes gonna win a superbowl. whether its this year or another. its in his future.

[@joshescalante4300]

Y'all complaining about him doing an interview.. it's only about a half hour interview. I'm sure there's a lot more football throughout the rest of the day.

[@200cdl]

Another knife to pull out of my back. It's groundhog Day again

[@shaquille.oatmeal8907]

1 playoff win is all I ask

[@Shimazusama]

I trust KO 100%

[@morganlake41632]

KOC, we had an extra day, we were way out prepared and out stratagied by Lions coaching?

[@nottl1]

Easier to win 3 in a row to make it to the show versus 13 in a row (if we would have won on Monday). We have one loss on the road obviously to the Rams, but it's not like we can't win on the road. Weather a non-factor here. Let's hope for Commanders and Pack to pull off upsets.

[@xer0Hack]

huh? you just lost on the road to the lions as well not just the rams

[@nottl1]

@xer0Hack why u even commenting. Go back to your motor city kitty litter box

[@andrebriscoe2272]

KOC is bigger than most of the players on the team lol

[@toddaulner5393]

The Historic Vikings did not stay home, they hit the Sea and Raided!

[@benjaminfranklinhawkeyepie9721]

Its not as bad as it looked couple more receptions in the endzone its close if you get all of them we are screaming cant stop us now

[@Cup_of_Joe13]

New season. Let's go 1-0

[@florencedahl3617]

I watched the NDSU Bison win the National Championship game in Frisco. The Vikings must learn from their huge loss in Detroit. The Rams beat you in week 8 now the rematch in Los Angeles

[@scrubbingmonkeys2488]

.......gotta run the football a lite bit more.......yep!

[@davidwilkins5932]

Not unless they’re PRODUCTIVE runs. The 1-yard business won’t cut it.

[@Clive_Darker]

@@davidwilkins5932jones was runnin hard man…just gotta sprinkle it in at the right time. We seriously need a power back.

[@atv55803]

got to use Akers more AND SAM NEEDS TO BE QUICKER TO GET RID OF THAT PASS

[@giothegoat0]

Go on and win for all the fans supporting you and to prove all the doubters wrong go on and win for all the fans that were assaulted by lions fans in the crowd SKOL!!!

[@RDAmidwest]

How did the Lions defensive backs get away with pushing & grabbing receivers from the line of scrimmage for 12-14 yards downfield? They were all over our guys and too early, making contact before the pass arrived. When did they legalize that crap? The NFL has plenty of money to hire and train good refs and fire the incompetent or corrupt ones.

[@Mkj119]

The same refs who didnt blow the whistle for multiple delay of games on you guys?

[@RDAmidwest]

@Mkj119 No, not them. 🤣

[@georgepotter5101]

Vikings don't fit the NFL narrative for the a Championship team. So they have to be stopped as all the Championship gear has been printed and ready for sale can't have all that wasted money at this point 😂😂

[@kevinkranz9156]

WAY TOO MUCH PASS INT BY LIONS DB

[@BackdownGang]

3 road wins to get to the Superbowl

[@robe2504]

1 road, 2 home and 1 neutral is still possible.

[@trudaGame-uh7fn]

Kevin was a great offensive coach for the Rams. I know the game will be really good and a nail bitter. But I think Rams pull this one out over the Vikings.

[@joshuamoore7792]

First and foremost, adversity is incredibly valuable. Secondly, SKOL. Let’s go get it! #KOC #JJ. #SamTheManImAFan #BFlo #PurplePeopleEaters

[@Minnymooooo]

Avenge the Rams loss then the Detroit loss host NFC Championship on to the bowl! SKOL!

[@jasonmcnatt]

Tell Coach there: Going for it on fourth down. You cannot Dan Campbell, Dan Campbell.

[@JeremyUrdahl-ui7od]

Let's GO Vikes

[@HelpUsSaveLives]

The OL did a dismal job of protecting Sam in Detroit, I sure hope they do a MUCH better job next week against the Rams. If not, the Vikings will rinse and repeat.

[@David-f5c6e]

That has been the Vikings issue for the last decade. How is it that most teams can bust out a half dozen or more 15 yd running plays and the Vikings are lucky if they get one.

[@robe2504]

@@David-f5c6e The Lions have but no one else has, so the reason most teams can - is that they actually haven't. You're imagining it. The Vikes have the second best Rush D in the league for total yards, yards per rush and rush TDs.

[@ryandamon714]

SKOL 💜💛

[@Darealdirtydonkey]

Damn losing to the same two teams back to back again gonna sting heading into the off-season.

[@BillyJack85]

Oh, we learned from the Lions loss, alright... we learned that this whole offense, specifically Sam Darnold, can completely collapse out of nowhere for seemingly no apparent reason in games of historic significance. I'm feeling very knowledgeable after last week.

[@wb6162]

O'Connell has done miracles with this team this year, he and Flores. Unfortunately Darnold turned back into a pumpkin and waited for the most important game to do it. I expect him to stink up the field in LA too and be done as a Viking.

[@woolley006]

We have a crazy opportunity to beat the only two teams that beat us this year. Let's go vikes we got this! #SKOL FEED JETTAS

[@zepps88]

Just think of the fantastic redemption of beating the 2 teams that we lost to in the regular season to make it to the NFC Championship. I believe they can, but do they?

[@MotiveGR]

Been a Vikings fan for 7.5 years. So tired of all the heartbreak. I'm done with this team, no point in watching anymore

[@fivefour5514]

Koc get right it’s time to step up

[@morganlake41632]

WE play clean, they hold and hit before the balls arrive (See Hock grab by Anzeloni) How can we win when they hold every play? Are guys practicing swatting hands this week - both line and receivers and LB, and Edge...ok everybody.

[@DeplorableNeanderthal]

Kevin, please add a bunch of dink-n-dunk passes to the gameplan/playback. Specially against Detroit in a week or two

[@RubenCanelarij-sv4tm]

No one beat us that day we beat ourselfs that wasn't the vikings that played Detroit in week 7

[@worshipingIAM]

I hope the offense is pissed off after getting embarrassed

[@tim4cn759]

Cam Akers had the biggest play of the night and you stopped running the ball you saw it was too much for sam he was off and you needed to pound the rock..