Vikings' Kevin O'Connell among NFL's 'best offensive play-callers' | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

[@redt7452]

Man, Darnold has shocked the world honestly. I’m a massive Vikings fan and never would’ve expected Darnold to play like this. He’s honestly one of, if not the best QB in the NFC right now. I really think this Vikings team can make a big post season run.

[@jpmartin2312]

@redt7452 just goes to show how important wr and play callers are, but yes Donald playing great

[@scottymo8597]

As of now he is the top 5 QB yeah

[@HendersonHinchfinch]

@@jpmartin2312yeah because Dobbins and Mullens were playing sooo great in this system

[@jpmartin2312]

@HendersonHinchfinch Donald all of a sudden got great, nah he having a great year in a great system with 2 elite receivers, and a good 3rd

[@spyghetti]

The TD throw to Addison was incredible... and he trusts all the guys.

[@swanksthetiger1169]

Seeing Sam throw that pick then drive down the field and answer was QB play we havent seen in MN in a long, long time.

[@steviechampagne]

He doesn't let the last play affect him. Man that's huge. He's got a cannon and he's really cleaned up his mistakes this year. Dude threw 30-40 passes for 370 yards and 3 touchdowns in a must win game... that's ballsy

[@ArlenPierce]

It was the first time as a Viking fan where the pick was thrown but I was like eh it’s cool he’ll make up for it. It was nice to have trust

[@steviechampagne]

@@ArlenPierce for real! i NEVER felt that way about Kirk.. he would get too scared and in his head. Slinging Sammy doesn't care if it was a pick or a drop or a penalty he's going out there and chucking it deep 😎

[@ArlenPierce]

@ I think him and KOC play calling has given him a healthy medium of being aggressive with out taking to much risk, and even when he has made the mistakes lately it’s because he’s trying to be aggressive and move the sticks, get an explosive play. And still it wasn’t the end of the world when it happened

[@RDAmidwest]

C'mon Swanks, have you already forgotten who threw all the passes in the Biggest Comeback Of All TIME?

[@thomasmccauley5752]

I am a big Vikings fan, when I lived in NY, I saw Darnold play for the JETS. Know matter how hurt he was, he went out there and showed me alot of heart. Now he is a great place, so happy for him. I would also like to know how much impact Josh McCown has on helping Sam. I never hear any praise for him.

[@montenorton]

Agreed. I want to hold onto McCown almost as much as Flores.

[@richardtherichard26]

Mccown relationship with Sam has been MASSIVE for Sam’s improvment. I was telling my dad before the game yesterday that McGowan was darnold backup his rookie year. Having him there has been an incredible help

[@thomasmccauley5752]

@richardtherichard26 thank you,but it is a shame he is not getting alot of attention

[@snoworicehockey]

Amazing game. Sam played like an MVP.

[@fredo_tomato]

"The 4 Norseman of the Apocalypse" great call

[@deanladue5367]

Pretty ironic that after Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta, or was shown the door by the Vikings depending on who you believe. That they have a great chance to get to the conference championship or more, the last time the Vikings went that far was 2017, the season before Cousins arrived in MN.

[@RamzeyA]

It's fair to say KOC has put more energy into strengthening the QB targets than the initial QB itself. The league is rich in QBs now and KOC will make anyone work if they have targets to get the ball to.

[@jadenbarry6012]

​@@RamzeyA You completely leave out the drastic improvement to the defense look at the Ed donatell defense that was one of the worst defenses in the league under flores and adding pieces that fits his system they are one of the better defense in the league especially with aging dbs like gilmore or Harrison Smith they need to add some younger guys there

[@rictic1929]

Come on Vegas, make Detroit a 7 point favorite please, so the Vikes can once again play the underdog team that doesn't have a chance.

[@mcs68419]

They’ll definitely be road dogs.

[@vikings_fans_anonymous]

I think I saw the opening line is Detroit -2.5

[@jimkaffenberger6455]

Nope Vikings should be favored over Lions. In Detroit. That would surely motivate the boys in Blue.❤

[@richardtherichard26]

Line opened @vikings +2.5. I imagine that changes when Detroit loses to San Francisco tonight

[@yabagaba5727]

Getting Akers back was a great move. Always seemed like a perfect fit for the offense.

[@allend5399]

Gr8 comeback by Gb. Respect. Skol Vikings skol family 💪. Bleeding purple 💜

[@DblCheese]

Vikings of old don’t win this game. I have full trust that in a tight game KOC and Darnold are in complete control. Nobody on this team clenches their teeth, luckily we passed that on to ATL

[@sleazeberg]

It's true. Most of the time in the last 30 years I've been watching, I'm on the edge of my seat, assuming they will blow it. This year I always assume they will clutch

[@suspiciousactivity4266]

Exactly. You telling me our kicker missed 2 field goals, we gave up a two quick scores, and we still won?

[@yamisniper]

@@suspiciousactivity4266 he had to be haveing an off night or was not feeling 100%

[@anthonynoneyabusiness420]

Gg Vikings 💚💛 congrats on an amazing season

[@rndmlttrs]

"Four Norsemen of the Apocalypse" is great!

[@roryolson61]

Would make a gr8 t-shirt!

[@robe2504]

Remember when the Lions beat the Vikes in week 7, Sam had only played 5 games with the Vikes offence, but only 2 with Addison, and none with TJ or Akers. Similarly, the 10 new FAs on the defensive rotation were also learning the Flores scheme. 15 weeks on that's a little different.

[@nathanabraham4639]

Vikes should wear the all whites in Detroit

[@scottymo8597]

Yeah if lions have there all black on.

[@nathanabraham4639]

@@scottymo8597 that would be sick

[@donXjuan]

Remember when JJ McCarthy was drafted and EVERYONE was saying Oh man what a great spot for JJ to go to. Great offensive weapons, scheme, and coaches. I always replied with well why not fricken Sam Darnold then?? A Top 3 pick, Uber talented who's been through it in the league NOW with the same perfect spot for him to land. Why couldn't he put it all together?? Well, Sam thank you for proving all those haters wrong! SKOL 💜💜

[@Daunte1984]

Same line of thinking, would be productive, great weapons,25tds 4000 yds,just not THIS productive.

[@AndyAcker]

5:59 "THE FOUR NORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE": Jefferson, Addison, Nailor, Hockenson. Skol!

[@EricaNewGirl]

We haven’t had a clutch QB since Favre’s first year with us. Case Keenum had grit but not the full skill set. Darnold has the skills and has been throwing some confident throws into double triple coverage with ease.

[@cartergiesking9673]

I love what the vikings have been doing and I’m going to be proud if this team no matter what. But for the playoffs they desperately need to unlock the short passing game. We’ve been great at deep shots and intermediate passing all year but what I’ve seen a lot of this year that when we get up on a team we revert to the run, which is good but teams know we’re gonna run it because we don’t really wanna put the ball up in harms way down the field as we’re trying to eat clock, and we don’t have a great quick passing game to try and pick up 5-6 yards to set up the run better. I finally saw a little bit of it with the calls at the end to seal the game last night against the packers with the cj ham first down and the akers first down. It’s plays like that, and then also plays with quick outs, drags, and quick slants that we need to incorporate more to help seal the game when we have a lead.

[@dylanmiller8456]

Completely agree. I said this very same thing recently. I'm concerned about a lack of short passing in our offense. If we end up facing a team like the Eagles in the playoffs who have an excellent D-line that can pressure the QB, we're gonna need to rely on short hot routes. Our offense is predicated on long-developing routes which means Sam needs time. If the O-line can't give him time against elite D-lines, we're gonna have a major problem.

[@timu0927]

Great minds think alike. You both are 100% right if we want to make a long run in the playoffs.

[@justinburt4657]

Excellent point and I was just saying this same thing last night watching the game with a friend. Getting some of those quick shots mixed in would make them an even stronger juggernaut.

[@VijayYadav-oo2th]

@@justinburt4657they will get it done in the playoffs!!

[@brovold72]

We have guys that can get the YAC. 👍

[@user-rs2jv1pe7t]

The offensive line had a great game against a very good defense. He had a lot of time.

[@wolfofthetwincities5704]

Toss Mike Florio into Lake Minnetonka

[@trapt29]

Agreed.

[@ryanwall1780]

He definitely needs purified

[@LawrenceDaniels-t2k]

FLORIO IS A "JINX"😂

[@jpmartin2312]

Imagine being a vikings fan for 50 years and not believing in them until 14-2 😂

[@DatDamnLlama]

Are you a Viking fan?

[@jpmartin2312]

@DatDamnLlama are u

[@CringeComedyTV]

You clearly aren't a Vikings fan. If you know you know.

[@jpmartin2312]

@CringeComedyTV oh ok, so you don't believe in your team no matter how good they are 😂😂. Not even a fair weather fan

[@andrewkraft2586]

@@jpmartin2312as a Vikings fan myself it’s hard to believe in a team that has let you down literally every single time no matter how great they were. Until proven wrong you can be optimistic but it’s hard to believe it’s real.

[@toddmoore1506]

Nobody was holding on for dear life lol

[@DaggetSWG]

Fr, GB didn't even have the ball in their hands with a chance to take a lead

[@ryanwall1780]

Preach

[@BK12344]

As a diehard Vikings fan, this is one of the reasons why we will lose in the playoffs consistently making teams get back in the game will cost us

[@DatDamnLlama]

A cast-off QB for a cast-off team. Darnold needs to stay. The Vikings and Slingin Sam are made for each other.

[@VijayYadav-oo2th]

Only on a team friendly deal. We can make any QB look good.

[@DatDamnLlama]

@VijayYadav-oo2th not this good. I trust the coaches regardless but Darnold is turning into something special right here.

[@jiordone8563]

@@VijayYadav-oo2th wrong

[@DatDamnLlama]

If we get the first seed, winter warrior uniforms for the playoffs please.

[@Kevin-hy8ok]

Nooo! Gotta go PURPLE!

[@DatDamnLlama]

@Kevin-hy8ok I'm fine with either. Just my preference.

[@benjaminbarry7767]

I want winter warriors and detroits black uniforms on Sunday

[@apollo6139]

No no no

[@DatDamnLlama]

@@apollo6139 yes yes yes

[@RDAmidwest]

We are the Vikings. The mighty, mighty Vikings!

[@ctcristo]

KOC is aeesome. But the end of 1st half clock and timeout management confused me.

[@toucheyang89]

Florio has been so cynical and pessimestic of the Vikings all year.

[@SylviaHernandez-j4l]

Darnold is playing Big Time football . Go Vikings 💪😎

[@geoffreysaign364]

so cool!

[@brinaldi81]

Coach of the year and it isn't close

[@armen_ar323]

Coach O’Connell is the QB whisperer. He can develop a good QB into a great QB. I give him all the credit for Darnold’s success. Many NFL coaches tried to do what O’Connell has done with Sam Darnold. I’d give O’Connell an extension before I give Darnold one. If I’m Minnesota I would re-sign both, but O’Connell for a much longer term. I think that Sam will get franchise tagged for a year to keep proving himself and putting good tape out there in order to get a max contract in the league, while McCarthy develops for another year.

[@Nathan-qz3mg]

Im Cautiously optimistic Big test next week in the Lions

[@jesusm2159]

Sam needs to stay at Vikes , no team will overpay for him, plus bad teams don't have talent and coaching yet for Sam to save those teams

[@Tripl3Jinx]

There are definitely teams that will overpay for him lol. QB is the hardest position to get right and Sam is balling. Teams overpay for QBs with half Sams talent. Hopefully he sees the value is signing like a 3 year contract with the Vikes.

[@gastelojallday]

He will stay, He making history. JJ McCarthy can sit a year or two

[@jesusm2159]

@gastelojallday agree

[@jakebromley8255]

Dude Shadeur just lost to BYU and Cam Ward pouted and sat the second half of his game, costing his team the game. Those are your top two QB prospects. Teams will *absolutely* cough up the dough and the picks for a guy who just had a 15-2 record in the toughest division in football

[@Nathan-qz3mg]

Just wait till the season is over

[@4runnercolorado422]

The bad coaching was going into prevent with 7:00 left. Vikings were CURB STOMPING the packers until the defense decided to back off way, way too early.

[@jacksonmillikan749]

The four Norsmen of the opocalypse.

[@daviduhr4941]

I had them as a 9 win team after the JJ injury. I fully drank the Kool Aid at 3-0 when they embarrassed the Texans. At 6-2 I faltered slightly about their ability to make a deep playoff run, but after crushing the Falcons to go to 11-2 I knew they would either win a Super Bowl or break my heart. Skol.

[@iloveyoumadhuri]

Coach of the year, baby!!! Who cares if people want someone else!!! Kevin is too good to be unworthy for consideration!

[@Leonidas1014]

Will still is dealing with a quad injury. Earlier this year he proved he is top tier when healthy.

[@ryanwall1780]

Very concerning.

[@JAW1992]

Minus that atrocious clock management at the end of half.

[@DustinHaning]

The Vikings had a 90%+ chance to win for the entire game after the first half of the first quarter. It was not that close, despite the score at the end. That's just Jordan Love doing garbage time stat padding as usual.

[@robertcolacino7310]

“ just win baby “ - Al Davis

[@statisticallysound]

The Lions have no chance to stop this Vikings offense honestly. They will need to score 35+ to win (which they can totally do by the way, just saying)

[@jacksonmillikan749]

Darnold is the best QB against the blitz

[@maxsterrling6538]

Florio drank the purple Kool-Aid and it tastes so good. I'm there with you pal, the belief is palpable.

[@Plaz1398]

Can say the int was a wtf but that int was because he was confident and just got greedy.

[@jonasseorum5471]

Darnold was on roll at that point in the game and we were up by a lot, that pass was a heat check and it ultimately didn't go in his favor.

[@allend5399]

​@@jonasseorum5471 vikings won. So I respectfully disagree 🏆

[@allend5399]

​ but I see what you meant

[@jeffreyolive8375]

Sam and his three sons(Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson)

[@vikings_fans_anonymous]

Will has to still be secretly hurt or something. No idea why he suddenly has the yips since the quad injury

[@HendersonHinchfinch]

The 2 pt conversion by the Packers was a dumb call and I don’t care what anyone else says.

[@joshlewis575]

Not taking the field goal in the 1st half was dumb.

[@justingagnier1394]

Prevent defense. That’s why GB came back. It was garbage time points.

[@philiprohs]

Vikes should bring back in the back up kicker

[@shawnjohnson9763]

He got picked up by the Patriots.

[@kevinkranz9156]

HE WAS GREAT

[@allend5399]

​@@shawnjohnson9763 vikings should have kept him as a back up. Pay Parker romo

[@shawnjohnson9763]

@allend5399 There wasn't room on the 53 for two kickers and the only way to get him on the practice squad was to waive him. So, we waived him and he got claimed by the Patriots.

[@allend5399]

​@shawnjohnson9763 right on. Thank you Parker romo 💪

[@CrudPig12]

Don't tell Vikings fans this. After every game there is still a section of fans constantly complaining about KOCs play calling.

[@AAONMS1]

KOC is a great players coach but not a great play caller. But he is good just not great at it

[@ianmills1145]

@@AAONMS1he’s getting better and getting better at game management tho i was calling for him to pound the run in third quarter..some of his play calls allowed green bay to get back in it

[@mavericklewis4392]

FACTS

[@butteryflakycrust4864]

Almost texted the group chat “Packers favored by 1 in this game” with a Rodney dangerfield gif when we were up 17. Decided not to send it because there was a good amount of time left

[@brinaldi81]

GB led by 3 for a few mins in 2 games combined.. ownd

[@kdog3109]

The Vikes are hexed, its hard to get comfortable with my great team....yesterday in the 4th i was like here we go again, we barely squeaked it out, are you kidding me!, cmon guys play to your best (that you are) to the very end, good lead or not!

[@jeffreyolive8375]

Mike watched football but doesn’t understand the analytics of time, number of possible processions and number of scores needed. Enter 4 th quarter if up 3 scores the losing team will likely only have 2 or possibly 3 processions. If you aggressively go to score and turn ball over you improve your opponents chances by increasing possible number of processions. With KOC , when other scores then the Vikes have responded by enlarging their playbook.

[@joestearly2076]

What about the football that almost hit the sky cam in Vikings vs Packers?

[@Jiff321]

Wow hot take lol

[@vincentthomas1967]

That's why you sign Akers... great move... cause does Ty make that play

[@Jefff72]

FLOL the Four Norsemen of the Apocalypse.

[@sennin_modo]

Let's SKOL!!!

[@MrHim2121]

Don’t you dare ill talk Will the Thrill

[@debsmith7861]

Akers has a lot more lower body strength than Jones. Runs downhill. Other teams do put the foot on the throat and close the opponent out. Eagles. Bills. Lions. It's not so hard for them. Explain, experts, why that is?

[@jwht8424]

Flores scheme confuses young quarterbacks. QBs like Stafford and Goff it doesn't effect as much.

[@ryandaley3351]

I'm so excited to face the Lions in Detroit for the division crown and the #1 seed. Lion's fans don't know how to act. They are so arrogant and think their team is unbeatable. They have so many injuries on defense and they lost David Montgomery. The Vikings defense will be the difference in their next match up. Blake Cashman didn't play against the Lions. The Vikings are actually undefeated when Cashman is starting at LB. We also didn't have TJ Hockenson when we played them last time. January 5th is my anniversary. I'll be in Mexico watching the game. The #1 seed is such a huge advantage. This team is going to get it done. I believe.

[@scottfisher352]

Darnold is the most beloved Viking QB since … Joe Kapp

[@debsmith7861]

Agreed

[@Bazookajoe-b9r]

Kansas city vs. Minnesota rematch in the superbowl. 1969 baby

[@aldersmoke1]

"The Four Norseman Of The Apocalypse." You should trademark that before I do.

[@demeresmith7307]

Going for 2 was dumb tho yes they got it but if they didnt you'll need a td. Mike Florio cannot debate football with Brady on any scale

[@tayche1]

In any other nfc division GB would be the divisional winner. They’re 3rd in the north and it’s not even really close

[@apollo6139]

@@tayche1 this NFC norther division is one of the best divisions in the history of the NFL

[@CringeComedyTV]

Sam has been phenomenal. That being said, the last 2 weeks he's had several really bad throws. Hope he can get it dialed in here.

[@CrudPig12]

If he keeps throwing high and wide, it'll bite them in the playoffs. Especially since he has zero touch and just rockets everything.

[@skoolynugenator1802]

Well every guy will have occasional bad throws. That said, he has been absolutely phenomenal the last couple of weeks. What games are you watching?!

[@skoolynugenator1802]

@@CrudPig12you are seriously complaining about his throwing?! 🤦‍♂️

[@edgarortiz201]

You understand that SAM has a big arm and is a slinger right? Tell me a big arm QB that doesn't have those throws when they are agresive as SAM is? Crazy talk

[@KizWhalifa99]

Are you talking about love? Because that statement would actually make sense

[@sirjimssirjims9047]

Green Bay never even had a chance to take the lead. What do you mean “holding on”

[@HelpUsSaveLives]

They DO for sure need to put their foot on the throat of these teams and close them out. Let's do it against the Lions and put a statement on that upcoming win. With all the marbles on the table, now is the time to put the Lions in the rear view mirror, once and for all.

[@AbdelOveAllhan]

The Vikes need to drive a stake through the Lion's heart next week...send a message to KC, "You want som-a-this?"

[@rooferonhigh7124]

Darnold Schwarzenegger

[@flatlineracer3207]

I'm sorry but if you look at the Vikings schedule they had the easiest schedule in NFL history. They lost to both the lions and Rams and the only good team they beat all year was the Packers and barely.

[@steveblyth341]

Jeez, I guess good coaching matters

[@thegatorviking]

Simms gonna keep picking against the Vikings because he's a secret hater? Hi Hater.

[@raymond5482]

Lions going down

[@davidpaulson4590]

Jordan Love is SO overrated.

[@TheManOnDaCouch]

SKOL!!

[@jumpyjeffrey]

At this point of his career, Jordan Love remains me of Jay Cutler. Looks great, has potential but needs a little bit of improvement at times. He definitely impresses at times. We’ll have to see if he turns the corner. I think he could, but his disposition makes me think he may not care enough to try.

[@allend5399]

I'm no gb fan.but love is 3 times the qb cutler ever was.

[@jumpyjeffrey]

@ I’m not sure. There’s a reason he was drafted 11th overall-right after two Heisman-winning QBs. Denver even benched Plummer after a 7-4 start just to play him, and the Bears gave up two first-round picks, a sixth-round pick, and their starting QB to get him. But as I said, Cutler plateaued, and the Bears-along with his "I don’t care" attitude-ruined his legacy and career.

[@JohnKan-uo7ne]

Ikings had been in the Super Bowl four times as losers. To get to the Super Bowl without winning it, what is the point! One more disappointment?

[@jdicke1017]

Why can't you show the actual replays and not stills? So dumb

[@Nevano12]

Copyrights on youtube

[@WaveRider1989]

There is a website where you can watch full game bro. Check it out

[@Bigruss323]

Jordan Love is just not a good QB. Any other QB would get killed for a perfomance that he had. The packers will be in trouble since they will not have any cap room to try and make up for his lack of skill .

[@lunatune3714]

Vikings need to quit playing with their food.

[@willmcdonald371]

AHHHHWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

[@derf95]

no he's not.

[@mikepivero3133]

🤣👍💜

[@setsailatnoon]

Tom Brady is a terrible announcer. (and person)

[@bobbykiriakidis9753]

I think Packers were just testing the waters. They were not showing all there cards. I’m not a Packers guy,but, they look like they are just laying in the weeds.

[@DatDamnLlama]

😂 👌

[@ErikBergs]

Gonna be 6 feet under the weeds now that they pretty much punched their ticket to the bottom seed going to Philly in two weeks. A brilliant decision lol.

[@sleazeberg]

​@@DatDamnLlamaor Love is overrated and B Flo and Company manhandled that offense. They were awful until the end of the game.

[@edgarortiz201]

Yeah good way for the packs to not show their cards to the Eagles, Lions and Vikings. Now go pound the Bears 😂😂😂😂

[@DatDamnLlama]

@@edgarortiz201 you serious Clark? You can't be that delusional.