Even Kevin O’Connell Knows to “Get the Hell Out of the Way”
Kevin O’Connell is arguably the most important leader in Eagan. When the head coach knows that it’s time to get out of the way, it’s time to take notice.
Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy put together an impressive performance in Week 9 to lead the Vikings over the Lions. Afterwards, the young passer showed off some personality in the locker room (doing so after getting fiery with Tom Brady). Coach O’Connell understood the assignment, removing himself from the tornado that was sweeping through his team.
Kevin O’Connell Gets Out of J.J. McCarthy’s Way
Start off with the word from O’Connell.
On Wednesday, the Vikings’ head coach chatted with the media. O’Connell offered his take after being asked about being surprised by McCarthy’s reaction in the locker room after the game: “It never catches me off guard. I just know to give him the football, deliver the message that I’d like to deliver, and then get the hell out of the way for my own personal safety in that moment.”
The coach continues to describe how the roster respects “J.J. McCarthy being himself.” The capacity to operate with authenticity is vital, per O’Connell.
Football coaches have a saying that fits the situation in Minnesota: good teams are led by their coaches, great teams are led by their players. In clearing out room for Mr. McCarthy, Coach O’Connell is trying to allow his team to become great.
Strictly from a talent perspective, there isn’t too much that McCarthy lacks. Ideally, he would be a couple inches taller and could stand to be bulkier. But, to be sure, he has talent aplenty. McCarthy is a high-level athlete who can spin the ball. There’s a need to keep refining his throws (an issue dating back to the offseason), but we’re talking about a 22-year-old sophomore.
When it comes down to the intangibles, it’s hard not to be impressed with the Michigan alumnus.
Seldom, if ever, has McCarthy appeared flapped or flustered. He is poised in front of the media, striking a nice balance between everyday charm alongside a peculiar level of competitiveness. McCarthy, in short, possesses all that one wants in a young passer (that is, apart from a clean injury report since getting drafted).
Make no mistake: McCarthy still has a long way to go before fully arriving.
He’s 2-1 as a starter but still completing less than 60% of his passes. Pretty soon, he’ll need his 57.6% completion number to get to a respectable point. So, too, will he need his passing yardage to regularly soar past 200 as he improves on his 4/4 touchdown-to-interception split.
Oh, and getting clobbered for so many sacks can’t continue. He’ll need to gain a better feel for when the pressure is closing in, knowing how and when to get rid of the pigskin. Being able to scamper out of bounds instead of taking yet another hit while running is crucial, as well.
Kevin O’Connell, of all people, understands how his young QB1 needs to improve. And in the moments when some magic has happened, Kevin O’Connell knows when it’s time for him to step aside, too.
Next up for Coach O’Connell and his young passer is a Ravens game on Sunday, November 9th. Winning will mean climbing up to 5-4, giving Minnesota a decent shot at chasing down a playoff spot in the NFC.
