Vikings Announce a Checked Off To-Do List (But with 1 Notable Exception)
Short of feeding Justin Jefferson, the Vikings announced that the to-do list got some thorough coverage on Sunday (a decisive 31-0 victory over the Commanders).
While chatting with the media, head coach Kevin O’Connell was able to bask in the glow of a blowout victory. Much of what he said was encouraging, but there were several items that got some particular focus that ought to be of significance to those who follow the Vikings.
Vikings Announce a (Near) Complete To-Do List
Start off with a cold splash of water: the bad updates about J.J. McCarthy often come after roughly 24 hours.
So far, the sophomore has missed on-field opportunities due to three injuries: a serious knee ailment, an ankle sprain, and a concussion. In all three instances, McCarthy’s injury news only arrived the day after the game. Some will (reasonably) feel skittish about the roster health until the remainder of the week confirms that good health exists in Eagan.
But while the nagging doubt is going to take time to dislodge, the Vikings have received some good news following the game.
Check out what Kevin O’Connell had to say as it relates to health: “No real injury updates for you guys. We came out relatively clean.”
Note that McCarthy finished his day having gone 16/23 for 163 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. That’s a sizzling 69.6% completion rate to stand alongside a tremendous 129.2 passer rating. Yes, the yards are modest, but they didn’t need to be gaudy. McCarthy was excellent.
Minnesota’s head coach was sure to uplift the reality of his young passer performing so well: “I thought J.J. had some phenomenal plays on 3rd down. And then just continued to play within himself. Decision making was going to be the priority today. And felt like he played a very clean game, protected the football, like I said, ran the show. So very proud of him.”
Kevin O’Connell would even highlight some other details, praising the defense for the turnovers. There was a mention of the team’s physicality and the ability to run. Not committing too many penalties was highlighted, as well. Scratch all of those items off the to-do list.
Goodness, even the fans at U.S. Bank earned some praise from the head coach.
Otherwise, it’s notable that Justin Jefferson didn’t feast on a day when so much went well. Minnesota’s WR1 finished his day with just 2 catches for 11 yards. There were 4 targets sent in his direction.
Consider what Kevin O’Connell had to say when asked about his receiver’s day: “We’re going to find ways to get Justin the ball. He did not play sixty minutes today, that was a tough conversation.” Note that Jefferson got kept off the field due to Minnesota already having secured the win, not due to any health or performance issues.
Justin Jefferson picked up some praise from Minnesota’s coach for his leadership while O’Connell also spent time explaining how the receiver impacted the game.
Going into Week 15, Justin Jefferson has 64 catches, 810 yards, and 2 touchdowns. No matter what happens over these next games relating to wins or losses, Jefferson must surpass 1,000 yards for the season. Anything less than that individual benchmark would be a huge failure for the Vikings as a team.
The 5-8 Vikings will be in Dallas during the upcoming weekend for a game against the Cowboys, a team that boasts a 6-6-1 record.
