KEVIN O’CONNELL – Page 7 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings’ Big Challenge Injuries, Not Talent & Coaching

Posted on September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by David Shama

The way it looks now the 2-0 Vikings have the personnel and coaching to fool the preseason skeptics and play their way into the postseason, perhaps with a division title and 10-7 record.

The Vikings, forecast to win 6.5 games, have been that impressive in opening season wins over the lowly Giants and the 49ers, a Super Bowl contender. “Dissect this team all you want but the Vikings are for real,” Ben Leber, the former Viking and astute radio analyst, said Monday on X (formerly Twitter).

The roster, altered in the offseason with key additions like quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Aaron Jones, linebackers Dallas Turner, Blake Cashman, Jonathan Greenard, and Andrew Van Ginkel, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and kicker Will Reichard, has blended superbly with the holdover talent.

The coaching? There’s unanimity across the country head coach and offensive guru Kevin O’Connell, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, are among the best in the NFL. Their teaching, and creativity, along with a player-friendly culture, give the Vikings an edge on other teams.

A run on injuries to key players looks like the biggest obstacle between the Vikings and realizing their goal of making the playoffs. Football is a brutal and unforgiving sport and the NFL, just two weeks into the season, has already seen gifted players sidelined—perhaps more than usual.

Christian McCaffrey, the 2023 NFL offensive player of the Year, didn’t play last Sunday for the Vikings. He is now on the Injured Reserve list as is big name quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of the Dolphins. The Rams have been decimated with injuries, including to star wide receivers, and the Packers are without highly paid quarterback Jordan Love for multiple weeks.

That doesn’t even begin to detail the story but the good news for the Vikings is they’re doing okay with injuries which, of course, are impossible for any team to completely avoid. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is out for at least early in the season because of a significant knee injury. That’s a major loss, and standout wide receiver Jordan Addison missed the 49ers game with an ankle injury.

Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota’s practice report on Thursday listed 10 players dealing with injuries. Addison and outside linebacker Dallas Turner (knee) didn’t participate in practice. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (both with quad injuries) were limited participants, but the former said he will play Sunday. The six other Vikings listed in the report were full participants.

As the season progresses, Vikings fans can watch with their fingers crossed on the medical front. Ideally, on most Sundays, the Vikings roster will be mostly healthy and healthier than the opposition. Put that down as the X factor for the season.

Worth Noting

The Vikings, led by Jones and backup RB Tyler Chandler, are averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. “Every offense in the NFL needs to run the ball to be successful. …I have a good feeling that we’re going to be able to do that this year,” offensive tackle Brian O’Neill told Sports Headliners earlier this month.

Jones, who performed the “Lambeau Leap” into the stands at Lambeau Field while with the Packers, will now do the “Bank Vault” at U.S. Bank Stadium.

It appears the Packers let Jones sign with the Vikings as a free agent because of his age, history of injuries and salary. But the Vikings are pleased to have the 29-year-old who reportedly signed a one-year deal for $7 million, maybe $3 million more than the Packers who wanted him to take a pay cut.

Jones is an explosive runner, and he ended his Packer career with consecutive 100 yard games. “He doesn’t need much space to get going. That’s for sure,” O’Neill said.”

Hockenson’s workload has been taken over by replacement tight ends Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt. Mundt praised Hockenson for his many attributes including his football IQ and big play ability.

“Yeah, for sure. He can get in and out of cuts and he can really turn on the gas and hit it 100 miles an hour. So, yeah, he’s got a lot of great attributes and (I’ve) definitely taken some of that and implemented it into my game.”

Mundt is a practitioner of visualization away from the field to achieve success on it, drilling down to specific details. He will visualize, for example, what he needs to do to be successful on third down in the red zone.

He told Sports Headliners he creates a setting in his mind where he “can smell the turf, the grass. You’re in the stadium, you hear the crowd. You really create the setting in your mind. Then you just visualize yourself taking these steps: Snapping your eyes around, catching the ball, tucking (it away), either breaking a tackle or just hitting the right angle.”

The recent Morrie Miller Athletic Foundation fundraiser generated a record $404,000. Former Viking Jared Allen was the celebrity speaker at a banquet for the foundation that raises money for youth athletics in Winona.

“One of the nicest athletes I’ve ever dealt with,” said Agile Marketing president Patrick Klinger who coordinated Allen’s appearance.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, who designates a player each year to talk to the team about the Hawkeyes-Golden Gophers rivalry, expects a close score in Saturday’s rivalry game at Huntington Bank Stadium. The last three games have been decided by a total of 10 points.

Who has the best roster talent among the Gophers, Iowa and Wisconsin, another border rival? “I think they’re pretty similar,” said recruiting authority Ryan Burns. He told Sports Headliners: “I think it comes down to—with these three teams when they play—is what happens at quarterback.”

Race Thompson, the former Robbinsdale Armstrong basketball star who played at Indiana, has signed to play with the Memphis Hustle G League team. He’s the son of Darrell Thompson, the former Gopher record setting running back who for years has headed the local Bolder Options nonprofit benefiting youth.

Thompson’s son True, who played football for the Gophers, works at RBC in Minneapolis. Daughter Dominque, who played volleyball for Wisconsin, works for Bolder Options.

Daughter Indigo, who played volleyball at Virginia Commonwealth and San Diego State, is coaching high school volleyball in Virginia. Darrell’s wife Stephanie played volleyball at Iowa. He said Indigo “calls my wife after every game whether they win or lose to go through everything.”

Medical speculation: After the 2022 season both the Giants and Mets flirted with signing shortstop Carlos Correa but reportedly backed off because of a past ankle issue. Correa had to settle for a lesser offer from the Twins but in both 2023 and 2024 he has missed significant playing time because of plantar fasciitis. An altered gait, medical authorities say, can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

And how does a team contending for the playoffs have only two left-handed pitchers on the roster? Caleb Thielbar and Cole Irvin are both so-so veterans who in relief yesterday gave up two of the three runs in another costly loss to the Guardians.

Thielbar was the only lefty on the roster when Irvin was picked up on waivers this week from the Orioles. The Twins have been without a left-handed starter all season.

The Athletic yesterday ranked the pitching staffs of 12 postseason contending teams and the Twins are No. 12. “Bullpen has been awful and rotation depth questionable,” said The Athletic story written by Stephen J. Nesbitt and Chad Jennings.

The Wild opened training camp yesterday at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center in downtown St. Paul. Some training camp practices at TRIA Rink will be open to the public. Register at http://www.wild.com/openpracticesto attend an open practice session.

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Ownership Could Make a Statement Extending Coach KOC

Posted on September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by David Shama

It appears Vikings ownership will wait until the offseason to extend the contract of head coach Kevin O’Connell who is in year three of the deal he accepted in early 2022 to take over the team at age 36. If an extension comes this fall, or later, the action will be applauded by KOC’s players.

In early August owner Mark Wilf was asked about the immediacy of extensions for O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah who also is in year three of his contract. “I think right now we’re just focusing on the season and putting those things aside for now,” Wilf said.

That’s certainly ownership’s prerogative but especially with O’Connell it’s highly likely the view of his work won’t change. A new contract now would show a commitment during a season the team is trying to prove itself as a playoff contender with a journeyman quarterback and key new players on defense. Ownership’s conundrum could be they’re not ready to extend the GM and feel uncomfortable in just giving O’Connell a new deal during the season.

O’Connell is one of the rising stars among NFL head coaches. He came to the Vikings without head coaching experience but had worked for elite coaches in Bill Belichick, Jay Gruden, Chip Kelly and Sean McVay. In three regular seasons with the Vikings his record is 21-14-0 going into Sunday’s second game of the season against the 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The resume includes a first season record of 13-4 and winning the NFC North Division championship. Last year’s team got upended when veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was lost for the season in late October.

Kevin O’Connell image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

O’Connell has a storyline showing his abilities and resolve in both favorable and challenging times. He replaced a gruff head coach in Mike Zimmer and has created an environment that players rave about. His offensive genius, including play calling and quarterback development, is something the Vikings have been in search of for a long time. He’s humble, and smart enough to know he doesn’t have all the answers, and is willing to delegate including turning the defense over to superb coordinator Brian Flores.

A random interview process in the Vikings locker room prompted the kind of enthusiasm and unanimity of support by players that is not always encountered with a head coach.

“Definitely a player’s coach,” said wide receiver Jordan Addison. “He always looks out for us in our best interests, and just a great offensive mind. I love playing in this offense. He gets us the matchup that we want. …Run a lot of different routes. Like I wouldn’t want to be in any other offense.”

O’Connell seemingly connects with all his players. “He reaches out to build a better relationship with each individual,” Addison said. “I feel like that’s cool and that’s something that’s pretty hard to do.”

Addison is a second-year player. Younger players appreciate O’Connell’s background as a former NFL quarterback and the sincerity with which he plays his role.

Rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner said he feels more comfort than pressure in the O’Connell environment. “He’s always going to do things that benefit you. He’s most definitely relatable too.”

Veteran fullback C.J. Ham is in his eighth season with the Vikings. He said KOC isn’t a screamer and doesn’t grind down players who make mistakes, while still holding them accountable.

“That’s (a) good healthy culture to have,” Ham said. “Everybody knows I have to do my job. I have to be a good teammate, be a good player. People are going to hold me accountable. I gotta hold other people accountable and do it in the most respectful way.”

Ham said that because the players know how much O’Connell cares about them “you’d do anything for him.” The even keel approach of the coach and his commitment to them is shown with consistency.

“Just who he is on a day to day basis,” Ham said. “He interacts with every single player. When you see him, you don’t have to shy away. He’ll welcome you up with open arms. Say hello and talk to you for a while. I think that’s a good healthy relationship.”

Tight end Johnny Mundt has known KOC longer than most Vikings. He played for O’Connell when KOC was the Rams offensive coordinator, including on the 2022 Super Bowl championship team.

“I love it (playing for O’Connell),” Mundt said. “He’s a great leader. He’s a great speaker. He’s a great motivator and he’s very creative, and he knows how to bring the best out of his players. I am very privileged to be a part of this team and play for him.”

Mundt knows that building and maintaining a successful culture is about a lot more than words. It comes mostly by deed and doing each day.

“Yeah, talk is cheap,” Mundt said. “But we go out there and we work, man. And he’s breathing confidence into us. He’s trying to bring the best out of us, so you know when you have that positive environment, player to player, coach to player, player to coach, it’s contagious and it’s a very healthy work environment. …When we put the pads on, put the helmets on, we’re grinding out there on the field. But yeah, it’s a lot of building each other up. So, it’s very good.”

Brian O’Neill has been one of the NFL’s better offensive tackles in the KOC era. “You play your best ball when you’re confident and you feel good about what you’re doing,” O’Neill said. “Hopefully, there’s a lot of people that are feeling confident and good about what they’re doing (and) we can all play our best ball.”

Would O’Neill love to see KOC get his contract extended during the season? “I’d love to play for him as long as I can. I don’t know how all that stuff works but I am pulling for him.”

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Debuts: Sam Darnold Gets the ‘W,’ Kirk Cousins the Loss

Posted on September 8, 2024September 9, 2024 by David Shama

Who needs Kirk Cousins?

In homes and taverns around the state, that could be the sentiment of Vikings fans tonight as they chant “Skol” after a dominating 28-6 win on the road over the Giants. In weekend one of the NFL season, new Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 19 of 24 passes including two touchdown passes in a surprisingly easy win for Minnesota who entered the game about a 1.5-point favorite.

Darnold, who the Vikings signed as a free agent in the off-season, was smoking from the beginning. The grandson of former Marlboro man Dick Hammer, Darnold completed his first 12 passes in the game that celebrated 100 seasons of Giants football. He was 13 of 14 at halftime, with 151 yards.

Cousins, who after six seasons in Minnesota as the starting quarterback decided the Atlanta Falcons offered too many bucks to remain with the Purple, had a disappointing debut against the Steelers. The 36-year-old Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards and threw a touchdown pass but had two interceptions in a 18-10 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Darnold looked like a different quarterback today than he has been for much of his NFL career that includes three initial seasons in the league with the Jets where he threw 39 interceptions, and 45 touchdown passes. Then he played two unproductive seasons with the woeful Carolina Panthers. Last season, he started one game as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers.

But Darnold, 27, was around offensive guru and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan a year ago and now plays for another quarterback whisperer in Viking boss Kevin O’Connell. He has added football savvy to go with his physical tools that include a quick release and strong arm.

“I am really proud of him,” O’Connell said at his postgame press conference heard on KFXN-FM in Minneapolis.

The Vikings were predicted to have quarterback issues without Cousins and minus first round pick J.J. McCarthy who was injured in the first preseason game and is out for the season. But those same predictors who said earlier in the summer the Vikings won’t make the playoffs, got a surprise today when the Vikings played a complete game.

Led by new running back Aaron Jones, the offense was balanced with 111 rushing yards complementing the work of Darnold and receivers Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor who both had TD receptions. Jones, who also scored a touchdown, showed his breakaway speed and toughness, rushing for 94 yards.

Defensively, the Vikings made the boos rain down from the stands much of the game at MetLife Stadium. Coordinator Brian Flores’ defense confused the Giants, and his players came up with five sacks and two interceptions.

One of those sacks came from rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner, a Vikings first round pick last April. He’s among the top favorites for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Regarding that possible honor, Turner said on Friday: “You know, it’s definitely a blessing and an honor, but you know at the end of the day I still have to play football and perform. That journey starts next week. The play is going to speak for itself.”

His sack spoke loudly and even more so was the 10-yard interception for a third quarter touchdown by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel that put Minnesota ahead 28-6. Veteran safety Harrison Smith had the other INT.

At his postgame presser, O’Connell said his players weren’t surprised with their dominant win. Maybe not, but a lot of fans who bleed purple certainly were.

Worth Noting

The Vikings are offering three fan packages for their October 6 game in London against the Jets. Per person costs range from $1,145 to $4,095. https://onlocationexp.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-london?utm_source=vikings.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=isg_london_teams-vikings_news_article_press_release_priority_access

Kaden Johnson, the former Minnehaha Academy star who started his college career at Wisconsin, is a fifth-year edge rusher for the Nevada team that plays at Minnesota Saturday. A coveted recruit coming out of high school, Johnson has two solo tackles and nine assisted for the Wolf Pack who are 1-2 on the season, with a 28-26 win over Troy and losses to SMU, 29-24, and Georgia State, 20-17.

The Wolf Pack receive $1.2 million from the Gophers for playing in Minneapolis.

Dick Jonckowski, who turns 81 on October 22, reports he’s still cancer free from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after about 18 months. Over the years Jonckowski has been a fixture with public address work for amateur baseball and on September 21 he will be inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Cloud at the River’s Edge Convention Center. It’s the 10^th hall of fame for the “Polish Eagle” who has endeared himself to Minnesotans over the years for his emcee, public address and radio broadcast work in amateur sports including with the Gophers.

Baseball Hall of Famer and former Twins left-handed pitcher Jim Kaat texting about his golf game: “I don’t keep a handicap anymore. I just play for recreation. My goal is to beat my age, 85, every round.”

Kaat, one of the best TV baseball analysts ever, plays ambidextrously. “I do play a little each way. Lefty is a little better.”

Gabriel Gonzalez, acquired in the 2024 Twins trade sending Jorge Polanco to the Mariners, is the Minor League Player of the Week playing for High-A affiliate Cedar Rapids. The Venezuelan outfielder hit .350 in five games. That’s about 100 higher than his season average for the Kernels.

Ari Peterson, the daughter of former Vikings superstar Adrian Peterson, is enrolled at Minnetonka High School as a freshman. The 6-foot-2 Peterson helped Providence Academy to state Class 2A titles the last two years playing with Maddyn Greenway, daughter of former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway.

Brian Cosgriff, coach of the defending state champion 4A Minnetonka girls’ team, wants the gifted Peterson to play “positionless basketball.” He told Sports Headliners that Peterson, who has offers from the Gophers, Oklahoma and Ohio State, can be the “best” basketball player in the state when she is a high school senior.

The Skippers have three returning starters, but lost a fourth when prep superstar Aaliyah Crump, among the most coveted players by colleges in the country, decided to play her senior season at Montverde Academy, a private prep school in Montverde, Florida.

Former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, a member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor, will be the celebrity speaker Saturday night at the Morrie Miller Athletic Foundation Banquet in Winona. He will play golf the next day at the Cedar Valley Golf Course in Winona. Past celebrity speakers include Brett Favre, Joe Montana, Mike Ditka, Bart Starr and Bud Grant. The foundation’s purpose is to benefit youth athletics in Winona.

Steve Erban’s Creative Charters has added the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in February to the list of travel destinations that includes Gopher football games and more. Son Bryce Erban will be showing his champion Airedale.

WCCO TV sports director Mike Max leads a panel discussion with Gopher basketball coaches Ben Johnson and Dawn Plitzuweit, and Dinkytown Athletes president Derek Burns, at the Twin Cities Dunkers program September 24.

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