How, exactly, are the Vikings doing this with a journeyman quarterback, a defense that routinely turns over big plays and without the same kind of national attention they often channel toward the rival Detroit Lions or reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, the only team with the most wins this year?
“We’re relentless,” star receiver Justin Jefferson told CBSSports.com after Sunday’s 27-25 win. “So many different things happen throughout the season, throughout the games, that can really determine whether we’re going to fold or not, whether we’re going to put our heads down. There are countless times where we help each other or we help each other. “. We lean on each other or feed off each other with the energy and excitement of those big plays. Having a defense like ours, just getting those turnovers, is enough. [also] It gives us that spark.”
That’s a long way of saying what’s been true for much of 2024: The Vikings are simply a complete team. On the rare occasions when Sam Darnold hasn’t produced the best poise and production of his career under center, Aaron Jones has stepped up in the backfield. On the rare occasions when Jefferson is covered in coverage, fellow receivers Jordan Addison or Jalen Nailor can stretch the field with scores of their own. Even when Brian Flores’ defense falters, it rarely breaks down, leaving him with an NFL-best 31 points Sunday.
It’s not only a testament to the talent on the field, but also the leadership of head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“He’s one of the best coaches in the National Football League,” offensive lineman Dalton Risner said after Sunday’s win, which gave the Vikings their first sweep of the Packers since 2017. “I wanted to come back here because of Kevin O’Connell. From the top down, they just do things the right way.”
