The Minnesota Vikings have officially put the world on notice.
Some were far from impressed with their performance in the season opener, as the New York Giants aren’t what most people would consider a contending team.
Then, getting past the San Francisco 49ers really turned some heads.
With that in mind, former HC Ron Rivera tipped his hat to Kevin O’Connell, praising him for how he’s helped Sam Darnold turn his career around to start the season.
“Very excited about what you see going on in Minnesota. Kevin O’Connell has done a tremendous job.” – @RiverboatRonHC
📺: @GMFB | @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/UoJPHTcUQO
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 17, 2024
Sometimes, it’s all about being in the right system, and Darnold may have finally found the right one for him.
The talent has always been there, but the consistency hasn’t.
Darnold was brought there to be their stopgap starter while they developed whoever they took in the first-round of the NFL Draft.
Then, with rookie QB JJ McCarthy falling with a season-ending injury, Darnold had the perfect opportunity to audition and prove to the Vikings or any other team in the league that he’s more than capable of leading an offense.
Granted, it’s still too early, but the early returns have been more than impressive.
He clearly has a solid rapport with Justin Jefferson, and the Vikings have plenty of playmakers on offense and a solid offensive line.
The Vikings were projected to finish at the bottom of the NFC North Division.
Fast forward to today, and they’re the only team undefeated in the division, and it seems like they’re going to be a tough opponent all year long.
