On Thursday, something was off with the Los Angeles Rams’ offense. There’s always going to be the Super Bowl hangover from the defending champs, but moving the ball was almost non-existent. Now after the Vikings griddyed all over the Packers, it’s clear the answer is Kevin O’Connell.
Vikings’ New Top Dog
Finding himself a roster that has potential to explode the season, O’Connell wasted no time crowning Justin Jefferson as Minnesota’s version of Cooper Kupp. And the LSU alum can be even better. Last season Jefferson was a top five receiver in Mike Zimmer’s run first offense and it was obvious that his talent was under utilized. As he caught nine out of eleven passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns, O’Connell is setting Jefferson to breakout. After he has already established himself as a superstar receiver!
https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1569079043605278721?s=20&t=ABEvoKYeap6jZIc21yiJBw
It wasn’t until the second half of the game when Adam Thielen began to get looks himself. Even in the redzone, Kirk Cousins’ favorite target the past few years had a quiet game relative to his usual contributions. Netting only three catches on four targets for 36 yards, this team is now truly on the back of Jefferson.
Packers Receiver Struggles
Of course, the 23-7 victory over the Packers was not solely because of the Vikings stellar offense. There is certainly credit that belongs to their defense, as well as taking advantage of a weak wide receiver group. With Allen Lazard out for the game, and the two veteran receivers on the decline, it was slow going from the get go.
Christian Watson, the second round receiver from NDSU, dropped an easy 75 yard touchdown after burning DB Patrick Peterson on the Packers’ first offensive snap. This set the tone for the young receivers as neither Watson nor Romeo Doubs could make meaningful strides in their first NFL game.
https://twitter.com/DaveKluge/status/1569063602279047177?s=20&t=ABEvoKYeap6jZIc21yiJBw
Za’Darius Smith Gets His Revenge
Smith minced no words about wanting to make his presence felt early and often in this rivalry game. ProFootballTalk wrote an article sharing Smith’s feelings about his experience with the Packers following his injury. A lot of people were “walking past me not saying nothing. “Z, how’s your back doing?”— there was none of that”. For Smith, this was a revenge game, and after his defense got four sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery, revenge was definitely his.
https://twitter.com/UKVikings/status/1569072266234789888?s=20&t=ABEvoKYeap6jZIc21yiJBw
What’s Next for the Vikings?
For week two matchups the Vikings will be on the road to Philly to take on the Eagles and the Packers will face the Chicago Bears at home.
And in case you thought this Minnesota offense was a fluke or one time thing, just wait until Kevin O’Connell gets his team on a roll.