The Minnesota Vikings lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday. The key play was a fourth and inches call in overtime with the Vikings nearing field goal range. Head coach Kevin O’Connell called a quarterback sneak but it failed. The Bengals got the ball and drove for the game-winning field goal. After the game, the creator of Barstool Dave Portnoy called for the Vikings to clean house.
You have to fire everybody if you're the Vikings for this pic.twitter.com/MNugr2KyxU
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 16, 2023
Minnesota Vikings Urged To Fire Kevin O’Connell
“You have to fire everybody if you’re the Vikings for this,” Portnoy wrote on X. O’Connell then called two straight quarterback sneaks on third and fourth down. The team didn’t convert either of them. O’Connell explained his rationale after the game. “Really looking at about 4-5 inches there,” O’Connell said. “Don’t really want to have to turn around and extend the ball and hand off. I trust our guys in that moment to execute.” This is a huge loss for the Vikings. It makes the division almost impossible to win and their playoff spot is now at risk.
Completely Disagree
The Vikings shouldn’t be looking to get rid of O’Connell. It stinks that they were not able to convert the fourth down but that was hardly O’Connell’s fault. Quarterback Nick Mullens fumbled the snap on fourth down and then fell down behind the line. It isn’t a bad call to think that your team can pick up four inches on a play especially if they are given two tries. The fact that the Vikings are 7-7 despite everything that has happened this season is a testament to the job that O’Connell has done.
Can the Minnesota Vikings sneak into the playoffs? They have some huge divisional matchups coming up and the loss on Saturday puts increased pressure to get some wins.