State of the Vikings, OL Edition: A tricky path forward to improve on 2019

2 weeks, 1 day ago

Vikings with O’Connell clearly prefer to pass the ball, and Darnold has aced the test

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings had just retaken possession with a precarious two-point lead on Green Bay right before the two-minute warning, badly needing to drain the clock and stem the momentum the Packers seized down the stretch. “I felt comfortable with Sam in those moments,” O’Connell said, alluding to some particular runs he’d called earlier in the game …

Minnesota Right Season Green Bay Packers Vikings Quarter

2 weeks, 2 days ago

Vikings stamp themselves as legitimate contenders with impressive victory over Packers

New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS — Most of the reporters had left. It’s not that NFL analysts and pundits haven’t been impressed by what head coach Kevin O’Connell has done or quarterback Sam Darnold’s marvelous season. We’ve just got to make it work.” GO DEEPER Week 17 NFL playoff picture: Vikings win sets up clash with Lions for NFC No. 1 seed According to …

Players Team Minnesota Season Packers Nfl Coach

2 weeks, 5 days ago

Vikings thrive under coach of year favorite O’Connell, a relatable state for Packers with LaFleur

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s stirring locker room tribute to his team last week at Seattle was respectfully interrupted by seven-year veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill, who flipped the script on the game ball awards by tossing one to the boss in honor of his second 13-win season in three years. The Vikings have obliterated even the most …

Team Minnesota Jones Season Green Bay Packers Nfl

1 month ago

The Vikings and their in-gear offense will be a tough team to outscore moving forward

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Sam Darnold pinballed around his collapsed pocket to dodge a sack on third-and-8, before slicing through a skinny opening to sprint right in search of more space as Justin Jefferson’s hand shot up downfield. With O’Connell directing the quarterback development program and calling the plays and Jefferson leading a dangerous and diverse group of pass-catchers, Darnold has …

Game Jefferson Season Nfl Vikings Darnold Nailor

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Vikings-Cardinals preview, predictions: Can Minnesota keep pace in the NFC North?

New York Times

Only four NFL teams have a better point differential than the Minnesota Vikings, and two of them are NFC North foes. Live: Coach Kevin O'Connell Press Conference https://t.co/pXpojimzEr — Minnesota Vikings November 29, 2024 What I’m watching Lewis: Sam Darnold. Sunday might require Darnold’s best as a post-snap processor, which will serve as another fascinating data point to the Vikings’ …

Defense Game Minnesota Play Jones Season Murray

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Vikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold’s composure and confidence

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings, their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold …

Chicago Play Yards Jefferson Nfl Vikings Think

Vikings' Defense Struggles as Flacco Takes Over in Crucial Match

Associated Press

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to bounce back from a tough 2-2 start to the season after a five-game winning streak. They face the Indianapolis Colts in prime time, a team that has shown they can overcome challenges with their passing attack. The Vikings will need to find their defensive footing quickly if they want to win this game. The …

Entertainment Law Sports Funny Minneapolis

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Colts can’t improve until Shane Steichen, Anthony Richardson accept reality

New York Times

HOUSTON — It was an unprecedented leap of faith. Instead of owning up to his troubling day, there was Richardson himself claiming to be a “great passer,” as if he hadn’t only completed 10-of-32 passes, including just two in the first half. “If I make the plays that I should’ve made, then maybe this game turns out different,” said Pittman, …

Game Right Houston Colts Nfl Richardson Run

3 months, 1 week ago

Vikings' Unstoppable Defense Defuses Jets, Remains Unbeaten

Associated Press

The Minnesota Vikings had a challenging offensive outing against the New York Jets, generating only 37 yards and two first downs over a stretch of seven possessions from late in the second quarter until late in the fourth. Despite the struggles, the Vikings' defense proved to be a force, forcing three interceptions, three sacks, and a 54.9 passer rating that …

Entertainment Law Crime Funny London

3 months, 1 week ago

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says his team’s 4-0 record means ‘nothing’ against Jets in London

Associated Press

WATFORD, England — The Minnesota Vikings are undefeated so far this season — and undefeated in international games in franchise history. “We’ve got to go out for four quarters this week and re-establish ourselves — our identity, our play style, our football philosophy — it’s got to be re-established on a week-in week-out basis,” O’Connell said. “It was great, honestly, …

London Team Season Jets Vikings Hockenson Darnold

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Rams expect time together will be beneficial to reconfigured offensive line

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — With a win under their belt and no new injuries to account for, the Los Angeles Rams can focus on getting better instead of trying to make sure things don’t get any worse. They have three of their projected starters — left tackle Alaric Jackson, right guard Kevin Dotson and right tackle Rob Havenstein — back in …

Line Rams Offensive Stafford Dotson Limmer

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings, Packers coaches make the NFC North the NFL’s best division: Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings look like the best team in the NFL’s best division, unless Sam Darnold’s MRI says otherwise. Kevin O’Connell proved last year he can do better than expected with some of those guys, but when you are down to quarterback three, you are in trouble.” GO DEEPER Sam Darnold's performance — and health scare — cements role in …

Offense Team Detroit Minnesota Young Panthers Chicago

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Through two games, Giants offensive line has shown some improvement

The Independent

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New York Giants Jones Line Thomas Offensive Two Games

4 months ago

The Vikings’ defense shines in their opener to Flores’ satisfaction after an offseason restocking

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings had long been in full control of the New York Giants in this promising season-opening performance, when Byron Murphy Jr. batted away a fourth-down pass near the goal line late in the fourth quarter to ensure a touchdown-free afternoon for a revamped defense. “Guys were disciplined up front, playing unselfish, doing the right things,” …

Game Yards Giants Jones Season Nfl Smith

4 months, 1 week ago

Vikings and Giants to meet in opener and hope to rebound from disappointing seasons

Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It’s easy to look at the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants and see similar teams. That’s one of the first things: If you believe it as a team first, then everything else can be executed with that same thing in mind.” Front to fear The interior of the offensive line has been an issue for …

Game Minnesota New York Giants Season Nfl Vikings

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Seahawks enter a new era under coach Mike Macdonald looking to rejoin elite of the NFC

Associated Press

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS EXPECTATIONS: Welcome to a new era in the Pacific Northwest. NEW FACES: Head coach Mike Macdonald, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, defensive coordinator Aden Durde, QB Sam Howell, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Connor Williams, RT George Fant, TE Pharaoh Brown, DT Byron Murphy II, DT Johnathan Hankins, LB Jerome Baker, LB Tyrel Dodson, S Rayshawn Jenkins, S K’Von Wallace. …

Season Nfl Seattle Line Williams Offensive Coach Mike

5 months ago

J.J. McCarthy is done for the season, and the Vikings are left to pick up the pieces

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — The Minnesota Vikings’ buses pulled up to the Browns’ practice fields outside of Cleveland, and coach Kevin O’Connell quickly got on with it. “As crushed as I am for our team,” O’Connell said, “I’m the most crushed for J.J.” GO DEEPER Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy out for season after successful surgery As he spoke, the rest of …

Season Nfl Mccarthy Practice Vikings Those Years

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings stick to process with McCarthy, as Darnold’s presence keeps pressure off rookie QB

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The expectations and scrutiny that hound NFL quarterbacks drafted at the top of the first round is mere background noise for J.J. McCarthy in his first training camp with the Minnesota Vikings. “But also, it’s about the quality and the volume of those reps throughout camp to really continue to holistically attack this quarterback development program and …

Season Nfl Mccarthy Vikings Darnold

8 months, 1 week ago

Wisconsin tries to regain supremacy in the trenches under its 4th O-line coach in as many years

Associated Press

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “A lot of people consider it ‘O-line U,’” right tackle Riley Mahlman said. “You grow up playing offensive line, you look at a school like Wisconsin, you think, ‘That’s where I want to be,’” left guard Joe Brunner said. The kind of have a really good …

Wisconsin Coach Badgers Going Think Line Offensive

8 months, 1 week ago

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty

New York Times

The NFL Draft is over, and the Minnesota Vikings’ summer schedule is heating up. Here is our full breakdown: Quarterbacks Starter: Sam Darnold On the roster: J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens Out: Jaren Hall The Vikings do not want to rush McCarthy’s development. Wide receivers Starters: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison On the roster: Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jalen Nailor Out: Trishton …

Team Minnesota Jones Jefferson Nfl Mccarthy Vikings

8 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings have the 11th and 23rd picks in the NFL draft and a need for a QB. Can they get their guy?

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The NFL draft is not so much a marathon weekend as it is a season of speculation and subterfuge, a made-for-TV mystery unfolding team by team across the league. “It’s something that is hard to grasp, but if you grasp it, you know what the rewards are, right?” With Penix and Nix widely considered to be in …

Second Round Quarterback Vikings Nfl Draft 23Rd Picks

9 months, 1 week ago

Vikings mock draft 2.0: Creatively filling holes at quarterback and defensive tackle

New York Times

We published our first Minnesota Vikings mock draft two months ago. This mock draft leans into what might happen if Minnesota is unable to trade up, or if head coach Kevin O’Connell prefers a quarterback option who might be available at a later pick. Add him alongside a proven run stuffer in Harrison Phillips, and pair his penetration ability with …

Team Minnesota Houston Quarterback Vikings Murphy Pick

10 months, 1 week ago

Vikings at the NFL Scouting Combine: What we’re hearing about their offseason plans

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — After a while, the days and nights at the NFL Scouting Combine blend together. Here’s what we heard about the Minnesota Vikings in Indianapolis, ranging from the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins to potential defensive upgrades this offseason: 1. Hiring McCown as quarterbacks coach is a multifaceted move In 2015, Josh McCown first met Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell …

Players Minnesota Coach Vikings Cousins Draft Hunter

10 months, 2 weeks ago

What’s the Vikings’ plan? 5 thoughts ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of the NFL combine. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell are attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Adofo-Mensah, O’Connell and Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, are likely to converse this week before the crucial March 12 void on the 35-year-old quarterback’s contract. A couple of months later, in Arizona at the NFL league …

Team Minnesota Jefferson Nfl Vikings Free Indianapolis

11 months, 3 weeks ago

How the Jets can fix their offensive line: 8-step plan to improve in 2024

New York Times

It was just before the 2019 season when New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas spoke to Sam Darnold’s parents and told them he would do “everything in my power to take care of Sam with protection and playmakers.” “The one thing we didn’t want a situation where Sam was just going to have to be under fire all the …

2024 Free Line Cap Brown Sam Tomlinson

11 months, 4 weeks ago

Jets mock draft reaction: Olu Fashanu could help O-line, but will another team nab him?

New York Times

It is no secret what the New York Jets need to do in the NFL Draft. In Brugler’s mock, three quarterbacks, three wide receivers, a tight end, a defensive end and an offensive tackle get selected before the Jets pick. GO DEEPER What the Jets can learn from last year's offseason mistakes, and how to fix them More about Fashanu …

Season Nfl Rodgers 2023 Pick Draft Offensive

1 year ago

Vikings still struggling to stop the quarterback carousel from spinning with Cousins out

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins naturally evoked the loudest roar of the night in Minnesota, further amping up a high-energy atmosphere for a crucial game against Green Bay. When Jaren Hall was benched for Nick Mullens at halftime, after an interception and a fumble each set up a Packers touchdown, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell switched quarterbacks for the fifth time in …

Play Green Bay Packers Nfl Vikings Hall Cousins

1 year ago

At what positions do the Vikings most need help this offseason? And how can they get it?

New York Times

That’s not to say the Minnesota Vikings aren’t focusing on their Week 18 matchup with the Detroit Lions. GO DEEPER For Vikings, tanking for a better draft pick is a more difficult proposition than it seems Interior defensive line Why this is a need: If you’re reading this, you’ve likely watched the games. Or maybe, just maybe, the Vikings take …

Options Minnesota Phillips Season Million Lions Vikings

1 year, 1 month ago

Vikings’ defense driving playoff chase as O’Connell mulls another QB change

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings are still in control of a spot in the playoffs, even as they’re facing the possibility of a fourth starting quarterback this season. Whether Joshua Dobbs will keep the job or Nick Mullens will turn a decent relief appearance into a promotion, well, coach Kevin O’Connell could be forgiven for delaying such a declaration. “It …

Game Season Nfl Las Vegas Vikings Cincinnati Dobbs

1 year, 2 months ago

What happens next for the Bills after firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey?

New York Times

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The tone shifted significantly following the Buffalo Bills’ 24-22 loss to the Denver Broncos. Just by reading between the lines, there were multiple warning signs during Sean McDermott’s press conference concerning offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey’s future. I always want to try to do what’s best for the team and I felt like this was needed right …

Games Game Offense Right Season Bills Brady

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings-Packers Week 8 preview, picks: Can Minnesota make it three in a row?

New York Times

Multiple Minnesota Vikings coaches and players have said they still have a bad taste in their mouths from what happened late last season at Lambeau Field. GO DEEPER Jordan Addison, the Vikings' smallest player, was their biggest star in huge win vs. 49ers Biggest concerns Lewis: That they can’t duplicate their third-down success. Factoring in the projected freezing temperatures and …

Love Defense Game Minnesota San Francisco Green Jones

1 year, 3 months ago

Vikings have familiar playbook, backfield role for Akers; still committed to Mattison

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Much of the typical team-switching stress for an NFL player will be irrelevant this week for Cam Akers. Just getting to know the team, the coaches, the people — that’s probably the main learning curve for me right now,” Akers said after practice on Friday. The situation was pretty much perfect.” Getting a fresh start in a contract …

Nfl Vikings Rams Mattison Akers

1 year, 3 months ago

Raiders’ defensive line disappoints as Josh Allen, Bills dominate in tough loss

New York Times

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — There was plenty of optimism about the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line coming into the season. Going against a mediocre Buffalo offensive line that gave up five sacks and only managed 97 rushing yards against the New York Jets last week, the Raiders’ front was neutralized in all facets. Point blank, period.” The way the Raiders’ …

Yards Jones Raiders Wilson Line Good Bills

1 year, 4 months ago

Russell Wilson and Broncos’ rebuilt O-line faces a stiff test from Commanders’ dominant D-line

Associated Press

DENVER — Sean Payton’s blueprints for a rebuild by the Denver Broncos and a rebound by Russell Wilson this year began with a $139 million offensive line commitment in free agency to land guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey. “We’ve got the capability to do that.. We’ve got all the pieces we need to just take over games, …

Game Washington Nfl Great Wilson Line Broncos

1 year, 5 months ago

Matt Light optimistic about New England Patriots' offensive line despite injury concerns

India Today

The primary focus on the Patriots' training camp has been directed towards the offensive line. The offensive line of the Patriots will be presented with a fresh challenge in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans scheduled for Thursday night. Ex-Patriots offensive tackle Matt Light appeared on The Greg Hill Show on Thursday morning. Light particularly noted the center, the …

Patriots Line Offensive Light Optimistic Klemm

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings offensive line shifts mindset, signals emphasis on rushing attack

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Chris Kuper, the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line coach, is talking about Tim Tebow. “It was about giving him continual reminders that, even if the end result of the play was good, it’s possible that another guy could have gotten him with how he was positioned,” Kuper says. We don’t either.” GO DEEPER What we’ve learned after one …

Offensive Line Season Nfl Run Vikings Training Camp Ingram

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings defense dictating tempo — plus everything else we’ve seen at training camp

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Each day of Minnesota Vikings training camp begins the same way. “They always say, ‘The offense dictates.’ We dictate the tempo here.” The statement feels like a perfect line for posters inside the defensive meeting rooms. Offensive line a focal point for Kevin O’Connell Free-agent offensive lineman Dalton Risner met with the Vikings brass Tuesday. Still, considering …

Defense Offense Play Jefferson Nfl Run Vikings

1 year, 6 months ago

Patriots training camp preview: Why didn’t New England improve its offensive line?

New York Times

Bill Belichick spent most of the offseason making the tweaks and fixes that Patriots fans expected. The Patriots put a lot of eggs in Brown’s basket, banking on a bounce-back performance after last season’s position change to left tackle went poorly. Pair that version of Brown with an interior offensive line that’s in good shape and this could be a …

Right Patriots Line Training Camp Brown Spots Offensive

1 year, 7 months ago

With Dalvin Cook departing, where does the Vikings’ run game go from here?

New York Times

They desperately want to run the football effectively. “A main goal of mine is to have some improvement in our running game,” O’Connell, a former quarterback and also the team’s play caller, said. “Depth and continuity for another year are huge.” Last year, Pro Football Focus graded the Vikings’ run-blocking unit as the fourth-best in the NFL. Following that game, …

Game Minnesota Runs Running Phillips Yards Nfl

1 year, 7 months ago

Broncos OTAs: Randy Gregory’s status, Samaje Perine’s role and more to watch

New York Times

When the Broncos took the field for rookie minicamp at the team’s training facility last weekend, the initial feeling-out period wasn’t limited to the draft picks, college free agents and tryout players who had been assembled. “So absolutely, because it’s the first time this staff is working together, I think that is something that is important.” With that trial run …

Players Washington Running Season Nfl Wilson Pick

1 year, 9 months ago

After 13-4 debut season, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell sees clear paths to improvement

New York Times

Kevin O’Connell is working to stay ahead. “I think we’ve got some really good thoughts on how to put all that together in a way that becomes a real positive to build off from last year but not necessarily changing who we are as an offensive or defensive identity.” O’Connell took on the offensive play-calling responsibilities, which is something he …

Team Play Jefferson Season Nfl Coach Vikings

1 year, 10 months ago

Vikings’ offseason roster decisions will be difficult, but team leaders have earned trust

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — The decisions are difficult. “That’s just kind of the job.” NEW — Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was lively today, you could feel his energy. He talked Kirk Cousins, the thought of drafting a QB, Justin Jefferson’s future and much more: https://t.co/Mi2rVKRu0y — Alec Lewis February 28, 2023 In this specific instance, facing major choices and considerable cap constraints, …

Team Nfl Vikings Williams Staff Roster Decisions

1 year, 11 months ago

State of the 49ers, DL: Nick Bosa dominated in an overall down year for the front

New York Times

The NFL Scouting Combine is approaching, and the new league year — along with free agency — begins shortly after that. Football Outsiders provides an explanation for the statistics in the table here, but here’s a key line from their glossary: “A team with a low ranking in Adjusted Line Yards but a high ranking in Open Field Yards generally …

Team Yards Jones Season Nfl Run Jackson

1 year, 11 months ago

Vikings’ Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell chart path forward into offseason — together

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Exiting the stadium Sunday night, coming to terms with the fact that the Minnesota Vikings’ season was over, first-year general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got stuck behind a group of fans. “I can’t lie,” he said Wednesday, seated alongside coach Kevin O’Connell for Minnesota’s end-of-season news conference. O’Connell offered the idea of building-wide accountability to make sure the …

Defense Minnesota Season Vikings Cap Chart Path

2 years ago

Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman on IR

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings placed right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Austin Schlottman on injured reserve on Tuesday, all but ending the season for two starters on the precipice of the playoffs. The Vikings signed eight-year veteran center Greg Mancz to give them another option at a vital position after O’Neill suffered a significant calf injury and Schlottman …

Minnesota Nfl Vikings Rams Schlottman

2 years, 1 month ago

Donatell, Vikings working on fixes for floundering defense

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The calmness and optimism Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell pours into the job has not publicly wavered, a steady demeanor built through experience and personality that’s not about to suddenly disappear at this point in a 43-year coaching career. Heck, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up and get to work, and that’s what we’re doing,” …

Play Nfl Vikings Donatell

2 years, 1 month ago

Raiders defensive line hopes to build on recent progress

Associated Press

HENDERSON, Nev. — The signs are starting to show that maybe end Maxx Crosby isn’t the only defensive lineman the Raiders can count on. I think that group has been complemented with Jerry’s presence and what he does, and we’re hopeful that we’re going to continue to get better because we’ve only really been together for a few weeks now.” …

Game Play Las Vegas Seattle Line Nichols Better

2 years, 1 month ago

How Colts’ failures on offense highlight need for change in approach next season

New York Times

The Colts have an offense built to win in 1992 that can’t win in 2022, that’s hindered by an overpaid and underperforming offensive line, that can’t consistently score, finish in the red zone or put opponents away. “I think, part of it, is you have to have enough time to do some of the things you wanna do — push …

Game Offense Season Colts Win Taylor Line

2 years, 1 month ago

Broncos must upgrade O-line to better protect today’s less-mobile Russell Wilson

New York Times

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When Garett Bolles was introduced to his new quarterback over FaceTime in March, the Broncos’ left tackle made a bold proclamation to Russell Wilson. “I don’t think it is necessarily one thing,” first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday when asked to assess the issues leading to protection breakdowns and a lack of pop in the run …

Game Injury Pressure Right Season Nfl Russell Wilson

2 years, 1 month ago

Bills All-22 review: Offensive line struggles a significant factor vs. Vikings

New York Times

The Bills allowed a double-digit second-half lead to evaporate for a second straight week and added another loss to their ledger. From left to right, the offensive line’s struggles were a significant factor in the second half All eyes were on Josh Allen as the Bills’ franchise quarterback made several game-changing mistakes that ultimately led to a Vikings’ victory. It …

Play Offensive Line Jefferson Nfl Smith Diggs Vikings

State of the Vikings, OL Edition: A tricky path forward to improve on 2019

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