The Minnesota Vikings are just one more exhibition game away from the regular season kicking off. There couldn’t be more uncertainty as to what their capabilities are this season. At least one outlet seems to think Minnesota’s coaching staff puts them in a good spot.
ESPN loves the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff
NFL Analyst Ben Solak sought out to rank all 32 NFL coaching staffs for ESPN. He put out some guidelines that helped to shape his decision making. Past performance was a consideration, but not the gold standard. Head coaches being strong playcallers provide a boost, and special teams (or position coaches) really weren’t considered. It’s hard not to be impressed by Solak ranking the Vikings 10th.
“I found the Vikings challenging to rank. I want to put O’Connell’s name right next to that of Matt LaFleur or Mike McDaniel as an offensive innovator, but I can’t honestly say his branch of the McVay/Shanahan offense is as prosperous as those. McDaniel and LaFleur have both modernized the offense for young quarterbacks, moving to the gun and integrating RPOs and motions — with Kirk Cousins at the helm, O’Connell has stayed committed to under center dropbacks and static offensive looks. I think he made the right decision for his quarterback, and he’ll push the boundaries of the offense when J.J. McCarthy finally hits the field. For now, I can’t put him in that echelon of offensive playcaller.
If I could, the Vikings would have leapt up the board on the back of Flores, one of the league’s best defensive coaches. He is a havoc-wreaker, a madman at the wheel. No team rushed with at least six bodies more than Flores’ Vikings last season, which he did on a whopping 26% of dropbacks (the next closest was 11%). And no team sent only three rushers more frequently than Flores’ Vikings, which he did in another 20% of opponent dropbacks (next closest was 11%).”
Ben Solak on the Vikings coaching staff (ESPN)
As Solak mentions, it is a boost for Minnesota that no one plucked Brian Flores for a head coaching gig this offseason. The Vikings defense took steps forward last season, and they could vault even higher in year two.
Related: Brian Flores Responds to Tua Controversy; Vikings Players Literally Stand Behind Him
Kevin O’Connell needs some personnel improvements, but those in the building have a great set of coaches to learn from.
Minnesota Vikings could surprise because of coaching staff
Expectations are understandably low for the Minnesota Vikings. They are coming off a losing season and disastrous injuries. Some of the injury issues will cause problems into this season. Sam Darnold is a completely unknown commodity coming from previous poor performance. Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores may wind up being the difference makers.
Leadership is something that Darnold hasn’t had the benefit of experiencing at this level. O’Connell gets a chance to mold a veteran before going all in on rookie J.J. McCarthy next season. Flores can have a sizable impact on players like Dallas Turner and Johnathan Greenard. What the most prolific Vikings coaches can extract from their roster will give them a chance.
Related: Kevin O’Connell Cannot Comprehend Why Other Teams Don’t Want Brian Flores
Even if Minnesota doesn’t take a big step forward this season, the organization should feel excited about those leading them into the future. Capitalizing on that soon would be a welcomed development.
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