Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) speaks with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings’ backs are up against the wall as they march into Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Other than when former QB Kirk Cousins went down to a torn Achilles at Lambeau Field in 2023, the Kevin O’Connell-led operation hasn’t faced as much adversity or had as many question marks as it does now.
Other than that time, it’s been mostly sunshine and rainbows when it comes to the Vikings’ organization’s reputation and their long-term plans. Now, however, it’s starting to get a little chilly, and there’s some ominous clouds rolling into the area.
Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ Weird Vibes
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Now, the Vikings give the vibe of a sinking ship, and it’s O’Connell’s fault. Not because he did anything bad, but it’s because this team has been so stable since 2022, and our expectations for good QB play in the Twin Cities are at an all-time high. O’Connell has set a standard for the organization: things will be good more often than not, because that is mostly what it’s been under his three-and-a-half seasons leading the organization.
The Vikings sit at 3-4 after dropping two straight games out of their bye week, mostly due to poor QB play from Carson Wentz and a seemingly regressing Brian Flores defense. Yes, injuries mounted up for a little while there, but every team is a little banged up halfway through an NFL regular season. Their latest loss was a humiliation on national television against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. Coming off this loss is where we find out how O’Connell responds to true adversity.
Vikings Look Toward Big-Time NFC North Showdown
Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
It is unfortunate that the Vikings have to roll into Ford Field in Detroit to play the Lions, arguably the class of the NFC. This could ultimately be a blessing, though. Should you place money on the Vikings to beat the Motor City Kitties in Week 9? Probably not, but if O’Connell could lead his squad to a big-time win on the road against a team he has only beaten once in his coaching career, then that would be quite the response to concerns about the operation.
Not to mention what it would mean for the optics of young QB J.J. McCarthy, who is a whole separate conversation filled with concerns from pretty much everyone who has watched him play for the most part in his first two appearances.
In no way is this an expression of no faith in Coach KO, nor an implication that he should be on any kind of hot seat. The man just won the 2024 NFL AP Coach of the Year eight months ago, and has done nothing but do things that should inspire confidence amongst Vikings loyalists in his time here. All that is being attempted to be conveyed is that there comes a time in every coach’s career where they have to respond to doubt, and now is that time.
Vikings’ “Adversity” is Just Another Season for Some Other Teams
Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during warmups before an NFL International Series game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Isn’t it funny, though? The feeling amongst the purple and gold kingdom is that all is metaphorically lost. The vibe around the place equals that of a team that is 1-6 rather than 3-4, and a lot of that has to do with the surge of McCarthy doubt amongst Vikings fans. A lot of people feel as if McCarthy isn’t the guy, and that taints their outlook on the future of the team. Like I said, a whole separate conversation.
This season probably wasn’t going to go great anyway. This was always going to be a development year for McCarthy. Yes, the Vikings were obviously trying to win this year, but a down year in 2025 shouldn’t be a nail in the coffin for fans in a case against O’Connell. However, there needs to be a response from this team in Week 9 in Detroit.
And all roads lead back to the J.J. McCarthy conversation.
Brevan’s writing features a wide-lens; encompassing everything from draft analysis to expert in-game analyses. Readers can expect a passionate … More about Brevan Bane