J.J. McCarthy had plenty of praise for Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell after Minnesota improved to 13–2.
J.J. McCarthy may have spent his rookie season recovering from offseason knee surgery, but the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback has been plenty impressed with the team's performance in his absence. Particularly that of head coach Kevin O'Connell.
After the Vikings improved to 13–2 following their narrow 27–24 victory against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16, McCarthy took to social media with some major praise of O'Connell. The Vikings rookie boldly declared that Kevin O'Connell deserved to win the NFL's Coach of the Year award. "What's the requirements for this Coach of The Year thing again? Asking for a friend," wrote McCarthy on X.Minnesota's 13 wins are its most in a season since O'Connell's first season as the organization's head coach, and they still have two more weeks to play. The franchise has never won more than 13 games in a season, a feat they've achieved three times now––in 2017, 2022 and this year in '24.
The Vikings have difficult matchups looming against NFC North rivals in the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions in Weeks 17 and 18 respectively, needing just one victory to set their franchise record for wins in a season. McCarthy figures to enter the mix in 2025, once he's fully recovered from the knee injury. Based on his comments on social media, he seems eager to get onto the field and make plays in O'Connell's system.Karl Rasmussen is a staff writer for the Breaking and Trending News team for Sports Illustrated. A University of Oregon alum who joined SI in February 2023, his work has appeared on 12up and ClutchPoints. Rasmussen is a loyal Tottenham, Jets, Yankees and Ducks fan.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell hypes Daniel Jones amid free agency rumorsDaniel Jones may have run out of fans in New York, but he’s got at least one in Minnesota.
Read more »
What did Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell say about ex-Giants’ QB Daniel Jones?He's happy to have the castoff.
Read more »
Vikings Coach Kevin O'Connell Gives Poignant Message to Randy Moss Amid Health IssueVikings coach Kevin O'Connell voiced his support for franchise icon Randy Moss as he deals with an unspecified health issue.
Read more »
Vikings Coach Kevin O'Connell Becomes Betting Favorite for Coach of the YearKevin O'Connell's impressive coaching performance with the Vikings has made him the betting favorite to win the NFL's Coach of the Year award. His leadership has led to the team exceeding expectations and the resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold.
Read more »
Watch Kevin O'Connell's locker room speech after Vikings beat FalconsO'Connell's postgame victory speeches are always gold.
Read more »
Vikings' Kevin O'Connell Detailed His Heartfelt Postgame Message for Kirk CousinsO'Connell and Cousins embraced on the field after the Vikings-Falcons game.
Read more »