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Kevin O'Connell mum on Vikings interest in Daniel Jones
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell met with reporters on Monday to reflect on the win at Chicago. He was also asked about the reported interest in Daniel Jones after his release from the New York Giants.
EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings are 9-2, have won four straight games and have their next three at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Is there a possibility they might shake up the quarterback room and bring in Daniel Jones? Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell wouldn’t go down that road Monday, a day after a 30-27 win in overtime over the Chicago Bears.
"I’m not going to really get into that today, but I will say tons of respect for Daniel Jones as a player and person. I’m sure now that he’s a free agent and there’s probably a ton of league-wide interest in him, Daniel is going to make the decision that’s best for him and his career moving forward," O’Connell said. "I’m sure he’s working through that process. I can just say I’ve been a fan of Daniel’s for a long time. Really not going to get into that."
Why it matters
Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was benched last week. He’s won just 24 games in 69 career starts. Jones was released by the Giants on Saturday.
O’Connell could’ve easily said the Vikings have no interest in Jones, and put the idea to bed. He did not.
Sam Darnold threw for 330 yards, two touchdowns and engineered the game-winning drive Sunday. But he also left the game for two plays with an injury in the fourth quarter. Nick Mullens came in and got two first downs.
If Darnold can’t play or has to leave a game, O’Connell’s current options are Mullens and Brett Rypien. The Vikings are one of several teams reportedly linked to Jones.
In O’Connell’s only playoff game with the Vikings so far, Jones threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 78 yards in eliminating the Vikings from the playoffs.
Jefferson makes an impact without big numbers
Justin Jefferson had a season-low two catches for 27 yards Sunday, but his impact was far greater than what the stat sheet shows. He spent much of the day in double and even triple coverage. He drew multiple pass interference calls. He also had a touchdown called back because of offensive pass interference on Brandon Powell.
His presence on the field allowed for Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson to combine for 15 catches, 176 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Nailor also had a touchdown. Jefferson was frustrated at times, but what matters is the win. O’Connell said it’s his job to find more ways to get his star receiver the ball.
"He’s one of the most competitive people I’ve ever been around. I know he was very excited for Jordan and T.J. He still wants to have an impact, and it’s my job to try to find ways to create as many footballs on any given Sunday as I possibly can to get everybody touches," O’Connell said. "I want to make sure he always feels like he’s a major priority, any time he steps on the field I think he’s the best player on the field."