One game is not enough time to judge a head coach, let alone a team. But in the NFL, every week matters. And some coaches — both first-year hires and longtime veterans — certainly looked more promising than others in Week 1.
As we approach the next wave of 2022 action, here’s a look at which head coaches are already on the rise and decline:
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Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell
Season: 1st | Record: 1-0
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The NFL‘s second-youngest coach behind Sean McVay, O’Connell was probably the biggest winner of Week 1, not only because he routed the rival Packers, but because of how his team did it. Freeing Kirk Cousins from a conservative, old-school approach, the ex-Rams coordinator further enabled Justin Jefferson to emerge as the offensive focal point. His defense, entrusted to the grizzled Ed Donatell, was just as impressive, especially up front. Most of all, O’Connell has been lauded for the “family” atmosphere he’s created in the locker room. For once, the feeling in Minnesota is that the guys in purple can escape mediocrity.
Seahawks’ Pete Carroll
Season: 13th | Record: 1-0
He’s still respected league-wide, but at 71, restarting at quarterback after dealing Russell Wilson, Carroll had become something of a punching bag for those skeptical of his ancient commitment to the run game. And yet, in prime time to open 2022, it was his offense and defense that stood up to Wilson and the more talented Broncos. Who knows whether Seattle can sustain success with Geno Smith under center and Jamal Adams now sidelined on “D,” but his club looks a lot spunkier than expected.
Giants’ Brian Daboll
Season: 1st | Record: 1-0
Grading Daboll throughout 2022 may be a tricky task considering the mid- to low-level personnel he’s been afforded during step one of their rebuild. But Week 1 was encouraging in just about every possible way: he was visibly frustrated rather than inexplicably unaffected by turnover-happy QB Daniel Jones, fed Saquon Barkley to keep the ball in New York’s best weapon’s hands, and his late-game boldness — to play for a win rather than overtime — sets the right tone for a team in transition.
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