4. Offensive struggles against Jets
O’Connell knew Sunday’s game in London was going to be a challenge.
New York’s defense has difference-makers at all three levels, impactful players up front and great speed in the backend. Its coverage was tight, making life more difficult for Darnold than we saw in Weeks 1-4.
But the Vikings also missed during situations they should have executed.
“I think the thing that was frustrating is just as you look back on it, there were some opportunities,” said O’Connell, emphasizing there were several instances the pass game could have staved off frustration by hitting open guys and creating YAC (yards after catch) chances. “Then when you are attacking the top shelf sometimes – it’s not necessarily always the top shelf – it might be Mundt on a crossing route. It might be, maybe a lack of coverage, resources sent toward players like that, that there could be some ops, but it’s an all-11 thing.”
It doesn’t all lay on Darnold’s arm or decision-making, though those are parts of the equation.
O’Connell noted the details – the protection needs to hold up against a good defensive front; receivers need effective release plans versus sticky coverage; rhythm and timing of routes has to be synchronized.
A change in weather made footing conditions a bit sloppier in the second half, as well, O’Connell said.
“Our offense will get back on track with really focusing on the little things that are required to make some of those bigger plays happen in a game like that,” he said, “where you’re going to be fighting and scratching and clawing for every yard. When you get some ops, you’ve got to take advantage of them.”
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…