Kirk Cousins and Kevin O’Connell have worked together in the past, but nothing compares to the microscope they’ll be under with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
O’Connell has come a long way since his days as the quarterback whisperer and offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins. Meanwhile, Cousins is still winning at the negotiating table and putting up Pro Bowl numbers under center, despite being the most polarizing player in Minnesota.
NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt and Will Selva sees the pair as the most intriguing quarterback and coach combination in the league.
It makes sense considering the Vikings are absolutely loaded with talent, and O’Connell’s offensive wizardry played a big role in the Los Angeles Rams winning a Super Bowl last season.
“Kirk Cousins and Kevin O’Connell, that is the combo that intrigues me the most,” said Selva on Good Morning Football. “We know about Cousins struggling when it matters the most, one playoff win in 10 years. But maybe Kevin O’Connell unlocks more out of Cousins. Is O’Connell going to be mentioned in the same breath as Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan—an offensive guru, an offensive wizard, a genius, whatever you want to call them?”
Brandt then went ahead and doubled down on Selva’s take during the segment.
“If O’Connell lives up to the hype, the Vikings offense is going to rock and roll this year,” said Brandt.
Vikings fans could certainly use a little rocking and rolling after enduring nothing but disappointment over the last two seasons.
And the good news is they wouldn’t have to wait long for it, either.
The duo of O’Connell and Cousins could make a statement right out of the gates by overcoming a massive season-opening challenge against Matt LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.