Will Kyler Murray's Return Spark the Vikings Passing Attack?

Winning is all that matters

The Minnesota Vikings are sitting on a 2-0 start this season, extending their winning streak to seven games dating back to last year. They just ground out a wet 9-3 victory over the Chicago Bears. It is a far cry from the explosive, pass heavy teams coach Kevin O'Connell fielded when he first arrived in 2022. Still, O'Connell makes no apologies for how they get the job done. He told his team that winning is the only thing that matters.

The team has leaned heavily on its defense and special teams, which rank third and seventh in expected points added. Meanwhile, the offense has played a very safe game. Minnesota has run the ball on half of its plays, a rate higher than almost every other team. That has helped them limit mistakes, leaving them tied for the fewest turnovers in the league with only one.

Big plays are still the goal

Even though they are winning, O'Connell wants to see more big plays. He noted that he is still a believer in explosives. Between 2022 and 2024, the Vikings had the third most passing yards in the league, built around star receiver Justin Jefferson.

Lately, the numbers have dipped. The Vikings have thrown for under 200 yards in 16 of their last 21 games. This season, they have a league low 13 plays of 10 or more yards. Part of this is due to circumstances. Quarterback Kyler Murray played only 11 snaps before suffering a concussion, and leading rusher Jordan Mason went on injured reserve with a thumb injury.

Jefferson has averaged 73.5 receiving yards per game so far, while Jordan Addison has just two catches. Jefferson insisted he is fine with the quieter stats as long as the team wins. With Murray returning and clear, hot weather expected, O'Connell is ready to air the ball out again.