Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Drawing Up Blitzes for Brian Flores?

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Sep 26, 2024

The Minnesota Vikings have arguably the best head coach in football in the form of Kevin O’Connell. They also have one of the best defensive coordinators in Brian Flores. Apparently there has been some fun crossover between the two during the early winning streak.

Kevin O’Connell trying his hand at the Minnesota Vikings defense

Kevin O’Connell secured the Minnesota Vikings head coaching job because he is an elite offensive mind. He has put together an incredible staff to make sure everything around him clicks. That doesn’t mean he won’t try his hand at helping those other areas sometimes. Matthew Coller recently noted a fun reality at Purple Insider.

“Flores has also mentioned O’Connell’s engagement with the defense. He noted that KOC came up with a blitz that he drew up in the coaches locker room and they used against the New York Giants. ‘He texts me and he’s like, ‘Hey, what do you think about doing this out of that, this front? We ran it, so it’s good,” Flores said. “It’s a K .O. special.’”
Brian Flores on Kevin O’Connell’s defensive engagement (Purple Insider)

The Minnesota Vikings defense has been among the best in the NFL thus far. While they are around league average in yards allowed, only the Pittsburgh Steelers have given up fewer points. That is impressive considering the opponents Minnesota has played. The Vikings 16 sacks lead the league, and O’Connell is to thank for one of them.

Minnesota’s defensive upgrade has been a significant reason for their strong performance to start the year. They will get another test this weekend at Lambeau Field.

Vikings defense could get healthier for Brian Flores

A week ago the Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans without two key members of their defense. Ivan Pace Jr. and Dallas Turner both missed that contest. Each of them could be back on the field against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Welcome to the NFL, Dallas Turner!

The @vikings rookie gets his first-career sack 💪

📺: #MINvsNYG on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/9KiwhxvE40
— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Minnesota doesn’t yet know if Jordan Love will play, but adding more weapons to the defense would be a positive reality. Turner has started strong in his rookie season and already has a sack. Pace Jr. anchors the linebacker position alongside Blake Cashman.

If Flores has his full complement of defensive talent, the impact he can make with the group grows. Stephon Gilmore has already been a shutdown corner this season, and the secondary is helping to prop everyone up.