The Minnesota Vikings are heading into one of their toughest road environments of the season riding momentum from last week’s win, but head coach Kevin O’Connell made it clear Wednesday that cleaning up mistakes remains a top priority.
The Vikings play at New Orleans Sunday at noon.
Speaking before practice Wednesdasy, O’Connell praised kicker Will Reichard, who was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after another flawless performance.
“All he does is work on the details and his craft,” O’Connell said. “The mastery of what he’s doing right now is really, really cool to see.”
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Reichard’s consistency has become a major weapon for a Vikings team that sits atop the NFC standings. O’Connell acknowledged the rookie’s reliability has altered how he manages games, knowing points are often available whenever Minnesota crosses midfield.
“It’s spectacular to know with a defense like we have and special teams playing the way they are, we can play games a little differently,” O’Connell said. “He just jogs out there and puts it through the uprights.”
The Vikings now turn their attention to a difficult road matchup against a well-coached NFC opponent led by head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
“We’re well aware of the noise that we’re walking into and the energy of their fan-base,” O’Connell said. “We’ve got to respond with poise.”
That message comes after Minnesota was flagged repeatedly in last week’s victory. The offense had eight penalties.
“It’s been emphasized at a very high level,” O’Connell said. “Players are taking ownership of it. We’re coaching it better. That starts with me.”
While statistical comparisons have raised questions about Minnesota’s offense, O’Connell expressed confidence in the group’s development, particularly quarterback Kyler Murray.
The Vikings coach pointed to Murray’s performance late in last week’s game, highlighting his decision-making and efficiency. Murray was a big part of the Vikings holding possession of the ball for 14 minutes of the 4th quarter of Sunday’s win over Miami.
“I thought there was a lot to build off of for Kyler,” O’Connell said. “Seeing the field, fundamentals, putting the ball in play.”
O’Connell also noted that multiple explosive plays have been wiped out by penalties this season, limiting some of the offense’s production. He believes the Vikings are closer than the numbers suggest.
“We’re ascending,” he said. “I love where we are in the win-loss column. I love where we are in the turnover margin column.”
Minnesota has also battled injury-related continuity issues, including limited snaps together for Murray and Justin Jefferson and injuries at several offensive positions.
“Stats tell a story,” O’Connell said. “I don’t think they tell the whole story.”
The Vikings received encouraging injury updates Wednesday.
Jefferson, dealing with an ankle injury, and right tackle Brian O’Neill, who has knee soreness, were both expected to participate in practice on a limited basis.
Jordan Addison was held out with what O’Connell described as minor hamstring soreness suffered late in last week’s game. The team hopes Addison can return to work later in the week.
Christian Darrisaw (concussion protocol) and Chuck Demmings (hamstring) were ruled out Wednesday.
Minnesota also officially welcomed veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to its practice squad.
O’Connell said the move was driven by injuries at wide receiver and the desire to add an experienced player who is familiar with his offensive system.
“We can be a player or two away from needing to call upon guys,” O’Connell said.
The two worked together during the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl season in 2021, and O’Connell remains confident Beckham can quickly contribute if called upon.
“I’ve seen him do it before,” O’Connell said. “The good thing about our system is there are some mechanisms he can quickly learn.”
O’Connell added that Beckham looked healthy and explosive during action in August and September and appears refreshed after spending the last week out of football.
“He feels like he’s got an extra bye week,” O’Connell said. “I can’t wait to see him out there.”
The Giants released Beckham Jr. in September.