Is Kevin O'Connell Losing the Locker Room in Minnesota?

by 13377llama | 3 months ago | 1 Comments

The Minnesota Vikings are just two games into the preseason, but tensions are already brewing in the locker room. Some offensive players have expressed frustration with what they see as a lack of meaningful offseason improvements, believing the front office didn’t do enough to keep up in what is shaping up to be one of the toughest divisions in the league. While the team retained some key pieces, there’s a sense that the roster didn’t get the boost it needed to compete at the highest level. With expectations mounting, that frustration is starting to boil over.

Adding to the unease is the decision not to re-sign Sam Darnold, a move that left some players disappointed. There was belief among certain veterans that an open quarterback competition could have pushed the offense in a better direction, but O’Connell and the coaching staff never entertained that possibility. That decision, coupled with two straight preseason losses, has morale at an all-time low. Some in the locker room are wondering if the team’s direction is truly setting them up for success, especially as division rivals like Detroit and Chicago continue to make aggressive moves.

The losses themselves aren’t the biggest concern—it’s how the team has looked in those games. The offense has struggled to find rhythm, the defense has lacked urgency, and the energy on the sidelines hasn’t been what you’d expect from a team looking to establish its identity. While preseason records don’t count in the standings, they can set the tone for what’s to come, and right now, that tone is anything but positive. With the NFC North looking as competitive as ever, Minnesota can’t afford to carry this sluggish start into the regular season.

Now, the Vikings head into their preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins, and while the game won’t determine their season, another loss could deepen the cracks already forming within the team. Momentum matters, and right now, Minnesota doesn’t have it. If O’Connell can’t rally his group and turn things around quickly, the doubts inside the locker room may only grow louder.