**Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell Addresses Loss, McCarthy, and Team Decisions**
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke publicly following the team’s 24-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, providing updates on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, lineup changes, and key decisions during the game. The press conference was held on Sunday, December 1, following the team’s first shutout of the season.
O’Connell addressed questions about rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who struggled in the game after starting in place of an injured Sam Darnold. McCarthy completed just 40% of his passes and threw an interception. O’Connell said the team continues to support McCarthy’s development and that the performance needs to be analyzed before further decisions are made. “There are still things to build on,” he said, emphasizing that the rookie is part of the team’s long-term strategy.
One surprising move in Sunday’s game was the benching of veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. O’Connell explained that the decision was based on giving more snaps to younger players and trying new combinations on offense, especially after the team failed to make progress in the first half. Thielen, a long-time veteran, had just one target before being pulled from the lineup in the second quarter.
The coach also discussed a fourth-and-one call at the Seahawks’ 35-yard line late in the second quarter. Instead of attempting a field goal or punting, the Vikings decided to go for it and failed to convert. O’Connell defended the choice, saying the team was trying to be aggressive after falling behind early. “We wanted to spark some momentum. It didn’t go our way, but we’ll review everything this week,” he said.
The loss drops the Vikings to a 5-7 record with five games remaining in the regular season. O’Connell acknowledged the pressure but remained optimistic, noting that the team has the talent to rebound in the coming weeks. The Vikings will face the Detroit Lions next Sunday in what is expected to be a critical game for playoff hopes.
The team is expected to release updates on injuries and any possible line-up changes later in the week.
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