The Minnesota Vikings improved their record to 13-2 on the season following a 27-24 win against the Seattle Seahawks on the road.
Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell commented on his excitement about the victory in a post-game press conference.
“It doesn’t get much greater than that, playing in one of the hardest places to come play. Dealing with some elements and just finding a way to win a game” O’Connell said. “That’s what this team has been really able to do all season long.”
O’Connell then highlighted the performance of individuals like wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who recorded ten catches for 144 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including one that would end up being the game-winner. O’Connell also gave quarterback Sam Darnold his flowers after the former first-round pick completed 22 of 35 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. He also paid his respects to the defense.
All around team effort and win 👏 pic.twitter.com/dacUbKNKVR
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2024
“Van Ginkle with the two sacks. Dallas Turner with the interception and Theo [Jackson] to close it,” O’Connell added. “To win that game, field position is always going to play a critical role. That was part of what we thought it would take to win the game… Really good execution. Far from perfect, but that’s why this time of year you have to find a way to win these games, and you learn a lot about your team. As I told them, it’s a hell of an accomplishment to win 13 [games] in this league.”
At this moment, O’Connell reflected on how the 2024-25 Vikings make him feel.
“I’m just proud of our guys, and the same type of feeling just keeps coming up,” O’Connell said with pride. “We’re very fortunate: in this group, in this locker room, in this coaching staff. Now, we’ve got to move on to the next.”
The Minnesota Vikings’ next two games will go a long way in determining how the NFC playoff picture shakes out. In Week 17, they’ll host the Green Bay Packers. One week later, they will face the Detroit Lions in Minnesota. If both Detroit and Minnesota win next week, then the matchup in Week 18 will be for the division and potentially the number one seed in the conference.
