Part 3/6:
While the victory was a cause for celebration, O’Connell acknowledged the critical areas needing focus. He mentioned frustrations, particularly with penalties—the team had racked up 10 during the game—and a blocked punt that ultimately contributed to a late-game score for the opponent. "Can we play a total, complete 60-minute effort? It’s hard in the NFL," he remarked, underscoring the challenges teams face in executing a flawless game.
As the Vikings prepare for a challenging couple of weeks, including pivotal matchups against tough competition in their division, O’Connell expressed confidence in his players' mindset and preparation. “We’re a tough team… these guys got the right mindset,” he affirmed, priming them for the critical December stretch.