Head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t sugarcoat what went wrong. Unforced errors defined the Vikings’ 27-19 loss to Baltimore, and Minnesota’s head coach took ownership of it all. O’Connell said the team’s defeat was their own fault.
He pointed out that they couldn’t expect to win against a good opponent given their issues with turnovers and penalties. Following the poor performance on Sunday, his message to the team on Monday was a direct call to transform their current frustration into focused effort and execution for the next game.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell Vows to Fix Communication, Calls Out Self-Inflicted Mistakes
The Vikings’ eight false starts at home, their most in 16 years, were the most glaring example of the communication breakdowns that wrecked the offense’s rhythm. Five came on first down, immediately pushing Minnesota behind schedule.
“It changes how you want to play the game,” O’Connell said. “We had chances to stack positive plays, but those penalties kept us off schedule.”
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on @ryan_kelly70 pic.twitter.com/VUh6ZcNaRV
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 10, 2025
He reviewed each instance in detail and plans to simplify the cadence and improve communication between quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the offensive line. Usually a smooth operation, the Vikings’ offense was a mess. The unit ranks 27th in PFSN’s OFFi.
“I’ve got to do a better job coaching this team clearly when you have pre-snap issues like that,” he said. “We’ve got to fix it, and we will.”
READ MORE: 3 Things That Went Wrong as False Starts and Fumbles Doom Vikings Against Ravens
McCarthy, making his fourth start, was again sharp on the scripted opening drive but struggled afterward. O’Connell said the second-year quarterback pressed at times, relying on fastballs and missing easier throws underneath.
“There were some inconsistencies, but also some playmaking and compete that are unique to J.J.,” he said. “It’s all part of his development.”
The Vikings averaged over six yards per play, but O’Connell said those gains “don’t matter” when penalties and turnovers wipe them away. He praised the defense for keeping the team in the game against quarterback Lamar Jackson’s offense but said Minnesota’s self-inflicted wounds erased its chances late.
“I’ve got to do a better job keeping us in the type of game we want to play,” O’Connell said.
As the Vikings prepare to host the Chicago Bears, O’Connell said the team’s response will define its season. Minnesota rallied late to beat the Bears in Week 1, but Chicago is surging following a fourth-quarter victory against the Giants.
“We’ve got to take the frustration of yesterday and fuel it into conviction for tomorrow,” he said. “That’s the only way we’ll move forward.”