Stephen A. Smith blasts Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell over QB failure

Stephen A. Smith criticized Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after the team's struggles on offense. In a recent appearance on ESPN's 'First Take', the ESPN analyst pointed out that the Vikings are in their current position due to poor quarterback decision-making. Smith specifically mentioned O’Connell's decision to start unproven second-year quarterback J.J.

McCarthy last year, which he believes cost the team a year of Justin Jefferson's NFL career. The analyst expressed his frustration with O’Connell, stating, "Kevin O’Connell may be a big time coach in the National Football League because he's widely respected. But he's lucky he's got a damn job."

The Vikings currently have the No. 29 offense in the league, gaining only 281.7 yards per game. Smith argues that trading for a star running back like Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts could be the solution to the team's offensive woes. He believes that if the Colts decide to trade Taylor, it should be the Vikings' top priority.

O’Connell's decision to sign Kyler Murray to a one-year deal appears to have been a mistake, as Murray has struggled to lead the team to victory, throwing just three touchdowns in four full games. With a potential all-time great defense in 2026, Smith urges the Vikings to make a move for Taylor to elevate their offense and avoid wasting their promising defense.