The Minnesota Vikings' offense has suffered through growing pains this season. Kevin O'Connell, whose offenses have been at their best when operating under center, is trying to mesh his system with Kyler Murray, who stands 5-foot-10 and has traditionally operated out of pistol and shotgun formations throughout his career.
Murray struggled in his return to the lineup in Week 3 after a concussion knocked him out of the season opener. The Vikings amassed only 230 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Murray's first game back, raising concerns about his fit in the offense.
But Minnesota's offense has been better as Murray continues to play more. He finished Week 4 completing 13 of 14 passes, then connected on his first 12 pass attempts last Sunday
against the New Orleans Saints. Murray finished the day 24/30 for 229 yards and a touchdown. He added seven scrambles for 54 yards and picked up three first downs.
Daniel Jeremiah was encouraged by the performance and lauded O'Connell's playcalling in the Week 5 victory on his Move The Sticks Podcast.
So when you go through it and watch it, it was a brilliant game plan by KOC. He's figuring out how to use him and make him comfortable, and he's done it a couple of different ways. There's a lot of three-step game, three steps, we're getting the ball out right now. Tight end screens, running back screens, again, some easy completions there. Then when we want to take our shots, we're going deep play action. We're getting him way removed from the line of scrimmage and take your shots. Hit Jefferson on a couple balls down the field, including just an incredible catch he made for a touchdown.
O'Connell has hopefully been spending the bye week building on Murray's recent success. The Vikings still have plenty of room to improve, ranking 27th in total yards and 29th in passing. But Murray looked much more comfortable last Sunday, and his willingness to throw 50/50 balls to Jefferson was a welcome development.
If O'Connell and Murray keep improving their connection and the offense, they can help a defense primed for a championship run.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Kevin O'Connell is finding what is working for Kyler Murray
