Ex-Vikings QB Daniel Jones Sends Strong Message on Kevin O’Connell
After Daniel Jones‘ stint with the New York Giants came to an end, the consensus seemed to be that he’d be a career backup for the rest of his playing days in the NFL. He landed with the Minnesota Vikings last season after playing in the first 10 games for the Giants and being released.
Jones was an insurance option for the Vikings to play behind Sam Darnold after rookie J.J. McCarthy went down with a season-ending injury during the preseason. He never ended up making an appearance in a Vikings uniform and signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts to share the quarterback room with Anthony Richardson.
The move to Indianapolis proved to be a game-changer for Jones, as he beat Richardson for the starting job and has been red-hot to start the 2025 campaign for the Colts, winning four of the first five games of the season while putting up some impressive numbers.
Daniels Jones Reveals Vital Impact of Playing for Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell
Jones never got to take the field as a quarterback for the Vikings during his short stint with the team, but there’s no question that head coach Kevin O’Connell and his coaching staff left a lasting impression on the veteran quarterback, as he told Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth on Fitz & Witz.
“Then, going to Minnesota, I saw how Sam prepared,” Jones said. “How Kevin prepared those guys. Josh McCown. Grant Udinski. That crew and how detailed they were day in and day out on every little bit of the plan, and how they’re going to study it. What they’re looking for, walking through and quizzing each other in the quarterback room.
“That made a big impression on me, and I was like, ‘This is maybe the next level of some of that stuff.’ I think that changed. I think Kevin and how aggressive he was in the playcalling. … It’s a lot of dropback shots, taking their chances, and that made an impression on me, too.”
Considering Jones’ incredible showing through the first five games of the 2025 campaign, O’Connell and company definitely have something good going in Minnesota, as Darnold was able to resurrect his career under that coaching staff as well before moving on to the Seattle Seahawks.
Can Carson Wentz Follow in Daniel Jones’ Footsteps?
Getty#11 Carson Wentz of Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have quite the reputation under O’Connell for getting the best out of quarterbacks who looked like their careers were headed in the wrong direction. Jones and Darnold are great examples of what can happen for talented quarterbacks who were given the right opportunity to learn in the right situation with the right coaching staff.
The question now is whether Carson Wentz will be the next in line to resurrect his NFL career and get another chance as a starter in the league. So far, Wentz has played well while replacing the injured McCarthy.
As of Wednesday, it remains to be seen if Wentz gets another shot under center, with McCarthy returning to practice. However, if O’Connell does go with the veteran, the team is likely confident either way.
In three games, Wentz has helped the Vikings win two while throwing for 759 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. These are eye-popping numbers, but formidable enough to shoulder the load, even if it is against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles after Minnesota’s bye on Oct. 19.
Drew Brees Raves About Colts' Offense
The Indianapolis Colts haven't had a season start like this since 2009, when Peyton Manning's Colts eventually lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has the Indianapolis offense moving different, and a lot of that is thanks to new starting quarterback Daniel Jones. The Colts rank second in points per game (32.6), fourth in yards per game (381.2), and first in EPA/play.
Indy's efficient offense reminds former Saints quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV champion Drew Brees of the old New Orleans offense under Sean Payton.
Are the Buccaneers REAL Super Bowl contenders?!
"I think (the Colts) are really good," Brees said on ESPN's First Take. "They look like the Saints' offense from years ago. Everything that they're doing — inside zone, outside zone, gap scheme runs — I love what they're doing in the run game. That's setting up some shots in the pass game. But more importantly, in the pass game, when I turn on the tape and watch the All-22, I see this methodical pass game that is an extension of the run game. That is like a hallmark of the West Coast offense."
Brees was a master of the West Coast offense, getting the ball to his playmakers in open space. By the end of his career, Brees had stacked together five straight seasons of a 70% or higher completion rate thanks to designed screens and quick throws that kept the chains moving.
Brees mentions that Steichen's ability to draw up plays for his playmakers is exactly why this Colts' offense is thriving.
"The quarterback, on his first step or on his third step, the ball is out," Brees explained. "He knows exactly where the ball's going based on the coverage. They're running these little short option routes with (Josh) Downs better than anybody in the league. They're finding ways to get those completions and get the ball in space to their playmakers, and it's setting up some of the more intermediate and down the field passing game as well."
Jones has executed Steichen's offense at the highest level, knowing exactly where he wants to throw the ball. His ability to get the ball out quickly isn't just helping the Colts move downfield; it's helping avoid sacks, too.
Brees also complimented the Colts' weapons, acknowledging the impact of rookie tight end Tyler Warren.
"Their tight end play is outstanding, so they're attacking the middle of the field as well," Brees continued. "All the way around, I turn on the tape and watch this offense — they are complete. They are complete in every facet of what they're doing, and the results speak for themselves."
To receive praise like that from one of the best quarterbacks in league history proves that the Colts are a different team from years past. Indy's historic start has NFL legends on notice, and for good reason.
Jones and the Colts will look to continue their commanding start against the Arizona Cardinals this weekend.
