Kevin O'Connell Discusses Saquon Barkley and Eagles' Offensive Woes Ahead of Vikings’ Game
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off the bye week after back-to-back games outside of the United States in Ireland and England. Following a week of rest, Kevin O’Connell and his team get a tough challenge in facing the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in Week 7.
One of the players that the Vikings will need to contain on the Eagles is Saquon Barkley. The veteran running back has yet to have a breakout game so far this season, and it will be up to the Minnesota defense to keep him from having that outstanding performance against them.
Ahead of the contest, O’Connell revealed that he expects Philadelphia to run the football on them despite Barkley lacking that explosive outing so far this season.
“They’ve had one of the premier rushing attacks for a long time since he’s been there,”
“That doesn’t change the fact that they’ve got weapons on the outside. I know they haven’t quite been able to unlock the same level of passing game that they had a year ago, but it’s always available to them.
“That’s where the X’s and O’s and all those things have to be in alignment with what we go out and do from a play style standpoint against a team that wants to play physical. It’s not just the tush push. They have some pretty elite players up front, with the ability to win the line of scrimmage. If you give them angles and easy access to space, Saquon Barkley is the best in the league at finding it.”
Eagles Will Be In a Bad Mood Against Vikings
Minnesota will face an Eagles team that’s 4-2 and will be in a bad mood after losing to the New York Giants in Week 6. Recently, right tackle Lane Johnson was honest about how the squad sees itself right now.
“We’re just not very good right now,“ Johnson said on October 9 (h/t The Athletic). “… We were winning, but we weren’t dominating,“ Johnson said. “It’s frustrating. You see the guys that we have — on the offensive side of the ball, we should be doing a lot more to help our defense out. It’s frustrating, but nothing we can’t turn around.”
Eagles’ Offense Has Yet to Get Going
As O’Connell noted, the Vikings know Philadelphia will still look to run the ball, even with limited success this season. Still, it’s crucial not to let the Eagles regain the rhythm they had last year. The Vikings
“Last year, do you think we were predictable? Everybody knew we were going to run the ball,
It will be interesting to see how this matchup plays out, but the Vikings have caught the Eagles at the right time if they want to secure a win.
Colts HC Shane Steichen to make final decision on QB situation behind Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are rolling at 5-1, but quarterback depth has become a major storyline heading into Week 7. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen will decide who backs up Daniel Jones — either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien.
The Athletic’s James Boyd took to X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting that a team source confirmed Steichen will make the call after evaluating both options in practice this week.
“Source said #Colts HC Shane Steichen will have the final say of who is QB2 between Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
We can also ask Steichen before practice tomorrow (and again Friday after Rypien has practiced the whole week).”
Leonard, a sixth-round rookie from Notre Dame, has been with the Colts all season and has taken most backup reps since Richardson’s eye injury. Meanwhile, Rypien signed to the practice squad on October 14 and brings veteran experience from stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The decision carries weight. Jones has completely revived his career under Steichen, leading the AFC’s top scoring offense. But should he miss time, the Colts must trust the next man up to keep their momentum going.
Steichen’s evaluation extends beyond game readiness — it’s also about locker room confidence and long-term continuity. Coaches and teammates alike have praised both quarterbacks for their preparation, making the final decision a reflection of who best aligns with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Leonard offers upside and youth, while Rypien brings system familiarity and game experience. The choice by the Colts coach will reveal whether he values development or veteran security as the team pushes for a playoff run.
Steichen is expected to speak before and after practice later this week, with a final depth chart decision coming no later than Friday. Until then, the quarterback room remains under review.
