Kevin O'Connell HIGHLIGHTS Isaiah Rodgers’ Path to Success: “Everything Starts with Brian Flores”
In a candid and powerful statement, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell made it clear that Isaiah Rodgers’ breakout moment wasn’t an accident—it was the result of a deliberate, strategic process. O'Connell pointed to the groundwork laid by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, crediting him for shaping Rodgers into the player he is today and setting the stage for his crucial role in the team’s future.
“Everything starts with Brian Flores,” O'Connell said, emphasizing Flores’ influence in Rodgers’ development. “Brian has been instrumental in molding Isaiah’s skill set, pushing him to new heights. Now, it’s Isaiah’s time to show what he’s made of, and we’re confident he’s ready for this opportunity.”
Rodgers, who had a standout performance in the Vikings’ historic win, has quickly become one of the team’s most talked-about players. O'Connell’s comments reflect the coaching staff’s faith in Rodgers’ potential, as he continues to rise as a key defensive player.
“We’ve been shaping him for this moment, and now it’s time for him to step up and take control,” O'Connell continued. “The talent has always been there, but under Brian’s guidance, Isaiah has learned how to execute at the highest level. Now, we’re excited to see him make an even bigger impact.”
As the Vikings continue their pursuit of success, the spotlight is on Isaiah Rodgers to prove that he’s not just a product of the system—but a future star in his own right. With O'Connell and Flores leading the charge, Rodgers’ rise has only just begun, and the team is fully behind him as he aims to take his game to the next level.
Browns Make Joe Flacco Decision After Beating Packers
The Cleveland Browns made their stance on Joe Flacco clear following a gritty 13-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Cleveland’s offense sputtered for much of the afternoon, failing to score until late in the fourth quarter. Andre Szmyt broke the drought with a 35-yard field goal at the 3:38 mark, and a Grant Delpit interception set up rookie Quinshon Judkins for a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
Green Bay nearly had the final say, lining up for a potential game-winning kick with under a minute left. But the Browns blocked it, giving Szmyt one more chance. The rookie kicker delivered, drilling a 55-yarder as time expired to secure the dramatic victory.
Despite the win, Flacco’s play remained a central storyline. The 40-year-old struggled to move the offense, finishing 21 of 36 for 142 yards with an interception — his fifth turnover in three games.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the offensive inconsistency but said he never considered benching Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel to provide a spark.
“I’m just focusing on doing what I think is best for the team,” Stefanski said of his reasoning to stick with Flacco.
Stefanski emphasized that injuries along the offensive line, particularly at tackle, only magnified the challenges of going up against a stout Packers defensive front.
“That’s a great defense. I’m confident saying that’s a great defense. We had injuries early to our tackles,” Stefanski said. “They made life really hard.”
Browns QB Joe Flacco: ‘It Wasn’t Pretty’
The game was not an offensive showcase. Neither side cracked 230 total yards. Flacco admitted playing in that type of game isn’t easy, but he’s focused on playing his role.
“It’s hard. It’s hard to go out there and play in games like today,” Flacco said. “But that’s what football is sometimes. With the type of defense we have, it’s about going out there and capitalizing on turnovers and not making mistakes. It wasn’t pretty today. It was tough and there were times down the field where guys were open but I just didn’t make it happen. You feel for the group as a whole. Everyone wants to go out there and perform and put up numbers, points, yards, all that stuff. Part of your job as a quarterback is to get that done. But also, your job is to win a football game and play your role.”
The Browns’ offense was showered with boos in the second half as the scoreboard stayed stuck at zero. Even in his 18th season, Flacco acknowledged the noise still gets to him.
“You’re a person. You’re human. It hurts you a little bit and you want to react to it. But you can’t,” Flacco said. “Being a pro and being in this sport, you can’t be that guy. You will not survive. We’re all human and it affects people. But you have to be able to rally, at least fake it, and bring it to life.”
Browns Considered Starting Dillon Gabriel Against Packers
Through three games, Flacco has passed for 631 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He also had a fumble returned for a touchdown against the Ravens during a 41-17 blowout.
The Browns at least considered making a chance to Gabriel in the week leading up to the Packers game, per Brad Stainbrook.
“Earlier this week, Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees spent much of Monday in meetings weighing whether to hand the job to rookie Dillon Gabriel, per league sources close to the situation,” Stainbrook said. “The staff ultimately decided to stick with Flacco for another week, but the leash is short.”
The Browns head to Detroit next week with a chance to move to .500. Coming off the win, Cleveland will likely continue rolling with Flacco.
