The Minnesota Vikings are currently having a special season with a lot of influential pieces being the catalysts behind it. 

It all starts with head coach Kevin O'Connell. The Vikings head coach has been a tremendously influential part of the Vikings' resurgence over the last few months. They have not only secured their second 13-win season in the last three years, they have put themselves in a position to win not only the NFC North but also the one seed in the NFC for the playoffs.

On Sunday, they found a way to break their 18-year drought in Seattle by beating the Seahawks 27-24 and one play epitomized the season.

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Kevin O'Connell shares legendary Sam Darnold story

Late in the game, the Vikings had just allowed Geno Smith to throw a go-ahead touchdown pass to rookie tight end A.J. Barner for a 24-20 lead. The ensuing drive, Darnold put the team on his back and led the Vikings to the game-winning touchdown.

O'Connell talked about Sam Darnold postgame, including sharing a story where Darnold had to improvise a playcall because his headset went out.

Kevin O’Connell said his headset went out before Sam Darnold’s scramble in the fourth quarter. The last thing Darnold heard before the headset died was the formation.

“I don’t particularly know what he called,” O’Connell said. “I just know that once I saw him have space and run…

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 2024

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Not only did Darnold call his own play, he ended up making what could have been a disastrous play a positive one. It's a truly impressive feat from Darnold, who has been playing at an MVP level. They were able to drive down the field and get the game-winning touchdown to Justin Jefferson.

O'Connell made another comment on the situation, calling it "curious" that his battery would go out at such a crucial time. However, he did praise the staff for fixing it so quickly.

Kevin O’Connell called it a “MVP performance” by the #Vikings’ sideline to get him a new battery pack on the drive. Said he thought the timing of the headset’s failure was “curious.” Sam Darnold ran to the sideline to get the call on the next play.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 2024

The way Darnold and O'Connell have made things happen this year has been truly impressive and they are the biggest reasons why this team is 13-2 with a real chance to win the NFC North, one see and potentially a Super Bowl.

Vikings ride the backs of Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson to break 18-year losing streak in Seattle vs. the Seahawks

Justin Jefferson and Sam Darnold went off on Sunday