Kevin O’Connell provides clarity on controversial play call to Justin Jefferson that had fans seething, and he’s absolutely right

It’s not a simple answer, but Kevin O’Connell is right about his play calling.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (3) is called for pass interference against Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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There were a lot of frustrating moments for the Minnesota Vikings during their 27-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy showed some flashes early on by leading the Vikings to a touchdown drive, including a 62-yard throw to Jalen Nailor.

It wasn’t the good that generated frustration from the fanbase, but rather the ones that were missed. The Vikings consistently have struggled on third down, especially on third and short. It’s been a rough spot for head coach Kevin O’Connell, especially with how many view his process.

Kevin O’Connell defends third-down play-calling with an obvious answer

It was third and one at the beginning of the third quarter, just inside the 50-yard line. Most teams would run the ball, but the Vikings love to throw the ball. They did just that on Sunday with a play-action deep shot to superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. It ended in an interception, mainly due to him slipping when making his break to the post.

When you look at the play call, it’s not a bad one. Jefferson is wide open on the throw, but it just didn’t work. O’Connell was asked about it and said exactly what you would expect him to.

“But the third one, I mean, that ball has already left his hand when, when Justin and [Marlon] Humphrey’s feet get tangled up, things like that happen in football. And I’ll take Justin Jefferson one-on-one down the field and zero coverage as much as we can possibly do it,” said O’Connell. “Especially when you’re going to have the ability to then take that shot, and then with the field position we’re at, go get that yard on fourth down in that throwaway.”

Why wouldn’t you take a shot at the best wide receiver in the NFL with zero coverage? That’s an obvious call, and you should trust Jefferson to make that play.

Sometimes, it doesn’t work, and that’s something you can live with. If this ball ended up incomplete, then you still have fourth and one in a go-for-it situation. Process-wise, it’s a good move.

Where things become a question mark is how little those decisions have worked. At some point, perhaps a new approach is needed.

Even with the lack of success, it’s never a bad idea to throw the ball to Jefferson. Process is more important than results on a large scale, but you need to hit on these at some point. There’s plenty of evidence that they can do it, including this play from the end of the 2023 season.

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