Kevin O'Connell's answer says everything about Vikings' quarterback predicament

Kevin O’Connell is leaving the door open for what the Vikings will do at quarterback before they step on the field Sunday in Green Bay after the horror show featuring Carson Wentz on Monday night.

Wentz completed just eight passes and turned the ball over three times in a 23-6 home loss to the Buffalo Bills, leaving the Vikings with more questions than answers just hours before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline arrives.

“In no way, shape or form was tonight acceptable,” O’Connell said. “Just not even close offensively to what we want to be.”

“Put tonight 100% on me. It’s not about any one particular player,” the coach added, choosing to fall on the sword rather than place blame on Wentz. “We’ve gotta improve offensively at a rapid pace.”

The most striking moment of O’Connell’s postgame press conference came when he was asked if calling plays has ever felt as challenging as it does right now with the Vikings.

“No,” he said, matter-of-factly.

With frustration reaching a new high and overshadowing one of the NFL’s best defenses and a 6-2 record, it may be time for the Vikings to wheel and deal before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

“Yeah, I’ll defer to [general manager Nolan Teasley] on that. We’ve had dialogue about a lot of different positions,” O’Connell said. “Tight turnaround, obviously playing the Monday night game before [the trade deadline]. We’ll get right to work on any potential moves that could be there, but really just focused on the game tonight, which really was not good enough in any way, shape or form.”

If they don’t trade for a quarterback, the QB controversy could continue. If Kyler Murray, who was held out with a reported Grade 2 hamstring strain that he suffered last week in Detroit, can’t play at Lambeau Field, the decision will be between Wentz and Max Brosmer, who at least looked competent in one drive against the Bills.

“I think we’ve gotta see where Kyler’s at first and foremost, and then we’ll make a determination,” O’Connell said. “Whatever the situation is, we’ll make a determination what we think gives us the best chance to win and go on the road and try to get our seventh win.”

Brosmer’s lone career start came in Seattle last year, and the Vikings lost 34-0. Giving him his second start against the red-hot Packers at Lambeau Field would be bold. Then again, allowing Wentz back on the field after one of the worst quarterback performances in Vikings history could also backfire.

Bottom line: O’Connell’s offense hasn’t fired on all cylinders since Sam Darnold left after the 2024 season. Every game that passes with boos raining down on the quarterbacks only makes O’Connell’s seat hotter, and the options will be limited as soon as the clock strikes 3 p.m. Tuesday.