Minnesota Vikings have massive advantage over the rest of the NFL thanks to head coach Kevin O'Connell

Vikings are NFL's best deep passing team

On the surface, it doesn't feel like the Vikings are this elite vertical passing attack. They aren't super successful in true "deep shots" that go 40+ yards down the field. However, they live in that 15-30 yard range.

Last season, quarterback Sam Darnold was the most prolific passer of throws over 20+ yards, matching the above graphic. 

• T-1st in attempts: 75
• 1st in completions: 36
• 1st in completion percentage: 48.0%
• 3rd in touchdowns: 10
• 4th in Pro Football Focus Big Time Throws: 23

When you watch the Vikings, O'Connell loves to attack 20 yards down the field on in breaking routes. Dagger and bow have been favorites for O'Connell over the years, and they pepper in right in front of the safeties.

It also helps when you have a brilliant play designer like O'Connell. He knows how to maximize what he has and attack defenses' tendencies. That has resonated in a lot of different elements that have come to maximize the Vikings' offense.

With J.J. McCarthy taking over for the Vikings this year, that could get maximized. He loves to throw the ball over the middle of the field, and that stood out on his Michigan tape.

O'Connell can maximize how McCarthy attacks the middle of the field with his 61 mph arm strength, and the main concept he likes to run is dagger, and can do it from multiple different angles.

Don't be surprised if the trend over the last few years of the Vikings being a lethal vertical passing offense continues.