Starter Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, is among the top ranks in multiple stat categories and has already thrown for a career-best 21 touchdowns. Nick Mullens has stepped in and converted two third downs on passes to Aaron Jones, Sr., when Darnold has briefly left contests against the Jets and Bears.
Brett Rypien, who joined the team before the season, has been running the “look team” offense to prepare Minnesota’s top-rated defense, and J.J. McCarthy is attacking his rehab and developing while observing.
“I think Sam Darnold has had a fantastic year so far. He has been everything that I personally hoped and then some when we brought him in here back in the spring,” O’Connell said. “And I’m just so proud of the way he’s worked, and I’m so proud of Sam for, you know, what he’s been able to do coming into this building, and really take our group, to be a major force behind us being 9-2.
“Clearly a big, big fan of Nick, and I think that’s on display when I call some of those plays on what it seems like Nick’s only allowed to come in the game on third down and throw the ball to Aaron Jones for conversions,” O’Connell added. “But it goes beyond that. He’s a true pro. What he’s been able to do, even last year, moving our football team and really showing the true professionalism of a guy constantly being ready to roll.
“I think Brett Rypien has done a lot of really good things since he’s come in here, smart, true pro’s pro, and think I gave him my third or fourth team player of the week award this morning, so he’s had a positive impact,” O’Connell continued. “And then clearly J.J. McCarthy, with where he was at when he did get injured, my excitement level has never been higher for J.J. and what he’s going to be for this organization, and he’s doing a great job right now with his rehab, really turning the corner and being a major part of quarterback meetings. And the time I get with him is always a real blessing and a great thing for me personally. So I love being around him.”
