Why Shanahan thinks O’Connell’s Vikings offense is problematic Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
Kyle Shanahan is well aware that a Kevin O’ConnellThe Vikings-led offense could cause the 49ers a headache for the second straight season on Sunday.
During the latest episode of NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan,” which debuted Friday night, Shanahan explained to Greg Papa the similarities between O’Connell’s game plan and his own and that of the Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay, and why he poses a threat.
“Yeah, I think it’s similar, especially when it comes to the Rams,” Shanahan told Papa. “I think the Rams have been a little bit different this year in a game, a little bit different running style and stuff.”
With a A resounding surprise by 22-17 last season To boost their hopes, the Vikings are looking to continue their seven-game home winning streak against the 49ers. San Francisco hasn’t won in Minneapolis since 1992.
And O’Connell, who served as McVay’s offensive coordinator with the Rams in 2020 and 2021, bolstered his offense this offseason, adding quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Aaron Jones in an effort to complement superstar receiver Justin Jefferson.
Knowing the scheme O’Connell operates, Shanahan has a good idea of how the third-year NFL head coach might leverage his offensive weapons.
“But they base their game primarily on the one-back,” Shanahan added. “They do a lot of pace stuff. A lot of dropbacks and things like that.”
In the Week 1 win over the New York Jets, San Francisco’s secondary was limited Star receiver Garrett Wilson to fewer than 60 yards receiving and zero touchdowns, while holding Aaron Rodgers to 167 yards on 13 completions.
The task might look very different at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Jefferson eager to take advantage of any opportunity. one to one coverage He gets it.
Shanahan respects that and everything else that makes O’Connell’s offense electrifying.
“Kevin has always done a great job,” Shanahan added. “I have a lot of respect for him.
“When you have Kevin, his system, a really good running back, a really good quarterback, a receiver as good as anyone else, they can be a problem. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”