Kirk Cousins played a great game and Kevin O’Connell called a great game in Minnesota’s 23-7 win over the Packers, but both the quarterback and head coach deflected credit in their locker room speeches after Sunday’s statement victory.
“You guys who have played in the league long enough know this, and I believe strongly everything rises and falls on leadership. The speed of the leader, the speed of the team,” Cousins said, talking about O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. “These two guys are running this organization. And we’re going to go as far as they’re going to take us.”
Owner Zygi Wilf chimed in, “All the way.”
“All the way,” Cousins echoed, “These guys leading us, this was their first win. So game balls to both of you. Great team win, men. That was a team win all the way around, men. Let’s go, Vikes on three, 1-2-3 Vikes!”
For Kevin + Kwesi 🏈🏈 pic.twitter.com/DrmoJQFStd
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 12, 2022
O’Connell fist-pumped before making his speech, drawing a roar from the team.
“First and foremost, you get an opportunity to be a head coach in this league it takes the ultimate trust from ownership to decide that you’re the right guy to lead the organization. And I’m so thankful that they picked me, not just because of them as owners, but because of our coaching staff, our players and everybody that pours into this team,” he said. Because like I told you last night, I love this team. I love this team and everything about you guys.”
He then gave Zygi and Mark Wilf game balls.
“Guess what this one’s for?” he said of the third game ball in his hands. “Even if it’s gotta come out of my budget, this one’s for every single coach and player in this room right now. That’s too much of a team effort.”
Love this team.#Skol pic.twitter.com/r6eiTdWAe4
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 12, 2022
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