Bill Belichick's selection of Kevin O'Connell in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft has borne fruit, as O'Connell was recently awarded the 2024 NFL Coach of the Year award. Despite a brief playing career, O'Connell has excelled as a coach, notably winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 and achieving a remarkable 34-17 record in his three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, including a division title.

This season, he led the Vikings to a franchise-record-equalling 14 wins, showcasing adaptability after losing rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to injury. Veteran Sam Darnold stepped up, throwing a career-high 35 touchdown passes, further solidifying O'Connell's coaching acumen. He outshone notable competitors like Dan Campbell and Andy Reid for the Coach of the Year honors.

In a crucial playoff matchup, the Minnesota Vikings are set to face the Los Angeles Rams, hosted by the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. New quarterback Daniel Jones, recently signed from the New York Giants, will serve as the emergency No. 3 quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens. Coach Kevin O'Connell emphasized the importance of Mullens as the team's reliable backup. Meanwhile, the Vikings will be missing key players, including edge rusher Pat Jones II.

As the Vikings prepare for the game, the atmosphere in Arizona is lively, with many fans and scouts present. The Cardinals, who finished their season with a disappointing record, are providing a warm welcome to attendees. Inactives for the Vikings include several offensive and defensive players, while the Rams also have notable absences, including quarterback Stetson Bennett.

Daniel Jones, recently added to the Minnesota Vikings' active roster, is preparing for his potential role as the backup quarterback in the upcoming wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams. Speaking to reporters for the first time, he acknowledged the learning experience he’s had under starting quarterback Sam Darnold.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been non-committal about Jones' role, emphasizing that Nick Mullens has held the No. 2 position throughout the season. With Jones not having played since November 10, the team faces the challenge of activating three quarterbacks while managing the roster effectively.

The Minnesota Vikings are contemplating a significant shift in their quarterback lineup as they prepare for the playoffs. After signing Daniel Jones to their 53-man roster, he joins starter Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens. Coach Kevin O'Connell has remained non-committal about whether Jones or Mullens will serve as Darnold's backup for their upcoming wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Darnold, who has struggled recently, particularly in a recent loss to the Lions, may face increased competition for the backup role. Jones, previously with the New York Giants, is looking to revitalize his career and provide the Vikings with a solid option should Darnold falter.

The Minnesota Vikings have made a strategic move to bolster their quarterback position ahead of the NFL playoffs by promoting Daniel Jones from their practice squad. This decision comes on the heels of Sam Darnold's disappointing performance in a crucial Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions. Darnold will remain the starter, but Jones's addition to the active roster ensures that he is available for the wild-card round.

Jones, who previously played for the New York Giants and has a wealth of experience as a starter, will now be eligible to participate in the playoffs. His promotion serves a dual purpose for the Vikings, protecting them from losing him to another team and allowing them the potential for a compensatory draft pick if he departs in free agency after the 2025 season.

While Nick Mullens is listed as the Vikings' No. 2 quarterback, Jones’s experience, including a playoff victory over the Vikings last year, makes him a valuable asset as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.