Justin Jefferson excited for change under Kevin O’Connell

There’s a new man in charge in the Twin Cities. Kevin O’Connell is the now leading the Minnesota Vikings. And one of their star wideouts appears charged up.

He’s been nothing short of sensational since being selected in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Former LSU standout Justin Jefferson has put up impressive numbers since being the 22nd overall selection in the NFL draft two years ago.

In a total of 33 regular-season contests the past two seasons, the soon-to-be 23-year-old wideout has totaled an impressive 196 receptions for 3,016 yards and 17 scores. Jefferson has earned two Pro Bowl invitations in as many seasons.

Now he and the rest of the team have a new sideline boss in former Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell. And Jefferson appears to be extremely happy about the change at the top.

“Just for him to come in and be a laid-back coach. Ready to change the whole program and get us back on that winning stage. We’re all excited. We’ve seen so many new faces in here, so many new coaches…We have so much potential on this team. We’re all ready to get this thing started back up.”

Justin Jefferson excited about change Kevin O’Connell will bring

Yes, Minnesota has put up impressive offensive numbers these past two seasons. But the Purple Gang has failed to make the playoffs each year. All told, the Vikings are combined 15-18 the past two years — the first time the franchise has posted consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 2013 and 2014.

The Vikings’ offense is led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, dynamic running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Adam Thielen and Jefferson. The club has had few problems scoring points these past two seasons and could use some defensive support. As of now, the excitement appears to be on the offensive side of the ball. And it will be very interesting to see the difference in dynamic between Mike Zimmer and the newly-arrived O’Connell.