Starter Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, is among the leaders in several statistical categories and has already scored a career-best 21 touchdowns. Nick Mullens stepped in and converted two third downs on passes to Aaron Jones Sr. as Darnold was briefly out of 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 defense, and JJ McCarthy is attacking his rehab and developing as he watches.

“I think Sam Darnold has had a fantastic year so far. He has been everything I personally hoped he would be and even more so when we brought him here in the spring,” O’Connell said. “And I’m just so proud of the way he worked and I’m so proud of Sam, you know, what he was able to do when he came into that building and really made our group a driving force to be behind it.” We are 9-2.

“Clearly a big, big fan of Nick, and I think that shows when I look at some of these plays where it looks like Nick is only allowed to come in on third down and throw the ball to Aaron Jones “To transform him.” O’Connell added. “But it goes beyond that. He is a true professional. What he was able to do even last year is move our football team and really show the true professionalism of a guy who is always ready to go.”

“I think Brett Rypien has done a lot of really good things since he got here, a smart, true professional, and I think I gave him my third or fourth team player of the week award this morning, so he’s had a positive influence .” ” O’Connell continued. “And then clearly JJ McCarthy, with the situation he was in when he got injured. I’ve never been more excited about JJ and what he’s going to be for this organization , and he’s performing with his at the moment Rehab really great job.” And the time I spend with him is always a real blessing for me personally.