Did a Vikings Newcomer See Kevin O’Connell Offer a Hint for Week 1?

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t want to be completely forthright in his answer about edge rusher Kyle Van Noy. Still, though, there may be some insight to be gleaned.

The Vikings newcomer is a veteran who has seen it all. As a result, Van Noy appears capable of getting worked into the mix pretty easily due to his brains and work ethic.

Check out what Coach O’Connell said when asked about how Van Noy has been acclimating: “He’s been exactly what you’d think when you bring in a veteran guy that has had the type of career that he’s had. He’s got obviously some background with Flo, understanding the system.”

Not long afterwards, O’Connell referred to the injured Tyler Batty as an “integral piece” who has been replaced by Van Noy. Will the new pass rusher be active on Sunday? Look to what O’Connell had to say: “Yeah, we’re still working through that, it’s definitely a possibility for this weekend.”

Vikings Newcomer Kyle Van Noy and the Need at Edge Rusher

Many have been pushing for help at edge rusher for months. Adding Mr. Van Noy therefore arrives as sweet relief to Minnesota’s worried masses.

As O’Connell suggests, the move was at least partially in response to losing sophomore defender Tyler Batty. Part of what made the head coach’s response notable was within the explanation of Batty moving toward being “integral” to what the defense was cooking up. If so, then perhaps there’s a hint in there.

Van Noy is adjusting well. He’s not a lock for being called up but he is stepping in for somebody who had been thought of as a key piece of the puzzle.

Van Noy finds himself toward the end of his career, making him a somewhat odd replacement for Batty. If he is, though, then is the new defender going to be of similar importance? And if he is, does it really make sense to sit Van Noy in Week 1?

Star Packers runner Josh Jacobs won’t be playing in Week 1. Green Bay’s best bet for moving the football is going to be by leaning on Jordan Love, a fringe top-ten quarterback who has steadily progressed toward becoming a QB1 who is more dynamic than prime Kirk Cousins but not as formidable as Dak Prescott. Essentially, a high-end tier-3 QB or a low-end tier-2 QB.

Throwing Kyle Van Noy onto the field means elevating somebody who can make like difficult for Love.

In 2024, Van Noy offered an eye-popping 12.5 sacks. Anybody at any age would be fortunate to climb to such heights, especially since the quarterback hits were an impressive 21. He deservedly got sent to the Pro Bowl.

The veteran’s 2025 was more modest, boasting just 2.5 sacks and 9 quarterback hits. Such modest production contributed toward being able to scoop him up on a practice squad deal after training camp.

The Vikings are likely looking for a season that’s somewhere between 2024 and 2025. Think around 5-8 sacks alongside consistent levels of pressure and hits. So, too, will it be a bonus if he can get shuffled around as The Mad Scientist cooks up chaos.

Kevin O’Connell didn’t outright say that Kyle Van Noy is going to play. What Kevin O’Connell did say is that Kyle Van Noy got added after a key piece of the puzzle was hurt. Moreover, there was praise for the veteran’s ability to acclimate to what Brian Flores is doing on defense. The purple dot connecting hints at him being active.

Kickoff between the Vikings and Packers takes place on Sunday, September 13th at 3:25 p.m. CT.

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