Connect with us

Sports

The Kevin O’Connell Quarterback Power Ranking if 2026 Goes South

Published

on

Advertisement

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell at the New York Giants in 2025.
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Kevin O’Connell is essentially the Statue of Liberty but for NFL passers. “Give me your tired, your poor passers,” the skipper appears to say, “for our Minnesota huddle yearning to throw free.”

Does he sing a similar song following the 2026 season?

Already, some are doing the purple dot connecting. What happens if neither of Kyler Murray nor J.J. McCarthy prove to be the long-term solution under center? Minnesota is desperate for one of these guys to work out but there’s no guarantee. Who could get signed up to become the next bounce back story for Kevin O’Connell?

Advertisement

The Kevin O’Connell QB List for 2027

10 — Joe Burrow, Cincinnati

Joe Burrow gestures after a first down during a Cincinnati Bengals road game at SoFi Stadium.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) gestures after converting a first down against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Nov. 17, 2024. Burrow reacted during second-half action as Cincinnati pushed the tempo and looked to sustain momentum in the road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

He’s the dream scenario. The problem is that he’s almost certain to remain in Cincinnati. What could occur is that the Bengals upgrades don’t lead to success in 2026, leading toward the veteran forcing his way out. He and Justin Jefferson remain close.

9 — C.J. Stroud, Houston

Mr. Stroud had a great rookie season but has struggled since then. Houston is being led by DeMeco Ryans, a terrific coach who has built a terrific defense. Does confidence in the young arm disappear if things go poorly again?

Advertisement

8 — Jalen Milroe, Seattle

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

He got added while Nolan Teasley was still in Seattle. He’s very unlikely to overcome Sam Darnold. Does a trip to Minnesota make sense? Right now, he’s an upside backup behind a passer who could play for another decade.

7 — Bryce Young, Carolina

The former No. 1 selection took a step forward last season. Does he fully establish himself as the Carolina QB1? If not, where does he go?

6 — Justin Fields, Kansas City

Advertisement
Harrison Smith and Justin Fields in 2023 and Soldier Field
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) after picking up a first down in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.

Size, athleticism, and resilience. He’s a good leader who is now getting to work under Andy Reid and alongside Patrick Mahomes. He’s going to improve.

5 — Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas

The Vikings could do better. The Vikings could also do worse. What remains to be seen is if he’ll survive in Vegas beyond a single year. Fernando Mendoza is marinating but the Raiders are going to toss him on the grill before long.

4 — Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

He needs to get healthy and then go from there. Lots of talk about Kevin O’Connell someday working with the former No. 4 selection. Upside.

3 — Will Levis, Tennessee

Advertisement

Tennessee now has Cam Ward, somebody who demonstrated promise as a rookie even though he had very little support. Ward isn’t likely to cede ground. Levis, meanwhile, believes in himself.

2 — Mac Jones, San Francisco

Picking up a point guard would make sense. Jones could be that point guard. He appears to perfectly fit the general criteria as a former 1st-Round selection in the prime of his career and who has been a journeyman. Working in a similar offense in San Francisco is the icing on the cake.

1 — Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay

Advertisement
NFL: Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers
Nov 27, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks on during pregame warmups against the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to settling in with the Buccaneers, Mr. Mayfield spent time with the Rams. He’s far from perfect but he’s an above-average player who carries himself with swagger. Justin Jefferson could feast with Mayfield throwing the ball.


avatar

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Former PGA Tour player Matt McQuillan dies at 45 in Kingston, Ontario

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Advertisement

Former PGA Tour player Matt McQuillan has died at 45 years old.

The Canadian from Kingston, Ontario, died on Aug. 5 “surrounded by his family,” according to an obituary published in the Kingston Whig-Standard newspaper.

McQuillan earned a scholarship to play collegiately at Oklahoma State, where he began his college career in 2000 before later transferring to the University of Georgia. He turned professional in 2003 and ultimately played in 32 PGA Tour events, making the cut in nine of those starts.

Matt McQuillan of Canada

Matt McQuillan of Canada in action during the third round of the McGladrey Classic at Sea Island’s Seaside Course on October 15, 2011 in Sea Island, Georgia. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

OUTKICK IS NOW ON THE FOX APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Advertisement

McQuillan’s best finish on Tour came in 2011 when he finished T-3 at the John Deere Classic, which came in large part due to an impressive final round 64. He tied for third alongside two-time major champion Zach Johnson.

His most recent appearance in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event came on the PGA Tour Canada circuit in September 2016.

Matt McQuillan

Matt McQuillan of Canada hits his third shot on the sixth hole during the second round of The Greenbrier Classic at The Old White TPC on July 29, 2011 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) (Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

According to the PGA Tour, McQuillan stayed connected in the game as a teaching professional in his hometown and introduced the game to the next generation of players across Canada.

Advertisement
Matt McQuillan of Canada

Matt McQuillan of Canada celebrates his par to finish two under for the day during round one of the RBC Canadian Open at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club on July 21, 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“Matty was a respected golfer, devoted son, hilarious brother, and friend. His father, Mark, started teaching him how to swing the club at the young age of ten and his passion and talent grew immensely,” the Whig-Standard obituary reads.

“Starting as a junior on the Canadian Tour and making it to the PGA in 2011, Matt developed lifelong friendships while mentoring anyone who loved the game of golf. There will be a celebration of life held at the ANAF at a later date to be determined and announced by family. He will be deeply missed by many and his spirit, love and compassion will be remembered every day. Rest easy, Matty. We love you.”

McQuillan earned just under $604,000 during his PGA Tour career.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

“They like seeing us run good”

Published

on

Carson Hocevar is in the middle of a breakthrough NASCAR Cup Series season. The Spire Motorsports driver will enter Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 fifth in the Cup standings, sitting ahead of all Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) cars.

Hocevar took his first Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway in April. He beat Chris Buescher by 0.114 seconds in a three-lap shootout to get his first series win in his 91st start. He also won his second pole of the 2026 Cup season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and led 31 laps before finishing ninth.

Ahead of qualifying for the NASCAR Cup race at Iowa Speedway, the 23-year-old broke down Spire’s close technical relationship with HMS.

Advertisement

“Hendrick and engine shop and everything they like seeing us run really good. I know Mr. H does it because he likes to see seven cars rather than just four and have shots,” Carson Hocevar said.

“They look at it like a seven car deal because of the close alliance and everything that they just get more shots to hopefully win races because it has Hendrick engines in it, Hendrick pit crews, and people he employs are on those cars. And obviously, Jeff’s like a son to him per se.”

Carson Hocevar is ahead of all four HMS drivers, including Chase Elliott, who sits sixth in the standings. Kyle Larson is eighth, William Byron 12th and Alex Bowman 29th.


“A live look at what me and my friends think is funny” – Carson Hocevar on his hour-long posting spree

Carson Hocevar (77) on the pit wall during qualifying for the Brickyard 400. - Source: ImagnCarson Hocevar (77) on the pit wall during qualifying for the Brickyard 400. - Source: Imagn
Carson Hocevar (77) on the pit wall during qualifying for the Brickyard 400. – Source: Imagn

Earlier in the week, Carson Hocevar was busy sharing multiple random thoughts. He also claimed that he lost a bet and had to tweet every 30 seconds.

On Saturday, the No. 77 driver said the mass posting spree was not part of any serious social media strategy. He was bored and having fun with his friends.

“Just started tweeting for an hour of how it used to be in the old Twitter. We had like Ratatouille up and we were making Ratatouille bits, and so I just started live-tweeting. You just basically got a live look at what me and my friends think is funny for an hour,” Hocevar said.

Meanwhile, Hocevar posted a 23.655-second lap around the 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway and qualified 18th. Hendrick Motorsports’ Larson qualified second, Byron 19th, Bowman 30th and Elliott 32nd.

The Iowa Corn 350 is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET on the USA Network.

Advertisement