The Minnesota Vikings have faced a tumultuous offseason filled with challenges, including the tragic passing of cornerback Khyree Jackson and multiple injuries – most notably a season-ender for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Now, the team finds itself navigating yet another obstacle after comments made by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa about former Dolphins head coach and current Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Tagovailoa offered a candid critique of Flores, contrasting his experience with Flores to his current relationship with head coach Mike McDaniel.
Speaking on the “Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,” Tagovailoa shared his perspective on the stark differences in communication styles between the two coaches.
He described Flores’ approach as harsh and demoralizing, recalling how it impacted his confidence during his early NFL career.
“To put it in simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don’t belong doing what you do, that you shouldn’t be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven’t earned this right,” Tagovailoa said.
“And then you have somebody come in and tell you, ‘Dude, you are the best fit for this, you are accurate, you are the best whatever, you are this, you are that…”
Tagovailoa emphasized how these contrasting messages influenced his mindset.
“How would it make you feel listening to one or the other? … And then you hear it, regardless of what it is, the good or the bad, and you hear it more and more, you start to actually believe that,” Tagovailoa said.
He added: “You could be the president of the United States. You have a terrible person that’s telling you things you don’t want to hear or that you probably shouldn’t be hearing, you’re going to start to believe that about yourself. That’s sorta what ended up happening.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell responded to questions about Tagovailoa’s remarks, which suggested that Flores had undermined his confidence during their time together in Miami.
O’Connell chose to stand by Flores, emphasizing the positive impact he has had in Minnesota.
“I don’t particularly have a comment on something that took place with another team, or I don’t like to comment on comments of other players on other teams,” O’Connell stated. “But I can just tell you I know that the players who [Flores] works with, and he’s got great relationships here. He really has.
“I know [Minnesota reporters] have heard a lot of them talk about how much they enjoy playing with him and how much I enjoy working with him every day. That’s all I can really comment on, and I’d just like to leave it at that.”
Flores himself also issued a response to the critical comments made by his former quarterback.
“Look, I’m human,” Flores said. “That hit me in a way that I wouldn’t say was positive for me. But at the same time, I’ve got to use that and say, ‘How can I grow from that? Or how can I be better?’
“That’s really where I’m at from that standpoint. Do I feel like that’s me? No. But how can I grow from that situation and create a world where that’s not what anyone says about Brian Flores?”
Flores admitted that he’d be open to speaking face-to-face with Tua about their differences – but such a meeting would have to come down the road.
“That’s something I’ve thought about,” Flores said. “And, you know, maybe when the time arises or is available, I’m certainly open to that. But I’ve got a lot of other things going on too, as he does.
“Again, I’m just really focused on the guys here and the work we’re putting in here. And not really be talking about me or a situation with me. For me, in a team sport, I’d rather be talking about them than myself.”
Beyond the media spotlight on Flores, the Vikings are also grappling with a significant shift at quarterback following a season-ending injury to JJ McCarthy.
With McCarthy sidelined, the starting job has now fallen to veteran Sam Darnold, who has yet to fully live up to the expectations that accompanied his selection as a top draft pick.
Despite Darnold’s inconsistent career, O’Connell expressed confidence in the quarterback’s ability to lead the team through the upcoming season.
“I think guys are pretty confident in Sam Darnold. I do,” O’Connell said. “When Nick Mullens got his opportunities last year, we were very explosive as an offense.
“His ability to run the show and really highlight a lot of different aspects of our offense with his understanding is something. That’s why Nick’s here. He’s a guy we really respect and respect his prep and his experience.”
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson also voiced his support for Darnold, highlighting the importance of building a strong connection between quarterback and receiver.
“It’s going very well,” Jefferson said. “A lot of people don’t understand that there’s a lot of things that go into a quarterback and a receiver’s connection than just sitting back there and just throwing the ball to a spot.
“They have to really learn the timing of everything, how I run the routes, where I’m gonna be at in the routes. That’s just us learning each other, learning how he throws the ball, learning how I run the routes.
“I definitely feel confident in going into Week One with Sam as our quarterback, I feel like he’s been making plays throughout training camp. I don’t have any worry in my mind at all.”
Getting back to Flores, what are your thoughts on Tua’s comments?
How about O’Connell going to bat for his defensive coordinator?
In the bigger picture, what are your expectations for the Vikings this season???