Coach Mike Zimmer said he made the move to relieve DeFilippo of his duties and elevate quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski to interim OC because he didn’t want the season to be wasted. In effect, that move increased the burden this team was already facing, needing to prove it is capable of playing like a team eyeing a deep postseason run.nike nfl jerseys cheap paypal
By the end of the first quarter of Minnesota’s 41-17 win over the Miami Dolphins, that pressure was nowhere to be found. Stefanski was doling out high-fives on the sideline from rookie right tackle Brian O’Neill to running back Latavius Murray, who minutes before had rushed 18 yards for Minnesota’s third touchdown in the first 14 minutes.
Stefanski’s debut as a playcaller resulted in Minnesota’s highest scoring output of the season.
“It was simpler, but we definitely still had everything that we needed,” wide receiver Adam Thielen said of Stefanski’s game plan. “Coach did a great job of keeping the defense on their heels. They didn’t know if it was a run or pass. Obviously, he let the guys who were playing well and playing hot take over and carry our offense.”
Stefanski’s game plan pulled back on things that had made the Vikings successful in the past. The longest tenured coach in Minnesota, having been on staff in various roles since 2006, Stefanski utilized a handful of concepts often seen in former OC Pat Shurmur’s scheme during the Vikings’ 2017 run, including the use of multiple tight end sets to aid a powerful rushing attack, running back and receiver screens and the use of play-action.cheap nike nfl jerseys wholesale
“I think Kevin (Stefanski) was as prepared as anyone for this opportunity,” tight end Kyle Rudolph said. “He has been here the longest out of anyone on offense. He’s a guy that has worked under many different offensive coordinators, he saw what they did well, maybe what they did not do as well, and what he would do once it was his turn. I think you saw that throughout the week with little changes. He didn’t come in and overhaul everything.