The Minnesota Vikings are on the brink of playoff elimination following a shutout loss in Seattle on Sunday. Things look bleak for the team coming off a 14-3 season. Head coach Kevin O'Connell surely has heard the noise about having Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones in the building and the Vikings' inability to retain either in favor of first-year starter J.J. McCarthy. The offense has suffered greatly, and Justin Jefferson, for the first time in his career, is in danger of finishing below 1,000 receiving yards. 

O'Connell addressed the media and discussed the Vikings mindset, McCarthy, and Jefferson. 

"It's about trying to go 1-0 this week. And if you understood or questioned why a cliche like that is used, we're in a moment where it matters more so now than ever, 'cause it's not 1-0 to win five in a row or nine in a row." 

Sunday, the Vikings take on Washington, which has seen its season go up in flames due to injuries and underperformance. In that regard, the two teams are mirror images. O'Connell continued to back his second-year quarterback with confidence and the plan to get the former Michigan quarterback on track.

"Let's just make the throws. Let's just throw and catch. Let's just play with great rhythm and understanding of the plan."

This comment is interesting. It feels like O'Connell is telling McCarthy to hit on the basics and focus on the simple things. From that comment, you can feel the frustration from the head coach. 

What about Jefferson? The star receiver bolted after the loss to Seattle without speaking to reporters. Speaking of frustrated, the former LSU receiver has to be frustrated and feeling helpless during this low point of his young career. O'Connell backed his receiver and called him a leader. 

“He obviously wants to win football games. As I’ve mentioned before, he is as competitive as anybody I’ve ever been around. He’s a leader on our team, and nobody is accepting any sort of the outcomes that we’re facing right now. ... But he always, like he did today, shows up with energy, and he’s going to have an impact on our organization at a really high level.”

Even if the Vikings' playoff chances are slim, keeping the team engaged and bought in during tough times is the sign of a one-off season or the beginning of a bigger problem. The Vikings' head coach has to keep his team playing hard and as professionals. Success doesn't show commitment; turmoil does.