Matthew Coller’s latest episode of The Purple Insider zooms in on where Minnesota actually stands as the season winds down: a team trending in the right direction offensively, but battling injuries and bigger-picture questions about what comes next. The episode is centered on JJ McCarthy’s recent improvement, the way Kevin O’Connell has adapted the offense, and the ripple effects of key absences — especially with a physical matchup looming.
JJ McCarthy is playing cleaner, more confident football
Coller notes that McCarthy’s last two weeks have looked noticeably different, with sharper decision-making and a big step forward in protecting the ball. The numbers reflect it too: fewer turnovers, fewer sacks, and a calmer presence that suggests he’s processing faster. McCarthy even says he felt “in sync” against the Cowboys, and Coller frames that as a meaningful checkpoint in his development rather than a throwaway postgame quote. (Around 1:40–4:06, 2:43–2:57)
O’Connell is reshaping the offense with heavier personnel
One of the most interesting sections is the breakdown of how O’Connell’s offense has “morphed” across the season. Coller highlights Minnesota leaning more into bigger groupings — using CJ Ham at fullback and extra tight end looks with Josh Oliver — to help create better run-pass balance and, just as importantly, improve pass protection. Even with those tweaks, the identity stays consistent: the Vikings still want to hit downfield throws, and play-action remains a core piece of how they generate those chances. (Around 10:55–11:50, 14:48–15:04, 16:51–19:00)
Injuries are shaping everything, especially up front
The injury segment is where the tone turns more urgent. Coller runs through major losses like Josh Metellus reportedly being out for the year after shoulder surgery, along with Jonathan Greenard being sidelined. He’s also clearly uneasy about Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill dealing with ongoing issues, raising the larger question of whether it’s worth pushing key linemen when the playoff picture is already gone. The practical takeaway: if Minnesota is compromised on the offensive line, it could put McCarthy in a difficult spot against the Giants’ defensive front, which Coller frames as a real test for a young quarterback’s timing and toughness. (Around 21:25–27:15, 25:25–26:33)
The “top-five QB” debate: Burrow speculation and why it matters
Late in the episode, the conversation widens from this season to roster-building theory. Coller reacts to Joe Burrowcomments that have sparked speculation about his future in Cincinnati and floats Minnesota as a hypothetical trade partner — not because McCarthy has failed, but because teams ultimately chase elite quarterback play to win Super Bowls. He also addresses Kyler Murray trade chatter more quickly, pushing back on the fit and consistency questions in the context of what the Vikings want to be offensively. (Around 34:08–37:55)
Watch the full episode
If you’re tracking McCarthy’s trajectory and what O’Connell is doing to stabilize the offense, this episode is a strong snapshot of where the Vikings are right now — and where the discussion is heading next. Coller balances the on-field breakdown (personnel, protection, development) with the bigger quarterback-team-building conversation that always follows a franchise trying to take the next step.