Like art and pass interference, you know it when you see it.
We’re seeing it this season from Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff.
O’Connell’s job is to excel at play-calling, strategy, game management, player development and cultivating a winning atmosphere.
Here’s a winning example of each from Monday night:
Play-calling: Facing third-and-16 late in the first half, O’Connell had his wideouts run deep and tight end T.J. Hockenson hesitate before releasing into his route. The result: an easy pass and a 16-yard gain that set up an eventual field goal that made it 13-0.
Strategy: On the first touchdown of the game, O’Connell had Jalen Nailor go in motion, giving him three receivers to the left. Tight end Josh Oliver ran a short route to the right. Jefferson broke off the line, was the only one of the three wideouts to head to the right, and wound up wide open at the back of the end zone for an easy touchdown. It was the second game in a row that Jefferson found himself virtually uncovered for a score — a remarkable development considering defenses usually build their game plans around stopping him.