The most immediate competition for an NFL team rests within their division. For the past three seasons, the Minnesota Vikings have been unable to overcome the Green Bay Packers, who have snagged top spot in the NFC North all three years. Newly hired HC Kevin O’Connell is looking to change that reality.

In his press conference to end mandatory mini camp, O’Connell spoke about how he’ll treat the break before training camp begins. He notes that he’s looking forward to spending time with family. Don’t forget that his Rams won the Super Bowl, so his coaching duties extended long into the offseason. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by the Vikings. Preparing for interviews and then successfully snagging an opening takes a massive amount of time and energy. O’Connell has more than earned time off for his family.

One thing that caught my eye (or ear, perhaps) was how Kevin O’Connell also expressed his desire to take down the Packers in Week 1. After noting the importance of using preseason to sort out the roster competitions, O’Connell turns his attention to GB: “Ultimately, we’re preparing for that home opener against the Green Bay Packers. That started long ago, but it’ll start the very first moment they arrive at camp.” K/O could have easily retreated into prepackaged coaching language, talking about how it’s too early to look ahead at the schedule. Instead, he clearly articulated his desire to begin his head coaching career with a win over the current king of the north.

Music to the the fanbase’s purple ears.

Without question, Green Bay is the favorite to repeat as division champs. There is a glimmer of hope, though, in their inability to replace Davante Adams. It’s also worth keeping an eye on some of the defensive depth. Recently, Packers writer Paul Bretl told Purple PTSD that the edge rusher depth is worryingly thin.

Over the past three years, the Vikings are 2-4 against the Packers. Coming out strong in Week 1 would allow Minnesota to help reverse the recent trend. Two years ago, Minnesota began 1-5 before missing the playoffs; last season, it was a 3-3 start before a similarly lacklustre finish doomed the Vikings’ playoff hopes. The opening GB game serves as a litmus test, a game for fans to gauge how far their team has really come.

Kevin O’Connell has been very positive since taking over as head coach. Hopefully, his upbeat approach will help form a team that is ready to take down the Wisconsin rival to begin the season.

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