EXCLUSIVE: Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell, NFL fans lose minds over ‘soft’ roughing the passer penalty: “These clowns need to be held accountable

The Vikings’ season has not unfolded as both the supporters and head coach Kevin O’Connell had hoped. On Sunday, O’Connell’s club suffered a 30-24 home loss to the Detroit Lions, their NFC North rivals, in a game that might have postseason ramifications.

Officials ruled that Minnesota had roughed the passer in the second quarter. O’Connell was incensed at the call because the penalty resulted in the drive’s first down for the Lions. X was used by supporters to vent their fury over the penalty:

More fans chimed in on the call and included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell into the mix.

With less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, the Minnesota Vikings had the ball. Ifeatu Melifonwu of the Detroit Lions intercepted Nick Mullens, giving Minnesota a chance to score the game-winning touchdown.

The teams will play each other twice this season, with this match serving as the opener. On January 7, they return to Ford Field in Detroit. But since the Lions’ victory on Sunday won them the NFC North, it won’t be for the division championship.

Are the Vikings still in playoff contention?

Minnesota (7-8) has a chance to qualify for the postseason. It must win its final two games to seal the deal, first at home against the Green Bay Packers the next week and then on the road against the Lions.

After losing starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to an Achilles injury that ended his season in Week 8, the Vikings have come this far. Despite missing time due to a hamstring ailment, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson participated in Week 16 against the Lions.

In his rookie season last year, O’Connell won the NFC North and guided the Vikings to the postseason with a 13-4 record. Their postseason journey came to an end at U.S. Bank Stadium as they lost 31–24 to the New York Giants in the wild-card round.