Jordan Addison went from villain to hero for the Minnesota Vikings in London.
The huge receiver was benched for the primary quarter of Sunday’s Week 5 win in opposition to the Cleveland Browns, earlier than he caught a 12-yard landing with 25 seconds left to carry his group to a 21-17 victory.
4
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell revealed postgame that Addison had missed a walkthrough apply final week, whereas the group had been based mostly at Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire.
Minnesota gamers and employees stayed round 20 miles away from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London, having performed the NFL’s first-ever Eire recreation in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers the week earlier than.
Regardless of sitting out the primary quarter on Sunday, Addison went on to catch 5 passes for 41 yards, and featured closely within the game-winning drive.
Following the win, O’Connell defined his determination to bench the 23-year-old, noting Addison’s conduct.
Vikings coach sends robust message with Addison bench determination
“He missed a walkthrough this week; these kinds of issues aren’t in alignment with our requirements,” the Vikings HC informed reporters postgame.
“I wished to ensure he was held accountable for that.”
O’Connell went on to reward Addison’s response to his punishment, and famous that he later apologised to teammates and reassured that they will ‘depend on him’ within the crucial moments.
“He dealt with it professionally, he spoke with the group to allow them to know that, at any time when I give him the chance to enter the sport, they will depend on him — and he makes the game-winning catch,” O’Connell defined.
“I like Jordan Addison. He’s a man I care about tremendously. He is aware of each man in that locker room has his again.
“He is aware of I can’t waver in my confidence and perception in him, however on the similar time, we’ve received requirements.
4
4
“Private duty and accountability are large if you wish to speak about tradition, in order that’s what occurred there.”
Whereas Addison took duty for his actions, star huge receiver Justin Jefferson later pledged to be a ‘stronger mentor’ to his younger teammate, and revealed the pair had phrases after the incident.
Jefferson vows to ‘do higher’ as mentor after Addison benched in London
“It is a tough scenario,” the four-time Professional Bowler mentioned after seven catches for 123 yards.
“I undoubtedly had my phrases with JA. But it surely’s all about rising up and simply being part of the group and understanding errors and understanding that he is a priceless a part of the group.
“It is extra in regards to the group and extra about simply us as an entire, not focusing individually on JA.
“However for him to come back out with that happening and nonetheless be capable to make performs on the market, and ending the sport with a landing to get us up, it was prefer it was meant to occur.
4
“He is an important participant. He is an incredible expertise.
“I’ve simply received to do higher at protecting him below my wing and ensuring that he has his head on straight.”
O’Connell’s determination to bench Addison for lacking a walkthrough despatched a really robust message, not solely to the younger wideout, however to the remainder of his group as effectively.
Addison responded within the excellent approach, and Jefferson made it clear he has his again, which can little question be necessary because the 3-2 Vikings look to struggle again in a really aggressive NFC North division.
NFL’s Biggest……
Rating the highest 10……
Keep updated with the most recent from the NFL throughout all platforms – observe our devoted talkSPORT USA Fb web page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all of the information, exclusives, interviews and extra.