By Chip Scoggins

Copyright startribune

Some seasons they hit like a monsoon, though. That’s what it feels like with the Vikings. One after another, wrecking continuity as the season lifts off the ground.

“We’re definitely dealing with some adversity right now for sure,” O’Connell said.

For as much time and money that organizations invest in sports science advancements, the reality is that injuries ultimately come down to luck. The game is played so fast and collisions are so forceful that injuries are inevitable. It’s just a matter of how many, when and to whom? O’Connell barely played his starters in the preseason to preserve health. Now, two games in, the team is scrambling to fill holes.

The before-after image of every NFL season is always fascinating. The amount of time, energy and attention devoted to analyzing and predicting what will happen in previewing the season becomes all-consuming. Then games start, and everything that had been talked about and anticipated for months can change abruptly.

“[Injuries] require the flexibility and ability to adapt in real time,” O’Connell said.

That and a keen eye when constructing a roster on the front end. Outside observers pay less attention to players 30-50 on the depth chart until injuries put the team’s scouting savvy in the spotlight.