Starting the season 6-0 masked a lot of issues for the Minnesota Vikings. Behind a stifling defensive unit, their offensive deficiencies weren’t as prominent. But after losing two consecutive games, those problems have jumped to the forefront once again.

Now, after a disastrous showing against a middle-of-the-pack Buffalo Bills defense, the Buffalo Bills, in Week 9, those problems have become impossible to ignore. As a result, a former star wide receiver believes their issues are stemming directly from head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Former Receiver Isn’t Sure Kevin O’Connell Is Safe With the Vikings

Over the last three years, the Vikings have named Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy, and Kyler Murray as their starting quarterbacks to begin the year. The constant turnover hasn’t been appreciated by the fans, especially as they gave up on a former 10th overall pick.

To make matters worse, the offensive output through the first half of the season has left a lot to be desired, ranking in the bottom-3 of PFN’s Offense Impact Metrics. But after scoring just six points against the Bills, O’Connell is facing the fire from Steve Smith Sr.

The Carolina Panthers legend, who made five Pro Bowls and won a Triple Crown during his career, blamed a lot of their problems on the decision-making from O’Connell during an appearance on “Get Up” on ESPN.

“What we’re saying is this is a team that has an opportunity to go to the playoffs, and if they cannot figure it out right now, I’m not saying blow it up, but you do have to ask yourself, is Kevin O’Connell the answer to the Minnesota Vikings as their head coach moving forward?”

He made it clear that he didn’t think the team was bad by any means. But with an underwhelming offensive product almost every week, despite having playmakers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the roster, something needs to change.

“Not because I think this is bad, but how did we get here? It wasn’t Nolan Tinsley, the new general manager. He didn’t do it. He didn’t do it. He got there. Brian Flores? It’s not him. Who is it?”

It remains to be seen if the Vikings choose to make a head coaching change if things don’t go their way. But at 6-2, they are still firmly in the thick of the playoff race.

Instead, it might be the second half of the year that decides how the future of the franchise shakes out.