The Vikings had just hired Kevin O'Connell — the coach for whom Kirk Cousins had signed a jersey five years ago saying, "I hope our paths cross again" — and O'Connell had put his defense in the hands of Ed Donatell, the still-excitable 65-year-old coordinator whose schemes Cousins had regarded as some of the NFL's toughest to solve.
The quarterback placed a congratulatory phone call to Donatell. Pleasantries gave way to lively football conversation, and Cousins hung up the phone energized. He promptly made another call, checking himself against Harrison Smith, the Vikings safety not known for wide-eyed enthusiasm.