On helping the Vikings deal with the death of rookie Khyree Jackson before the start of the season, Head coach Kevin O’Connell told BBC Sport: “I’ve never been through this before, but I thought it was really important to do a few things. I wanted to authentically allow our team to feel and process the emotions they were feeling. I didn’t want to ask.” They should put it out of their minds.

“The other thing was leading in the face of adversity. I had to be the rock in our organization, be at the forefront, but also personally show some vulnerabilities so that the guys knew it was OK to grieve and that we would get through this together.”

And Connell, 39, believes Jackson’s loss has given them additional inspiration.

“I think so because it allows us to focus and do a reality check where nothing is a given. We understand how blessed and fortunate we are to do this daily because it can be taken away in a moment.”

“So let’s make sure we make the most of every moment we spend together and understand how special this place is and what the players have built here.”