Access Vikings

Latest Episodes:

Patience with J.J. McCarthy in an impatient world; Just four more cornerbacks; Kickoff rule impact Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

On the latest edition of the Access Vikings podcast, Star Tribune beat writer Ben Goessling and regular contributor Michael Rand dug into the quarterback competition in Vikings camp. Rookie J.J. McCarthy has flashed his talent and shown a command of the offense, but fans are going to have to be patient because the Vikings certainly will be. Sam Darnold is still taking the first-team repetitions and figures to for quite some time.

Plus they get into all the recent additions at cornerback, whether the Vikings might finally run the ball more this year and the new kickoff rules that could have a big impact on early success for teams this season.

Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Jordan Addison and the Khyree Jackson tragedy Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling and regular podcast contributor Michael Rand are back with a new episode featuring a breakdown of all that was said by head coach Kevin O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at a mostly somber news conference before the start of training camp.

The head coach and GM spoke about the tragic offseason death of rookie corner Khyree Jackson as well as the recent arrest of second-year receiver Jordan Addison. While the organization's efforts around Jackson are spot-on, Rand and Goessling found the response to Addison's arrest a little lacking in toughness.

Plus thoughts on other roster battles and the all-important question: How is J.J. lookin'?

Vikings playing long game with J.J. McCarthy; offseason program ends Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's spring with the Vikings after the rookie spoke with reporters following OTA No. 9 of 10. Kevin O'Connell said Sam Darnold is the starter, and McCarthy said he's been eager to learn from Darnold. What could change the plan? What else are they looking for come training camp?

Justin Jefferson, leadership, QB contracts and minicamp observations Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

From Vikings headquarters in Eagan, Minn., Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the journey of receiver Justin Jefferson's contract talks, his mandate as leader of the team, a brief tangent on QB contracts, and observations from the three-day mandatory minicamp.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings agree to mega deal through 2028 season Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Monday's breaking news that receiver Justin Jefferson and the Vikings agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension through the 2028 season. The Vikings made Jefferson the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback player at $35 million per season. How long will that last as the top mark in the league? What's the team's outlook with Jefferson and their quarterback situation? And what else are we looking for at mandatory minicamp this week?

Vikings OTA observations: Justin Jefferson's absence, Risner re-signs, plan at QB May 29, 2024

Show notes

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss what they're seeing and hearing from Vikings practice at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, including Justin Jefferson's absence, guard Dalton Risner's return and role, the plan at quarterback, and more in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

Vikings OTA observations: Darnold, McCarthy, defensive depth chart May 22, 2024

Show notes

Andrew Krammer goes solo for some observations from the Vikings' first Organized Team Activity session open to local reporters. What was the pecking order at quarterback? How long will it stay that way? What about the remade defense? Krammer also opens the mailbag and answers questions about a couple 2022 draftees, the schedule, 'X factors,' and more.

Vikings schedule analysis: Game-by-game predictions, Kirk vs. J.J. and more May 16, 2024

Show notes

Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling is joined by Michael Rand for an analysis of the Vikings' schedule, which was released Wednesday.

Goessling and Rand try to find a good time for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to make his debut given the various challenges of Minnesota's schedule, speculate on how likely it is that McCarthy will face Kirk Cousins when the Vikings and Falcons play in December and try to tally up a final record for 2024 based on a game-by-game analysis.

Vikings mailbag: QB rankings, '25 resources; Adam Thielen talks Minnesota, exit and more May 08, 2024

Show notes

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about how the 2024 NFL Draft unfolded at quarterback, the team's 2025 resources in projected draft picks and cap space, receivers, O-linemen and more. Then Krammer shares a 12-minute clip of a chat with former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, who discussed his new perspective, his Vikings exit, giving back to Minnesota and more.

Vikings' 2024 draft: J.J. McCarthy's runway, a few defenders, a kicker and some great stories Apr 28, 2024

Show notes

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 2024 draft, which included some insight into how Kevin O'Connell plans to bring along new franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy. They also discuss one position that was not addressed, the new kicker, defensive reinforcements, and some great personal stories from incoming rookies.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected