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Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about defensive coordinator Brian Flores, veteran quarterbacks in 2026, and more. This week's Flashback Friday segment goes back to a 2018 game against the Rams. The game helped usher in the reign of a young L.A. coach that would ultimately mentor Kevin O'Connell.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's game between the Vikings (5-8) and Cowboys (6-6-1) by discussing the "pure progression" QB reads that have Kurt Warner at odds with the way the Vikings are coaching J.J. McCarthy. They then get into the matchups with Dallas on both sides of the ball and end with Joe Flacco having 32 "bat phones" for each NFL team.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 31-0 rout of the Washington Commanders from U.S. Bank Stadium, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy got his first home win with his most complete performance to date. What went into McCarthy's improvement? How did the defense limit another opposing quarterback? And what importance do the final four games have for the 2026 offseason?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss who's in and who's out for Sunday's Vikings-Commanders game, headlined by the return of 2024's No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. That means it's Daniels vs. a struggling J.J. McCarthy, who may have his full O-line back together again. Then they open the mailbag and answer your questions about offensive linemen, quarterbacks and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's Vikings-Commanders game. First they discuss receiver Adam Thielen asking for his release and joining Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Then they get into what the coaching staff is doing to get more out of J.J. McCarthy for now.

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker talk through the Vikings' 26-0 loss against the Seahawks at Lumen Field. They unpack Max Brosmer's first start, Justin Jefferson's low production -- and decision not to talk postgame -- and where the Vikings defense held up.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' quarterback situation and open the mailbag to answer your questions that include: Should J.J. McCarthy keep playing this year? How can Max Brosmer's play on Sunday affect the rest of the season? What approach should the team take in the 2026 offseason?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's game in Seattle, where the reeling Vikings may be starting undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer for the first time. Oh yeah, old friend Sam Darnold will be on the other sideline. What to expect from Darnold? Brosmer? Where does this leave J.J. McCarthy's development? Who will be available along the offensive line?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from the mezzanine level of Lambeau Field, where you will hear the trash getting taken out during this episode. On the field, coach Kevin O'Connell, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and an otherwise veteran team seem to have run out of answers for 2025. The defense has only been able to do so much under these conditions, while special teams remains erratic.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the final ins and outs before Sunday's game at Lambeau Field. They also open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-related questions about quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development, receiver Justin Jefferson's patience, the offensive line, and more. This week's flashback Friday includes a look back at the start of the 2020 season.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview the Vikings' annual trip to Lambeau Field on Sunday. They discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development with seven games left on the schedule, how the kick coverage mishap is emblematic of a larger issue, the lack of takeaways by a talented defense, and what kind of team they're facing in the Packers.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 19-17 loss to the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium, where fans became restless with quarterback J.J. McCarthy's growing pains. What did coach Kevin O'Connell say afterward? They also discuss another strong defensive showing, safety Harrison Smith's 200th regular season game, and the highs and lows of special teams.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your questions about how players choose their helmets, center Ryan Kelly's return, edge rusher Dallas Turner's costly lesson about sacking quarterbacks, the false start problem, a rookie we haven't heard from in a while, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (4-5) and Bears (6-3), who have won six of their last seven games. Will the offense find cohesion with J.J. McCarthy at U.S. Bank Stadium? How do they match up against the Bears defense? When will center Ryan Kelly return? The Vikings defense appears to have found a groove after a rough five-day stretch in October. Are they going to get the upper hand again on Caleb Williams?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 27-19 loss to the Ravens on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, where an inconsistent offense was often penalized and turnover prone. What issues continued for quarterback J.J. McCarthy? How did an impressive defensive performance eventually fall apart? What did players and coach Kevin O'Connell have to say about some of the key moments?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's alter ego and the final injury statuses ahead of Vikings-Ravens on Sunday. They then open the mailbag and answer your questions about the red zone success, free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., the trade deadline, arm wrestling contests, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's Vikings-Ravens game through the lens of defending quarterback Lamar Jackson and quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ongoing development. They discuss the Vikings' struggles against mobile quarterbacks, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel's return, and more.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions from Ford Field, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy navigated another road win in the NFC North, the defense got back to its winning ways, kick returner Myles Price made a difference, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss who's in, who's out, and what's still not known ahead of Sunday in Detroit. They then open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the quarterbacks, tight end T.J. Hockenson, safety Harrison Smith, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback Carson Wentz playing through a torn labrum in his left shoulder, quarterback J.J. McCarthy returning to the starting lineup, and they break the news that Sunday is a tough, tough assignment in Detroit.

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 37-10 loss to the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday Night Football, including Carson Wentz struggling as he played through pain and what's ahead for the Vikings at quarterback. They also discuss who returned to action, who left the game early and the Chargers tearing up the Vikings defense.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Thursday night's game against the Chargers, leading with the decision to start Carson Wentz as J.J. McCarthy's recovery continues. They also discuss the potential return of a team captain, Aaron Jones, and how the Vikings offense and defense match up against the 4-3 Chargers. Did the Vikings just struggle against a big, mobile passer with a strong arm? Oh...

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 28-22 loss to the Eagles from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the defense let Jalen Hurts run around and find open receivers downfield. What to make of quarterback Carson Wentz's roller coaster performance? What about the uncharacteristic explosive passes allowed? How did a rookie get picked to lay in front of the Eagles' Tush Push attempt?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback Carson Wentz's fourth straight start on Sunday against his former team. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about quarterback J.J. McCarthy's practice time, which returning players will make the biggest impacts, and advice on traveling to Minnesota for a game.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's return to practice, his ongoing recovery from a high ankle sprain, his development and what it all means for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Will Carson Wentz face his former team? They also discuss two key defenders returning to practice this week and another, Dallas Turner, quietly playing well.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss which players are expected to return after the bye week. Then they open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about measuring success this season, the run defense, linebacker Ivan Pace's year so far, Blake Brandel's play at center, receiver Jordan Addison's future, and more. They also form a list of recently memorable Vikings games that Emily must watch.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 21-17 win over the Browns in London, which was capped by a 12-yard touchdown caught by Jordan Addison. They also discuss Cam Akers' single snap at quarterback, Quinshon Judkins' 100-yard game against the Vikings defense and what looks to have happened on Will Reichard's missed field goal.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest updates on a number of Vikings injuries, including a handful across the O-line that required the Vikings to fly out added practice support to London. Plus, they chat about key personnel for the Browns, who named rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel their starter for Week 5.

Ben Goessling joins from Dublin as the Access Vikings crew, including Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker, break down Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Why did a play clock have a key role at the end of the loss? They also discuss the unrelenting O-line injuries, quarterback Carson Wentz's performance, the defense's inability to force Aaron Rodgers into a mistake, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings injuries entering Week 4, in which the Vikings head overseas to play the Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, and wide receiver Jordan Addison's return to practice after serving his 3-game suspension stemming from a drunken driving arrest in July 2024. Plus, they continue the discussion of the Vikings' quarterback situation as Carson Wentz is set to make his second start with J.J. McCarthy still mending an ankle sprain.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 48-10 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals, starting with cornerback Isaiah Rodgers' history-making performance. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and safety Harrison Smith returned and made immediate impacts. Kicker Will Reichard just set a franchise record. It's the rebound performance the Vikings needed.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about safety Harrison Smith's absence and how that has affected the defense, running back Cam Akers' annual return to Minnesota, the philosophies of Kevin O'Connell's offense, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' pivot to quarterback Carson Wentz, who joined the team Aug. 24, amid quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury. What to expect from Wentz against the Bengals on Sunday? Who will be protecting Wentz along the offensive line? And what do history lessons tell us about what this season could become?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings lost the home opener, 22-6, to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. What to make of the listless showing from quarterback J.J. McCarthy and company? What about the mounting injuries and unrelenting pressure in the pocket? What to make of the defensive showing? Where do they go from here?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about linebacker Blake Cashman's absence, the pass rush matchup versus the Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday night, receiver Adam Thielen's role, and more ahead of Vikings-Falcons.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's Vikings-Falcons matchup that will bring intrigue on both sides of the ball. They discuss the issues and ailments to key defenders like Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith, the 2024 draft class with J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins returning, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-24 win after returning from Chicago, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a historic fourth quarter in his NFL debut. What did teammates and coaches say about McCarthy afterward? What went wrong in the first three quarters? When is Christian Darrisaw coming back? They also discuss the running back split, Javon Hargrave's presence, and a dynamic new punt returner in Myles Price.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-related questions about receiver Adam Thielen, the cornerback depth chart, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and the latest on ailments for safety Harrison Smith and tackle Christian Darrisaw.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Monday night's season opener in Chicago, where Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to face his hometown team in his first NFL start. How will he manage the emotions? How will the Vikings manage him? And what should be expected in the matchup of makeovers between the Vikings defense and the Bears offense under new coach Ben Johnson?

From the Star Tribune booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Adam Thielen returning to the Vikings, the initial 53-man roster, remaining work to do, and how the young J.J. McCarthy is set up to fare in the NFC North.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' recent flurry of moves that included trading quarterback Sam Howell to the Eagles and signing free agent veteran Carson Wentz as their new backup. They discuss the Vikings' many ties to Wentz, including QBs coach Josh McCown and center Ryan Kelly, that may help explain the move. They also get into a potential trade for receiver Adam Thielen and the recent trade that sent Harrison Phillips to the Jets.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the state of the Vikings receiving corps about two weeks away from Week 1. Do they need to add a veteran starter? Who's available? And what other injury concerns are still lingering with training camp mostly over? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about camp surprises, Aaron Jones' versatility, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard during and after Saturday's 20-12 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. What do they make of the Vikings resting 31 players, including all 22 starters? What about Sam Howell's lackluster performance and more uncertainty at backup QB? Receiver depth is also a question, as are the returner spots, entering the preseason's final week.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the second day of Vikings-Patriots joint practices at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, which saw J.J. McCarthy give one of his best performances of camp. They also discuss the return of WR Stefon Diggs, the former Vikings draft pick, Saturday's game plan and some injury updates.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the important parts of the Vikings' preseason opener against the Houston Texans. How did J.J. McCarthy look? Why did some starters play and others didn't? How bad is Rondale Moore's knee injury? And who stood out with the second and third units?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker first discuss receiver Jordan Addison's 3-game suspension and where the Vikings go from here. Is Adam Thielen an option? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold, preseason action, etc. Then Ben and Andrew are joined by ex-Vikings safety Anthony Harris to discuss his career, this year's team, Mike Zimmer vs. Brian Flores, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from Vikings training camp. QB J.J. McCarthy returns to the field in Saturday's preseason opener vs. the Texans. How much will he play? Who will play alongside him? What, exactly, caused a recent pause at practice when Kevin O'Connell had to intervene? And which players made Ben's initial 53-man roster projection?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about judging training camp performances, quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development, offensive line health, defensive dominance, cornerback depth, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Star Tribune NFL writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig, who is in Canton, Ohio for former Vikings great Jared Allen's induction. How does Allen feel now about his wait to get into the Hall? Who's the next Viking to get in?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they've seen and heard through the first week of Vikings training camp. It all begins with young QB J.J. McCarthy against a veteran-laden defense that got after him during Monday's first day of padded practices. How does the team structure practices to get the most out of him? What about the healing offensive line? When will Christian Darrisaw return? (soon) Plus, who has surprised us so far?