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465 episodes — Page 4 of 10

What happened at the Super Bowl ... and what comes next for the Vikings?

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker have you covered on the latest edition of the podcast.

Feb 13, 202543 min

From O'Connell to Jared Allen, how the Vikings' busy night unfolded at NFL Honors

Star Tribune writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame selector Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer from New Orleans, where the Vikings had a busy night at the annual NFL Honors ceremony prior to the Super Bowl. Craig discusses his voting for all NFL awards, including O'Connell's winning case and an interesting Defensive Player of the Year ballot, as well as O'Connell's comments about Sam Darnold and former Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen making it through a changing Hall of Fame process.

Feb 7, 202537 min

It's Super Bowl week! Let's talk Vikings quarterbacks and trade targets

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker begin Super Bowl week by talking about Vikings quarterbacks, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's contract, and more. They also open the mailbag to answer your questions about trade targets like Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp, as well as a what-if with Kirk Cousins.

Feb 4, 202542 min

Brian Flores' HC options run dry, plus Super Bowl and Vikings free agency thoughts

Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker discuss defensive coordinator Brian Flores not being hired in this head coaching cycle, his relatively older depth chart on defense, plus takeaways from this year's playoffs and thoughts on pending Vikings free agents. There are a few among their many free agents who could be coveted elsewhere.

Jan 29, 202549 min

Vikings, Kevin O'Connell agree to contract extension: GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah next?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings extending head coach Kevin O'Connell, the chances of defensive coordinator Brian Flores sticking around, the dominant(?) NFC North going 0-3 in the playoffs, the fallout for both the Lions and Bears after Chicago hired Ben Johnson, and more.

Jan 22, 202540 min

Vikings mailbag: Coaching changes? Distance from a Super Bowl? Darnold's end?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about coaching changes, how far the Vikings are from being contenders, how game planning factored into Sam Darnold's disappointing end, safety Cam Bynum's free agency, positions that are better off entering 2025, and more.

Jan 18, 202532 min

Vikings' Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell say they're keeping 'good options' open at quarterback

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker discuss the season-ending press conferences by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. Quarterbacks dominated the roughly 40 combined minutes with both. What's their plan with Sam Darnold? Where's J.J. McCarthy in his recovery? Are they committed to either at this point?

Jan 17, 202537 min

Vikings' 14-win season ends with another dud from Sam Darnold

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 27-9 loss to the L.A. Rams in the NFC's wild-card round on Monday night, when quarterback Sam Darnold didn't give them much of a chance in another big game. How does this affect the Vikings outlook at quarterback this offseason? How far away is this team from being a real contender? What do we make of an aging secondary that could be retooled? And what about that O-line?

Jan 14, 202523 min

Vikings mailbag: Brian Flores' HC interviews? Daniel Jones as QB2? Silver linings?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about defensive coordinator Brian Flores' head coaching interviews, quarterback Sam Darnold, the offensive line, quarterback Daniel Jones as QB2, whether the loss could be good for them, and more.

Jan 11, 202533 min

Vikings, Sam Darnold could both use this playoff win on résumé

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Monday night's playoff game against the Rams, including quarterback Sam Darnold's confidence and consistency, L.A.'s young defense, receiver Puka Nacua's impact, and what this game means in the bigger picture of judging the 2024 season.

Jan 9, 202526 min

Vikings, Sam Darnold lay an egg in biggest game of regular season at Detroit

DETROIT -- Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 31-9 loss to the Lions at Ford Field, where their hopes of clinching a division title, a first-round bye, and establishing their dominance in the NFC were left in tatters. What do we make of Sam Darnold's no-show? The lack of consistent protection? What about the approach on offense? Or how they have to take a 14-win team on the road back to the Rams?

Jan 6, 202523 min

Vikings mailbag: Health in the playoffs, takeaways, Flores, scout teams, and more

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about health in the playoffs, takeaways, the future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, big game emotions, and more.

Jan 3, 202524 min

Vikings head to Detroit to take back the NFC North, earn No. 1 seed

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (14-2) and Lions (14-2) at Ford Field, where the NFC's No. 1 seed and NFC North champion will be decided. They discuss how they're proceeding with quarterback Sam Darnold, who has just one regular season game left under contract, and how well this Vikings defense is playing before facing the NFL's No. 1 offense in Detroit. They also make their final predictions of the regular season.

Jan 1, 202531 min

Vikings dismantle Packers, set up a win-for-the-No. 1-seed game at Detroit

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where they talked to players and coaches afterward about what exactly happened between the 20-3 lead to another fourth-quarter rally by Packers quarterback Jordan Love. But it fell short again. And the Vikings were victorious... again. They're 14-2 with a chance to take the "little hats" back from the Lions, although they'd get their own NFC North hats with a win next week.

Dec 30, 202424 min

Vikings mailbag: Which playoff foe do you want? Ivan Pace's return? Future at running back?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the playoffs, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., running back Aaron Jones and 2025, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and youth vs. experience in the postseason.

Dec 27, 202421 min

This Vikings-Packers game may be the most significant in recent memory

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview the latest chapter between the Vikings and Packers on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, where this may be the most significant matchup in recent memory. They've played for division titles before, but the Vikings' pursuit of the No. 1 overall seed (and division title) can hinge on this game, and the Packers (11-4) are rolling off back-to-back decisive wins. Green Bay also needs this win for playoff positioning -- or risk falling to the No. 7 seed and a first-round trip to potential No. 2 seed Philadelphia.

Dec 26, 202432 min

Vikings improve to 13-2 with win in Seattle; NFC's No. 1 seed in sight

Ben Goessling, JIm Souhan, and Emily Leiker join Andrew Krammer from Seattle, where they emerged from the visitor's locker room to share what they saw and heard during and after Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seahawks. They're now set up to win out for the No. 1 seed. Are there any NFC quarterbacks playing better than Sam Darnold right now? How good is this Vikings defense after yet another closing takeaway? How tough of a test was a road game against this Seahawks team?

Dec 23, 202422 min

Vikings mailbag: What's a successful season? Pass-run balance? All-bubble wrap team?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag for a shortened episode on a short week to answer your Vikings-adjacent questions. What should be considered a successful season? Is a pass-heavy approach concerning at all come playoff time? And which players need to stay healthy as all NFL teams try to win the attrition battle?

Dec 20, 202415 min

Vikings' degree of difficulty starts to increase on Sunday in Seattle

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's game in Seattle, where the Vikings haven't won in a long time. But this isn't the same Seahawks team nor is it the same Vikings team as past losers on the west coast. What does Sam Darnold's development arc say about where this season is headed? What do they think happens in the final three games?

Dec 19, 202433 min

Vikings take care of business against Bears, set sights on NFC North crown

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan emerge from the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium to discuss what they saw and heard during and after the Vikings' 30-12 win over the Bears on Monday night. What does this win say about the state of the Bears? How are the Vikings set up for the stretch run? How's Brian O'Neill's right knee? What about the outlook for the division crown?

Dec 17, 202420 min

Vikings mailbag: Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy? O'Connell contract? Defensive depth?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the future at quarterback, contract extensions for leadership, what this defensive depth chart has shown so far and who could be rejoining by season's end.

Dec 13, 202431 min

Playoff scenarios, Sam Darnold's 'MVP' candidacy, and Monday's Bears rematch

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss quarterback Sam Darnold's MVP candidacy, playoff scenarios, Monday night's rematch against the Chicago Bears, and more.

Dec 11, 202431 min

Sam Darnold outduels Kirk Cousins for Vikings' 11th win of season

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins on Sunday. There was no question who the better quarterback was at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Sam Darnold threw for a career-high 347 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes. What does this win say about Kevin O'Connell's system? About Sam Darnold? Or about their chances in chasing the NFC North title?

Dec 8, 202423 min

Vikings mailbag: Core players? Pro Bowlers? Chasing the No. 1 seed?

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the age of the roster, how many Pro Bowlers they'll have, chasing the No. 1 seed in the NFC, quarterbacks, and more.

Dec 6, 202428 min

Kirk Cousins comes back to town, and he needs a good game vs the Vikings

Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand, and new Star Tribune writer Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game against the Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins, who returns to Minnesota after six eventful seasons for the Vikings from 2018-2023. What will the reception be like at U.S. Bank Stadium? How will he fare against a better Brian Flores defense than the one he practiced against last season? And how does quarterback Sam Darnold look in comparison after the Vikings "settled" for him in free agency last March?

Dec 4, 202432 min

Vikings now 10-2 after Sam Darnold's game-winning pass, Aaron Jones' redemptive catch

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins discuss the Vikings' 23-22 win over the Cardinals on Sunday from U.S. Bank Stadium, where quarterback Sam Darnold gave people more reasons to believe in his ability to win. For the second straight game, Darnold led a game-winning drive. But for the first time, the defense had to weather the loss of Stephon Gilmore. For how much longer? Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. got his 'skimask' revenge, and safety Harrison Smith says he's not injured after sitting out part of the game.

Dec 1, 202422 min

Vikings mailbag: Daniel Jones addition? Special teams concerns? Front office lessons?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the recent addition of ex-Giants QB Daniel Jones, the various events on special teams, what GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has learned from, and more.

Nov 29, 202430 min

Vikings acquire QB Daniel Jones in a move that has 2025 implications

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' signing of former Giants first-round quarterback Daniel Jones, who chose Minnesota over other suitors in his first stop to rehabilitate his NFL career. What does the move mean for the Vikings this season? And more pertinently with Jones, what does it mean for 2025 when only J.J. McCarthy is under contract for the Vikings? They also preview Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Nov 27, 202427 min

Josh Metellus tells us about emerging as a leading voice for this Vikings defense

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer sat down with Vikings safety Josh Metellus for a wide-ranging interview about the fifth-year safety emerging as a leading voice for a veteran defense, playing with Harrison Smith and under Brian Flores, and hosting Tell Us With Metellus. You'll hear from Metellus, Smith and Maleah Pearson, a producer for Vikings.com.

Nov 26, 202422 min

Vikings are 9-2 after another very Soldier Field game goes their way

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer emerge from the visiting locker room at Soldier Field to discuss the Vikings' 30-27 win in overtime over the Bears and being 9-2 in a tight NFC North. First, they discuss a huge game from quarterback Sam Darnold, who gutted through a foot injury to lead them to victory in overtime. But Bears quarterback Caleb Williams also gave the Vikings reasons to be concerned about having to see him twice a year. What did Justin Jefferson have to say after his quiet game? And what about the eventful afternoons for Vikings special teams and NFL officials.

Nov 24, 202424 min

Vikings mailbag: Vibes at 8-2? Future for Bynum and Murphy? Hockenson's role?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about vibes around an 8-2 team that has exceeded expectations so far this season, tight end T.J. Hockenson's roughly 50% role at this point, the futures of a couple starting defensive backs on expiring contracts, and more.

Nov 22, 202430 min

The Vikings and Bears, on parallel rebuilds, meet for the first time this season

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss where the Vikings and Bears are at nearly three years into the tenures of general managers Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Ryan Poles. How do the roster and salary cap situations stack up? And what do they think happens on Sunday at Soldier Field, where the Vikings have won four straight trips?

Nov 20, 202426 min

Sam Darnold takes steps forward in Vikings win at Tennessee

Ben Goessling and Chip Scoggins join Andrew Krammer from Nashville, where the Vikings completed their 4-0 sweep of the AFC South with a 23-13 win over the Titans. No, it wasn’t a complete game by the Vikings. But it was a better showing from quarterback Sam Darnold, who navigated a stout Titans defensive front without much of a running game. We also saw a change at right guard, some strong performances by edge rushers, and a wild result elsewhere in the NFC North.

Nov 17, 202422 min

Vikings mailbag: Quarterback growth, Dallas Turner, and trick plays

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about quarterback development, rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner, the interior offensive line, trick plays, and more.

Nov 15, 202427 min

J.J. McCarthy needs second procedure, plus Sam Darnold and Vikings-Titans

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer come to you from TCO Performance Center in Eagan, where rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy needed a surprise second procedure on his right knee this week. What does that entail? And what do they need from their current quarterback, Sam Darnold, this week in Tennessee? They preview Vikings-Titans and discuss the key matchups from 2023 draftee Will Levis to a stout Titans defensive line.

Nov 13, 202430 min

Defense, new kicker carry Vikings offense to 7-2 in Jacksonville

Ben Goessling and Jim Souhan join Andrew Krammer from Jacksonville, where the Vikings escaped with a 12-7 win over the Jaguars on Sunday. How loud do you sound the alarm after quarterback Sam Darnold's continued turnovers? Will Aaron Jones be all right after his injury? The defense again stomps on an inferior opponent, this time with linebacker Blake Cashman doing his thing. And a new kicker, John Parker Romo, comes through big to save an offense that couldn't score a touchdown.

Nov 10, 202422 min

Vikings mailbag: Kicker change? Short-yardage runs? QB hits?

The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your questions about the change from kicker Will Reichard to newcomer John Parker Romo, their short-yardage woes, hits on quarterback Sam Darnold, Brian Flores vs. young QBs, and more.

Nov 8, 202423 min

Previewing Vikings-Jaguars with a new kicker and possibly Blake Cashman

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game at Jacksonville, where the Vikings (6-2) have a chance to start a new winning streak against the lowly Jaguars (2-7). Who's going to be the kicker? How long will Will Reichard be sidelined? Will linebacker Blake Cashman return? And what are we to make of a streamlined (or simplified) offense for quarterback Sam Darnold?

Nov 7, 202431 min

Vikings' win over Colts wasn't pretty aside from defensive dominance

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 21-13 win over the Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. What is there to take from a rather ugly game? Vikings defenders probably wouldn't say it was ugly. They're 6-2 and right where they want to be. But there are still plenty of areas to dissect between quarterback Sam Darnold's enigmatic outing, running back Aaron Jones' new No. 2, another controversial missed call with a hit to Darnold's helmet, and some defensive dominance against Colts quarterback Joe Flacco.

Nov 4, 202424 min

Vikings mailbag: T.J. Hockenson's return, J.J. McCarthy's involvement, and more

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions on the potential changes to the lineup on offense and defense, quarterbacks Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, the NFL trade deadline, a very veteran defense's individual workloads, and more.

Nov 1, 202431 min

Vikings acquire new left tackle ahead of Sunday night against the Colts

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Sunday night's game against the plucky Colts (4-4) and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. They discuss a range of topics from the acquisition of new left tackle Cam Robinson after Christian Darrisaw's season-ending knee injury to quarterback Sam Darnold's trust in his targets. Also, will linebacker Blake Cashman play? And will Aaron Jones ever get a rep to breathe again this season?

Oct 30, 202434 min

Vikings defensive woes continue during 30-20 loss to Rams

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan emerge from the visiting locker room at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., where the Vikings lost a second game in five days and possibly left tackle Christian Darrisaw to injury. What happened on defense? What similarities were there to the Lions loss? What was the team's reaction to Darrisaw's injury? What can be made of the offense without him?

Oct 25, 202421 min

Short week sloppiness, Vikings-Rams, and O'Connell's return to L.A.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Thursday night's game against the Rams in Los Angeles, where the Vikings (5-1) will try to rebound from the first loss of the season. First they discuss an offense that can't get out of its own way. Then they take a stroll down memory lane to discuss Vikings' west coast trips on a short week. And they have differing views about just how well the Vikings might fare at Kevin O'Connell's former stomping grounds.

Oct 22, 202429 min

Offensive miscues, defensive lapses too costly in Vikings loss to Lions

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 31-29 loss to the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, where an early lead wasn't enough to hold off a red-hot Lions offense. What missed chances were there on offense? What did Justin Jefferson have to say afterward? How much did the defense miss Blake Cashman's presence in the middle, where Jared Goff seemingly had his way?

Oct 20, 202423 min

Vikings mailbag: Buyers at trade deadline? Dallas Turner? Replacing Cashman?

Star Tribune writers Andrew Krammer and Ben Goessling open the mailbag and answer your questions about the Vikings nearing the NFL trade deadline, a stuffed animal throwback to 2016, the Lions offense, rookie Dallas Turner's role, linebacker Blake Cashman's expected absence, and more.

Oct 18, 202427 min

Vikings managing key injuries ahead of big NFC North bout with Lions

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (5-0) and Lions (4-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium, where another chapter in Jared Goff vs. Brian Flores will unfold. But first: will either running back Aaron Jones or linebacker Blake Cashman be playing? What do they do if neither can play? And will there be a change coming on the offensive line at some point?

Oct 16, 202427 min

Bye week thoughts on Vikings offense, O'Connell, and 5-0 starts

Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller during the Vikings' bye week to discuss the recent win against the Jets, quarterback Sam Darnold's struggles, running back Aaron Jones' importance, the defense's dominance, and a trip down memory lane to revisit the two most recent 5-0 starts in franchise history.

Oct 9, 202438 min

Ep 493Vikings postgame from London: Great fan turnout, but plenty to work on for a 5-0 team

The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling, Chip Scoggins and Michael Rand check in from London, where the Vikings rode an impressive defensive effort to a 23-17 win over Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. At 5-0, the Vikings are off to their best start since 2016. But they also showed some offensive cracks after losing Aaron Jones to a first-half injury. Quarterback Sam Darnold had his worst game in purple, and the punt team committed multiple game-turning penalties. The Vikings made enough plays, including three critical interceptions of Rodgers, to come away with the victory in front of a very pro-purple crowd in London.

Oct 6, 202427 min

Vikings mailbag: Ring of Honor candidates, botched punt returns, and No. 2 receivers

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about Sam Darnold's level of difficulty, muffed punt returns, Ring of Honor candidates, incorrect officiating calls, the Vikings as favorites, and which player will end the year as the team's second leading receiver?

Oct 4, 202423 min

Vikings' hot start faces unique London test in Aaron Rodgers' Jets

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game in London, where the Vikings (4-0) will face familiar foe Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets (2-2). Just how worried should the Vikings be about a 40-year-old Rodgers? What are some notable numbers that put this 4-0 start into context? How does this compare to other hot starts in franchise history?

Oct 2, 202431 min