Access Vikings

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 31-29 win at Lambeau Field, where a 28-0 lead slowly evaporated over the course of the second half. How did Kevin O'Connell's confidence in Sam Darnold help them put this one away? Why did the Packers offense suddenly come to life in the fourth quarter? Just how much did Aaron Jones enjoy this win against his former team?

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about the "Darnissance," reasonable expectations for this season, Sam Darnold and the franchise tag, Jordan Addison's impact and receiver depth, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game at Lambeau Field, where running back Aaron Jones returns in purple and the undefeated Vikings (3-0) can put an exclamation point on their place atop the NFC North against the Packers (2-1). How does the Packers quarterback situation add a wrinkle to the week's preparation? Who are our favorite ex-Packers in Minnesota over the years? How is this Vikings defense set up to weather the attrition of an NFL season? And what do they think will happen on Sunday?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan react to what they saw and heard during and after the Vikings' 34-7 win over the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. How did the defense flummox Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud so much? Or how did the offense limit Danielle Hunter as much as they did? And what does the crowd's reaction to Sam Darnold tell us about this team?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions ranging from the perceived "soft spot" in the Vikings schedule to whether the NFC North is as good as advertised.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the Texans, who come to town with a dynamic young quarterback in C.J. Stroud, one of the best receiver trios in football, and a motivated Danielle Hunter fronting a strong defense. Who's more motivated to get at the Vikings this week: Hunter or Stefon Diggs? What are our predictions? Why is Stroud's immediate impact more of a rarity as young QBs struggle?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 23-17 win over the 49ers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where Sam Darnold had a huge play and a clutch late drive, the defense starred once again, and players walked away feeling like they made a statement about their ability to play bully ball like San Francisco.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-adjacent questions about Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, speedy Vikings players, and more in this episode.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the 49ers, a team that the Vikings beat last season. San Francisco also won the NFC last year, too. What are the chances Sam Darnold continues his success against his former team? How will this retooled Vikings defense look against a loaded offense? The leap in opponents doesn't get much bigger than Giants to 49ers.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 28-6 win at MetLife Stadium, where the defense dominated Giants QB Daniel Jones and the offense was efficient with new QB Sam Darnold. What was the locker room reaction to this defensive effort? What did we learn about each position group? How about running back Aaron Jones bringing the speed and elusiveness?

The Star Tribune's Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer to discuss his wide-ranging interview with former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who is now the Cowboys defensive coordinator. The show starts with Ben Goessling, Krammer, and Michael Rand opening the mailbag to answer some of your questions.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the Vikings' season opener on Sunday at the New York Giants, where former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold will debut in purple. They discuss the vibes around TCO Performance Center regarding Darnold, why things should be different this time against Giants QB Daniel Jones, and what to expect from the new kickoff format. At the end, hear from Darnold himself as he discusses his journey with Andrew Krammer in a sitdown interview.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer react to Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's yearly press conference following roster cuts. Adofo-Mensah was candid about the 2022 draft class, which saw first-round safety Lewis Cine and second-round corner Andrew Booth Jr. get sent away after just two seasons. But what does it say about the direction of this team now? And what about other roster moves at quarterback and running back?

Andrew Krammer, Ben Goessling and Michael Rand bring you the latest episode from the Minnesota State Fair, where they braved the sweltering Monday heat to mingle with listeners and deliver a live podcast recording. Projections for the 53-man roster were a big topic of discussion, particularly which slow-to-develop members of the 2022 draft class will or won't make the cut. Plus they took a swing at deciding how many wins the Vikings will end up with this year. That question largely depends on what you think of quarterback Sam Darnold. And at the end, Minnesota Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal joined the party to talk about his beloved Bears.

Andrew Krammer is joined by the Star Tribune's Mark Craig from Cleveland, where the Vikings and Browns held two joint practices this week. Mark discusses the latest on the injury front from J.J. McCarthy to Jordan Addison and observations from practices, including how the offense fared against a tough Browns defensive front and what the Vikings secondary is looking like with less than a month before Week 1.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss rookie QB J.J. McCarthy's torn meniscus that will require surgery on his right knee. How does that impact the team's development plans? How long will he be sidelined? What it doesn't change is QB Sam Darnold's standing as the Week 1 starter. They also discuss the cornerback situation and free agent Stephon Gilmore's visit on Monday.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 24-23 preseason-opening win over the Raiders on Saturday, when Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy made their debuts in Minnesota. How did they fare? What about the rest of the offense? And how many cornerbacks are they going to need to keep adding?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the Vikings' plans for Saturday's preseason opener, and why quarterback Sam Darnold remains in the starting seat entering the first exhibition. Don't expect that to change anytime soon. What does J.J. McCarthy expect to see in "significant" playing time? What about Brian Flores' evolving defense in Year 2? Which players are (and aren't) standing out in camp?

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.

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'?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the NFL Draft's first round, in which the Vikings had to wait and watch four quarterbacks get drafted before they traded up for Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. The NFL's arms race on offense seemed to impact their ability to move up farther. How did the night unfold at TCO Performance Center? What about the other trade up for Alabama's Dallas Turner, who was frequently projected as a top-10 pick? What draft picks do they have remaining?

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer and Purple Insider's Matthew Coller discuss coordinator Brian Flores' offseason, starting with a quiet head coaching cycle and continuing with personnel changes in Minnesota. How do the Vikings want to play defense in 2024? Do they have the players or will they need more help in the draft? Kevin O'Connell addressed reporters Monday about the upcoming NFL Draft; why is the playbook fit going to be critical with the next quarterback?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's pre-draft press conference dominated by the upcoming decision at quarterback. This QB class has been on the team's radar for a couple years. There are "multiple guys we're in love with," Adofo-Mensah said. Which player do they really want? What are the possibilities if they can't trade up high enough? What about this supporting cast for a rookie? What went into the Texans trade for another first-round pick?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' crossroads at quarterback, where they've signaled through trades and free-agent acquisitions that they're all in on finding the next franchise passer in April's first round. What does the acquisition of another first-round pick mean? What about Sam Darnold? And why did the Kirk Cousins breakup happen now instead of two years ago?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the suspenseful closing minutes (or not?) between the Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was given a hefty bag containing four years and $180 million ($100 million guaranteed) by the Falcons. What's Cousins' legacy in Minnesota after six seasons? What's next for the Vikings at quarterback? And they recap a busy day on defense, where three new starters arrived via free agency.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview NFL free agency through the Vikings' perspective, starting with whether they'll jump into the deep end of a talented RB pool in free agency? Kirk Cousins will make the most of his free agency, that much is guaranteed. Plus, who stays and who goes? They discuss pending free agents from Danielle Hunter and K.J. Osborn to Jordan Hicks and Greg Joseph.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer come to you from a corner of a convention center in Indianapolis, where the NFL world resides for one week every year. So, what's the Vikings' plan at quarterback? When's the deadline for a Kirk Cousins deal? What about Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, Brian Flores and the most recent NFLPA survey?

Andrew Krammer is joined by Star Tribune NFL writer and Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig to discuss former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen being left out of the Hall for the fourth straight year. They get into former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer's reported return as Cowboys defensive coordinator. Craig, a Cleveland native and NFL Honors voter, also answers for the Browns sweeping top awards. Plus some Super Bowl and Kirk Cousins talk.

Andrew Krammer is joined by Star Tribune NFL writer Mark Craig, who is the Minneapolis-St. Paul market's voter for the Hall of Fame, NFL honors, and All-Pro selections. What does he make of the Lions in the NFC Championship? What are the challenges facing the Vikings this offseason? Mark also discusses his All-Pro ballot, which included just one Viking, and safety Harrison Smith's Hall of Fame case. Then Andrew goes solo for some mailbag questions.

Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune and Matthew Coller of Purple Insider discuss the first round of the NFL playoffs and the Vikings' place in the NFC North. How close is the Vikings roster to being relevant again in the division? Or relevant in February? Which young players can they count on? What position is absolutely barren right now? Finally, the year in Stefon Diggs tweets.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer react to the season-ending press conferences from GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and HC Kevin O'Connell, and they set the stage for what is a pivotal offseason for both of them. What are the factors at play in Kirk Cousins' potential return? Would they still draft a quarterback even if Cousins re-signs? What about the defensive depth chart and decisions to be made? And that 2022 draft class?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 30-20 loss from Ford Field, where safety Harrison Smith may have played his last game in the NFL. They look back on Smith's 12-year career, receiver Justin Jefferson's dominance and frustration, and Akayleb Evans' tough end in this episode.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the defensive collapse, coordinator Brian Flores' head coaching candidacy, a former top draft pick, and who they got making the Super Bowl this year.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' pivot back to quarterback Nick Mullens, who will make his second start against the Lions in the past three weeks. The conversation quickly moves to the long-term outlook with Kirk Cousins, the 2024 NFL Draft class and Justin Jefferson's recent comments about that uncertainty. Finally, what are you looking for from Sunday's game?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about safety Harrison Smith's future, the outlook at quarterback between Kirk Cousins' free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, reasons to keep caring (or not) and more.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer dig through the wreckage of the Vikings' 30-24 loss to the Lions, which included tight end T.J. Hockenson suffering two torn ligaments in his right knee. How do they move forward? And with which quarterback? Goessling said the Vikings could turn to Jaren Hall, the fifth-round rookie, after Nick Mullens threw four picks against Detroit.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about quarterback Kirk Cousins' value among many injured quarterbacks, edge rusher Marcus Davenport, playoff scenarios and rooting interests.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's Vikings-Lions meeting, the first this season but possibly the first of many with high stakes in the NFC North. How do the Vikings in Year 2 under Kevin O'Connell stack up with the Lions in Year 3 under Dan Campbell? Which roster is better built for long-term success?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer come to you from a random radio booth at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, where the Vikings lost 27-24 to the Bengals in overtime. Former Vikings quarterback Jake Browning became just the second passer to top 300 yards on Brian Flores this year. What happened on those big plays to Bengals receivers? What about quarterback Nick Mullens' first Vikings start? And Kevin O'Connell's play calling?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Nick Mullens as the Vikings' fourth starting quarterback this season. What are the expectations heading into Saturday's game in Cincinnati? Who else could be out of the lineup? What about Brian Flores' candidacy for AP Assistant Coach of the Year? And how many Pro Bowlers do you think this top 10 defense will get?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 3-0 win in Las Vegas -- the NFL's first such final score since 2007 -- and how head coach Kevin O'Connell got the the point of benching Joshua Dobbs for Nick Mullens. Is this Mullens' job for the next week? What happened with Dobbs? How about linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and this defense?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Kevin O'Connell's decision to stick with Dobbs and how coaches play a role in crafting a plan around what he does well. They also discuss Sunday's game against the Raiders in context of a defining five-game stretch, as well as the 2022 draft class and roster depth compared to the NFC North.