Access Vikings

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.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the reinforcements coming to this Vikings team from receiver Justin Jefferson to cornerback Akayleb Evans. But one of the changes might not be at quarterback, where coaches could stick with Joshua Dobbs for the next game. They also talk about edge rusher Marcus Davenport's outlook and whether we're headed for a weekly QB debate.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss head coach Kevin O'Connell's comments entering the bye week regarding his decision at quarterback. Why does veteran Nick Mullens make the most sense? What happened with Joshua Dobbs' struggles? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about the run game, NFC playoff matchups, D.J. Wonnum and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan emerge from the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium to recap the Vikings' 12-10 loss to the Bears. Will that be the last start for quarterback Joshua Dobbs? Kevin O'Connell said he'll mull a change over the bye week. They discuss Dobbs' performance, O'Connell's night, edge rusher Danielle Hunter's dominance, Jordan Addison's lament and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the roster's development and needs, coordinator Brian Flores' defensive philosophy, the approach with quarterback Joshua Dobbs and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the factors in Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson's return from a hamstring injury and the likelihood everyone will be waiting another two weeks to see him on the field. They also preview Monday night's Vikings-Bears game, look back at Kareem Jackson's hit on Joshua Dobbs, and discuss the possibility of Ty Chandler getting more work.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions regarding quarterback Joshua Dobbs' incredible start, the NFC vs. AFC playoff fields, Marcus Davenport's health, nicest players, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the impact of losing linebacker Jordan Hicks for the foreseeable future and the Vikings' reunion with linebacker Anthony Barr. They also preview Sunday night's game against the Broncos and old nemesis Russell Wilson.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan return from the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium to discuss what they saw and heard during and after the Vikings' 27-19 win against the Saints. T.J. Hockenson's massive first half while injured, Kevin O'Connell's coaching job, Joshua Dobbs' elusiveness, Brian Flores' defense and more in this episode.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your questions about Vikings cornerbacks, edge rusher Danielle Hunter's future, rookie quarterback Jaren Hall and more in this episode.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the Saints, marking quarterback Joshua Dobbs' first Vikings start. How many will he make for the Vikings this season? How does Nick Mullens factor? What's the outlook with Justin Jefferson returning to practice?

Five days after being acquired from Arizona, quarterback Joshua Dobbs stepped in and led the Vikings to a 31-28 win over the Falcons. Ben Goessling joins Andrew Krammer from Atlanta to recap Dobbs' performance and mobility, head coach Kevin O'Connell's leadership and the direction of this NFC playoff contender.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your questions about the outlook for the rest of this season without Kirk Cousins, the running back rotation, the trade deadline and more in this episode.

The Vikings' reconfigured quarterback room, with journeyman Joshua Dobbs joining the mix, came at the cost of being frugal for general manager Kwesi Adodo-Mensah, who said a bigger swing wasn't available. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Adodo-Mensah's comments after the NFL trade deadline, guard Ezra Cleveland being dealt to Jacksonville, and more in this episode.

The Vikings won at Lambeau Field, but lost quarterback Kirk Cousins for the season. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss the somber mood in Green Bay, where there was little fanfare about the Vikings getting back to .500 with a convincing win. What does this mean for Cousins' future in Minnesota? Who's starting at quarterback the rest of the season?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the offensive line, quarterback sneaks, the trade deadline and more ahead of Sunday's game in Green Bay.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss a Vikings-Packers rivalry game without a surefire Hall of Famer on the opposing sideline. The Vikings are favored to win. How confident should anyone be about Sunday's game? What are the chances they make the playoffs? Are we surprised at the confidence in this Brian Flores-led defense?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan leave a victorious locker room inside U.S. Bank Stadium and discuss the Vikings' 22-17 upset victory over the 49ers on Monday night. How impressive was Jordan Addison's night? Did the offensive line play even better? What does this say about this year's expectations and what this team can do?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your questions about Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, how well this 2023 team has been coached, and which defenders have taken steps forward through six games.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the physical challenge ahead of the Vikings on Monday night, when the 49ers arrive trying to get back into the win column. Brian Flores will blitz his way through Marcus Davenport's absence, likely including against Brock Purdy. Will the Vikings start 0-4 at home this year?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer emerge from the visiting locker room at Soldier Field in Chicago and discuss the Vikings' 19-13 win over the Bears on Sunday. Edge rusher Danielle Hunter led a potent pass rush with two sacks. They discuss his place on the Vikings' all-time sack list. They also delve into an offense that looked lost at times without Justin Jefferson.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your questions ranging from the recent injuries sustained on the slit film artificial turf at U.S. Bank Stadium to how this young locker room is transitioning in terms of leadership. They also discuss Danielle Hunter's trade value, the outlook at receiver and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the fallout from receiver Justin Jefferson's hamstring injury, including how the Vikings offense can pivot and which players could share the load. Plus nothing goes wrong in Chicago, right? They preview Sunday's game to what has been a house of horrors for the Vikings in not-too-distant memory.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins emerge from the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium and discuss the Vikings' 27-20 loss to the Chiefs. Receiver Justin Jefferson has a hamstring injury. They still can't get out of their own way. They're 1-4. At least the Bears are up next?