Access Vikings

The Vikings face a second backup quarterback in the past three weeks on Sunday, when the Dolphins will start 25-year-old, seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson. The Vikings' strong start may continue. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game and open the mailbag to answer your questions on the latest Access Vikings episode.

The Vikings made it interesting, but after giving up 19 unanswered points to the Bears, they rallied with the 17-play, 7-minute drive capped by quarterback Kirk Cousins' sneak for the go-ahead touchdown. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the 29-22 win from U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Vikings (3-1) are off to the franchise's best start since 2016 ahead of Sunday's game against the rebuilding Bears (2-2) and quarterback Justin Fields. Andrew Krammer is joined by Matthew Coller of PurpleInsider.com to discuss quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense, what they think of Fields and the Bears, and they ask some questions through four games of the season.

It wasn't a pretty win, but maybe that says something about these Vikings. Ben Goessling from London joins Andrew Krammer to discuss the 28-25 win over an injury-thinned Saints team that made just a couple more mistakes than Minnesota. Goessling gives his thoughts from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on quarterback Kirk Cousins' connection with Justin Jefferson, head coach Kevin O'Connell's clock management and more.

The Vikings are 2-1 and catch a banged-up Saints offense in London on Sunday. How will the Vikings be challenged against New Orleans? What issues are lurking under last week's comeback win? Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss and answer your Vikings questions on the latest episode.

The Vikings overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter thanks to quarterback Kirk Cousins' back-to-back connections with K.J. Osborn and a timely stop by a beleaguered secondary missing Harrison Smith. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and La Velle E. Neal discuss the 28-24 win from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said he needs to put quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense in better positions after the 24-7 loss in Philadelphia on Monday night. Where does that start? How will O'Connell steer the ship after his first loss? What's ahead Sunday vs. the Lions? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense were off, so was a defense that allowed 390 total yards from Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in Monday night's 24-7 loss. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins recap what happened from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The Vikings head into a Monday night prime time clash with the Eagles in Philadelphia, where they'll face a much different test than the opener against the Packers. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Monday night's game against the Eagles, discuss what can carry over from the win against the Packers, and take your questions.

The Vikings played a clean game on offense and got after Aaron Rodgers on defense during Sunday's 23-7 win over the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss what they heard from the locker room and postgame podium, including the stifling pass rush, receiver Justin Jefferson's latest big game and improvement from the offensive line.

The regular season opener on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium will be the 124th meeting between the Vikings and Packers, including the eighth game in the rivalry for quarterback Kirk Cousins. But it's a new chapter in many ways for both Minnesota and Green Bay. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's game, discuss winning and the narrative around Cousins, and preview Goessling's profile of first-year head coach Kevin O'Connell.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah further put his fingerprints on this Vikings roster by letting go seven 2021 draft picks this week. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the flurry of moves and the initial 53-man roster on this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

Quarterback Nick Mullens might not play in the Vikings' preseason finale on Saturday in Denver, but it also might not matter as he could be quarterback Kirk Cousins' backup for the 2022 season following the trade for him. What does that mean for Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion? What do we expect the 53-man roster to look like once it's picked next week? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss on the latest Access Vikings episode.

The 49ers came to town this week and brought the noise. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the physicality brought to the Vikings' doorstep, what we saw and heard from quarterback Kirk Cousins and what to expect in Saturday's preseason game. They also discuss the ongoing topic at right guard, where rookie Ed Ingram has seen a lot of first-team work.

What should we make of quarterback Kirk Cousins' uneven training camp? Who can we expect to see play during the Vikings' preseason opener on Sunday against the Raiders? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss that and more, including receiver Justin Jefferson with some help from ESPN analyst and former NFL safety Matt Bowen.

Irv Smith Jr. underwent thumb surgery after a routine block in the Vikings' first padded practice. Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion are rotating reps with the second-team offense. Greg Joseph is drawing some lofty comparisons after a strong start to camp. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the latest from Vikings training camp on this episode. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah says the obvious, while quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Kevin O'Connell get to work on establishing the new offense. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Cousins-O'Connell and other training camp storylines, including tight end Irv Smith Jr.'s recovery, receiver Justin Jefferson's outlook, the new defense and more.

The Vikings finished the offseason program this week with a three-day mandatory minicamp, with the final practice scrapped in favor of another chemistry-building event. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the new regime taking a less (physicality) is more approach to spring practices, what we learned from assistant coaches, the recent Cooper Kupp extension through Justin Jefferson's lens and more.

What does one play by receiver Adam Thielen during Vikings OTAs say about rookie head coach Kevin O'Connell's approach on offense? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss that, as well as the outlook at receiver with Albert Wilson's addition, a recent softball game between Vikings players and much more.

The roster is at capacity and the schedule is set. So what should expectations be for the 2022 Vikings? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand share their thoughts and discuss what we heard from coordinators this week as the team continues spring practices. They also open the Twitter mailbag to answer your questions ranging from free agents to NFL stadium experiences.

Rookie head coach Kevin O'Connell says he doesn't want to be known as just an offensive-minded head coach. While the retooled Vikings defense won't necessarily be his main focus, it is critical to their success in 2022. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the defensive changes, O'Connell's approach, the 2021 and 2022 draft classes and more in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first Vikings draft was eventful with 10 picks, six trades and two links to receivers now in Detroit and Green Bay. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the focus on defensive backs with safety Lewis Cine and corners Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, as well as passing receivers Jameson Williams and Christian Watson to the Lions and Packers.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah says he has a unique leadership style. How will that form the Vikings' approach to drafting? What positions will the team value under his leadership? Will they even stay at pick No. 12? If so, who's in play? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Ben Goessling and Michael Rand take a two weeks out look at the NFL draft and try to project what the Vikings will do with the No. 12 pick. Almost everyone is projecting them to take a corner -- which is a smart and logical move -- but other options are in play. Plus they will get into Kirk Cousins' comments earlier in the week about retiring as a member of the Minnesota Vikings and answer a bunch of burning listener questions.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made one splash, signing ex-Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, which is the biggest sign for how the team's new leadership views roster building. Because there haven't been many other moves so far. Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss this "competitive rebuild" and how the Vikings might be able to, as Adofo-Mensah says, "win in the margins."

The Vikings' new brain trust said a lot in Indianapolis, but what can be gleaned about top storylines from quarterback Kirk Cousins to defensive end Danielle Hunter? Andrew Krammer sits down with Purple Insider's Matthew Coller in a corner of the Indiana Convention Center to discuss.

What were first impressions of the new guy? What could you really glean from answers about the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins? What kind of change will come with O'Connell, and which players will that affect? What about a 3-4 defensive front under new coordinator Ed Donatell? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss on this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings' coaching search ended this week after a winding path. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss how the team landed on Kevin O'Connell over Jim Harbaugh, and what that means moving forward. They also open up the mailbag and answer some of your questions.

The Vikings have a new general manager from a unique background. What did Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have to say about coming from data analysis instead of scouting? What does that mean for changes to come? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the leader at TCO Performance Center in Eagan and answer some of your questions.

Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said he wouldn't box himself into a candidate for GM or head coach, and the team has since made one of the NFL's most unconventional front office hires in former Browns VP of Football Operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Adofo-Mensah's path to Minnesota and what that means for the head coach search.

The Vikings' internal search team, which includes the Wilf ownership group and remaining football operations staff, has eight known candidates for both general manager and head coaching jobs. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the lists, more details from the previous leadership, the NFL playoffs and answer your questions on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Linebacker Eric Kendricks and right tackle Brian O'Neill said a lot when talking about what the Vikings need in a leadership change, revealing more about the iron fist with which Mike Zimmer used as his leading approach. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' culture under Zimmer and Rick Spielman, as well as what's ahead in the searches for general manager and head coach.

An apathetic crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium met the Vikings' season finale with the same level of hype derived from Sunday's 31-17 win over the Bears. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Zimmer not caring about Justin Jefferson's shot at history, what comes next for the franchise, as well as what might've been Anthony Barr's last Vikings game.

Are there two coaches approaching the end of their times in Minnesota and Chicago on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the second consecutive losing season under coach Mike Zimmer, which can bring about change in the NFL.

The Vikings didn't run the ball enough and don't have a rookie quarterback worth evaluating in this regular season, at least according to Mike Zimmer after Sunday night's loss in Green Bay. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins react to Zimmer's postgame comments, quarterback Sean Mannion's start and the direction of the franchise from Lambeau Field.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer embrace their inner sports talk radio by discussing the NFC playoff field, the Vikings' chances on Sunday, and safety Harrison Smith's current outlook at the Hall of Fame ahead of Sunday night's game at Lambeau Field.

Receiver Justin Jefferson said he could tell the team didn't have energy as soon as he entered the Vikings locker room before Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Rams. Linebacker Anthony Barr said the crowd wasn't in it. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap an offense that couldn't get out of the starting blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cornerback Bashaud Breeland didn't work out, and the Vikings offense enters another game in which its offensive line may be overmatched. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand use the power of hindsight to dissect general manager Rick Spielman's decisions, as well as look ahead to Sunday's Vikings-Rams game that'll challenge Minnesota's playoff hopes.

Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields didn't look good. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins wasn't a whole lot better in an ugly 17-9 win on Monday Night Football. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Cousins, Fields and the playoff chase from Soldier Field.

The Vikings' annual trip to Chicago is often full of twists and turns. In a 2021 season full of those, what should we expect for Monday night at Soldier Field? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand talk about Vikings-Bears games through the years and this matchup between Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields.

The Vikings nearly blew a 29-0 lead to the Steelers, with some of the same issues showing up in their lack of cornerback depth or a consistent four-man pass rush. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap another wild ending from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Linebacker Anthony Barr was named the Vikings' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in what could be his eighth and final season with Minnesota. Ben Goessling, Michael Rand and Andrew Krammer discuss Barr's work on and off the field. They also look back at Mike Zimmer's defense in Detroit and answer your Twitter questions.

The Vikings lost to the previously winless Lions on Sunday, marking one of the worst defeats under coach Mike Zimmer. From Ford Field, Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the pivotal stretch ending in Zimmer's defense giving up the game-winning touchdown to Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

An up-and-down season turns to December, when the Vikings begin with what would be a cold trip to Detroit if they were to slip against the 0-10-1 Lions. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game and discuss Dalvin Cook's injury, Kirk Cousins-Mike Zimmer, and much more.

The Vikings lost injured running back Dalvin Cook, who fumbled when his shoulder was dislocated in the third quarter of Sunday's loss against the 49ers. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss the turnovers, attrition and the latest around the NFC from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Everson Griffen was transported to an area hospital Wednesday afternoon via ambulance, according to Minnetrista Police, ending a day that began with a 911 call by Griffen in the middle of a mental health emergency. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss a scary situation and how it unfolded on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings (5-5) have a suddenly pivotal matchup in the NFC playoff race on Sunday when they travel to San Francisco (5-5). Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the latest trip out west and the challenges they face in the 49ers offense.

Receiver Justin Jefferson and the Vikings offense outgunned Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and the Packers in a 34-31 win on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss the latest turn in an eventful 2021 season.

The Packers defense is playing well in a "Last Dance" season for Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings just rebounded and are looking to play spoiler, if not more, in a tight NFC playoff race. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the latest chapter in the Vikings-Packers rivalry and discuss many uncertainties around both teams.

The Vikings stepped on the gas and didn't let off as quarterback Kirk Cousins closed out a 27-20 win against the Chargers. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan recap the win from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where once again Mike Zimmer's squad keeps things interesting.