Vikings reporters Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune are bringing all you football enthusiasts another way to stay connected to the purple. Consider this podcast to be similar to any Vikings season: full of ups and downs, but never boring.
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Figuring out what to believe is harder than ever in this pandemic, as we’re told we should trust scientists who often disagree or change their minds. In this podcast I’ll be covering the science behind Covid-19 and other medical issues while examining how we can distinguish scientific ideas from chatter, speculation, sanctimony, hype and noise. I’m Faye Flam and I’m a science journalist so it’s my job to sort it out. I’ll also be investigating how misinformation spreads through social media ...
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Vikings mailbag: T.J. Hockenson's return, J.J. McCarthy's involvement, and more
31:36
31:36
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31:36
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Vikings acquire new left tackle ahead of Sunday night against the Colts
34:40
34:40
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34:40
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 lineback…
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Vikings defensive woes continue during 30-20 loss to Rams
21:44
21:44
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21:44
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? …
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Short week sloppiness, Vikings-Rams, and O'Connell's return to L.A.
29:04
29:04
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29:04
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. A…
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Offensive miscues, defensive lapses too costly in Vikings loss to Lions
23:01
23:01
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23:01
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 se…
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Vikings mailbag: Buyers at trade deadline? Dallas Turner? Replacing Cashman?
27:58
27:58
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27:58
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Vikings managing key injuries ahead of big NFC North bout with Lions
27:00
27:00
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27:00
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…
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Bye week thoughts on Vikings offense, O'Connell, and 5-0 starts
38:02
38:02
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38:02
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.…
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Vikings postgame from London: Great fan turnout, but plenty to work on for a 5-0 team
27:04
27:04
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27:04
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. Quarterba…
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Vikings mailbag: Ring of Honor candidates, botched punt returns, and No. 2 receivers
23:05
23:05
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23:05
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?…
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Vikings' hot start faces unique London test in Aaron Rodgers' Jets
31:27
31:27
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31:27
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 hist…
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Vikings get to 4-0 with a tale of two halves at Lambeau Field
20:55
20:55
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20:55
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 en…
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Vikings mailbag: Reasonable expectations? Tagging Darnold? Receiver depth?
27:20
27:20
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27:20
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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This Vikings-Packers rivalry game comes with stakes, Aaron Jones twist
30:50
30:50
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30:50
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 e…
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Vikings' 3-0 start capped by most impressive win to date over Texans
20:52
20:52
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20:52
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 tel…
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Vikings mailbag: Assess the schedule? NFC North difficulty? Star power on defense?
18:01
18:01
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18:01
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Vikings go from measuring stick to 'heat check' game vs. Texans
26:52
26:52
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26:52
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 p…
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Vikings make early statement with win over reigning NFC champions
20:16
20:16
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20:16
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.…
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Vikings mailbag: A what if with Kirk Cousins, fastest players, Darnold's success and more
19:48
19:48
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19:48
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Vikings preparing for the old measuring stick game vs 49ers
29:06
29:06
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29:06
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 d…
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Vikings defensive dominance, efficient offense pace 1-0 start
21:03
21:03
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21:03
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 th…
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Mark Craig on his Mike Zimmer interview, plus a Vikings mailbag
33:27
33:27
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33:27
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Ready or not, Vikings to debut new QB Sam Darnold on Sunday in New York
36:45
36:45
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36:45
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 expe…
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Vikings move on from top of 2022 draft while setting 2024 roster
36:54
36:54
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36:54
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?…
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53-man roster projections + What is the ceiling for Sam Darnold and the Vikings?
42:31
42:31
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42:31
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 wi…
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Observations from Vikings-Browns joint practices in Cleveland
25:04
25:04
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25:04
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 sec…
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J.J. McCarthy's knee surgery, development plans and 2024 impact
37:55
37:55
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37:55
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 a…
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Vikings open preseason with signs of progress and a glaring need
29:28
29:28
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29:28
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?By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Why the Vikings are starting QB Sam Darnold in Saturday's preseason opener
33:26
33:26
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33:26
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? W…
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Patience with J.J. McCarthy in an impatient world; Just four more cornerbacks; Kickoff rule impact
53:25
53:25
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53:25
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 Dar…
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Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Jordan Addison and the Khyree Jackson tragedy
33:38
33:38
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33:38
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 ro…
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Vikings playing long game with J.J. McCarthy; offseason program ends
32:54
32:54
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32:54
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?…
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Justin Jefferson, leadership, QB contracts and minicamp observations
36:18
36:18
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36:18
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Justin Jefferson, Vikings agree to mega deal through 2028 season
39:06
39:06
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39:06
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…
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Vikings OTA observations: Justin Jefferson's absence, Risner re-signs, plan at QB
39:51
39:51
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39:51
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.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Vikings OTA observations: Darnold, McCarthy, defensive depth chart
32:27
32:27
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32:27
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 mo…
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Vikings schedule analysis: Game-by-game predictions, Kirk vs. J.J. and more
37:02
37:02
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37:02
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 …
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Vikings mailbag: QB rankings, '25 resources; Adam Thielen talks Minnesota, exit and more
43:20
43:20
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43:20
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 per…
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Vikings' 2024 draft: J.J. McCarthy's runway, a few defenders, a kicker and some great stories
36:35
36:35
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36:35
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.…
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Vikings eyed bigger swing, but land QB J.J. McCarthy and pass rusher Dallas Turner
38:04
38:04
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38:04
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 tr…
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On Vikings' defensive shift under Brian Flores and NFL Draft with Matthew Coller
51:55
51:55
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51:55
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…
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Vikings 'in love' with multiple QB options, GM says; at what cost?
49:08
49:08
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49:08
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…
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Vikings positioned to make tenure-defining decision in NFL Draft
49:38
49:38
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49:38
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 Cou…
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Kirk Cousins leaves for Falcons, Vikings' defensive overhaul and more
49:03
49:03
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49:03
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 quarterbac…
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Vikings' free agency preview: Kirk Cousins, RBs, and who stays and who goes?
41:36
41:36
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41:36
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 …
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Plan at quarterback, more Vikings takeaways from NFL Scouting Combine
44:02
44:02
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44:02
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?…
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Jared Allen left out of Hall again, Mike Zimmer's NFL return, and Cleveland rocks
37:44
37:44
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37:44
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, als…
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NFL awards voter Mark Craig on Vikings' challenges; mailbag on Jefferson, QBs, and RBs
40:34
40:34
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40:34
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 Vi…
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Vikings' roster, NFL playoffs amplify questions about NFC North relevance
39:17
39:17
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39:17
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, t…
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Vikings embark on pivotal offseason for Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell regime
41:22
41:22
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41:22
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 defens…
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