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.
Running back Dalvin Cook's legal matter and the internal spread of COVID-19 are among the Vikings' off-field concerns as they prepare for the Chargers on Sunday. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Star Tribune's reporting on the lawsuit against Cook, as well as a COVID outbreak that has left one player hospitalized.
The Vikings lost another close game on Sunday, 34-31, in overtime to the Ravens, meaning they're 2-5 in one-score games. They're talented enough to be in these games, but some familiar problems remain. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan discuss the offensive coaching and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Also, did a depleted defense do well while causing pressure and turnovers, but allowing 500 yards? (They say yes.)
This Vikings team appears headed toward another cold winter after news of Danielle Hunter's season-ending injury came after an inexcusable loss to Cooper Rush's Cowboys. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand discuss Mike Zimmer's challenge ahead, and uncharacteristic flaws they need to fix quickly.
The Vikings defense let Cooper Rush march down the field at the end to win the game. The Vikings offense wasn't any better after an opening touchdown drive. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Chip Scoggins recap the 20-16 loss from U.S. Bank Stadium, where Mike Zimmer had one of the worst losses of his coaching tenure in Minnesota.
National television on Halloween night sets a grand stage for the Vikings against the Cowboys. Will the bright lights and Dallas talent give us a better grasp on this 2021 defense? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Sunday night's game, and answer your questions in the weekly mailbag.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand take stock of the 3-3 Vikings at the bye week, including the recent loss of cornerback Patrick Peterson and quarterback Kirk Cousins' stellar play. Will Cousins keep it up? And could that alter the long-term outlook?
