Access Vikings - podcast cover

Access Vikings

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leikerwww.startribune.com
Vikings reporters Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker 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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Episodes

'Revenge game’ fuels emotional Vikings’ win over Cardinals

Cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Jordan Hicks popped off against their former teams, and the rest of the Vikings fed off their energy in a 34-26 win against the Cardinals on Sunday. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Peterson's comments and more of what they heard from U.S. Bank Stadium from a 6-1 team.

Oct 31, 202220 min

Vikings offense searching for big plays ahead of Cardinals game

The Vikings (5-1) come out of the bye week relatively healthy and even farther ahead in the NFC North. But Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss an offense searching for more big plays to further separate themselves. Up next is a Cardinals (3-4) team that has talent but makes mistakes, including allowing the most yards after the catch in the NFL so far.

Oct 26, 202233 min

Taking stock of Vikings' strengths, weaknesses at bye week

On the latest Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand take stock of a 5-1 team with plenty of questions and potential at the bye week. Do the Vikings have any money for a move at the trade deadline? Who has been the best defensive player?

Oct 18, 202247 min

Vikings offense gets out of mud long enough to win in Miami

The Dolphins had quarterback turmoil from Skylar Thompson to Teddy Bridgewater. The Vikings offense just had turmoil. Ben Goessling joins Andrew Krammer from Miami, where the Vikings escaped again with a 24-16 win against a banged-up Dolphins team that collapsed under the weight of six sacks and three turnovers.

Oct 16, 202220 min

Vikings' strong start may continue against Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson

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.

Oct 12, 202233 min

Vikings recover to beat Bears and start the season 4-1

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.

Oct 09, 202218 min

Vikings take 3-1 start into matchup against rebuilding Bears

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.

Oct 05, 202254 min

Vikings escape London with ugly win against thinned Saints

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.

Oct 02, 202218 min

Previewing the Vikings' London trip to face the Saints

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.

Sep 28, 202247 min

Kirk Cousins has another late-game save against Lions

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.

Sep 25, 202218 min

Vikings' philosophies tested in early loss; what's next vs. Detroit?

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.

Sep 21, 202253 min

Vikings fall flat on prime-time stage to Eagles

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.

Sep 20, 202222 min

What encouraging signs are here to stay for Vikings?

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.

Sep 15, 202247 min

Vikings usher in Kevin O'Connell era by dismantling Packers

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.

Sep 12, 202219 min

Time for a new chapter in the Vikings-Packers rivalry

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.

Sep 07, 202245 min

Vikings chart new courses with initial 53-man roster

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.

Sep 01, 202249 min

Vikings take another turn at backup QB and our 53-man roster outlook

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.

Aug 25, 202243 min

Takeaways from Vikings-49ers joint practices and roster questions

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.

Aug 18, 202242 min

Kirk Cousins' camp and what to expect from preseason opener

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.

Aug 11, 202239 min

TE1 sidelined again, backup QB competition and your Vikings questions

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.

Aug 03, 202251 min

Kirk Cousins, Kevin O'Connell and Vikings camp storylines

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.

Jul 28, 202252 min

Less physicality is more for Kevin O'Connell's Vikings in offseason

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.

Jun 09, 202248 min

Vikings close OTAs with receiver outlook in flux, 'player ownership' underway

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.

Jun 02, 202255 min

Gauging expectations for the 2022 Vikings and opening the mailbag

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.

May 26, 20221 hr 4 min

The tasks ahead for Kevin O'Connell's Vikings, led by a retooled defense

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.

May 19, 202254 min

Vikings load up on DBs while passing receivers to division rivals

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.

May 01, 202248 min

Reading tea leaves on GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first Vikings draft

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.

Apr 26, 202237 min

Who will the Vikings take at No. 12 + Will Kirk Cousins be on the team forever?

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.

Apr 14, 202254 minEp. 326

The Vikings keep the band together, will try to 'win in the margins'

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."

Mar 24, 202253 min

Vikings storylines from the NFL Scouting Combine

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.

Mar 02, 202246 min
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