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

Eric Kendricks, Adam Thielen and a busy month for cap-strapped Vikings

The Vikings released linebacker Eric Kendricks on Monday morning, marking the first of what could be a few moves with high-priced veterans. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Kendricks' eight Vikings seasons, receiver Adam Thielen's contention, a wait-and-see approach with quarterback Kirk Cousins, and more.

Mar 06, 202335 min

Vikings takeaways from the NFL Scouting Combine

From the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss a Vikings roster that has expensive veterans and needs salary cap space. What did general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell have to say about Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Tomlinson and others?

Mar 02, 202337 min

The real (extra) NFL awards from best bad team to least valuable player

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss NFL awards you won't see given out this week. Which was the best among the bad teams? Or who shined among the senior players and coaches? Best supporting role? And did you know NFL teams are reviewed on Yelp?

Feb 08, 202349 min

Vikings to hire Brian Flores as defensive coordinator

The Vikings' winding path on the defensive coordinator search ends with Brian Flores, the 41-year-old former Dolphins head coach and Patriots assistant. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss how the Vikings' nearly three-week hunt landed on Flores, from pursuing new Panthers DC Ejiro Evero to waiting on Flores' options. They also discuss how Flores' approach differs from Ed Donatell, and a certain ex-Vikings coach's future.

Feb 06, 202343 min

Vikings defensive coordinator interviews -- and the future of Kirk Cousins

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand dive into the Vikings' pool of defensive coordinator candidates and what the hire might say about the type of defense Kevin O'Connell wants to run in 2023 and beyond. Plus they open up the mailbag for questions about impending free agents and one big name still under contract: quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Jan 26, 202337 minEp. 378

Season highs, free agents and more Vikings questions

Andrew Krammer empties the mailbag and audio recorder in this Access Vikings episode as Vikings players recall some high points of the 2022 season and a couple pending free agents discuss their outlooks this offseason. Krammer also answers questions about veteran defenders and one rookie.

Jan 20, 202332 min

Key takeaways from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell as Vikings' offseason begins

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand react to Wednesday's season-ending news conference from General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. We learned that Ed Donatell (at least for now) hasn't been fired, that the Vikings have started a dialogue with Justin Jefferson's representatives about a contract extension and that Adofo-Mensah expects Kirk Cousins to be the team's QB in 2023. Beyond that, there are a lot of big questions that loom ahead.

Jan 18, 202337 minEp. 376

Vikings accomplish a couple goals in regular season finale at Chicago

First-year head coach Kevin O'Connell kept most players healthy while getting the offense moving forward again during a 29-13 win against the Bears to end the regular season. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the win from Soldier Field, where a patchwork offensive line got meaningful work together ahead of a playoff rematch against the Giants.

Jan 09, 202322 min

Vikings' reaction to Damar Hamlin, plus Sunday in Chicago and playoffs

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' reaction to Buffalo Bills defender Damar Hamlin's heart stopping on the field after what looked like a routine hit. They eventually transition into a tough injury for Brian O'Neill and the Vikings offense, followed by Sunday's game in Chicago and how the NFC playoffs could shake out.

Jan 04, 202336 min

Vikings lose big in chance to end Packers season

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan provide a quick dispatch from Lambeau Field, where the Vikings fell 41-17 in a blowout defeat that keeps the Packers' playoff chances alive. How was Justin Jefferson held to one catch? How confident should the 12-4 Vikings be?

Jan 02, 202311 min

Vikings' rematch in Green Bay comes with meaning, surging Justin Jefferson

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's rematch in Green Bay, where the Vikings have a chance to end the Packers' playoff hopes and receiver Justin Jefferson continues his MVP case -- which is probably a long shot, anyway. They also open up the mailbag and answer your questions, ranging from the rookie draft class to the 31st-ranked defense.

Dec 29, 202249 min

Sorting through Vikings' playoff possibilities and your questions

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the importance of the Vikings' Christmas Eve game against the Giants (8-5-1) in the NFC playoff standings and which teams they could face in the first round. They also open up the mailbag and answer your questions about the offseason, the defensive adjustments and the NFL acknowledging mistakes in officiating.

Dec 20, 202234 min

Vikings defense searching for answers as Colts come to town

What's wrong with the Vikings' last-placed defense? What can be done to patch the holes in December? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the issues, edge rusher Danielle Hunter's season, Sunday's game against the Colts and answer your questions.

Dec 13, 202238 min

Vikings defense can't slow Lions or wrap up NFC North in loss

The Vikings didn't force a punt after halftime as they fell 34-23 to a potent Lions offense that became the latest to run up and down the field on Minnesota. From Ford Field in Detroit, Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss head coach Kevin O'Connell's remarks about the defense, the remarkable days from quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson, and the outlook in the NFC playoff race.

Dec 12, 202221 min

Vikings face 'feisty' Lions team with NFC North title in reach

Running back Dalvin Cook called this a "feisty" Lions defense that they'll face on Sunday. Detroit's offense is more formidable. The Vikings face a better-than-your-typical Lions team with the NFC North title in reach on Sunday at Ford Field. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the game, discuss cornerback Patrick Peterson's impact on the team, the NFC playoff standings and more.

Dec 07, 202241 min

Vikings stick to script with another uneven win against Jets

Vikings players keep saying it's not pretty, but they'll take another win. That was the popular refrain again at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 27-22 win over New York. They discuss the 10-2 record, a porous defense and quarterback Kirk Cousins' resiliency in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

Dec 05, 202220 min

On Vikings' chase for NFC's top seed, Jefferson's MVP case and your questions

The Vikings have a chance to make a run with games against the Jets, Lions and Colts on the horizon. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the Jets and a tough defense. They also discuss receiver Justin Jefferson's MVP case and open the mailbag to answer your Vikings questions.

Nov 30, 202233 min

Vikings topple Patriots in surprising Thanksgiving shootout

The offense scored on five straight drives. Special teams tipped the scales. The defense got stops at the end. So goes another narrow Vikings win, this time a 33-26 victory over the Patriots on Thanksgiving night. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap what they saw and heard at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Nov 25, 202219 min

After disastrous loss to Dallas, which Vikings team will show up against New England?

Andrew Krammer, Ben Goessling and Michael Rand revisit the Vikings' 40-3 loss to Dallas and wonder how much carryover there will be to Thursday's game against New England. Against another vaunted pass rush, the Vikings will need to protect Kirk Cousins much better than they did Sunday, but they also should be able to contain a mediocre-at-best New England offense.

Nov 22, 202234 minEp. 359

Diving into Cousins to Jefferson and Sunday's Vikings-Cowboys game

Will the Vikings' run continue against the 6-3 Dallas Cowboys? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview the matchup and discuss quarterback Kirk Cousins' continued connection with receiver Justin Jefferson. What stands out about Cousins' play? Who do they have winning the game?

Nov 16, 202240 min

Vikings prove to be contenders with wild win in Buffalo

Bills quarterback Josh Allen's elbow looked just fine. The Vikings won, 33-30 in overtime, anyway. From Orchard Park, N.Y., Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss a crazy victory that had players ranking it among their most hard-fought wins, and answered questions about whether these Vikings are contenders.

Nov 14, 202220 min

Are Vikings set to face Keenum-Diggs in Buffalo?

Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s injured elbow could keep him from playing against the Vikings on Sunday, setting up a potential Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs pairing five years after the Minneapolis Miracle. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday’s game, talk about past Vikings-Bills games and open the mailbag to answer your questions.

Nov 09, 202238 min

Kirk Cousins, Vikings 'like that' they're 7-1 with win against his former team

"You like that!?" could be heard from the Vikings locker room after Sunday's 20-17 win at Fed ExField in Landover, Md., where quarterback Kirk Cousins beat his former team. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap another wild one-score win, tight end T.J. Hockenson's immediate impact and more from the stadium.

Nov 07, 202220 min

Vikings make trade deadline splash by adding T.J. Hockenson

There's a lot going on. First, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the acquisition of former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson, then Ben Goessling joins to elaborate on the move and fit in the offense, then Chip Scoggins hops in to give his thoughts on where this franchise is headed. There's also some talk about Sunday's game in Washington and ex-Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke.

Nov 02, 202244 min
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