Bleav in Vikings

Bleav in Vikings analyzes the early-season struggles of the Vikings and quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Bryant McKinnie and Wobby share their thoughts on whether it's panic time or not for fans following the team's home-opening loss to the Atlanta Falcons, a game in which the Vikings didn't score a touchdown and saw their young quarterback suffer an ankle injury. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former safety Anthony Harris rejoins Bleav in Vikings to help Wobby put the win over Chicago to bed and start preparing for Sunday night's home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Bleav in Vikings has some instant reaction to the Vikings thrilling, come-from-behind season-opening victory over the Chicago Bears, with Wobby providing three takeaways from the game and looking ahead to the Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Bleav in Vikings welcomes Scott Seidenberg, host of the Bettor Day Sports Betting Podcast on the Bleav Network, to break down the Monday night game between the Vikings and Bears from a football and a betting standpoint. Wobby and Scott discuss the game spread and point total, some player props and philosophies to consider, and also the NFC North race in 2025.

2:00 - Anthony explains how the Bears' approach to defending the Vikings' offense is impacted by the addition of Adam Thielen. 9:05 - Wobby and Anthony discuss what motivated the Vikings to focus on improving the running offense heading into 2025. 14:05 - Anthony discusses early-game strategy for defenses as they try to start fast and get a good idea of what the offense is trying to accomplish that day. 22:30 - What should fans expect to see from J.J. McCarthy? Anthony shares his thoughts. 28:05 - Anthony and Wobby talk about what they expect from a game flow and from an outcome standpoint in the season opener on Monday night in Chicago.

4:14 - Is the Vikings' secondary good enough to hold up its end of the bargain? 6:52 - Wobby explains what he likes about the defense as a whole, which should support a secondary that is in question heading into the season. 9:22 - What if the back end of the Vikings' defense does falter? Wobby examines. 12:58 - Can Ben Johnson get everyone on the same page in time for Chicago to get over it's season-long win total? 16:50 - Wobby looks at the Detroit Lions to see if the reigning division champions can beat their season-long win total. 20:51 - In looking at Green Bay's season-long win total, Wobby calls an audible mid-stride and flips on the Green Bay Packers.

Bleav in Vikings breaks down the Vikings trade to acquire WR Adam Thielen, including taking a look at three reasons Vikings fans should love the move plus Wobby's predictions on his stat lines for the first three games and the balance of the season.

Bryant McKinnie reacts to the Vikings signing Carson Wentz as their new backup QB, plus BMac and Wobby talk about the Sam Howell and Mekhi Blackmon trades as the Vikings get down to 53 players.

Bleav in Vikings and Bleav in Titans collide to breakdown the preseason finale, speculate on what's ahead for J.J. McCarthy and Cam Ward, and then take the over or under in their team's respective season-long win totals at Fanduel.

2:45 - BMac describes how he thinks Kevin O'Connell feels about his starters heading into the 2025 season. 5:09 - Is J.J. McCarthy one of those guys who is just good at everything he does? 9:05 - Will there be a learning curve for J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings offense early in the 2025 season? 11:02 - BMac talks about the different types of backup QBs there are in the NFL and how to know which one your team needs. 13:06 - BMac gives some solid advice to young NFL players.

BMac and Wobby talk about what they saw from J.J. McCarthy and the rest of the Vikings offense in last Saturday's preseason debut, plus they also touch on what to look for this week in joint practices and preseason game #2 against the New England Patriots.

BMac and Wobby talk about expectations for J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings' offense in the first preseason game, including a guess as to how much playing time the young QB will face and what Wobby would do with FanDuel's 3.5-point spread and 37.5-point total.

:29 - What does the new partnership with Fanduel mean for Bleav and Bleav in Vikings? Wobby explaiins. 2:10 - Wobby makes the case for Justin Jefferson to lead the NFL in receiving TDs this season and shares the odds you can get for making the wager right now. 5:58 - There's a Week 1 total so far off the mark that Wobby makes a case for jumping on it right now at Fanduel.

A preview of the Vikings offensive line in 2025, including a look at Christian Darrisaw's return and the depth the team has built.

5:04 - BMac's thoughts on Aaron Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 6:50 - Here's one key difference between Brett Favre's signing with the Vikings and Rodgers' signing with Pittsburgh. 7:25- BMac's thoughts on the Vikings being a fit for Jaire Alexander. 10:04 - What is the reasoning for certain drills and practice periods NFL teams use? BMac explains several of them. 17:35 - BMac talks about specific individual matchups with pass rushers he enjoyed and got better from over the years. 19:08 - BMac talks about when he started playing tackle football. It's later than most might think!

2:02 - BMac recaps his annual mental health awareness event, which was held on May 22 in the Miami area. Visit his website for a complete summary - https://bryantmckinnie.com/ 9:00 - Both BMac and Wobby respond to Vikings' GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed a contract extension with the Vikings last Friday. 10:40 - BMac explains that being able to communicate to the modern NFL player is important for NFL decision makers and coaches. 14:39 - What is the proverbial "next step" for the Vikings under Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell? 17:01 - BMac explains what changes near the end of the season and in the playoffs that makes succeeding that much harder. 19:52 - There is more than meets the eye when it comes to consummating NFL trades. BMac explains based on his experiences in the NFL. 23:15 - NFL trades can be complicated, but BMac's trade from Baltimore to Miami was simple. 26:25 - BMac talks about what he thinks will happen with Aaron Rodgers in 2025.

Bleav in Vikings welcomes former NFL and Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd as he reflects on his journey through the NFL, updates fans on his current life after the NFL and looks back on the 2017 Vikings season.

1:26 - A week-by-week description of the Vikings' schedule, including one line about each game. 7:58 - Wobby rapidly lists off each game from Week 1 through Week 18. 8:50 - Wobby on why the Vikings need to get hot and win a bunch of games early. 11:35 - There are two big advantages for the Vikings in playing the Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 1. 12:41 - The schedule, relatively speaking, is good for the Vikings in the final two weeks.

8:42 - Wobby asks BMac about going to Europe for back-to-back international games against Pittsburgh in Ireland and Cleveland in London. 13:27 - Did BMac prefer to open the season at home or open the season on the road to get rid of one away game early? 15:00 - What are the big things NFL players look for once the schedule is released? 20:40 - Wobby and BMac reminisce about the 2009 Vikings team taking on the Baltimore Ravens at the Metrodome.

7:08 - Wobby unveils the mock schedule and explains the method to the madness before going into several specific games. 9:10 - Glodek shares his general thoughts on the schedule, from where the bye week sits to international games to the final two games against familiar foes. 10:42 - What if the Vikings began the season on the road in Seattle against Sam Darnold? 15:05 - In Week 5, Wobby has the Vikings heading to Ireland to play the Pittsburgh Steelers. 19:07 - When is the best time to have your bye? 21:12 - A new scheduling quirk for the Vikings the week of Thanksgiving... 21:48 - One of the most anticipated games of the season for the Vikings will be when J.J. McCarthy sees his former college head coach Jim Harbaugh and his Los Angeles Chargers. 23:10 - Wobby and Glodek discuss the value of your players being used to playing in big / prime time games. 26:15 - Christmas Day in Dallas? 28:12 - Wobby and Glodek discuss closing the season with two straight road games against NFC North teams. 30:00 - Wobby asks Leighton what he would tell the NFL if they asked him for one particular scheduling request. 32:00 - Glodek opines on the Aaron Rodgers situation, suggesting where he'll end up in 2025 and how it will go. 36:23 - Should Vikings fans be worried about the Bears?

2:19 - Chavous says the Vikings are building a distinct identity on the roster and that both 1st-round pick Donovan Jackson and 3rd-round pick Tai Felton fit the mold. 6:25 - BMac and Chavous talk about why Donovan Jackson is a good fit for the Vikings. 8:10 - Chavous describes the brand of football Donovan Jackson plays and then BMac talks about whether an offensive tackle would appreciate playing next to a player like that. 10:15 - Will Donovan Jackson be a Day 1 starter? Chavous analyzes the chances. 11:30 - Chavous says NFL teams are placing an emphasis on awareness and intelligence when it comes to scouting offensive linemen. 13:50 - Chavous and BMac talk about how hard it actually is to cross train at the NFL level. 20:48 - Chavous and BMac talk about Brian Flores' defensive philosophy from a pass rushing standpoint. 22:29 - Chavous explains why Andrew Van Ginkel is such a good fit in a Brian Flores defense. 25:18 - BMac talks about the value of having a great center.

3:15 - The slide of Shedeur Sanders overshadowed other important storylines from the NFL Draft. 6:50 - Bryant talks about what's next for Shedeur now that he is past the disappointment of sliding to the third day of the NFL draft and is in a good environment in Cleveland. 9:20 - Bryant talks about Donovan Jackson and how he can help the Vikings. 11:50 - What does the competition for the starting LG position look like and when does Bryant expect it to be figured out. 15:00 - Ultimately, the good news is whoever loses the starting competition will be a backup and either way the Vikings will have a high-end reserve along the interior.

2:25 - Ross and Wobby discuss the advantages at hand for Shedeur Sanders in landing with the Cleveland Browns. 4:50 - Ross discusses how far the Vikings' offensive line has come this offseason. 7:47 - Wobby and Ross discuss whether the Vikings are trending toward becoming a run-first offense. 10:35 - Wobby and Ross examine whether the Vikings are considering a major shift in run style this offseason with the additions made to their offensive line.

Bleav in Vikings welcomes former Ohio State offensive lineman and current Bleav in Buckeyes host Bryant Browning to talk about 1st-round pick Donovan Jackson.

2:25 - Lindsay talks about the volatility of the art and science of evaluating prospects at the NFL level. 5:24 - Wobby and Lindsay discuss Ohio State LT Josh Simmons and whether or not he fits into the kind of philosophy the Vikings used to acquire talented players in free agency this year. 6:42 - Lindsay talks about the Vikings and their situation heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with only four picks currently in hand. 8:00 - Lindsay explains why the draft's top cornerback - Will Johnson - could slide to 24 for the Vikings and whether the Vikings could take a swing with him. 11:00 - Wobby and Lindsay talk about defensive tackles (Kenneth Grant) and safeties (Nick Emmanwori). 13:50 - Lindsay and Wobby discuss other positions and players, such as Gray Zabel and a couple wide receivers, who could make sense for Minnesota early in the draft. 17:30 - Some data on Tyleik Williams, a DT from Ohio State who fits with the Vikings, according to Wobby. 18:18 - Lindsay talks about Kenneth Grant, who she says would fit great with the Vikings. 20:03 - Lindsay looks at Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori, and shares an incredible stat in the process. 22:15 - Lindsay asks Wobby to pick between Nick Emmanwori and Kenneth Grant. 26:21 - Where should Ashton Jeanty be drafted? 29:58 - Wobby and Lindsay talk about what Sumer Sports is and how it's changing the game.

Watch Mike Mayock Mock Draft here: https://youtu.be/inNIGVZgRJk?si=vPSuZ_yZG8l-3kl2

3:02 - Who is No. 1 on Wobby's wish list? 5:01 - The first Michigan man is No. 3 on the list and would bolster a premium position on the roster. 7:37 - The first surprise name on the list will have Vikings fans dreaming of QB sacks and tackles for loss. 10:45 - You want a prime Pat Williams prospect? Wobby has an idea. 14:04 - One of the more commonly-linked prospects to the Vikings is a DT from the Big 10. 16:32 - A provincial prospect who also has potential to be a transformative player for the offensive line. 17:36 - One of Wobby's favorite players in the draft would add some muscle to the middle of the Vikings defense. 21:15 - Last but not least is the Pat Dehmer special and another Notre Dame prospect.

:58 - Congrats to Bryant, who was announced as a member of the Miami Hurricanes Ring of Honor Class of 2025! 3:53 - Bryant tells a funny story about the night before and morning of his draft day in 2002, a story that includes fellow draftee Julius Peppers. 7:31 - What happens the moment after you are selected by a NFL team? Bryant explains using his own experience with the Vikings. 12:00 - Wobby and Bryant review who else was drafted in 2002 along with Bryant, including a couple Hall of Famers and some notable undrafted free agents signed by the Vikings and three other teams. 17:45 - Bryant breaks down Hurricanes QB Cam Ward, who is expected to go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, and receiver Xavier Restrepo. 20:45 - Bryant provides some well-stated advice to the draft prospects about to begin their NFL careers.

8:11 - Pamela opines on the Vikings' season win total being 8.5. 11:25 - An alternative betting strategy to betting on the Vikings if you want to bet on something other than, or in addition to, the season-long win total of 8.5. 14:33 - Pamela provides thoughts on the Detroit Lions 2025 prospects. 16:09 - Would Pamela side on the over or the under of Green Bay's season-long win total of 9.5? 16:44 - Pamela shares insight into the Chicago Bears' season-long win total of 8.5.  

1:02 - Anthony talks about his experience going through the draft process, which resulted in him going undrafted and signing as a free agent with the Vikings. 8:25 - Wobby and Anthony talk about free agent CB Jack Jones and why he might be a good fit for the Vikings. 17:05 - Anthony talks about the perfect kind of safety for the Vikings to pair with veteran Harrison Smith in 2025. 20:30 - Transitioning from the college game to the pro game is different for every positions. Anthony talks about what it's like for a safety.

2:00 - Joe says the Vikings should have an opportunity to build talent on their defense in this year's draft. 3:26 - There are three players Joe can see the Vikings loving enough to stick and pick at No. 24 as opposed to trading back. 6:35 - There are a handful of RBs in the 2025 class who seem to be good fits for the Vikings' offense. 13:20 - Wobby and Joe talk about the WRs they like in this class who could help the Vikings. 21:52 - A couple ideas for inside linebackers who Joes likes for the Vikings... 23:30 - A couple ideas for centers who Joes likes for the Vikings... 24:48 - Joe talks about two Minnesota Golden Gophers who could be selected in this draft.

:46 - Is wide receiver a "need" for the Vikings in this year's draft? Wobby examines. 3:02 - If the Vikings take a receiver in the 1st round, Wobby says it should be this elite prospect. 6:03 - Justin Jefferson 2.0? Wobby has an idea for the Vikings in the 2nd round. 8:34 - The list's first scheme-agnostic player is one the Vikings could grab in the 3rd round to add some juice to the offense and return game. 10:41 - Wobby says this player is the 2025 draft's version of Cordarrelle Patterson and should be available for the Vikings in the 4th round. 13:02 - Wobby's favorite receiver on the list is one of Jaxon Dart's top targets at Ole Miss and could be available as late as the 5th round. 15:34 - You want a height-weight-speed guy? Wobby found one for you from the University of Tennessee who could be a 6th-round target for the Vikings. 17:05 - Cam Ward is the most popular University of Miami prospect and is expected to be selected first overall, but Wobby found a different Hurricane who could help the Vikings and may not be selected until the final round. 20:04 - There are three members of Wobby's honorable mention group at wide receiver, and each can be targeted in the 5th round or later.

It's a BMac Monday on Bleav in Vikings as Bryant McKinnie rejoins the show to talk about the keys to developing and playing with a young quarterback. BMac also explains what he'll be looking for early in the season as positive signs of J.J. McCarthy's development in Minnesota.

3:47 - There is a stark contract in philosophy most teams have in terms of how free agency and the draft can be utilized to improve the roster. 6:22 - Wobby gives a good recent Vikings example of the 'farming' philosophy of the NFL draft. 8:16 - Wobby explains how anything that is said publicly right now could be subterfuge or misinformation, which means there should never be one piece of information that tips the scale in terms of projecting what might happen in the draft. 9:41 - The case for stick and pick at No. 24 is very strong for the Vikings.

2:09 - Before identifying the four biggest winners on the Vikings' roster, Wobby reviews who the team added and who they lost in free agency. 3:40 - The number one winner in Vikings' free agency was a quarterback and the heir apparent to the offensive throne in Minnesota. 6:21 - Wobby goes to defense to identify the second biggest winner(s) in free agency. 7:56 - Number 3 on the list is a developmental prospect on the roster who is being elevated to starting status in 2025. 9:18 - The last one on the list is an incumbent starter along the offensive line who the only interior lineman to retain his job.

4:24 - Should the NFL ban the 'Tush Push' and what's the problem some teams have with it? Wobby and Bryant discuss. 10:22 - Bryant talks about the differences for offensive tackles versus interior linemen when transitioning to the NFL. 12:22 - Sometimes the small things, such as hand placement, can make a big difference in player development. Bryant talks about some coaches and teammates who made a difference for him in his early NFL days. 15:18 - BMac talks about playing against and then practicing against Jared Allen. 18:00 - BMac and former Vikings head coach and tight end Mike Tice had a closer relationship. 20:45 - In a previous episode, Pete Bercich talked about new Vikings DTs Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and how they excel as pass rushers. Bryant talks about the nuances of blocking these types of rushers.

3:06 - Pete assesses what type of player Rondale Moore is and how the Vikings can best utilize him. 5:18 - Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are productive. But are they also physical? Pete answers. 6:00 - Pete explains why defensive tackles look at Brian Flores' system and want to play for the Vikings. 8:53 - Pete says the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave will help the Vikings improve against both the run and the pass. 11:36 - Who were the biggest winners of the Vikings splashy offseason signings? 17:11 - What allows Harrison Smith to keep playing at such a high level? Pete talks about Smith's game and what makes him special. 21:55 - Pete talks about what the Vikings need to do on offense to improve their running game. 28:33 - Pete talks about the best course of action for the Vikings when it comes to J.J. McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers and the backup quarterback position.

4:43 - Bryant McKinnie talks about the prospects of Aaron Rodgers joining the Vikings and how similar it would've been to his experience with Brett Favre in 2009. 9:00 - The Vikings signed a new center, Ryan Kelly, in free agency. Bryant talks about the process of welcoming a new center to the offensive line given how important their role is in communication. 10:05 - Bryant talks about the advantage Ryan Kelly and Will Fries have in having been teammates in Indianapolis before coming to Minnesota together in free agency. 10:56 - The Vikings want to be a more physical team in 2025. Bryant talks about what it takes to do that beyond just adding players known for being physical. 12:10 - Bryant had a lot of physical practices under Mike Tice. He talks about what goes through players' heads when they know a coach wants them to be a physical team. 13:05 - The Vikings made two key additions to the defensive line, too, with the intention to play with more physicality. 17:40 - Bryant talks about the process of rehabbing from a serious knee injury for left tackle Christian Darrisaw.

4:00 - Wobby talks about the two offensive linemen - Will Fries and Ryan Kelly - signed by Minnesota and what it means for the offense going forward. 6:09 - Why did the Vikings trade for RB Jordan Mason? Wobby explains. 10:12 - Wobby goes over the departures of Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram and Sam Darnold. 12:45 - What does the personnel makeover mean for the Vikings offensive philosophy in 2025?

2:32 - Anthony explains what the signings of Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave tell us about where the Vikings knew they had to improve. 6:32 - Anthony talks about the unique advantage the Vikings will realize with two free agent signings - Ryan Kelly and Will Fries - coming from the same team. 10:18 - Wobby and Anthony Harris speculate on where Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave fit into Brian Flores' scheme. 12:55 - Anthony was a teammate of Javon Hargrave in Philadelphia, so he provides a quick scouting report on how Hargrave will impact the Vikings' defense. 14:10 - A look at what the Vikings have done in the secondary this offseason. 19:28 - Are the Vikings a good team for developmental prospects from the draft? Wobby and Anthony Harris discuss. 23:00 - Anthony talks about the important role of player develop in the NFL. 25:33 - It was a pretty good week for Aaron Jones. Wobby and Anthony talk about the Vikings' investment in the running game, particularly in bringing Jones back for 2025.

2:46 - Wobby explains the Vikings' salary cap situation and how the team is able to spend so much money on free agents this offseason. 5:10 - A look at two key free agent signings for the Vikings - C Ryan Kelly and RG Will Fries. 7:08 - The Vikings didn't just upgrade their starting offensive line but they also drastically improved their depth. Wobby explains how they did it. 8:46 - A look at Jonathan Allen and another potential free agent signing on the defensive line. 11:48 - Wobby lays out the situation at cornerback with addition of Isaiah Rodgers and the re-signing of Byron Murphy, Jr.

2:42 - Does Aaron Rodgers still have it? Will the Vikings sign him? If not, where should Rodgers play? Wobby tackles all of that. 6:30 - Three options, aside from the Vikings, for Aaron Rodgers in 2025. 9:44. Three reasons to like the re-signing of Aaron Jones.