POPULARITY
Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 37-10 loss to the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday Night Football, including Carson Wentz struggling as he played through pain and what's ahead for the Vikings at quarterback. They also discuss who returned to action, who left the game early and the Chargers tearing up the Vikings defense.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Thursday night's game against the Chargers, leading with the decision to start Carson Wentz as J.J. McCarthy's recovery continues. They also discuss the potential return of a team captain, Aaron Jones, and how the Vikings offense and defense match up against the 4-3 Chargers. Did the Vikings just struggle against a big, mobile passer with a strong arm? Oh...
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 28-22 loss to the Eagles from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the defense let Jalen Hurts run around and find open receivers downfield. What to make of quarterback Carson Wentz's roller coaster performance? What about the uncharacteristic explosive passes allowed? How did a rookie get picked to lay in front of the Eagles' Tush Push attempt?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback Carson Wentz's fourth straight start on Sunday against his former team. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about quarterback J.J. McCarthy's practice time, which returning players will make the biggest impacts, and advice on traveling to Minnesota for a game.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's return to practice, his ongoing recovery from a high ankle sprain, his development and what it all means for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Will Carson Wentz face his former team? They also discuss two key defenders returning to practice this week and another, Dallas Turner, quietly playing well.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss which players are expected to return after the bye week. Then they open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about measuring success this season, the run defense, linebacker Ivan Pace's year so far, Blake Brandel's play at center, receiver Jordan Addison's future, and more. They also form a list of recently memorable Vikings games that Emily must watch.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 21-17 win over the Browns in London, which was capped by a 12-yard touchdown caught by Jordan Addison. They also discuss Cam Akers' single snap at quarterback, Quinshon Judkins' 100-yard game against the Vikings defense and what looks to have happened on Will Reichard's missed field goal.
Matthew Coller talks about Dallas Turner being the latest addition to the Vikings' injury report and Emily Leiker joins to break down position by position the game with the Browns, the Manny Hill drops by to talk about the big picture of the Vikings 2025 season. The Purple Insider podcast is brought to you by FanDuel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Matthew Coller talks about Dallas Turner being the latest addition to the Vikings' injury report and Emily Leiker joins to break down position by position the game with the Browns, the Manny Hill drops by to talk about the big picture of the Vikings 2025 season. The Purple Insider podcast is brought to you by FanDuel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest updates on a number of Vikings injuries, including a handful across the O-line that required the Vikings to fly out added practice support to London. Plus, they chat about key personnel for the Browns, who named rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel their starter for Week 5.
Ben Goessling joins from Dublin as the Access Vikings crew, including Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker, break down Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Why did a play clock have a key role at the end of the loss? They also discuss the unrelenting O-line injuries, quarterback Carson Wentz's performance, the defense's inability to force Aaron Rodgers into a mistake, and more.
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings injuries entering Week 4, in which the Vikings head overseas to play the Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, and wide receiver Jordan Addison's return to practice after serving his 3-game suspension stemming from a drunken driving arrest in July 2024. Plus, they continue the discussion of the Vikings' quarterback situation as Carson Wentz is set to make his second start with J.J. McCarthy still mending an ankle sprain.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 48-10 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals, starting with cornerback Isaiah Rodgers' history-making performance. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and safety Harrison Smith returned and made immediate impacts. Kicker Will Reichard just set a franchise record. It's the rebound performance the Vikings needed.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about safety Harrison Smith's absence and how that has affected the defense, running back Cam Akers' annual return to Minnesota, the philosophies of Kevin O'Connell's offense, and more.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' pivot to quarterback Carson Wentz, who joined the team Aug. 24, amid quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury. What to expect from Wentz against the Bengals on Sunday? Who will be protecting Wentz along the offensive line? And what do history lessons tell us about what this season could become?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings lost the home opener, 22-6, to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. What to make of the listless showing from quarterback J.J. McCarthy and company? What about the mounting injuries and unrelenting pressure in the pocket? What to make of the defensive showing? Where do they go from here?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about linebacker Blake Cashman's absence, the pass rush matchup versus the Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday night, receiver Adam Thielen's role, and more ahead of Vikings-Falcons.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's Vikings-Falcons matchup that will bring intrigue on both sides of the ball. They discuss the issues and ailments to key defenders like Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith, the 2024 draft class with J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins returning, and more.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-24 win after returning from Chicago, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a historic fourth quarter in his NFL debut. What did teammates and coaches say about McCarthy afterward? What went wrong in the first three quarters? When is Christian Darrisaw coming back? They also discuss the running back split, Javon Hargrave's presence, and a dynamic new punt returner in Myles Price.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-related questions about receiver Adam Thielen, the cornerback depth chart, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and the latest on ailments for safety Harrison Smith and tackle Christian Darrisaw.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Monday night's season opener in Chicago, where Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to face his hometown team in his first NFL start. How will he manage the emotions? How will the Vikings manage him? And what should be expected in the matchup of makeovers between the Vikings defense and the Bears offense under new coach Ben Johnson?
From the Star Tribune booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Adam Thielen returning to the Vikings, the initial 53-man roster, remaining work to do, and how the young J.J. McCarthy is set up to fare in the NFC North.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' recent flurry of moves that included trading quarterback Sam Howell to the Eagles and signing free agent veteran Carson Wentz as their new backup. They discuss the Vikings' many ties to Wentz, including QBs coach Josh McCown and center Ryan Kelly, that may help explain the move. They also get into a potential trade for receiver Adam Thielen and the recent trade that sent Harrison Phillips to the Jets.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the state of the Vikings receiving corps about two weeks away from Week 1. Do they need to add a veteran starter? Who's available? And what other injury concerns are still lingering with training camp mostly over? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about camp surprises, Aaron Jones' versatility, and more.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard during and after Saturday's 20-12 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. What do they make of the Vikings resting 31 players, including all 22 starters? What about Sam Howell's lackluster performance and more uncertainty at backup QB? Receiver depth is also a question, as are the returner spots, entering the preseason's final week.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the second day of Vikings-Patriots joint practices at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, which saw J.J. McCarthy give one of his best performances of camp. They also discuss the return of WR Stefon Diggs, the former Vikings draft pick, Saturday's game plan and some injury updates.
Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Star Tribune's recent story on declining Target Field attendance and picks out three moments that really cost the Twins. The Yankees, of course, have played a role in their misery -- and continued to do so on Monday. 12:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Emily Leiker joins Rand to talk about all the big moments from Saturday's preseason opener and to set up a big week ahead for quarterback J.J. McCarthy. 31:00: A very veteran addition for the Wild?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the important parts of the Vikings' preseason opener against the Houston Texans. How did J.J. McCarthy look? Why did some starters play and others didn't? How bad is Rondale Moore's knee injury? And who stood out with the second and third units?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker first discuss receiver Jordan Addison's 3-game suspension and where the Vikings go from here. Is Adam Thielen an option? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold, preseason action, etc. Then Ben and Andrew are joined by ex-Vikings safety Anthony Harris to discuss his career, this year's team, Mike Zimmer vs. Brian Flores, and more.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from Vikings training camp. QB J.J. McCarthy returns to the field in Saturday's preseason opener vs. the Texans. How much will he play? Who will play alongside him? What, exactly, caused a recent pause at practice when Kevin O'Connell had to intervene? And which players made Ben's initial 53-man roster projection?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about judging training camp performances, quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development, offensive line health, defensive dominance, cornerback depth, and more.
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Star Tribune NFL writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig, who is in Canton, Ohio for former Vikings great Jared Allen's induction. How does Allen feel now about his wait to get into the Hall? Who's the next Viking to get in?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they've seen and heard through the first week of Vikings training camp. It all begins with young QB J.J. McCarthy against a veteran-laden defense that got after him during Monday's first day of padded practices. How does the team structure practices to get the most out of him? What about the healing offensive line? When will Christian Darrisaw return? (soon) Plus, who has surprised us so far?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Tuesday's news conference with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell on the day that veterans reported for training camp. When will we see the new O-line together? What about J.J. McCarthy's outlook? Will Josh Metellus practice if he's not newly paid? What positions are we most intrigued about?
Emily Leiker joins the podcast to discuss her predictions for the Vikings this season! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Emily Leiker joins the podcast to discuss her predictions for the Vikings this season! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker attempt to identify the core of players the Vikings have established around young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Who makes their lists of the top 15 players under contract for at least the next two seasons?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the offseason mailbag that's overflowing with your questions. They start with the outlook at safety, where they're replacing Cam Bynum, as well as whether rookie Tai Felton can earn playing time. What about the home run power at running back? How much less will Aaron Jones play? And how are the Vikings judging J.J. McCarthy's progress?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard at the Vikings' three-day mandatory minicamp that ended the offseason program. Kevin O'Connell gave everyone an extra week off, J.J. McCarthy is learning atop a fluid QB depth chart, Christian Darrisaw makes an early return, their three-receiver set is meshing but they want to bully defenses; that's why tight end Josh Oliver got paid again this week.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. They discuss his new contract extension, lessons on the job, 2025 expectations, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his unique situation, NFL players in the 2028 Olympics, and more.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from receiver Justin Jefferson, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, new cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and more following Monday's OTA session in Eagan.
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from the first spring practice open to reporters and discuss QB J.J. McCarthy's development, where the new guys are fitting in, and what position battles should be getting the most attention this summer.
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' 118-103 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 2 Thursday, one which confirmed the Thunder are the better team but also showed Minnesota is not playing its best basketball. Several players are struggling, the intensity has been too sporadic and coach Chris Finch pushed the wrong buttons Thursday. Plus a dramatic overtime win by the Minnesota Frost to even their PWHL championship series. 9:00: Vikings writer Emily Leiker joins Rand to break down the news from the owners' meetings and to set up Vikings OTAs next week. We should get our first real looks at J.J. McCarthy in a long time. 27:00: A big series awaits for the Twins.
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from NFL league meetings in Eagan, Minn., where the "Tush Push" was defended, Justin Jefferson was allowed to play flag football (will he?), and a halftime show was teased for a Christmas game (the Vikings play on Christmas).
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the twists and turns of the Vikings' 2025 schedule that includes a frequent spotlight on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's team through seven nationally-televised games. What are the schedule quirks to know? They also open a listener mailbag and answer your questions about always playing in Seattle, biggest games, and more.
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from the first day of a three-day Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend. That begs the question: which rookies from a small five-man class have the clearest paths to contribute right away?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during his first local media appearance since last season. What did he have to say about taking over a 14-win team? What did his teammates say? They also delve into Andrew Van Ginkel's new contract, Josh Metellus' case for a new deal, and more.
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' 2025 draft class from first-round guard Donovan Jackson through sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Oh, and they do not forget new Vikings QB Sam Howell, who arrives as the most experienced option on the roster. But this offseason has been all about QB J.J. McCarthy anyway.
Matthew Coller is joined by Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune to react to the big takeaways from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's pre-draft press conference.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.