Recalibration Time In Vikingland

 

The injuries to Donavan Jackson and Josh Oliver have apparently set the Vikings' run game back to a tenuous level, where what we can count on from it may be below what we need. My optimism for the team was largely rooted in the running backs being able to open up the passing game, with anything Murray got us on the ground being an X-factor that would push us over the top. It was critical that Murray stay healthy, so he could get comfortable and grow into the Offense.  Murray is injured again and will miss games for the second time in six games.  It doesn't look like my formula for the Offense to establish itself is going to work. Unfortunately, it is time to recalibrate, coach. Crisis Mode yet again, KOC. It sucks when things look good on paper if you can avoid the injury caveats, but that is what you get on game day. 

KOC Got On MY Bad Side VS. The Colts

 

I haven't been a critic of KOC's coaching in a long time. But yesterday I thought his first two decisions were coaching malpractice and got the team off on the wrong foot from the jump. We were at home, after a bye. The Vikings' D is the strength of the team. You put them on the field first in that situation 1,000 out of 1,000 times. Let the crowd be as loud as they had been yearning to be. The Colts ' offense and Danny Dimes wouldn't have stood a chance. Secondly, you have a rested running back with completely fresh legs. Give him the damn ball, not Jones. 1,000 times out of 1,000 times. Jones shouldn't have played much at all. The fact that Jones got four snaps in a row and didn't get a first down made my ears steam. So the balloon gets popped instead of exploding from built-up pressure, and the Colts immediately score their only TD. So stupid;

I just can't get over either of those decisions because they were so bad. He had an easy button right there, and he chose to press the "I'm a moron" one, both times. They are the wrong decisions even if they work out. Coach "harshed my mellow" bad yesterday. Worst coaching job by him in a long time.

This post is an edited version of my comment on the 10/26/26 episode of Purple Insider, I think.

Raising A Green Flag For The #1 Seed

 

I've seen what I was hoping to see from Kyler Murray. It is not a matter to me now of "if he works out" because it works. Kyler is Him! He is every bit as special a talent as Super Sam Darnold. Kyler is capable of leading this team to the #1 Seed in the NFC. He has the intelligence and ability to run KOC's offense effectively. KOC has proven he can elevate the play of veteran QB's. I think Kyler was written off as an oddity that people didn't know what to think of with his up-and-down performances. His recent injury history led people to write him off as a bust. Kyler showed in the Saints game that he still has his wheels and a live arm. KOC's coaching should raise both Kyler's floor and ceiling, making his lows far less bad and lifting his play to new heights. 

If the team comes back healthy out of the bye and stays that way in November, I predict we will have a great month. The schedule can be a team's best friend or worst enemy.  So far, the schedule has been in the Vikings' favor, and I think that will continue with the team getting a tune-up game before we face the Lions in Michigan. The Lions also have a bye this week and have a tough division game at home vs. the Packers before they play us. After the Lions, we get the Bills in Minneapolis, who play the Ravens before us. After the Bills, we get Green Bay in Green Bay after they play the Patriots in New England. To this point, I think we have it easier than our opponents in the week before we play each of them.  Then we face the 49ers in Mexico on November 22nd. We will just have to see what the rosters on both teams look like at that point. The 49ers have been injury-plagued just like the Vikes so far. It is possible that it will be a matchup of unbeaten teams. I guess we will soon see if my optimism is rooted in reality. 

Vikes 4-0, Full Steam Ahead.

 Fans pissing and moaning about a 4-0 team just prove to me that they can't see the forest for the trees. The offense has run into some unexpected injury headwinds, but the D and Special Teams have picked up the slack and kept the plane on course. I figured it might take a few games for Kyler to acclimate to KOC and for KOC to Murray. Having Kyler get injured for a couple of games was a blow. Having Jets get injured was a blow. Having Mason and now Donovan getting injured is a blow for the run game. What we have gotten is good enough. The Offense with Kyler needs more time on task. The returns from the Miami game are quite positive from my perspective. He was starting to see it and fling it. Penalties were what kept Kyler from getting into a rhythm and getting first downs in the first half. By the end of the game, Kyler was settled in, and the Offense was dominating. All the people crying about lack of TDs need to take a pill and relax. TJ could have gotten in if he needed to, and it is a safe assumption there will be several next week. I'm quite sure the Offense is aware they need to put up 6's instead of 3's. The D hasn't put up any 6s this season either, and I am sure they are hungry to get into the endzone themselves. I think the team is fixing to erupt in New Orleans.

SKOL!

The 2026 Packer Massacre In Minneapolis

 

The 2026 season started on some rough notes. Kyler got picked quickly and was soon knocked out of the game with a concussion. The Packers came ready to play, while the Vikes came out a bit sluggish. The Packers made some big plays and got lucky when Isaiah Rodgers dropped a poorly thrown deep ball. Because of the drop, Love was able to gash my squad again, and they scored their second TD before halftime to go up 19 to 10. I thought that, with the Vikings down by 9, the Packers getting the ball coming out of halftime, and Wentz at QB, it was unlikely the Vikings had the offensive firepower to catch up.  But then the D stepped up, getting stops and turnovers. The Vikings' offense took advantage of opportunities, and it turned into a rout. The 2026 Packer Massacre in Minneapolis.

Packer fans who failed to acknowledge their team's known shortcomings were stunned. Today has been delicious as I have listened to their laments.  They should be concerned. Starting 0-2 is a realistic possibility for them. Everybody else in the Division won yesterday, and weaknesses in their unit were exposed.

But enough about the Packers. The Vikings D is legit. It looks like Dallas Turner will become the player that B Flo groomed him to be. Can't wait for the Turner/B Flo v Caleb Williams matchup in Week 2.

Will 1, And It Work?

 

Football season is here, and I am guardedly optimistic about the Vikings' chances of having a really good year. The two big keys to that happening are Kyler being healthy and the Vikings' run game transformation being a thing.

Kyler's Health:
Kyler has tended to get beat up and injured throughout his career. For the past couple of years, the Vikings' O-line has been injured and beat up. The Vikings' O-line and Kyler are coming into the season healthy. My hope is that experience has taught the guys enough to avoid most situations where injury is a likely outcome. If the O-Line struggles with injuries again this year, it is likely that sooner or later Kyler will as well. Fingers crossed and knocking on wood!

Pound, Pound, and Slash/Pound, Pound, and Cut, Ya:

I am hoping that the hiring of Frank Smith marks a shift in KOC's pass-first and always philosophy. Frank Smith is a running game guru. Our O-Line is healthy. Jordan Mason is a very good running back. I think KOC is ready for a change in the results he has been getting. To me, the inputs add up to my thinking that the Vikings will try to be a bully-ball team that uses the run to control the clock and set up the pass.  I could be out to lunch on this hunch. We'll see.

Thoughts on the start of the season:

You never know what you are going to get to start the season. Everybody has rust to shake off and chemistry to develop. KOC has generally been a winner in the season opener and in the month of September. Starting off with two games in the division gives them a chance to get a leg up or dig a pretty big hole. Game One versus the Packers at home is huge for both teams. I think the Vikings will beat the Packers, but I'm nervous. Love is streaky, and when he gets hot, he's amazing.  It's the first game; you just never know what you are going to get.

  
SKOL!

Kyler Murray to the Vikes

 

After the Vikings' season ended, my Football Guru Matthew Coller of Purple Insider looked into solutions for the team's QB problem, and his number one solution was Kyler Murray. Coller banged that drum, making the case for Kyler, and I was converted to Team Kyler after originally being against it. If the O-Line can be healthy, Kyler could shine with the weapons on Offense.  

My advice for JJ McCarthy is to grow up and learn. You may get another bite at the apple, and if it looks like it did in 2025, this Vikings fan will be done with you.

KOC, work your magic!

From One Year Ago Today

 My Verdict: The Vikings' brain trust fumbled with the decision to go all in on McCarthy. It is clear that in the 2025 season and into the foreseeable future, Darnold will be a top QB in the league. I trusted them to do the right thing, and they blew it.

The Vikes got outcoached badly in their final two games. It is hard for me to feel too bad about the outcome. KOC is a great coach but has a lot to learn. I am not going to jump on the kick Sam when he is down bandwagon for it is for fools. Super Sam is still in there. And now it is quite possible that he can be resigned for a reasonable amount, think Baker Mayfield type contract. Kwesi and KOC know what they have in Sam. I will be shocked if they let him leave. If he does leave I think it will be to the 49ers or Rams. That would suck!

JJ McCarthy Crashed Himself

 

My final grade for JJ McCarthy this season is an F. 

After getting injured in Green Bay, I was of the strong opinion that I had seen enough. He was not, at this time, ready to be an NFL QB and should have been benched for the rest of the year, as nothing good would come of him starting more games. I predicted at the time that it was likely he would go into a regression spiral and be re-injured. After two weak performances versus subpar teams, He surprised me with his play versus the Cowboys, but that game was an outlier.  The Cowboys' D made most QBs seem like all-pros this year. He played like a maniac and got injured in the next game versus the Giants as I predicted he would. 

The number one ability that a player must possess to get better is availability. If JJ McCarthy plays like a maniac, it is pretty much a guarantee that he will get injured. The kid demonstrated multiple times that he does not understand this reality. The kid is an immature idiot like Johnny Manziel, somewhat physically gifted, but this is the NFL; as in Not For Long. Maybe the kid will grow out of the immaturity of making dumb decisions. I have near-zero belief that JJ will grow out of the poor risk assessment and decision-making this offseason. It is my view that he needs to sit, with limited in-game reps, for at least another full season. The physical risk assessment skills are that bad. He thinks he can do things he absolutely shouldn't try when safer, wiser options are readily available.

So what do the Vikings do for QB next year? There are a bunch of avenues available. Believing that JJ McCarthy will  be a competent starter next year is a dead end, in my opinion. The Vikings' brain trust needs to come up with a new plan for QB and Center for next year.

Seahawk Sam Darnold Get's the NFC #1 Seed

 If the Vikings' brain trust had gone all in on Darnold last offseason, I think it's possible, but not probable, the Vikes would have gotten the #1 Seed. I think it's probable that the Vikes would be in the playoffs if Sam didn't get injured. But that is a big IF, because the Vikes O-Line play was subpar for most of the year. I don't know if keeping Uncle Sam would have been a magic bullet or dud round had he stayed. In Seattle, he survived and thrived with some questionable line play. I'm rooting for the ginger to put the critics, cynics, and haters in their place. Darnold seems like a good dude. 

Go get that Super Bowl Ring!   

Mad Max Time in Seattle

 

I had zero expectation coming into this season because when real bullets start flying, nobody knows how a young QB will react. JJ McCarthy's introduction to the NFL has been nothing but bad. Bad luck, bad health, bad throws, bad numbers, bad news.

Now we have an undrafted Golden Gopher being thrown to the wolves in Seattle, where the defense is stout, and the 12's can taste a Super Bowl. If our #12 goes into Lumen and is somewhat competent at running the offense, doesn't throw more than one pick, completes 60% plus of his passes, and leaves the game with a passer rating above 60, then I think he should be the QB for the rest of the year. JJ McCarthy is not competent right now. His numbers tell the story. His throws have left our receivers in vulnerable positions too many times.

So, Mad Max, the team is yours if you can keep it.

Back to Inferno Mode

 Young MN Vikings QB self-immolates in the second half. In his first game at Lambert Field, Oh My.

The first half was some progress; the second half was pure regression.

The kid looks like Christian Ponder, but less mobile. He can't buy a break, his left-side protection both got injured in the second half. He and Ryan Kelly had some issues. Power for the course in this cursed season.

Vikes Lose Again, Time to Exhale and Breathe Again

 JJ McCarthy is an accomplished winner who doesn't have a lot of history as a passing quarterback. He was projected to be a work in progress on that front when drafted, and that has turned out to be the case.  The kid is young and raw. Being Kevin O'Connell's quarterback is not an easy job description. At this point, I don't think anybody knows if McCarthy is up to the task or not. It is just too much to expect a second -year player starting for his first time in the NFL to have anywhere near a mastery of KOC's PHD-level offense. It looks like the kid is drowning most of the time, with a few glimmers of good play. KOC asked for too much too soon in my opinion. KOC's reliance upon passing is borderline pathological, but that has served KOC very well. With the loss to the Bears this week, it is time for the team and JJ McCarthy to breathe. They have almost no shot at making the playoffs. That isn't even worth giving an ounce of effort in pursuit of at this point. Without the pressure of making the playoffs, the team is now free to build McCarthy's confidence level for next year. If they win games great, but that shouldn't be the focus. Getting McCarthy to play as well as possible and limiting mistakes should be the new focus. KOC will have his hands full harnessing the kid.  Let Flores cook on the Defence and have fun as a team. It's a game; get better at it.  

Vikes Back Below .500

 

The Vikes Offense was out of sync, committing penalties and turnovers. The D was close on several occasions but never forced a turnover. The Ravens' Special Teams came up with a fumble recovery, and the Ravens came away with the win.  Vikes are back in must-win mode next week versus the Da Bears at home. The Offense should come into next week with a lot more urgency. I think the Offense had a Lions hangover in the Ravens game. Da Bears are beatable, but the Offense will really need to play clean. 

I'm Stunned, Vikes Win In Detroit

It's amazing what happens when your starters are not on the sidelines injured. Did I think the Vikes had any shot of winning versus the Lions in Detroit? Heck, no!

Pleasantly surprised that there is a glimmer of hope for making the playoffs.  If key Vikes can stay healthy that is a realistic possibility at 4-4.  I thought we were going to be 3-5 and the Vikes would be out of the playoff hunt today. The Lions are one of the best teams in the league and playing them in Ford field is no joke.

Tough game again next week vs. the Ravens who are in desperation must win mode, but on a winning streak to save their season. It is a big game. Will JJ Mac get his first win in MN?

Vikings 2025 Season Is On Fire

 The Vikes game in LA last night was a must-win. But, without both Darrisaw and O' Neal our QB and running backs are sitting ducks. 2025 is turning into a nightmare scenario. 

Juggling Balls Falling To The Ground , Part Duex

 

O-Line injuries, QB Injuries, QB mistakes, D inconsistent play. Vikes at 3-3. Where are we at, and where is this all headed?

I've got no clue.

Juggling Balls Keep Falling To The Ground

 O-Line injuries, QB Injuries, D inconsistent play. Vikes at 2-2. Where are we at, and where is this all headed?

I've got no clue.

Kids Got Grit! Vikings 1-0!

 Vikings win the opener in Soldier Field 27-24. It wasn't looking good for the purple through three quarters. Da Bears had Da Vikes on the ropes. But the D got stops. McCarthy found his footing and the rest his history. JJ McCarthy wins his first game, capped off by an RPO tuddy run by JJ.

The kid has the heart of a champion.

The Vikes really miss Darrisaw. Hopefully, he is back next week. 

The McCarthy Era Begins On Monday Night

 

Vikes all-new interior on the O-Line, all-new signal caller, new young stud running back, Addison out for 3 weeks due to suspension, Theilen back, a healthy Hock at TE, will Jets and Darrisaw be 100%?

The Defence has an all-new interior as well. How will Caleb and Ben Johnson fare against the Vikings D?

I don't know what to expect. Week 1 in the NFL is usually full of surprises.

Have to wait for answers to my questions, so wait I will, impatiently.