Can KOC lead the Vikings to elite status in 2025? NFL playoffs, draft trends, and Vikings news! Will McCarthy shine?
Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano on Two Old Bloggers, a Vikings 1st & SKOL production with Fans First Sports Network, explore if Kevin O’Connell can lead the Minnesota Vikings to back-to-back playoffs in 2025 [with better results], last achieved in 2008-2009. This episode dives into J.J. McCarthy’s growth, draft trends from 2012-2021, and Vikingsland updates like rookie minicamp, Daniel Jones’ contract offer retraction, and the Aaron Jones-Jordan Mason split.
Key Points of the Episode:
- Kevin O’Connell’s Elite Challenge:
- O’Connell’s 34-17 record, one NFC North title, and two playoff appearances in three years have built a player-friendly culture, but the Vikings haven’t been elite since 2008-2009.
- Four factors for 2025 playoff repeat: maintaining team health, improving the run game (ranked 29th, 25th, 22nd in EPA/rush), fixing defensive second-half collapses, and J.J. McCarthy’s emergence as a top QB.
- Offseason moves (signing Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave; drafting Donovan Jackson) address weaknesses.
- Brian Flores’ top-five defense must eliminate late-game lapses (e.g., 2023 Green Bay, Cincinnati games).
- McCarthy’s growth is critical, akin to Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes for consistent playoff runs.
- Draft Trends (2012-2021):
- Analyzed 10 drafts under Rick Spielman: 104 players, 38% (39) became starters; 56% of starters from Rounds 1-3 (28% of picks), 44% from Rounds 4-7.
- Only 17% (18 players) signed second contracts, mostly early-round picks; Shamar Stephen was the sole Round 7 success.
- 2025 outlook: Donovan Jackson and Tai Felton are likeliest to start; day-three picks (Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Kobe King, Gavin Bartholomew) face longer odds.
- Vikingsland Updates:
- Rookie Minicamp: 51 participants, including draftees, UDFAs (e.g., Max Brosmer), and tryouts (e.g., Montigo Moss). McCarthy’s absence signals confidence; Brosmer impressed, eyeing QB3.
- Daniel Jones Drama: Vikings pulled 2025 backup QB offer after Jones’ lack of commitment; he signed with Colts ($14M) for a starting chance.
- Jones-Mason Backfield: O’Connell plans to ease Jones’ 306-touch load with Mason in short-yardage and pass-catching roles, aiming for a 60-70% (Jones) to 30-40% (Mason) split.
Listen:
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Vikings fans, don’t miss Two Old Bloggers as Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano fuel your Purple passion with a thrilling breakdown of Minnesota’s 2025 playoff chase! From KOC’s elite ambitions to McCarthy’s potential and the latest Vikingsland scoops, this episode is packed with insights. Subscribe to Vikings 1st & SKOL on YouTube, join the SKOL chant in the comments, and will 2025 be Minnesota’s year? Do you think it will?
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