Vikings camp starting! Two Old Bloggers unpack DL stars Allen & Hargrave, McCarthy’s rise, & Addison’s suspension drama. Join Darren & Dave on Vikings 1st & SKOL.
As the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 training camp officially begins, Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano of Two Old Bloggers deliver a timely, passion-fueled breakdown on Vikings 1st & SKOL.
Imagine J.J. McCarthy silencing doubters, Brian Flores unleashing a revamped defensive line, and the ripple effects of Jordan Addison’s suspension. It’s not just talk; it’s a glutton-for-punishment deep dive into why this camp could propel the Purple to Super Bowl contention, blending humor, history, and hard-hitting analysis from two bloggers with over 50 years of Vikings obsession.
Campbell and Stefano kick off with the end of the NFL’s “dead zone,” teasing daily insights as public practices start July 26. Their chemistry shines through self-deprecating banter—”we’re gluttons for punishment”—while quoting Justin Jefferson on McCarthy: “I want him to be just as confident as I am in him.” This sets a tone of optimism amid uncertainties, making the show a must for fans craving authentic Vikings discourse beyond mainstream headlines.
Three Themes:
- Training Camp Teasers: With rookies reporting July 20 and veterans July 22, public practices begin July 26; focus on DL usage under Brian Flores with pass-rushers Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave potentially shifting to 3-4/4-3 fronts; secondary performance from Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon, and Theo Jackson (watch for coverage success vs. getting toasted); RB Jordan Mason’s role supporting Aaron Jones, emphasizing pass-catching improvement; interior OL rebuild with Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and rookie Donovan Jackson for enhanced protection and run game; J.J. McCarthy’s Year 2 growth, building chemistry with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson despite inevitable bad days.
- Positional Overview – Defensive Linemen: Veterans Allen (contract through 2028, potential cut post-2026 for $17.8M cap savings), Hargrave (free agent 2027), and Harrison Phillips (free agent 2027) seen as short-term due to ages 29-32 and performance dips; young unproven talents like Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake-Rodriguez, Taki Taimani, and rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins offer control through 2026-2029 but lack NFL track records; critiques GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s late-round draft strategy (5th-7th picks like Esezi Otomewo, Jaquelin Roy); recommends early-round DL investments or younger free agents for sustainability.
- This Week in Vikingsland – Jordan Addison Update: Addison pleaded no contest July 17 to “wet reckless” misdemeanor for 2024 DUI, facing 12-month probation (reducible to 6), $390 fine, two courses; NFL likely imposes 3-game suspension under policy; Vikings went 3-0 without him early 2024; 2025 schedule eases impact (at Bears 9/8, vs. Falcons 9/14, vs. Bengals 9/21); boosts roles for Jalen Nailor (contract year, WR2 step-up), rookie Tai Felton (YAC expert), Rondale Moore (knee recovery, gadget plays), and T.J. Hockenson (McCarthy’s intermediate target amid doubled Jefferson).
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Whether you’re dissecting Vikings NFL Draft picks, Brian Flores’ innovations, or Kevin O’Connell’s offense, Two Old Bloggers offers unfiltered, fan-driven insights that capture the SKOL spirit. Tune in for weekly episodes on Vikings 1st & SKOL and Fans First Sports Network—subscribe now to join the Purple pride and fuel your Vikings obsession on the road to glory!
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We have your Minnesota Vikings talk amongst the Two Old Bloggers, Darren @KickassblogVike, and Dave @Luft_Krigare. Join the conversation! Fan with us at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and with our podcast partner Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL where you get sports takes for the fan, from the fan!
Question:
What Vikings camp battle are you watching closest—McCarthy’s poise, the DL’s dominance, or worrying about the WR depth without Addison? Share below!
