Vikings-Packers finale preview: Flores’ future looms, Jefferson chases 1,000 yards – will Minnesota end 2025 strong? In this gripping episode of Two Old Bloggers, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano, joined by Drew Bunting, unpack the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 18 clash against a resting Green Bay Packers squad. As the Vikings aim for a fifth straight win and a 9-8 finish, the discussion heats up on defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ contract uncertainty and potential successors.
Delving deeper, the trio explores the implications of Flores possibly departing after mid-January 2026, highlighting internal candidates like Daronte Jones and Mike Siravo, alongside external options such as Jim Leonhard and college innovators like Alex Grinch. They also celebrate Kevin Williams’ Hall of Fame finalist status, ponder safety Jay Ward’s emergence amid Harrison Smith’s potential retirement, and debate the quarterback conundrum—with Darren regretting Sam Darnold’s departure while eyeing J.J. McCarthy’s long-term potential.
With the Packers benching stars like Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs, the focus shifts to revenge and milestones. Drew Bunting emphasizes getting Justin Jefferson those crucial 53 yards to tie Randy Moss’ Vikings record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career. Amid predictions of a 24-13 or 31-13 Vikings victory, this episode captures the resilience of a team that turned a 4-8 start into a late-season surge, setting the stage for an intriguing 2026 offseason.
Key points from the episode:
- Brian Flores’ Future and Successors: Flores’ contract ends mid-January 2026; hosts discuss his stellar four-game defensive heater (shutouts, stifling Cowboys and Lions), O’Connell’s desire to retain him, and potential replacements like internal picks Daronte Jones and Mike Siravo, NFL assistants Aubrey Pleasant and Jim Leonhard, or college DCs Alex Grinch, Zach Arnett, and Pete Kwiatkowski.
- Kevin Williams Hall of Fame Bid: First-time finalist with five All-Pro nods and superior stats to recent inductees; faces tough competition from Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and others, hindered by limited national exposure during Vikings’ mediocre 2003-2013 era.
- Youth on Defense: Aging unit needs infusions; Jay Ward impresses in starter snaps (11 tackles, versatile coverage/blitzing), positioning as potential 2026 starter opposite Josh Metellus if Harrison Smith retires.
- Quarterback Reflections: Regret over letting Sam Darnold go (now 13-3 with Seahawks), but his recent seven-game slump (equal TDs/INTs, dropped ratings) validates the move; J.J. McCarthy, at 22, has upside despite inconsistencies, needing competition and development.
- Game Preview with Drew Bunting: Vikings (8-8) vs. Packers (9-6-1, clinched playoffs, resting Love, Jacobs, Watson, Doubs); historical rivalry (131 meetings, Vikings won last finale in 2015); sole key: Jefferson needs 53 yards for sixth straight 1,000-yard season (tying Moss’ Vikings record); prediction: 24-13 or 31-13 Vikings win, avoiding sweep since 2019.
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Whether you’re a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan or tracking NFL Week 18 previews, this Two Old Bloggers episode packs gold with in-depth Vikings news, Packers matchup breakdowns, and offseason teases. From Flores’ aggressive schemes to Jefferson’s milestone chase, it’s essential listening for SKOL nation. Catch it on Vikings 1st & SKOL, partnered with Fans First Sports Network, and join the conversation—subscribe now for more unfiltered Vikings podcast content that keeps you ahead of the curve!
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Question:
What do you think happens if Brian Flores leaves the Vikings—does the defense stay elite, or is a rebuild inevitable? Share your take below!
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