Minnesota Vikings News and Links: John Randle Provides Comedic Relief in his “Keys” to the 2024 Season

One of the Vikings’ defensive GOATs remains entertaining in retirement

We made it. We’re finally to the week before Week 1! We can call it….Week 1 eve!?

I don’t think that’ll catch on.

But in order to get into the spirit, why don’t we try to get inside the head of one of the most vocal leaders in franchise history — none other than John Randle:

Basically, it’s just a light-hearted post as we, as fans, get amped up for a season that has a wide variety of different possible outcomes.

ESPN released its team-by-team breakdown over the weekend — and it. is. massive. Like most publications, the Worldwide Leader is down on the Vikings, ranking them 26th while raining pessimism on the Vikings for reasons such as quarterback and strength of schedule.

NFL team previews 2024: Predictions, rankings, depth charts

In other words — nothing you haven’t heard already.

But with that said, all of this seems to point to the idea that the Vikings’ chances will ride or die with Sam Darnold’s right arm. And that pessimism seems…..fair.

Minnesota Vikings News and Links

Speaking of Darnold — wouldn’t a “HEY DARNOLD!” meme be fun, like move it football-head! — Matthew Coller has a great story over at Purple Insider about how it’s more or less now or never for Darnold.

It’s Sam Darnold’s time to fulfill his potential

The concept of a former No. 3 pick needing to get their act together in Year 7 is hardly a unique concept — unless you mean that they’re even getting that chance again that far into their career.

But Coller has a fascinating deep dive on what’ll go into making Darnold’s season a success — and here’s a hint: a lot of it has to do with how he grows under his head coach in 2024.

You knew we had to have a reaction to Mike Zimmer going bonkers on the Star Tribune, right?

Zulgad’s reaction to Mike Zimmer’s candid interview with the Star Tribune

Aforementioned interview

Zimmer left virtually no stones unturned in his long-form conversation with Mark Craig, ranging from how he felt about his firing, having Eric Kendricks in the middle of yet another one of his defenses to how relationships with him and his players have deteriorated over the years.

I’d like to tell you it’s a feel-good read based on how it starts — but I don’t think I can.

Over at Zone Coverage, site founder Tom Schreier wonders if Kevin O’Connell is up to a tall task — leading a team that lost its starting quarterback, a draft pick in a car accident, and perhaps its entire identity as KOC. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s remake of the roster appears to be about halfway through.

Can Kevin O’Connell Inspire Hope After A Trying Offseason?

Still, KOC remains positive — and that alone is a big first step, especially when considering the team is the consensus pick to finish fourth in a four-team division.

Over at the main site, Craig Peters has his weekly mailbag — this time in advance of Week 1.

Monday Morning Mailbag: Vikings Enter Week 1; Quarterback Shuffle

One thing Peters addresses is the Jaren Hall situation, as the quarterback was waived in favor of Brett Rypien. While Peters suggests the Hall situation wasn’t fully played out — more on that in a minute — he also notes his trust in the team’s leadership to find players who fit their system. And it’s one Rypien has played in with the Rams — where KOC came from before being hired.

In the news

• Jaren Hall landed with the Seahawks on Monday, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Hall will join the team’s practice squad, and be behind Geno Smith and Sam Howell on the team’s quarterback pecking order. Given the way the team’s depth chart looks, Hall could be elevated to third quarterback on game days — and perhaps it isn’t the worst landing spot as neither are locks to be NFL-caliber quarterbacks in the medium-ish term.
• MarShawn Lloyd practiced for the Packers on Sunday, and looks like he may be ready to go Friday for the opener after having spotty availability all summer. We’ll be watching closely to see how the Packers replace Aaron Jones this season with a combination of Josh Jacobs and friends.
• The Giants signed cornerback Adoree’ Jackson over the weekend, and it seems like this is the cascade effect of the Vikings signing Stephon Gilmore a little while back. A lot of times, veteran player gluts at a position just need one player to sign to get the trickle opening back up again. Jackson was not particularly good last season for the Giants, ranking 71st out of 72 cornerbacks with at least 400 coverage snaps with a PFF grade of 45.9. For some context, Akayleb Evans was the Vikings’ worst-graded corner with at least 400 snaps (52.6).

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