In The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness & Dave Stefano preview Vikings’ 2025 offense pre-camp (rookies July 20, vets 22). Ease J.J. McCarthy in via run-heavy plays w/ Aaron Jones/Mason; C.J. Ham’s H-back role sans Mundt; O-line chemistry w/ newcomers Jackson/Kelly; Darrisaw’s ACL recovery (possibly miss 2-4 games); Addison’s potential 3-game suspension from July 15 DUI trial.
In this episode of The Real Forno Show, hosts Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano from Vikings 1st & SKOL, provide a comprehensive breakdown of the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive outlook for the 2025 NFL season. With training camp reporting dates set for July 20 (rookies and quarterbacks) and July 22 (veterans) at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, the duo explores how head coach Kevin O’Connell plans to integrate second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, emphasizing a cautious, run-heavy start to build his confidence amid prime-time openers against the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons. They discuss the bolstered running game featuring Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, potential expanded roles for fullback C.J. Ham due to tight end depth issues without Johnny Mundt, and the challenges of gelling a revamped offensive line including new additions like Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, and Will Fries alongside veterans Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Forness highlights the importance of chemistry on the line, warning of early struggles despite talent upgrades, while Stefano expresses optimism in Kelly’s veteran leadership. The episode also addresses wide receiver Jordan Addison’s ongoing DUI jury trial starting today, July 15, 2025, in California, where a guilty verdict could result in a three-game suspension impacting early matchups.
Key points discussed:
- J.J. McCarthy’s integration: A measured approach with heavy play-action and run support to ease pressure, leveraging the Week 6 bye for schematic adjustments and drawing from Sam Darnold’s 2024 success.
- Running game elevation: Focus on Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason to create balance, turning potential five-yard gains into eight-yarders with improved blocking.
- C.J. Ham’s increased snaps: With no reliable third tight end (rookies like Gavin Bartholomew are unproven), Ham could shift to an H-back role for veteran stability in blocking and short-yardage.
- Offensive line cohesion: Concerns over chemistry with multiple newcomers; Darrisaw’s ACL/MCL recovery progressing but Week 1 return looking unlikely, potentially missing 2-4 games as the regime remains conservative.
- Jordan Addison’s suspension factor: Jury trial begins today; if convicted, a likely three-game ban could force adaptations like 12 personnel, more Jalen Nailor, and pony packages with two backs.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.
Question:
What are your thoughts on how the Vikings should handle J.J. McCarthy’s early-season workload?