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:
Catch:
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?
Fan With Us!
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!