Access Vikings

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 19-17 loss to the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium, where fans became restless with quarterback J.J. McCarthy's growing pains. What did coach Kevin O'Connell say afterward? They also discuss another strong defensive showing, safety Harrison Smith's 200th regular season game, and the highs and lows of special teams.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your questions about how players choose their helmets, center Ryan Kelly's return, edge rusher Dallas Turner's costly lesson about sacking quarterbacks, the false start problem, a rookie we haven't heard from in a while, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (4-5) and Bears (6-3), who have won six of their last seven games. Will the offense find cohesion with J.J. McCarthy at U.S. Bank Stadium? How do they match up against the Bears defense? When will center Ryan Kelly return? The Vikings defense appears to have found a groove after a rough five-day stretch in Oct...

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 27-19 loss to the Ravens on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, where an inconsistent offense was often penalized and turnover prone. What issues continued for quarterback J.J. McCarthy? How did an impressive defensive performance eventually fall apart? What did players and coach Kevin O'Connell have to say about some of the key moments?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's alter ego and the final injury statuses ahead of Vikings-Ravens on Sunday. They then open the mailbag and answer your questions about the red zone success, free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., the trade deadline, arm wrestling contests, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's Vikings-Ravens game through the lens of defending quarterback Lamar Jackson and quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ongoing development. They discuss the Vikings' struggles against mobile quarterbacks, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel's return, and more.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions from Ford Field, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy navigated another road win in the NFC North, the defense got back to its winning ways, kick returner Myles Price made a difference, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss who's in, who's out, and what's still not known ahead of Sunday in Detroit. They then open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the quarterbacks, tight end T.J. Hockenson, safety Harrison Smith, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback Carson Wentz playing through a torn labrum in his left shoulder, quarterback J.J. McCarthy returning to the starting lineup, and they break the news that Sunday is a tough, tough assignment in Detroit.

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 37-10 loss to the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday Night Football, including Carson Wentz struggling as he played through pain and what's ahead for the Vikings at quarterback. They also discuss who returned to action, who left the game early and the Chargers tearing up the Vikings defense.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Thursday night's game against the Chargers, leading with the decision to start Carson Wentz as J.J. McCarthy's recovery continues. They also discuss the potential return of a team captain, Aaron Jones, and how the Vikings offense and defense match up against the 4-3 Chargers. Did the Vikings just struggle against a big, mobile passer with a st...

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 28-22 loss to the Eagles from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the defense let Jalen Hurts run around and find open receivers downfield. What to make of quarterback Carson Wentz's roller coaster performance? What about the uncharacteristic explosive passes allowed? How did a rookie get picked to lay in front of the Eagles' Tush Push attempt...

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback Carson Wentz's fourth straight start on Sunday against his former team. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about quarterback J.J. McCarthy's practice time, which returning players will make the biggest impacts, and advice on traveling to Minnesota for a game.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's return to practice, his ongoing recovery from a high ankle sprain, his development and what it all means for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Will Carson Wentz face his former team? They also discuss two key defenders returning to practice this week and another, Dallas Turner, quietly playing well.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss which players are expected to return after the bye week. Then they open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about measuring success this season, the run defense, linebacker Ivan Pace's year so far, Blake Brandel's play at center, receiver Jordan Addison's future, and more. They also form a list of recently memorable Vikings games tha...

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 21-17 win over the Browns in London, which was capped by a 12-yard touchdown caught by Jordan Addison. They also discuss Cam Akers' single snap at quarterback, Quinshon Judkins' 100-yard game against the Vikings defense and what looks to have happened on Will Reichard's missed field goal.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest updates on a number of Vikings injuries, including a handful across the O-line that required the Vikings to fly out added practice support to London. Plus, they chat about key personnel for the Browns, who named rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel their starter for Week 5.

Ben Goessling joins from Dublin as the Access Vikings crew, including Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker, break down Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Why did a play clock have a key role at the end of the loss? They also discuss the unrelenting O-line injuries, quarterback Carson Wentz's performance, the defense's inability to force Aaron Rodgers into a mistake, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings injuries entering Week 4, in which the Vikings head overseas to play the Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, and wide receiver Jordan Addison's return to practice after serving his 3-game suspension stemming from a drunken driving arrest in July 2024. Plus, they continue the discussion of the Vikings' quarterback situation as Carson Wentz is set to make his...

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 48-10 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals, starting with cornerback Isaiah Rodgers' history-making performance. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and safety Harrison Smith returned and made immediate impacts. Kicker Will Reichard just set a franchise record. It's the rebound performance the Vikings needed.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about safety Harrison Smith's absence and how that has affected the defense, running back Cam Akers' annual return to Minnesota, the philosophies of Kevin O'Connell's offense, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' pivot to quarterback Carson Wentz, who joined the team Aug. 24, amid quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury. What to expect from Wentz against the Bengals on Sunday? Who will be protecting Wentz along the offensive line? And what do history lessons tell us about what this season could become?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings lost the home opener, 22-6, to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. What to make of the listless showing from quarterback J.J. McCarthy and company? What about the mounting injuries and unrelenting pressure in the pocket? What to make of the defensive showing? Where do they go from here?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about linebacker Blake Cashman's absence, the pass rush matchup versus the Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday night, receiver Adam Thielen's role, and more ahead of Vikings-Falcons.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's Vikings-Falcons matchup that will bring intrigue on both sides of the ball. They discuss the issues and ailments to key defenders like Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith, the 2024 draft class with J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins returning, and more.