The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with a burst of optimism, as discussed in the latest episode of Two Old Bloggers with hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano on the Vikings 1st & SKOL podcast, part of the Fans First Sports Network. This episode dives into the standout performance of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who impressed with his command and chemistry with key veterans like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson. The hosts also cover significant front-office moves, including GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s extension and promotions for Ryan Grigson and Demetrius Washington. Additionally, they spotlight players under scrutiny for the upcoming season, from edge rusher Dallas Turner to the revamped interior offensive line. For Vikings fans eager for insights on the team’s 2025 outlook, this episode is a must-listen, packed with analysis and excitement for a promising season.

A Strong Start to 2025 OTAs

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 OTAs marked the first time the entire 91-man roster came together, setting the stage for a highly anticipated season following a remarkable 14-3 campaign in 2024. Hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano wasted no time diving into the significance of this milestone, emphasizing the chemistry-building process that OTAs facilitate.

Darren highlighted the presence of key veterans as a critical factor in the team’s early success. “Justin Jefferson was there. T.J. Hockenson was there. Jordan Addison was there. Aaron Jones was there. Jalen Nailor was there,” he noted. “These guys that are gonna be catching the majority of the passes this year from J.J. McCarthy in his first year as a starting quarterback, they were at OTAs, and as veterans, they don’t have to be there.”

This voluntary attendance underscores the team’s commitment to supporting McCarthy, who is transitioning into the starting role. Darren emphasized the importance of these reps: “The margins between having a complete pass and a big play in the passing game and it being incomplete or getting tipped or getting an interception, sometimes those margins are very small. You’ve got to build chemistry between your pass catchers and your quarterback, and you can only do that with reps and time.”

Dave echoed this sentiment, pointing out the team’s unity. “Attendance was a hundred percent,” he said. “We’re the only team in the NFC North that had everybody there. Everybody else is dealing with disgruntled players holding out for contract extensions. But we had everybody there, and that is absolutely wonderful.”

J.J. McCarthy: The Star of OTAs

The spotlight of the OTAs discussion inevitably fell on J.J. McCarthy, the second-year quarterback who has been under intense scrutiny since being drafted. The media’s reports from the open practice on Wednesday painted a glowing picture, and both hosts were quick to celebrate his progress.

Darren noted, “All the reports on J.J. McCarthy and how he looked are pretty much glowing or very good. His footwork looked very good. He threw with a lot of zip on the ball. Maybe his arm looks almost as strong as Sam Darnold’s, and Darnold has a cannon. He was accurate for the most part, knew where to go and when to go there.”

Dave added, “The beat writers said they were looking for regression from last preseason, and they saw none. He’s picking right up where he left off or is a little bit better. He seems to command not just the room, but the whole team.”

McCarthy’s recovery from a meniscus injury was another positive note. Darren expressed relief, saying, “We didn’t hear anything about McCarthy’s movement. He’s moving fine, very well. The meniscus thing doesn’t seem to be a thing of the past, but it appears that he’s fully recovered from it.”

This early success builds on McCarthy’s promising rookie training camp and preseason, setting high expectations for his first year as the starter. As Dave put it, “It’s wonderful. He’s got a magnetism about him, and everybody’s bought in. All of his weapons are there, saying, ‘I wanna catch more balls from you.’”

Front-Office Stability: Extensions and Promotions

Beyond the field, the Vikings made headlines with significant front-office moves, which the hosts discussed in their “This Week in Vikings Land” segment. The extension of General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was a focal point, with both hosts expressing approval.

Dave noted, “We knew it was coming. It was just a matter of when. Mark Wilf was saying, ‘We’re gonna get it done. We want it.’ It’s a good marriage, and I think it’s gonna work.”

Darren elaborated on the importance of this stability: “This means that you’ve got your head coach and your general manager extended for significant time into the future. They can make decisions for the short term and the long term because they have that security now. It’s been a good partnership. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell have worked well, and we want to keep that going.”

The promotions of Ryan Grigson and Demetrius Washington to assistant general managers were also highlighted. Darren admitted initial skepticism about Grigson’s hiring due to his controversial tenure with the Indianapolis Colts but acknowledged his growth. “Grigson has grown on me in his three years since joining the Vikings in 2022,” he said. “He’s become a very important guy in the front office, making calls on free agents, doing great scouting work, and playing a big role in the draft process.”

Washington, described as a potential rising star, drew comparisons to Adofo-Mensah. “He’s taking a similar path as Kwesi, with a finance and analytics background,” Darren explained. “If the Vikings continue to play well, Washington and Grigson are going to generate interest as general managers in 2026 or 2027.”

Dave speculated on the broader implications, asking, “Is it time to start talking about GM trees, like we talk about head coach trees?” This front-office cohesion, coupled with the Wilfs’ financial backing, positions the Vikings for sustained success.

Jalen Redmond: From UFL to NFL Standout

A surprising highlight was the story of Jalen Redmond, a defensive lineman who transitioned from the UFL to a significant role with the Vikings in 2024. Darren recounted his remarkable journey: “Redmond played eight UFL games, 13 NFL games, plus three preseason games. That’s 24 games of football in one calendar year. In a sport that’s probably the most physically punishing, that took a toll on his body, but it helped him work on his craft.”

This grueling schedule gave Redmond a headstart, enabling him to beat out more highly regarded players and earn a starting role by season’s end. Dave was excited about his potential in 2025, stating, “I look forward to the mismatches that Brian Flores is now going to be able to create. When it’s Redmond’s turn, how does he take advantage? Is he gonna be a run stopper or a good pass rush guy? He caused some pressures last year.”

Redmond’s re-signing to a one-year deal signals the team’s confidence in his ability to contribute alongside free-agent additions Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. As Darren noted, “He’s gonna play a significant role on the defensive line, even with Allen and Hargrave. I’m excited to see what that leads to in 2025.”

Players Under the Microscope

The final segment focused on players who will be under intense scrutiny in 2025, as the Vikings aim to build on their 14-3 season. Darren and Dave identified several key figures across different position groups, each facing unique challenges and expectations.

Dallas Turner: Time to Shine

Edge rusher Dallas Turner, a first-round pick in 2024, was a top pick for Darren. “Last year, his rookie year was not as impactful as we thought it was going to be,” he said. “Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel were so damn good, and Patrick Jones had his moments. There wasn’t as much playing time for Turner.”

With Jones now gone, Turner is expected to step into the number three edge rusher role. Darren emphasized, “He’s gotta start taking strides to be that 10-sack-a-year guy that we expect him to be. The Vikings gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. He’s got the talent, but now he has to do it.”

Dave added, “He showed improvement towards the end of the year, learning not just the pass rush but the whole position, including pass coverage. That’s a good sign he’ll continue to develop.”

Theo Jackson and Isaiah Rogers: Secondary Stepping Up

In the secondary, safety Theo Jackson and cornerback Isaiah Rogers were flagged as players to watch. Darren praised Jackson’s potential: “I’ve always liked Jackson. When he plays, he makes plays, and you notice him in a good way. Now he’s presumed to be one of the three safeties on the field most of the time in Flores’ defense.”

However, Jackson’s transition to a full-time starter remains unproven. “He’s never had as much opportunity as he’s about to get,” Darren noted. “Can he be as good as Cam Bynum was? He’s gotta prove it on the field.”

Rogers, a free-agent signing from the Eagles, faces similar questions. “He’s never been a full-time starter,” Darren said. “If he’s playing 60 to 70, 80% of the defensive snaps, can he play as well as Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore did last year? Brian Flores pushed to bring him in, so I have strong hopes.”

Dave agreed, stating, “B-Flo has a plan. When he grabs you, he has a plan. Just look at Josh Metellus.”

Aaron Jones: Defying Age

Running back Aaron Jones, who had an excellent 2024 season, was another player under scrutiny due to his age. “Aaron Jones is 30 years old, turning 31 in December,” Darren cautioned. “We know what usually happens to 30-year-old-plus running backs. They fall off a cliff quickly.”

The Vikings’ two-year deal with Jones, coupled with the trade for Jordan Mason, reflects a calculated risk. “The Vikings see Jones every day and believe he hasn’t lost it,” Darren said. “But running backs 30-plus years old, the history’s not very good. Can Aaron Jones buck that history?”

Dave highlighted the team’s strategy to manage Jones’ workload: “Trading for Mason and giving him more carries is part of the plan to keep Jones fresh.”

Interior Offensive Line: The Wall of St. Paul?

The revamped interior offensive line, featuring center Ryan Kelly, guard Will Fries, and rookie Donovan Jackson, was a major focus. Darren explained, “The Vikings invested heavily in the draft and free agency to improve the interior offensive line. They knew it was important because it hasn’t been good enough in KOC’s three years.”

While Kelly and Fries have strong track records, Jackson’s performance as a first-round pick remains to be seen. “Donovan Jackson got great scouting reports,” Darren said. “I feel optimistic, but the proof is in the pudding. They’ve gotta improve the running game, open more holes, and keep J.J. McCarthy’s pocket clean.”

Dave added, “They struggled with stunts and games that defenses play. Coaching might be part of it, but we’ll see if this new group can sort that out.”

Additional Players to Watch

Dave expanded the list with other players under scrutiny, including free-agent signings Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, who need to balance pass rushing with run defense. Second-year players like McCarthy and Turner, young veterans like Mekhi Blackmon and Theo Jackson, and offensive players like Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and Christian Darrisaw were also mentioned.

“Jordan Addison—will he take the next step to prove he could be a wide receiver one?” Dave asked. “Jalen Nailor, bulking up and playing for a new contract, could he push Addison, especially during a potential suspension? And Christian Darrisaw, how long will it take to return to top form after his knee injury?”

Looking Ahead: A Season of High Expectations

The Two Old Bloggers episode wrapped up with a reflection on the Vikings’ promising offseason and the challenges ahead. Darren noted, “The majority of the takes have been that it was a successful offseason, particularly in free agency, where we addressed clear weaknesses in the interior offensive and defensive lines.”

However, both hosts acknowledged the unpredictability of the NFL. “The schedule looks much tougher than last year,” Darren said. “Sometimes teams don’t have that special something, even with the talent to have a 14-3 season.”

Dave remained optimistic, stating, “The Vikings are coming off a 14-3 season. Was it a fluke? No. Was coaching part of it? Oh yeah. Let’s see how the coaching continues to build and level up these players. I can’t wait.”

For Vikings fans, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling journey, with J.J. McCarthy’s development, a fortified roster, and a cohesive front office setting the stage for a potential Super Bowl run. As Darren and Dave put it, “It’s fun to see the story and how it’s written. It’s a new script every year, and we’re here for it.”

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The Two Old Bloggers episode on Vikings 1st & SKOL delivers a comprehensive look at the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 OTAs, offering fans a blend of optimism and critical analysis. From J.J. McCarthy’s standout performance to front-office stability and players under the microscope, Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano provide an engaging narrative that sets the tone for an exciting season. Tune in to the Fans First Sports Network for more Vikings insights, and join the SKOL chant as the team aims for greatness in 2025.

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