In this episode of Two Old Bloggers, a Vikings 1st & SKOL production partnered with the Fans First Sports Network, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano deliver an in-depth look at the Minnesota Vikings as they approach the 2025 training camp. The duo explores anticipated roster battles, focusing on depth positions rather than the typical 53-man roster predictions, and discusses key news, including the training camp schedule, Jordan Addison’s legal issues, and coaching staff updates. They also take a nostalgic trip into the Vikings Vault, comparing second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s situation to past Vikings QBs like Teddy Bridgewater, Christian Ponder, Tavaris Jackson, and Dante Culpepper. Packed with insights, this episode is a must-read for Vikings fans eager for the upcoming season.

A New Angle on Roster Battles: Depth Over Starters

As the NFL offseason enters its quiet phase, Darren and Dave shift the focus from the predictable 53-man roster projections flooding Vikings media. Instead, they zero in on the competitive battles expected at the bottom of the roster during the 2025 training camp. Unlike past years, the Vikings’ starting lineup appears remarkably set, a testament to the team’s offseason moves and roster continuity.

Darren notes, “This roster, the Vikings roster seems a lot more set than it has even in recent history… Pretty much all [starting positions] seem sewn up at this point.” He highlights that the only potential starting position up for grabs is the third cornerback role, likely a competition between Jeff Okudah and Mekhi Blackman for the nickel or CB3 spot in Brian Flores’ defense. Dave adds nuance, suggesting that Flores’ scheme blurs the traditional nickel role, with Byron Murphy Jr. often sliding inside, leaving the third corner to handle outside duties.

Beyond this, the battles are for depth. At left guard, Donovan Jackson is the presumed starter, but a catastrophic performance could open the door for Blake Brandel. Darren dismisses this as unlikely, stating, “He’d have to really, really screw up… It would be a huge disappointment for the Vikings.” Other depth competitions include:

• Inside Linebacker: Will Brian Asamoah II hold off sixth-round pick Kobe King?
• Cornerback: Can Dwight McGlothern or newcomer Zemaiah Vaughn secure a fifth or sixth spot?
• Wide Receiver: Will Rondale Moore or Silas Bolden (a punt return specialist) claim the WR4 or WR5 role?
• Edge Rusher: Can undrafted free agent Tyler Batty unseat Gabriel Murphy or Bo Richter for the fourth or fifth spot?
• Tight End: Dave points out a battle for TE3, with Ben Yurosek potentially overtaking Trey Bartholomew, who’s been sidelined, while Bryson Nesbit lurks as a practice squad candidate. “The best ability is availability,” Dave quips, emphasizing Bartholomew’s injury concerns.

These battles, while not headline-grabbing, will shape the Vikings’ depth chart and special teams units. The hosts agree that the lack of starting position competitions allows head coach Kevin O’Connell to focus on refining systems rather than settling positional debates, a luxury for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

This Week in Vikings Land: News and Notes

The episode transitions to recent Vikings news, offering fans a snapshot of the team’s offseason developments. The hosts cover four key topics, each with significant implications for the 2025 season.

Training Camp Schedule Released

The Vikings announced their 2025 training camp schedule, a milestone that signals the end of the offseason lull. Rookies report on July 20, veterans on July 22, with 12 open practices starting July 26. Key dates include the first padded practice on July 28, a night practice on August 4, and joint practices with the New England Patriots. Darren emphasizes the excitement, saying, “We’re not very far away, Dave, from things where we’re getting to that point where the news cycle will heat up once again.”

Fans and media will closely monitor these practices for updates on J.J. McCarthy’s progress, the integration of free-agent signings like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, and the health of returning players like T.J. Hockenson and Rondale Moore. Dave adds, “We’re gonna be tracking… How’s J.J. to Jordan Addison? How’s J.J. to T.J.? It’s all gonna be focused on… how McCarthy looks.”

Jordan Addison’s Legal Woes

A cloud hangs over wide receiver Jordan Addison, who faces a trial on July 15, 2025, for a 2024 DUI arrest. The hosts express frustration at the uncertainty, with Darren stating, “I don’t like this uncertainty with Addison… It’d be really good for the Vikings… to find out before training camp starts.” A guilty verdict could lead to a three-game NFL suspension, disrupting the Vikings’ offensive plans.

Dave warns of a worst-case scenario: “It’s December 15th… they find him guilty, and NFL comes down, bang, suspended. Next three games all in January.” The team’s experience without Addison last season (due to an ankle injury) offers some reassurance, but the hosts stress the need for resolution to prepare players like Jalen Nailor or Rondale Moore for expanded roles. Justin Jefferson’s mentorship, as noted by Darren, could be key: “He’s kept his nose clean… Addison needs to do the same.”

Coaching Staff Updates: Phillips Extended, Flores in Limbo

The Vikings extended offensive coordinator Wes Phillips’ contract through 2026, a move that drew little fanfare. Darren explains, “Wes Phillips doesn’t call the plays… This is Kevin O’Connell’s offense.” While Phillips is a valued lieutenant, his role is overshadowed by O’Connell’s play-calling prowess, leading to speculation that his departure wouldn’t significantly impact the offense.

More intriguing is the lack of an extension for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whose contract expires after 2025. Flores, a head-coaching candidate, may be holding off for a top job. Dave suggests negotiation tactics, noting, “He may be going, I wanna be the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the league.” Darren agrees, advocating for a lucrative extension: “We want him in Minnesota as long as he wants to be here.”

Adrian Peterson’s Off-Field Struggles

The hosts address a troubling TMZ video showing Vikings legend Adrian Peterson in a fistfight at a Houston poker tournament. This incident adds to Peterson’s history of legal issues, including arrests for resisting arrest (2012), child abuse (2014), domestic violence (2022), and DUI (2025). Darren questions the Vikings’ association with Peterson, stating, “I’d be holding off, including him in my team events… He’s making bad choices.”

Dave speculates about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to Peterson’s physical running style, but both hosts agree his off-field behavior tarnishes his legacy. Despite his likely first-ballot Hall of Fame status, Darren warns, “Voters [might] hold that against him.”

Vikings Vault: J.J. McCarthy and Second-Year QB Precedents

The episode’s final segment dives into the Vikings Vault, examining how J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 season as a second-year starter compares to four predecessors: Teddy Bridgewater (2015), Christian Ponder (2012), Tavaris Jackson (2007), and Dante Culpepper (2000). Each faced high expectations, offering lessons for McCarthy, who sat out his rookie year due to a meniscus injury.

Teddy Bridgewater (2015)

Bridgewater led the Vikings to an 11-5 record and an NFC North title, throwing for 3,231 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Darren marvels, “Hard to believe… a team in today’s NFL could go 11-5 with those kind of passing stats.” The run-heavy offense, led by Adrian Peterson, and a stout defense (fifth in points allowed) carried the team, despite a weak receiving corps. Dave notes, “The offensive supporting cast wasn’t there… not even close” to McCarthy’s 2025 weapons.

Christian Ponder (2012)

Ponder’s 2,935 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions fueled a 10-6 season, again driven by Peterson’s 2,097-yard rushing campaign. The offense leaned on Kyle Rudolph and an injured Percy Harvin, with a mediocre offensive line and middle-of-the-pack defense. Darren concludes, “The team that Ponder played on… is not nearly as strong… as what McCarthy is taking over.”

Tarvaris Jackson (2007)

Jackson’s dismal 1,911 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 12 starts resulted in an 8-8 team record, 8-4 when Jackson started. A dynamic rushing attack (Peterson and Chester Taylor) compensated for a weak passing game and an emerging defense. Dave remarks, “You’d be hard pressed to think those stats would get you anywhere today close to playoff contention.”

Dante Culpepper (2000)

Culpepper’s 3,937 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, plus 470 rushing yards, powered an 11-5 season and an NFC Championship appearance. The offense, with Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Robert Smith, mirrors McCarthy’s 2025 supporting cast, but the defense (24th in points allowed) pales in comparison. Darren notes, “Offensively holds up well… but defensively way, way less talented.”

McCarthy’s Advantage

Unlike Bridgewater, Ponder, and Jackson, who started as rookies, McCarthy aligns with Culpepper, who also sat out his first year. Darren argues, “It doesn’t always help… a quarterback be significantly better” to start as a rookie, citing the struggles of Bridgewater and Ponder. McCarthy inherits a superior roster, with stars like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones, plus a top-tier defense under Flores. Dave predicts, “If everybody stays healthy, this team will excel… We’re gonna talk about 10-plus wins.”

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Looking Ahead: A Season of Promise

As training camp looms, the Vikings stand at a crossroads. A stable roster, elite coaching, and a talented second-year quarterback position them as contenders. The hosts’ enthusiasm is palpable, with Dave declaring, “I can’t wait… Let’s start hearing popping of linemen hitting each other. Let’s start seeing the ball fly.” Darren echoes, “It’ll be here before we know it.”

The episode underscores the Vikings’ potential to surpass their 14-3 2024 season, provided they navigate depth battles, resolve Addison’s status, and secure Flores’ future. McCarthy’s development will be the focal point, but the team’s depth and versatility could make them a juggernaut.

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Open Question for Readers:

Which depth battle are you most excited to watch in Vikings training camp, and who do you think will emerge as a surprise contributor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!