Vikings 1st & SKOL: A Minnesota Vikings podcast

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  • 4.7 (25)
  • Football
  • Updated Daily

Your one stop shop for everything Minnesota Vikings. Join Vikings beat writer Tyler Forness on The Real Forno Show and longtime writer Producer Dave on Two Old Bloggers, along with postgame reaction shows, breaking news, NFL Draft analysis, and in-depth film breakdowns like nobody else.

  1. 12h ago

    Two Days Into Vikings Training Camp: What We’ve Learned So Far

    Vikings Training Camp Day 2: QB Competition Themes, Jamal Adams Debut, and Key Roster Battles — Two days into Vikings training camp, Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano discuss early quarterback-competition themes and Kevin O’Connell’s approach to “50/50” reps as equal opportunities by period rather than identical snap counts, cautioning against overreacting to stats or interceptions. Reports suggest J.J. McCarthy has a higher completion rate but a lower depth of target, raising questions about checkdowns, comfort, or playing more with the twos, while Kyler Murray shows inconsistency typical of learning a new offense, including snap/placement issues but also aggressive downfield throws and a pick on a deep attempt to Jordan Addison. They note pads coming on soon should reveal more about pocket navigation and pressure response, and estimate a starter decision around joint practices. They also cover Jamal Adams taking first-team reps, special-teams tradeoffs versus Ivan Pace, roster thoughts on Demond Claiborne, kick-return options, Blake Cashman’s impact, Jordan Addison looking sharp, Brian O’Neill’s extension, and possible future roster additions at edge rusher. Timestamps 00:00 – Camp Update Intro 00:39 – How KOC Splits Reps 03:32 – Reading the O’Connell Quote 05:15 – McCarthy Short-Throws Trend 11:47 – Murray Learning Curve 16:33 – What to Watch Next 18:58 – Practice Plans and Credentials 22:41 – Claiborne Roster Case 26:11 – Discord and Contract Qs 27:46 – Jamal Adams First Look 29:07 – Adams vs. Pace Special Teams 29:58 – Baker / Kyler Trade Talk 31:36 – QB Market Inflation 33:24 – Show Setup Quality 34:21 – Special Teams Roster Math 36:19 – Camp Notes: Cashman & Addison 37:56 – Merlin Recovery Update 39:13 – O’Neill Extension Fallout 42:41 – Cap Space & Extensions 44:03 – Snapping / “Swamp Ass” 45:41 – QB Starter Timeline 49:33 – McCarthy Short Throws Revisited 52:13 – Roster Moves Wrap-Up 53:50 – Sign-Off & Schedule _______________________ Subscribe to us here! - https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 Our Twitter can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL Our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN Tyler Forness can be read at A to Z Sports - https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/ Submit questions: forms.gle/7LJkCAern9kdUkuD8 On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vikings1standskol Watch the live show here: https://youtu.be/3JMttPBGr7k Fan With Us!!! Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL and @BleavNetwork production, the @RealFornoShow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Two Days Into Vikings Training Camp: What We’ve Learned So Far

  2. 1d ago

    NFC North Camps Explode: Injuries, Extensions, Open QB Battle & Packers Chaos!

    NFC North Collision: Training Camp Updates, Extensions, Injuries, and QB Battles — Two hosts preview NFC North training camp storylines after GM and coach press conferences, covering continuity, roster turnover, injuries, and contract talks. They discuss the Bears’ high expectations, Kyler Gordon on the PUP with a calf injury and a rotating nickel plan, T.J. Edwards on NFI with an illness expected to clear soon, and other injured players (including Ozzy Trapilo, Shemar Turner, Noah Sewell, and Keyshaun Elliott). For the Vikings, they note DB coach Gerald Alexander’s three-week unpaid suspension for a DUI, Brian O’Neill’s four-year, $96M extension, an open QB competition with equal opportunities for Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, Jamal Adams signed to play linebacker, and Christian Darrisaw confirmed healthy. They review Packers leadership extensions framed as continuity, refusal to sell Lambeau naming rights, kicker changes including signing German IPP kicker Lenny Krieg (and cutting Lucas Havrisik), and Tucker Kraft extension talks. Lions updates include multiple injuries on PUP/NFI (Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Tyler Conklin, Christian Mahogany, Christian Izien), and ongoing negotiations with Jahmyr Gibbs (holding in) and Sam LaPorta. Timestamps: 00:00 NFC North Collision Intro 01:18 Hosts Check In 03:33 Bears Camp Continuity 10:34 Vikings Presser Updates 13:12 Vikings QB Battle Plan 18:26 Bears Injury Report 22:11 Packers Continuity Talk 28:19 Packers Kicker Carousel 31:59 Merlin Health Update 32:49 Lions Camp Notes 36:10 Camp Injury Updates 37:12 When Pads Come On 39:00 Tackling And Physicality 43:10 Suspicious Crash Story 46:36 Romo DUI Throwback 47:55 Vita Vea Trade Talk 49:09 Vikings QB Debate 56:12 Hall Of Fame And Turf 59:19 Bears Facilities Upgrades 01:00:12 Wrap Up And Plugs FAN WITH US!!! Follow us on Twitter ️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan Channel, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL and @BleavNetwork. This has been a joint podcast production. ️ Subscribe to us here! - Vikings 1st & SKOL, https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 ️ and here - Bleachers to Speakers, https://www.youtube.com/@BleachersToSpeakers-yq8tm ️ and here - Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan, https://www.youtube.com/@FrustratedChicago ️ V1&S on X can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL ️ V1&S Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN ️ Catch it here: https://youtu.be/zQxUkZ3TmlY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    NFC North Camps Explode: Injuries, Extensions, Open QB Battle & Packers Chaos!

  3. 2d ago

    Nolan Teasley & Kevin O’Connell 2026 Training Camp Presser News

    On a special Tuesday episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and Producer Dave discuss the Vikings’ four-year, $96 million Brian O’Neill extension ($24M per year), praising the deal for securing bookend tackles with Christian Darrisaw, improving cap flexibility, and stabilizing an offensive line they argue was above average but heavily affected by injuries and backups. They speculate the extension opens future talks for players like Blake Brandel and Jordan Addison and mention cost considerations for Jalen Redmond. They then cover DB coach Gerald Alexander’s three-week unpaid suspension after a DWI, noting team consistency with similar past discipline and concerns about development in a young defensive back room. From Kevin O’Connell and Nolan Teasley’s presser, they highlight a possible continued search for veteran edge help, emphasis on physicality once pads go on, Teasley’s comments on signing Jamal Adams, and O’Connell’s plan for a Kyler Murray–J.J. McCarthy quarterback competition with equal opportunities but not necessarily equal snaps, aiming to name a starter with enough runway before Week 1. Timestamps: 00:00 Special Edition Kickoff 00:48 Brian O'Neill Extension Breakdown 02:03 O-Line Outlook and Health 05:10 Cap Flexibility and Next Extensions 08:57 Gerald Alexander Suspension News 11:10 Why Consistency Matters 15:53 Press Conference Reading Between Lines 22:07 Training Camp Physicality Focus 26:24 Jamal Adams Fit in Flores Defense 31:35 Jamal Adams Deal Reality 32:31 Linebacker Roster Math 34:13 Special Teams Impact Debate 35:46 QB Battle Reps Explained 45:08 Run Game Commitment Nuance 52:42 Camp Storylines and Wrap _______________________ Subscribe to us here! - https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 Our Twitter can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL Our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN Tyler Forness can be read at A to Z Sports - https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/ Submit questions: forms.gle/7LJkCAern9kdUkuD8 On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vikings1standskol Watch the live show here: https://youtu.be/nHjFkk8sm5o Fan With Us!!! Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL and @BleavNetwork production, the @RealFornoShow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Nolan Teasley & Kevin O’Connell 2026 Training Camp Presser News

  4. 3d ago

    Mr. Mankato 2026: Top 10 Candidates Ranked

    Vikings Training Camp: Top 10 Mr. Mankato Candidates (2026) — Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano preview Vikings training camp by explaining the Mr. Mankato concept—an under-the-radar player (typically drafted in round three or later and under 100 offensive/defensive snaps) who shines in camp—and noting wide receivers and defensive backs tend to win because big plays stand out. Forness presents his top 10 candidates: 10. UDFA safety Jacob Thomas 9. RB Demond Claiborne 8. CB Zemaiah Vaughn 7. CB Charles Demmings 6. TE Gavin Bartholomew 5. S Jakobe Thomas 4. WR Tai Felton 3. WR Dontae Fleming 2. WR Dillon Bell 1. DL Elijah Williams They debate whether personality should matter (Forness says no), discuss omissions like Domonique Orange (“Big Citrus”), Max Bredeson, and even punter Brett Thorson, and preview upcoming live coverage of Kevin O’Connell and Nolan Teasley’s presser plus the early camp schedule. Timestamps: 00:00 Camp Time Kickoff 01:11 Mr. Mankato Origins & Rules 02:54 Past Winners & Patterns 04:11 How To Stand Out 07:06 Presser Plans And List Start 08:31 No. 10 Jacob Thomas 10:39 No. 9 Demond Claiborne 12:27 No. 8 Zemaiah Vaughn 14:33 No. 7 Charles Demmings 16:32 No. 6 Gavin Bartholomew 18:54 Personality Debate 20:04 No. 5 Jakobe Thomas 23:06 Tai Felton Under Pressure 27:11 Why Receivers Win 28:23 Dontae Fleming Sleeper 30:15 Dillon Bell Hype Train 34:14 Elijah Williams Top Pick 36:28 Snubs and Criteria Debate 40:20 Past Winners and Surprises 43:12 Camp Dates and Signoff _______________________ Subscribe to us here! - https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 Our Twitter can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL Our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN Tyler Forness can be read at A to Z Sports - https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/ Submit questions: forms.gle/7LJkCAern9kdUkuD8 On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vikings1standskol Watch the live show here: https://youtu.be/oop4gokYKTQ Fan With Us!!! Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL and @BleavNetwork production, the @RealFornoShow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Mr. Mankato 2026: Top 10 Candidates Ranked

  5. 4d ago

    Temperature Check: Are the Vikings Better Than Vegas Thinks in 2026?

    Vegas has the Vikings at 8.5 wins. Two Old Bloggers isn’t buying the eulogy. With Darren away, Dave hosts Drew Bunting to preview Vikings training camp 2026, starting with Vegas setting the win total at 8.5 amid quarterback uncertainty and a mid-tier strength of schedule. They argue the defense should hold up under Brian Flores despite losses like Jonathan Greenard and possibly Harrison Smith, citing optimism about Dallas Turner, Eric Wilson, and Blake Cashman’s impact, plus excitement for a rookie-heavy defensive line and secondary. Offensively, they discuss adding Jauan Jennings, concerns about the run game and injuries, and special teams changes including the punter/holder competition between Johnny Hekker and Brett Thorson. They debate whether OC Wes Phillips could become a scapegoat for poor offensive rankings and critique Kevin O’Connell’s late-game conservatism. Drew predicts Kyler Murray starts but J.J. McCarthy eventually takes over, while also reviewing past draft failures and praising the latest class as foundational for the future. Timestamps: 00:00 Training Camp Kickoff 01:36 Chat Greetings and Banter 03:29 Merlin Surgery Update 04:46 Vegas Win Total Talk 06:31 Camp Reporting Schedule 08:57 Quarterback Uncertainty 12:09 Defense Outlook and Losses 15:51 Flores Defense Standouts 20:28 Offense Needs More Points 21:15 Red Zone Targets and TD Picks 25:30 Turnovers and Run Game Doubts 28:38 Special Teams and Returners 33:20 Punter Battle and Holding 35:45 Wes Phillips Hot Seat 39:23 Offense Rankings Reality Check 42:05 KOC Aggression Debate 44:14 Stay Aggressive Always 46:02 Wes Phillips Hot Seat (continued) 53:11 Theme Three Begins 53:56 Murray vs McCarthy Battle 01:00:55 Kyler Arizona Baggage 01:08:51 Kwesi Draft Failures 01:14:04 Building Through Draft 01:17:17 Rookie Class Breakdown 01:22:53 Safety Room Outlook 01:29:49 Wrap Up And Schedule Fan With Us! We have your Minnesota Vikings talk amongst the Two Old Bloggers, guest Drew Bunting in for Darren @KickassblogVike, and Dave @Luft_Krigare along with our numbers guy, Drew Bunting. Join the conversation! Fan with us at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL on the Bleav Network @BleavNetwork. _______________________________________________________ ️ Subscribe to us here! - https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 ️ Our X can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL ️ Our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN ️ Watch the live show here: https://youtu.be/x5Tr-UEn0FM Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Temperature Check: Are the Vikings Better Than Vegas Thinks in 2026?

  6. Jul 24

    MASSIVE Vikings Training Camp Position-by-Position Preview

    Tyler Forness and producer Dave preview Minnesota Vikings training camp, focusing on when the Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy quarterback competition will end. They argue it should conclude well before the regular season and most likely around August 23 after joint practices and the Ravens preseason game, with earlier dates (Aug. 8, 10, 13, 16) discussed for optics and preparation. They then run through position storylines: • Aaron Jones vs. Jordan Mason usage and RB3 (Zavier Scott vs. Demond Claiborne) • Wide receiver depth and roles for Dillon Bell, Tai Felton, and Dontae Fleming • T.J. Hockenson’s expected rebound and the TE3 battle • Offensive line questions around Blake Brandel’s snapping, depth, and Brian O’Neill’s contract • Defensive line and edge depth concerns • Linebacker ramifications of Jake Golday’s development • Cornerback and safety rotations • A punter battle prioritizing holding for Will Reichard, including a projected future extension Timestamps: 00:00 – Training Camp Preview 01:01 – QB Battle Timeline 05:39 – Key Dates Breakdown 06:55 – Live Chat Housekeeping 10:02 – Preseason Snaps Talk 10:44 – Odie Interrupts Show 14:21 – Decision Date August 23 17:27 – Running Back Questions 20:06 – Wide Receiver Depth 23:05 – Tight End Outlook 26:40 – Offensive Line Outlook 28:59 – Depth and Snap Concerns 30:30 – Defensive Line Questions 33:06 – Edge Rusher Depth Worries 36:17 – Linebacker Chain Reactions 38:17 – Cashman Hold-In Talk 40:13 – Turf vs Grass Debate 42:44 – Cornerback and Safety Battles 44:51 – Special Teams and Kicker Pay 49:05 – Wrap Up and Next Show _______________________ Subscribe to us here! - https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 Our Twitter can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL Our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN Tyler Forness can be read at A to Z Sports - https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/ Submit questions: forms.gle/7LJkCAern9kdUkuD8 On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vikings1standskol Watch the live show here: https://youtu.be/YTm93xoN9rA Fan With Us!!! Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL and @BleavNetwork production, the @RealFornoShow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    MASSIVE Vikings Training Camp Position-by-Position Preview

  7. Jul 23

    NFC North Training Camp Nears: Who's Primed & Who's Pretending?

    Who Will Be King? NFC North Roundtable: Training Camp Headlines, Expectations, and Hot Seats — Hosts June and B. Foster (Bleachers to Speakers) join Dave Stefano (Vikings 1st & SKOL / Bleav) and Pay (Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan) for an NFC North “Who Will Be King?” roundtable, urging subscriptions and previewing training camp. Headlines include Vikings LB Blake Cashman’s pinky injury and possible “hold-in,” potential extensions (including Brian O’Neill), and Chris Carter criticizing GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah over J.J. McCarthy; the Bears discuss stadium lobbying turmoil and Makook renderings; the Lions note Sam LaPorta cleared for full action and rumors Jahmyr Gibbs could hold in seeking a major extension. They share team expectations (Vikings: better QB play and a playoff win; Bears: build on success and win in-division games; Lions: return to the playoffs and contend), discuss roster improvements, debate coaching hot seats (especially the Packers’ LaFleur/management), draft hypothetical cross-division player additions, and close with each show’s upcoming content. Timestamps: 00:00 – NFC North Kickoff 00:55 – Show Intro and Subscriptions 01:54 – Meet the Panel 03:37 – Wildfire Smoke and Headlines Setup 04:42 – Vikings Camp Buzz 07:23 – Bears Stadium Drama 12:38 – Lions Injury and Contract Watch 16:01 – Break and Season Expectations 17:12 – Team Expectations Roundtable 22:36 – Roster Improvements Discussion 23:14 – Lions Offseason Fixes 26:27 – Vikings Moves and QB Battle 34:19 – Bears Secondary Overhaul 35:59 – Bears Draft Boost 37:29 – Packers Shade Break 39:03 – Defining Season Success 41:16 – Bears Super Bowl Talk 44:48 – Lions Expectations Check 46:22 – Coaches on the Hot Seat 51:02 – GM Hat Player Picks 57:23 – Wrap Up and Plugs FAN WITH US!!! Follow us on Twitter ️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan Channel, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL and @BleavNetwork. This has been a joint podcast production. ️ Subscribe to us here! - Vikings 1st & SKOL, https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 ️ and here - Bleachers to Speakers, https://www.youtube.com/@BleachersToSpeakers-yq8tm ️ and here - Frustrated Chicago Sports Fan, https://www.youtube.com/@FrustratedChicago ️ V1&S on X can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL ️ V1&S Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN ️ Catch it here: https://youtu.be/1GtcHb2GNUo Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    NFC North Training Camp Nears: Who's Primed & Who's Pretending?

  8. Jul 21

    Exposing 6 Hot Vikings Narratives on McCarthy, Murray, OL & More

    One week before Vikings training camp, Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano discuss major team narratives while noting the show’s move to the Bleav Podcast Network and new graphics. Forness argues J.J. McCarthy’s strong finish should be called four games, not five, since he didn’t play Detroit and the Green Bay game was poor. They push back on labeling Kyler Murray “injury-prone,” citing three major injuries over seven years, and discuss how 2026 outcomes could shape longer-term QB plans. Forness defends the offensive line as roughly average despite 60 sacks, noting heavy backup snaps and that many sacks were quarterback-attributed. They examine turnover luck swings affecting the record, contend the run defense was about average while the pass defense improved greatly, and preview limited early rookie impacts. Finally, Forness says Kevin O’Connell has proven a “veteran QB whisperer,” with young-QB development still unproven, and reiterates an analyst-first, data-driven approach. Timestamps: 00:00 – Training Camp Narratives 00:06 – Show Intro and Network 02:09 – McCarthy Four Games 03:40 – Murray Injury Concerns 06:57 – Quarterback Future Debate 14:47 – Offensive Line Reality 19:35 – Sacks and Blame Pie 24:09 – Luck and Turnovers 26:15 – Turnover Worthy Plays 27:11 – Vikings Turnover Swing 28:53 – Run Defense Narrative 31:52 – Game Script and Metrics 34:13 – Rookie DT Expectations 38:06 – KOC QB Whisperer Debate 45:37 – Andy Reid Comparison 47:06 – Honesty and Fan Critique 49:10 – Wrap Up and Sign Off _______________________ Subscribe to us here! - https://www.youtube.com/@vikings1stskol92 Our Twitter can be found at @Vikings1stSKOL Our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/493z6mQXcN Tyler Forness can be read at A to Z Sports - https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/ Submit questions: forms.gle/7LJkCAern9kdUkuD8 On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vikings1standskol Watch the live show here: https://youtu.be/xSHCJjt6zPQ Fan With Us!!! Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL and @BleavNetwork production, the @RealFornoShow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Exposing 6 Hot Vikings Narratives on McCarthy, Murray, OL & More
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4.7
out of 5
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About

Your one stop shop for everything Minnesota Vikings. Join Vikings beat writer Tyler Forness on The Real Forno Show and longtime writer Producer Dave on Two Old Bloggers, along with postgame reaction shows, breaking news, NFL Draft analysis, and in-depth film breakdowns like nobody else.

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