It’s time for everyone to take Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings seriously. Kevin O’Connell just may have some “special shit” brewing.

Optimism is high in Wisconsin, too.

Somehow, the Packers have coasted to a pair of victories with Malik Willis in and Jordan Love out.

Let’s get into everything for another marathon podcast with your pal, my pal: Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn.

We open with general MNF banter. I was at Highmark Stadium for the Bills’ punishing win over Jacksonville, while McGinn watched Washington-Cincinnati. A full Vikings-Texans breakdown begins at the 10-minute mark. The Aaron Jones Effect has been real in Minnesota, and we discuss why Brian Flores’ defense is special. The Vikings’ ability to pivot out of the sort of disaster that ruins organizations is impressive, though McGinn cites a few flaws in Darnold’s performance that could come back to bite.

Packers-Titans analysis kicks off around the 41-minute mark. Jaire Alexander’s pick-six was a game-changer, we’re both very high on running back Emmanuel Wilson and what about that pass rush? With eight sacks, the Packers attacked in waves — Kingsley Enagbare, profiled here, was a force.

Detroit Lions talk commences around 1:07:40. Yeah, they won. But injuries are piling up. How will the Lions adapt? It wouldn’t hurt if James Houston, profiled here, decided to come on like he did his rookie year. The secondary’s play is a worthy silver lining.

As always, we cap with a “McGinn Memory.” Bob’s got another doozy from Bart Starr’s coaching career at 1:32:30.

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