The Hitman Returns: Vikings Roster Shakeups, Van Noy Signing, and RB1 Questions — Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano break down a Vikings roster that didn’t stay still for 24 hours. Harrison Smith is back for a 15th season on a one-year deal ($12.25 million, up to about $16.25 million with incentives) to stabilize a thinned safety room and communicate Brian Flores’ defense. Waiver adds Trevor Keegan and Nick Samac, practice-squad recycling for Max Brosmer and Dillon Bell, and Kyle Van Noy as edge insurance all land in the same week. Then the 1A/1B fight: Jordan Mason ran better in 2025, but Aaron Jones still owns receiving and pass protection heading into Green Bay. Plus Nolan Teasley on J.J. McCarthy, and why ESPN’s Top 100 listing only Justin Jefferson undersells Andrew Van Ginkel and Brian O’Neill.

A Vikings 1st & SKOL production. Two Old Bloggers. Partnered with the Bleav Network. SKOL.

Chapters:

0:00 – Cold open and setup

1:12 – Welcome and show format

2:37 – Hitman returns: deal details

4:16 – Why Smith still matters

8:09 – Week 1 usage and readiness

12:00 – Roster churn and O-line adds

13:41 – Kyle Van Noy signing breakdown

19:39 – Edge depth and snap counts

27:25 – Cap space and Theme 1 wrap

28:46 – Who is RB1?

29:24 – Running game overhaul

31:21 – Mason vs. Jones skill sets

34:16 – Jones’ passing-downs edge

36:53 – Wide zone and the snap split

38:55 – Who gets 20 carries?

41:27 – Theme 3: McCarthy buzz

43:28 – McCarthy’s future factors

49:22 – Teasley’s media style

55:27 – ESPN Top 100 snubs

58:02 – The Van Ginkel and O’Neill case

1:04:11 – Weekend wrap and new Saturday schedule

Fan With Us!

We have your Minnesota Vikings talk amongst the Two Old Bloggers, Darren @KickassblogVike and Dave @Luft_Krigare. Join the conversation! Fan with us at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL on the Bleav Network @BleavNetwork.

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What If Kyler Murray Is Really Good for the Vikings? Data, Fit, and Contract Fallout — On The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano shift the conversation off J.J. McCarthy and onto the actual Week 1 starter: Kyler Murray, 10 days from the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The question is the same one they asked about Sam Darnold in 2024 — what if he’s really good in Kevin O’Connell’s offense?

They break down Murray as an outlier in this system: a pocket-first passer who is dangerous the second he leaves it, not a designed-run quarterback. O’Connell’s job is passing-lane help, movement throws, boots, and scramble-drill rules that let Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison work. TruMedia splits (career since 2019 and full-season 2024) show average overall EPA, low in-pocket explosives, solid sack/success rates, and a clear jump in efficiency and explosiveness outside the pocket — with more turnover-worthy throws on the move.

Second half: team ceiling (non-zero Super Bowl path), sloppy early weeks, Week 1 optimism with Parsons and Jacobs out, Jauan Jennings/Hockenson in the red zone, and the 2027 contract problem if Murray hits. They push back on a $60 million AAV and stack him against other reclamation deals (Darnold, Daniel Jones). Champagne problem if you have to pay him. Cheap swing if you don’t.

Vikings 1st & SKOL production. Partnered with the Bleav Network.

Timestamps:

- 0:00 Kyler takes over

- 0:38 Show setup and goals

- 2:14 Confidence check

- 4:10 Why Kyler is unique

- 9:03 Middle-of-the-field passing

- 11:19 KOC adjustments

- 16:14 Scramble-drill weapons

- 19:35 TruMedia data dive

- 25:31 Outside-the-pocket metrics

- 27:07 Scrambling profile

- 29:23 2024 snapshot

- 31:12 Explosives vs. turnovers

- 32:40 Pocket-play fit

- 33:56 What counts as a scramble

- 35:20 Outside-the-pocket boom

- 40:14 Designed-run value

- 42:05 Career splits wrap

- 44:03 Play-concept breakdown

- 46:31 Team ceiling

- 48:31 Red-zone weapons

- 50:03 Contract money talk

- 58:53 Rookie-QB contract debate

- 1:01:08 Season hopes and wrap

- 1:04:58 How many QBs won a Super Bowl on a rookie deal?

- 1:05:20 Close / Two Old Bloggers tease

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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.

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NFC North Kickoff Countdown: 53-Man Rosters, Rams Superteam Buzz, and Week 1 Predictions — Host June and guests Dave Stefano (Vikings 1st & SKOL) and B Foster (Bleachers to Speakers) preview kickoff week. League news leads: Aaron Donald returning to the Rams on a reported one-year deal worth up to $30 million alongside Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, then the federal case against Daejon Labrayae Love, charged with impersonating a 49ers player and scamming $1.3 million through Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Facebook with accomplice Taylor Jamie Chan.

NFC North cutdowns: Minnesota initially kept four quarterbacks — Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy, and Max Brosmer — before moving Brosmer to the practice squad. The Vikings added veteran edge Kyle Van Noy to the practice squad, kept rookie punter Brett Thorson over Johnny Hekker, and heard GM Nolan Teasley say McCarthy’s story “isn’t written yet.” Detroit waived WR/returner Greg Dortch (now on the Bills’ practice squad), kept four receivers (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tay Martin, Isaac TeSlaa), and is thin behind Jahmyr Gibbs after Isiah Pacheco hit IR with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on PUP. Tyler Conklin was cut, then brought back; Dominic Lovett landed on the practice squad. Green Bay traded Kyle McCord to Miami, parked Josh Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list, has Micah Parsons on PUP, and may be without Tucker Kraft in Week 1. Chicago drew heat for Ryan Poles’ cuts, including waiving tackle Kiran Amegadjie, placing Kyler Gordon on PUP, and trading Gervon Dexter.

Week 1 outlooks: Vikings vs. Packers (Minnesota favored; Dave’s keys are Murray-Jefferson and the Vikings defense), Lions vs. Saints in the new stadium, Bears at Carolina. They close with show plugs, including Tyler’s “What If Kyler Murray Is Really Good?” episode.

---

Timestamps:

0:00 Kickoff chaos intro

1:08 Meet the hosts

2:34 Kickoff weekend countdown

3:36 Aaron Donald returns

6:32 Fake 49ers dating-app scam

9:12 Vikings 53-man breakdown

17:44 Lions cuts and surprises

23:37 Roster head-scratchers

28:39 Packers Week 1 issues

32:45 Vikings Game 1 picks

33:41 Minnesota defense keys

34:27 Safety depth chart

35:21 Michigan connections

37:11 Lions vs. Saints preview

39:44 Lions offensive line concerns

41:47 Detroit defense outlook

45:06 Secondary worries

47:32 Bears roster drama

53:18 NFC North Week 1 picks

56:02 Where to find us

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.

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Vikings Finalize 53-Man Roster: J.J. McCarthy Injury Confusion, QB Depth, and Practice Squad Breakdown — Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano discuss the Vikings’ finalized 53-man roster, focusing on J.J. McCarthy remaining on the team amid confusing reporting that his ankle issue is “week to week” despite full practices, and questioning who benefits from that leak. They review trade-market dynamics for backup QBs, note Ben Goessling’s report that McCarthy personally chose not to play the final preseason game, and debate possible motivations. With Max Brosmer waived and likely headed to the practice squad, they argue the Vikings may add another active-roster QB if McCarthy can’t suit up, citing Kevin O’Connell’s preference for three game-day-capable quarterbacks. They cover roster moves adding interior OL depth (Trevor Keegan, Nick Samac) and waiving Brosmer and Dillon Bell, explain injury settlements, list practice-squad names, and run through key roster groups, including Tyler Batty’s torn ACL and discussion of Caleb Banks’ long-term development.

Timestamps:

- 00:00 Roster set, McCarthy stays

- 01:02 Schefter injury report doubts

- 06:27 Trade market and backup QB value

- 10:25 Need for a third quarterback

- 14:08 McCarthy sat by choice

- 22:13 No more speculation

- 23:23 Baby of the Year plug

- 25:30 Offensive line waiver additions

- 28:37 Cuts: Brosmer and Bell fallout

- 28:55 Waiver-claim watch

- 30:08 Practice squad and injury settlements

- 33:05 Skill-position rundown

- 35:53 Offensive line moves

- 37:03 Caleb Banks development

- 41:27 Linebackers and edge depth

- 44:05 Secondary and specialists

- 47:15 Practice-squad standouts

- 50:16 Should they trade Banks?

- 56:22 Wrap-up and schedule

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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.

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Two Old Bloggers: Vikings Final 53, QB Depth, and Roster Questions After Preseason Struggles — Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano recap the Vikings’ 34–6 preseason loss to Denver and a preseason with only one offensive touchdown, while noting kicker Will Reichard was perfect. They discuss the initial 53-man roster, including the surprising decision to keep four quarterbacks (Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer) after McCarthy sat out with a minor ankle sprain, and debate Wentz as the best current backup given Murray’s and Wentz’s injury histories and Brosmer’s poor play. They highlight roster surprises such as Johnny Hekker’s release in favor of Brett Thorson, the trade involving Walter Rouse, WR Dillon Bell making the team, and concerns about OL depth after backup center Michael Jurgens was placed on IR. They examine key questions about Murray’s camp inconsistency, the revamped run game under Keith Carter and Frank Smith, and a youthful defensive line, praise UDFA DB Jacob Thomas despite his ankle injury, react to new Rivalries uniforms and “jersey fatigue,” note the NFL ending the Pro Bowl game, and share Vikings “firsts” trivia featuring Chuck Foreman, Warren Moon, and John Gilliam.

A Vikings 1st & SKOL production, partnered with the Bleav Network.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Broncos beatdown recap

01:29 — Show intro and roster locks

05:01 — Backup QB drama (McCarthy, Wentz, Brosmer)

10:02 — Four QBs on the 53

13:19 — Surprise cuts and adds (Hekker/Thorson, Rouse trade, Dillon Bell)

16:58 — O-line depth concerns (Jurgens IR, Brandel, Huber, Tiernan)

21:35 — Theme Two: roster questions

22:26 — Kyler Murray fit, inconsistency, and health

28:23 — Revamped run game under Keith Carter and Frank Smith

33:32 — Youth movement on the D-line

38:38 — Front seven outlook

40:02 — Playoff-caliber defense?

40:48 — Backup depth and drafting woes

42:05 — Jacob Thomas camp breakout

47:49 — Safety depth and Harrison Smith rumors

50:46 — Rivalries uniforms and jersey fatigue

57:19 — NFL ends the Pro Bowl game

01:01:04 — Vikings firsts: Chuck Foreman, Warren Moon, John Gilliam

01:08:44 — Wrap-up, schedule, SKOL

Fan With Us!

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Dave goes live during Minnesota’s 34–6 preseason loss at Denver. He flags sloppy tackling, thin depth after years of poor drafting, and ugly goal-line play-calling (10 passes, zero runs). J.J. McCarthy sits with a lower-ankle/deltoid sprain after telling the team he did not feel comfortable playing. Dave and Darren debate keep vs. trade: injury history, uncertain trade return (fourth-round floor), and why a Sunday release is unlikely. Injury note: UDFA S Jacob Thomas leaves in Q1 with an ankle sprain; MRI Saturday. They grade Max Brosmer’s checkdown night, a dead first-half run game, O-line pressure, and who helped themselves — Gavin Bartholomew, Marshall Lang, Dontae Fleming, Jahvaree Ritzie, Kahlef Hailassie. Also: special-teams penalties, Hekker vs. Thorson, KOC fire-watch talk, and the Sunday 53 before the Packers opener.

Timestamps:

00:00 Live show kickoff — 34–6, stream delay

00:57 Tackling and depth issues

02:05 McCarthy’s ankle and goal-line calls

03:47 Whiskey break and QB trade talk

05:33 Injury updates and roster shopping

10:38 Two-minute warning reset

11:37 Darren joins — preseason perspective

12:54 McCarthy controversy

17:45 Brosmer evaluation

19:17 Standouts and missed tackles

21:59 O’Connell on the broadcast

27:40 Rookie development and tackling

33:16 Why the Lions game was won

33:58 McCarthy trade value

35:51 QB depth and attitude

42:50 Penalty and discipline debate

46:20 Punter battle breakdown

48:04 O’Connell fire watch

53:32 Jacob Thomas injury update

56:27 Bubble players who stood out

59:31 Running back development

01:03:02 Rookie D-line progress

01:07:11 Cuts and final sign-off

Fan with us!!!

Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, Darren @KickassblogVike, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare. Bringing fans everything they crave at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and at the Bleav Network @BleavNetwork.

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Vikings Preseason Finale Preview: J.J. McCarthy Trade Rumors, Max Brosmer, and Key Roster Battles — Tyler Forness and producer Dave preview the Vikings’ preseason finale Friday night vs. the Broncos, starting with a discussion of the Pro Bowl ending as a game but remaining important for accolades and Hall of Fame comparisons, contrasted with CFL-style all-star selections. They then focus on J.J. McCarthy’s uncertain future amid trade rumors, his recent ankle issue and missed practice time, and why playing Friday could signal an impending move; they speculate on potential interested teams and debate how much blame lies with McCarthy versus Kevin O’Connell and staff, including the impact of Grant Udinski’s departure and “too many voices” coaching. They also assess Max Brosmer’s need to rebound and outline roster battles to watch at RB, WR, TE, OL depth, edge/DT, LB, secondary, a punter competition, and possible sub-package roles for rookie Jake Golday.

Timestamps:

00:00 Preseason Finale Preview

00:55 Pro Bowl Still Matters

05:21 Old Pro Bowl Memories

08:02 JJ McCarthy Trade Buzz

10:00 Who Wants JJ

13:10 KOC QB Draft Debate

16:13 Confidence and Proving It

20:50 Max Brosmer Spotlight

25:09 Udinski and Coaching Voices

32:52 Show Updates and Next Steps

33:31 Position Battles to Watch

33:41 Scott Must Do Dirty Work

34:18 Claiborne Needs Big Run

37:45 Roster Locks From Snaps

39:14 Jeshaun Jones Suspension Fallout

40:33 Sixth Receiver Battle

41:59 Tight End Two Showdown

44:03 Backup O Line Concerns

47:27 Edge Depth And D Line

49:47 Linebacker Money Decisions

50:46 Secondary And Punter Battle

52:13 Jake Golday Role Question

55:18 Wrap Up And Sign Off

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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.

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NFC North Preseason Week 2 Wrap: Packers Kicker, Vikings QB Concerns, Lions Injuries, Bears O-Line Woes + League New — The podcast previews the NFC North preseason landscape, recapping Week 2: Green Bay beat Denver 33–13, rookie kicker Trey Smack is 7-for-7 with a 59-yarder, and Jordan Love went 5-for-7 for 56 yards and a TD as the team holds a joint practice with Arizona. Minnesota lost 13–3 to Baltimore and the hosts criticize J.J. McCarthy’s game speed, accuracy, and mechanics while noting he’s splitting QB2 reps with Carson Wentz amid procedural penalties. Detroit beat Washington 17–13, with praise for the pass rush and defense, concern about a weak second-string offensive line, QB2 uncertainty, and multiple secondary injuries, while noting Sam LaPorta’s return. Chicago lost 27–9 to Cincinnati, with focus on left tackle Braxton Jones’ penalties, defensive struggles versus Bengals backups, and an elbow scare for Darnell Wright. League news includes a BMJ CTE study, Deshaun Watson named Browns QB1 despite fan backlash, Jed York’s arrest, NCAA eligibility/NIL debate, and reactions to new rivalry uniforms.

Timestamps:

00:00 NFC North Throne Quest

01:09 Football Is Back Energy

02:24 Packers Preseason Notes

03:42 Kicker Hype And Love

05:29 Joint Practice Trash Talk

06:31 Vikings Ravens Recap

07:56 McCarthy Mechanics Debate

15:14 Lions Commanders Takeaways

16:49 Lions QB2 And Injuries

23:04 Bears Bengals Reality Check

26:50 Bears Defense And Injuries

30:25 Wrap Up And Break

33:15 CTE Study And Parenting

35:42 CTE Risks Beyond Football

37:20 Football Families and Safety Tech

40:32 Let Kids Choose Sports

43:04 Browns Name Watson QB1

45:06 Why Start Watson Anyway

49:55 Jed York Ohio Arrest

53:07 Should NFL Save NCAA

55:07 NIL Eligibility and Older Players

01:02:46 Rivalry Jerseys Reactions

01:06:57 Wrap Up and Plugs

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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.

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Vikings Final 53-Man Roster Projection: QB Shakeup, Bubble Battles, and Key Cuts — Tyler Forness and producer Dave break down Tyler’s projected Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster after Saturday’s game. He keeps 24 on offense, 26 on defense, and three specialists, with two spots likely filled by players not currently on the roster.

At quarterback, Tyler projects Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz making the roster while J.J. McCarthy is moved and Max Brosmer heads to the practice squad. They discuss possible trade scenarios and cap implications.

On offense, he projects four running backs (Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne, Max Bredeson), five wide receivers (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price), three tight ends (T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew), and a thin offensive line with Caleb Tiernan as an IR candidate.

Defensively, Tyler outlines DL/EDGE needs and predicts a veteran edge addition. He keeps five linebackers, with Ivan Pace Jr. as a possible trade candidate, highlights UDFA cornerback Da’Veawn Armstead, and projects Theo Jackson off the safety group. Specialists are Will Reichard, Andrew DePaola, and Johnny Hekker, with Brett Thorson targeted for the practice squad.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Roster Show Kickoff

00:52 – Roster Math Overview

01:47 – Quarterback Bombshell

05:02 – NIL and QB Development

12:20 – McCarthy Cap and Trade

16:57 – Running Back Bubble

18:50 – Does the Final Preseason Matter?

22:53 – Wide Receiver Numbers Game

24:15 – Tight End and Offensive Line

27:57 – Offense Concerns

28:58 – Defensive Line Locks

30:47 – Edge Depth Debate

34:34 – Practice Squad Plans

35:41 – Linebacker Bubble

38:46 – Cornerback Surprise Pick

40:53 – Safety Shakeup

44:46 – Specialists and Holder Talk

47:08 – Final Roster Wrap

47:55 – Schedule and Uniform Tease

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Vikings Preseason Pain: McCarthy Regression, Edge Depth Concerns, and Flores Lawsuit Fallout — Dave Stefano and Darren Campbell recap a sloppy, unentertaining 13–3 preseason loss to the Ravens and zero in on J.J. McCarthy’s poor play. They argue he has regressed in year three, with the same recurring issues in accuracy, ball placement, pocket presence, and decision-making. Carson Wentz currently feels like the more trusted backup, raising questions about when the Vikings might cut losses and explore a trade.

They briefly cover roster battles: Tai Felton and Myles Price locking in WR4/WR5, the still-unresolved TE3 competition, interior offensive line depth, the safety spot opposite Josh Metellus (Theo Jackson vs. Jay Ward), and the punter battle (Hecker vs. Thorsen).

Darren voices concern about thin edge-rusher depth behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel as veteran options continue signing elsewhere, suggesting the Vikings may still add a proven vet or wait for cut-down day.

They also discuss the NFL allegedly dragging out Brian Flores’ discrimination lawsuit (likely keeping him in Minnesota longer), The Athletic’s 8.7-win projection tied to uncertainty around Kyler Murray and the QB room, and Kevin O’Connell’s limited preseason usage of his starters, which aligns with league-wide trends.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Painful Preseason Opener

01:18 – Welcome and Roll Call

03:11 – Theme One: Ravens Loss

05:10 – JJ Regression Debate

11:27 – Roster Bubble Watch

16:20 – Trade Talk and Fan Frustration

22:18 – Theme Two: Edge Depth Worries

28:09 – Veteran Pass Rush Options

30:27 – Cut Day Edge Hunt

31:12 – Ingram-Dawkins Debate

33:31 – Theme Three Reset

34:20 – Flores Miami Role

35:25 – Flores Lawsuit Fallout

40:48 – Vikings Win Projections

42:21 – Murray Consistency Worries

47:31 – Coaching Hot Seat Talk

50:22 – Defending KOC Preseason Plan

55:19 – Final Cuts and Farewell

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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.

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