2025 Vikings Season

[Musk21]

8 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

What’s the passtronaut doing these days? 😂 what a sad state of affairs 

He's backing up Drake Maye in New England.

Surprised by the Wolford signing as well. Figured they'd resign Desmond Ridder, Either option is bleak really. 

[Aggies7]

16 minutes ago, Musk21 said:

He's backing up Drake Maye in New England.

Surprised by the Wolford signing as well. Figured they'd resign Desmond Ridder, Either option is bleak really. 

He’s the #1 backup in New England? That’s a bit scary. But knowing that the patriots are not the Vikings, I’m sure Maye will be healthy for most of his career.

[The Great Hambino]

1 hour ago, Musk21 said:

He's backing up Drake Maye in New England.

Surprised by the Wolford signing as well. Figured they'd resign Desmond Ridder, Either option is bleak really. 

I'd already forgotten about Ridder

He must've been really bad in his stint here if a guy that hasn't been in anyone's building since last preseason is a better option

If I want to be optimistic (I don't; I'm a Vikings fan), I suppose you could spin this as them feeling confident in Brosmer as a 2

[Aggies7]

28 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

I'd already forgotten about Ridder

He must've been really bad in his stint here if a guy that hasn't been in anyone's building since last preseason is a better option

If I want to be optimistic (I don't; I'm a Vikings fan), I suppose you could spin this as them feeling confident in Brosmer as a 2

They really don’t have any other choice at this point with the season about half over and like a 3% chance of making the playoffs. Just hope for no more injuries 

[nicksaviking]

3 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

I'd already forgotten about Ridder

He must've been really bad in his stint here if a guy that hasn't been in anyone's building since last preseason is a better option

If I want to be optimistic (I don't; I'm a Vikings fan), I suppose you could spin this as them feeling confident in Brosmer as a 2

Ridder has been around a few years, but he still seems like an inexperienced QB. 

My thought was that Wolford is maybe a good veteran QB room guy, which is what they wanted instead? 

But then my next thought is that Carson Wentz isn't dead, he's just not playing. He's still under contract and still in the building. I mean, except when he's having one of his several surgeries.

[TheLeviathan]

If KOC was going to reach that far back into his "QBs I have a relationship with" bag.....why not Brady?

I bet Vegas odds on that would've been as good as John freaking Wofford.

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

If KOC was going to reach that far back into his "QBs I have a relationship with" bag.....why not Brady?

I bet Vegas odds on that would've been as good as John freaking Wofford.

Massive pay cut....

[Danchat]

On 10/29/2025 at 8:51 AM, nicksaviking said:

So who had John Wolford on their back-up QB bingo card? I'm guessing no one. He wasn't on anyone's practice squad and hasn't appeared in a game since 2022.

Very odd choice. I presume this means Brosmer is and was always going to be the number 2. Otherwise the Vikings would have had their choice of the top practice squad QBs.

I didn't have Wolford on my bingo card, but I do recall that he was their top option in 2023 when Kirk went down. He chose to get elevated to the Bucs 53 man roster instead of play for us, then we traded for Dobbs. O'Connell loves his QBs that have experience in the McVay system... even if they aren't any good.

[DocBauer]

To be honest, this season has turned out to be a CF so far. OBVIOUSLY injuries have had a huge factor so far.

I still think McCarthy has a bright future. I had hoped a "redshirt" season would still have him ready for this season. That's still TBT. But he NEEDS to play. The OL has been an issue since day one, despite additions. I thought Skule was a fine addition but he's disappointed. I'd put Brandel out there at this point and let Jurgens play center.  He's not polished yet, but I kinda like his potential there.

Okada was a poor choice at CB #3. Time for someone else to be given a shot. McGothern deserves a shot.

What is so disappointing and surprising is Allen and Hardrave have done so little. Is there an injury I've missed? Redmond is developing in to a potential All Star and Rodriguez is looking like a keeper. 

I'd almost want to dump Allen and Hargrave at this point and play Dawkins more and promote Taimani to the roster as a true NG who could help the run defense. And what if UDFA Williams got a shot?

Flores is a defensive genius, but his players haven't produced to expected levels yet. It may be time for changes.

Offensively, OKC needs to prove how smart he is and call a game that works with a "rookie" QB that has talent, but a messed up OL. 

Who suddenly decided Hoskinson wasn't one of the best TE in the NFL?

[gunnarthor]

12 hours ago, DocBauer said:

To be honest, this season has turned out to be a CF so far. OBVIOUSLY injuries have had a huge factor so far.

I still think McCarthy has a bright future. I had hoped a "redshirt" season would still have him ready for this season. That's still TBT. But he NEEDS to play. The OL has been an issue since day one, despite additions. I thought Skule was a fine addition but he's disappointed. I'd put Brandel out there at this point and let Jurgens play center.  He's not polished yet, but I kinda like his potential there.

Okada was a poor choice at CB #3. Time for someone else to be given a shot. McGothern deserves a shot.

What is so disappointing and surprising is Allen and Hardrave have done so little. Is there an injury I've missed? Redmond is developing in to a potential All Star and Rodriguez is looking like a keeper. 

I'd almost want to dump Allen and Hargrave at this point and play Dawkins more and promote Taimani to the roster as a true NG who could help the run defense. And what if UDFA Williams got a shot?

Flores is a defensive genius, but his players haven't produced to expected levels yet. It may be time for changes.

Offensively, OKC needs to prove how smart he is and call a game that works with a "rookie" QB that has talent, but a messed up OL. 

Who suddenly decided Hoskinson wasn't one of the best TE in the NFL?

I think Hargrave was out for a few games with an injury early but, yeah, he and Allen have really been disappointing. And Blackmon playing so well in Indy really hurts. Maybe it's a scheme thing. I dunno. But the players have to play better. I think we're also understating how much a healthy and good Cashman was to this defense last year. Flores defense might need that difference maker at LB and he was last year. This year, he's mostly been out and a non-factor in the few games. Too old? But it seems like the back 7 - coverage linebackers, safeties, and corners - are one person short.

KOC called a really good game against Cleveland and Myles Garrett so let's hope he has something similar in store Sunday. I really want the Vikings to win but it'll be a tall order. 

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, gunnarthor said:

KOC called a really good game against Cleveland and Myles Garrett so let's hope he has something similar in store Sunday. I really want the Vikings to win but it'll be a tall order. 

Yeah, that was the one game the KOC and Wentz both clearly were intent on getting the ball out early. 

Slow reads seemed to be McCarthy's biggest issue the first two games. If they got that part fixed already, it would be surprising. But if they did, the offense should be functional the rest of the year.

[Mike Sixel]

I think they night win three more games. Just not enough talent on defense. 

[nicksaviking]

Maybe I'll bring this thread back instead of dwelling on the season long issues in the weekly game threads.

So McCarthy is in the concussion protocol. There is obviously going to be skepticism about this, just like there was skepticism about the ankle sprain. 

As frustrated as I am, I've taken a step back and feel a bit bad for everyone. IF like me, KOC and KAM thought Darnold was a great find but still wasn't capable of winning a championship and that was also their goal, it's really hard to fault them for trying McCarthy this year, even if they knew he wasn't going to be ready. 

It's also hard to place any blame on McCarthy. VERY VERY CLEARLY he would have benefited from staying in collage, getting more reps, learning more and maturing. But his coach was about to get banned from the NCAA and move to the NFL and his school was about to get crushed by the coaches actions. Transferring probably would have been the right move, but it would have been a terrible look; leaving the National Champs for another school and not going pro? That doesn't look very confident, which would have also hurt his standing.

Clearly the biggest issue is Vikings leadership incorrectly thinking they could get a young man who was barely old enough to drink, up and running an NFL team. He had the physical talent, but there was a lot missing. So I'm not mad, this was always a possibility and I'm glad they took the shot. Just don't stick with it past the point of no return.

So here comes Max Brosmer. All I ask is that he is either Kurt Warner, or a complete bum. I don't want a Gardner Minshew or Aiden O'Connell situation where the team runs with what should be a career backup QB longer than they need to.

[TheLeviathan]

27 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Maybe I'll bring this thread back instead of dwelling on the season long issues in the weekly game threads.

So McCarthy is in the concussion protocol. There is obviously going to be skepticism about this, just like there was skepticism about the ankle sprain. 

As frustrated as I am, I've taken a step back and feel a bit bad for everyone. IF like me, KOC and KAM thought Darnold was a great find but still wasn't capable of winning a championship and that was also their goal, it's really hard to fault them for trying McCarthy this year, even if they knew he wasn't going to be ready. 

It's also hard to place any blame on McCarthy. VERY VERY CLEARLY he would have benefited from staying in collage, getting more reps, learning more and maturing. But his coach was about to get banned from the NCAA and move to the NFL and his school was about to get crushed by the coaches actions. Transferring probably would have been the right move, but it would have been a terrible look; leaving the National Champs for another school and not going pro? That doesn't look very confident, which would have also hurt his standing.

Clearly the biggest issue is Vikings leadership incorrectly thinking they could get a young man who was barely old enough to drink, up and running an NFL team. He had the physical talent, but there was a lot missing. So I'm not mad, this was always a possibility and I'm glad they took the shot. Just don't stick with it past the point of no return.

So here comes Max Brosmer. All I ask is that he is either Kurt Warner, or a complete bum. I don't want a Gardner Minshew or Aiden O'Connell situation where the team runs with what should be a career backup QB longer than they need to.

If Max Brosmer runs a competent offense, then we're very quickly in a full blown QB crisis.

[nicksaviking]

23 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

If Max Brosmer runs a competent offense, then we're very quickly in a full blown QB crisis.

Yeah, earlier in the year I was worried about a QB controversy when the QBs were McCarthy, Brosmer and Wentz instead of Montana and Young.

But if this concussion stuff is really a cover and/or if Brosmer keeps the job the rest of the year, that probably means they've already made the call on McCarthy, and there is no controversy. But agree, if Brosmer is merely competent and not transcendent, they better see through that and start looking for the next QB of the future ASAP. Lots of fans are going to love this and I don't want it turning into a Gardner Minshew situation where the story and the player are just so entertaining they overlook the fact that he's going to take them nowhere.

[Vanimal46]

All of this is adding up to pulling the plug on McCarthy after this year. If you're performing terribly, and can't stay healthy, there's not much to work with here. 

[Aggies7]

Felt the symptoms on the plane? wtf? Was he ever examined during the game? My goodness what a cluster****

[Vanimal46]

4 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

Felt the symptoms on the plane? wtf? Was he ever examined during the game? My goodness what a cluster****

It’s just a little too convenient to announce this the day after the Vikings played the worst 2nd half of football in years right?

*Puts on tinfoil hat*

[Aggies7]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Maybe I'll bring this thread back instead of dwelling on the season long issues in the weekly game threads.

So McCarthy is in the concussion protocol. There is obviously going to be skepticism about this, just like there was skepticism about the ankle sprain. 

As frustrated as I am, I've taken a step back and feel a bit bad for everyone. IF like me, KOC and KAM thought Darnold was a great find but still wasn't capable of winning a championship and that was also their goal, it's really hard to fault them for trying McCarthy this year, even if they knew he wasn't going to be ready. 

It's also hard to place any blame on McCarthy. VERY VERY CLEARLY he would have benefited from staying in collage, getting more reps, learning more and maturing. But his coach was about to get banned from the NCAA and move to the NFL and his school was about to get crushed by the coaches actions. Transferring probably would have been the right move, but it would have been a terrible look; leaving the National Champs for another school and not going pro? That doesn't look very confident, which would have also hurt his standing.

Clearly the biggest issue is Vikings leadership incorrectly thinking they could get a young man who was barely old enough to drink, up and running an NFL team. He had the physical talent, but there was a lot missing. So I'm not mad, this was always a possibility and I'm glad they took the shot. Just don't stick with it past the point of no return.

So here comes Max Brosmer. All I ask is that he is either Kurt Warner, or a complete bum. I don't want a Gardner Minshew or Aiden O'Connell situation where the team runs with what should be a career backup QB longer than they need to.

I am someone who was so shaken by how poorly Darnold finished last season, that I supported moving on from him because of how overwhelmed he looked in those games. I guess my caveat should have been, I support moving on IF the people evaluating his talent feel like he wouldn’t be as equally overwhelmed but with far less talent than SD. 
 

I’m getting big “what did you know and when did you know it?” vibes here. I really hope they didn’t see this train wreck coming and decided to go forward anyway. It’s hard for me to believe that a coach and GM would sign their own death certificates like that 

[nicksaviking]

6 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

It’s just a little too convenient to announce this the day after the Vikings played the worst 2nd half of football in years right?

*Puts on tinfoil hat*

Yeah, well they're asking for tinfoil hats to be put on since this is the exact same scenario as week 3 if you swap out 'brain' for 'ankle'.

[Aggies7]

7 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

It’s just a little too convenient to announce this the day after the Vikings played the worst 2nd half of football in years right?

*Puts on tinfoil hat*

It‘s not even really tin foil. When he hurt his ankle in the Atlanta game, he was shown on the sidelines getting it taped during the game. If he was ever examined for a concussion yesterday, I didn’t see it. Not saying it didn’t happen but I didn’t see it. Then he gets symptoms, hours later on the plane? I guess it would be more believable if the league didn’t have people watching for head injuries during the games

[nicksaviking]

3 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

I am someone who was so shaken by how poorly Darnold finished last season, that I supported moving on from him because of how overwhelmed he looked in those games. I guess my caveat should have been, I support moving on IF the people evaluating his talent feel like he wouldn’t be as equally overwhelmed but with far less talent than SD. 
 

I’m getting big “what did you know and when did you know it?” vibes here. I really hope they didn’t see this train wreck coming and decided to go forward anyway. It’s hard for me to believe that a coach and GM would sign their own death certificates like that 

Yeah, not sure how much they knew, but physically he looks the part. Which is why I'm not saying he'll NEVER pan out, just not soon and just not here.

Figuring out if a 22-year-old will mentally implode under pressure is probably harder to evaluate. Particularly if he didn't do that in the NCAA's biggest games.

[Aggies7]

Unrelated but related, sanders is starting this week for the browns, even though Gabriel has been cleared to play 

[Vanimal46]

26 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

I’m getting big “what did you know and when did you know it?” vibes here. I really hope they didn’t see this train wreck coming and decided to go forward anyway. It’s hard for me to believe that a coach and GM would sign their own death certificates like that 

This is what I can’t wrap my head around. How did a group of NFL coaches see McCarthy at OTAs/minicamp with this poor of fundamentals and say yep, QB 1 without a doubt? And then have zero urgency finding a backup solution?

[nicksaviking]

7 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

This is what I can’t wrap my head around. How did a group of NFL coaches see McCarthy at OTAs/minicamp with this poor of fundamentals and say yep, QB 1 without a doubt? And then have zero urgency finding a backup solution?

I'd always been hearing his mechanics were good last summer. I wonder if he just can't keep it together and the things he's learned in practice fall right out his ear when he gets on the biggest stage.

Which to be fair, would totally happen to me as well. After I was done vomiting on myself, I'd trip over my shoelaces and have to get dragged off the field.

[Aggies7]

12 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

This is what I can’t wrap my head around. How did a group of NFL coaches see McCarthy at OTAs/minicamp with this poor of fundamentals and say yep, QB 1 without a doubt? And then have zero urgency finding a backup solution?

Apparently, talent evaluation of non-veterans is poor. I don’t judge them for drafting the guy, you generally have to take a QB when it’s available. I only passively follow the draft/college players and even I had several people texting me saying “good luck” when they selected him. So you take a guy with questionable talent, lose him all season to an injury/surgical procedure, and say yeah we’re all in on him because he had some good practices? It was the blackjack equivalent of not hitting on 5.

[Vanimal46]

4 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

Apparently, talent evaluation of non-veterans is poor. I don’t judge them for drafting the guy, you generally have to take a QB when it’s available. I only passively follow the draft/college players and even I had several people texting me saying “good luck” when they selected him. So you take a guy with questionable talent, lose him all season to an injury/surgical procedure, and say yeah we’re all in on him because he had some good practices? It was the blackjack equivalent of not hitting on 5.

Yeah I preferred taking the 21 year old development QB over 24 year old Bo Nix and still stand by that. The biggest issue I have is they didn’t have to rush him into action. He should have been on the bench all of this season and maybe even next season too. 

[nicksaviking]

3 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Yeah I preferred taking the 21 year old development QB over 24 year old Bo Nix and still stand by that. The biggest issue I have is they didn’t have to rush him into action. He should have been on the bench all of this season and maybe even next season too. 

Three seasons of a rookie QB sitting on the bench has only ever worked twice though. And both times they were sitting behind a HOF QB, not Sam Darnold.

And then wasting the rookie QB pay scale, ouch, I want to take advantage of that. There are QBs who can play day 1; even if they aren't great, they can hold their own and you can see the potential. Most years there's at least one if not two or more. 

I'm thinking the lesson might be to maybe NOT take the 4th or 5th best QB in the draft class. I know that generally goes against the Vikings aversion to being bad enough to pick in the top five, but come on, nobody cares if you have three wins or seven wins. It's a bad season either way.

Also agree about Nix, he'd put the Vikings in purgatory for a long time. I think the Broncos are a good team stuck with a mediocre QB. Andy Dalton. Maybe they'll get lucky and do the Defense Wins a Super Bowl bit and he's the Baltimore version of Joe Flacco. But I hope not. Screw Sean Peyton.

[The Great Hambino]

52 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

This is what I can’t wrap my head around. How did a group of NFL coaches see McCarthy at OTAs/minicamp with this poor of fundamentals and say yep, QB 1 without a doubt? And then have zero urgency finding a backup solution?

I wonder if it's possible that he compensated in some way for the knee while coming back from it and developed a hole in his mechanics that they're still trying to unwind.   It can be a vicious cycle - mechanics fall apart, starts pressing trying to fix them, mechanics become even worse, confidence goes down, now everything has fallen apart.  Or he's struggled to translate the mechanical fixes to NFL game speed, so it looks fixed in practice but falls apart under the lights.  I dunno, something must've happened.  It seems like a footwork issue from what I've read and heard.  It's hard for me to believe they all could whiff so hard on something like that

[Mike Sixel]

Can't stay healthy. Bad mechanics. His college team wasn't built around him. Has had professional coaching for nine years now. Looks completely lost on the field. 

Good luck with that.