Recent content from Ben Goessling
Ben Goessling's big question: Can the Vikings trust Sam Darnold?
In this new weekly video feature, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling will look at a pressing issue for the Vikings heading into their next game.
Analysis: Vikings' investments in defense are paying off in depth, endurance and versatility
In the offseason, the Vikings went after defensive reinforcements as soon as they could. A deeper defense has allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL through two games.
Vikings upset the 49ers, beating them at their own game
The Vikings, who have sought to mirror the approach San Francisco has had for years, won 23-17 on Sunday and have now beaten the 49ers twice in 11 months.
Recap: Vikings beat 49ers 23-17; Jefferson injured
The Vikings improve to 2-0, stunning the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers for the second year in a row, but star receiver Justin Jefferson left the game with a quad injury.
Vikings-49ers preview and prediction: Can QB Sam Darnold beat his former team?
The Vikings' home opener at U.S. Bank Stadium might be their toughest game of the year, against a San Francisco team that has reached the Super Bowl or NFC Championship Game four of the past five years.
Vikings' Addison, 49ers' McCaffrey will miss Sunday's game
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison has not practiced this week after sustaining a right ankle injury in the opener while San Francisco star Christian McCaffrey was ruled out with calf and Achilles issues.
Ben Goessling's big question: Are the Vikings for real?
In this new weekly video feature, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling will look at a pressing issue for the Vikings heading into their next game.
The Vikings' win over the Giants reveals different flavor of Brian Flores' defensive scheme
Vikings Insider: The defense blitzed significantly less in Week 1 than it did last year but still kept Giants quarterback Daniel Jones guessing.
Vikings' new pieces fit together just right in 28-6 season-opening win over Giants
Running back Aaron Jones, quarterback Sam Darnold and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel provided evidence of a Vikings plan coming together.
Recap: How the Vikings rolled over Giants in 28-6 season-opening win
New Vikings Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones and Andrew Van Ginkel led the way and the defense flustered QB Daniel Jones as the Vikings rolled to a Week 1 victory.
In Year 3, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell have built the team they want. Can they win with it?
Vikings Insider: The 2024 team is the GM and coach's first developed free of the moorings from the Vikings' past. The course is theirs to chart; the results are theirs to own.
Vikings-Giants preview and prediction: Matchups to watch and who will win
The Vikings open their 2024 NFL season by facing Daniel Jones and the Giants for the first time since losing to them in the playoffs two years ago.
Justin Jefferson's message to his new Vikings quarterback: Trust me
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson, no longer catching passes from Kirk Cousins, has one of the most important voices in the locker room. He's using it to build the confidence of quarterback Sam Darnold.
Vikings' roster cuts put a harsh spotlight on their 2022 NFL draft again
Vikings Insider: Safety Lewis Cine, the first-round pick in 2022, was waived on Tuesday after playing just 10 games for the team, showing the Vikings' willingness to move on.
Recap: Vikings cut Nwangwu, Cine to set initial 53-man roster
It is roster cutdown day in the NFL, and the Vikings cut their rosters to 53 players, letting go of All-Pro kick returner Kene Nwangwu and 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine. Check back here for updates on what the Vikings did.
Who makes the final cut? Our final Vikings 53-man roster projection
The Vikings roster must get down to 53 by Tuesday, and our Vikings beat writers offer their opinions as to who makes it and who doesn't.
What we learned from the Vikings' preseason victory over the Eagles
Jaren Hall excelled again in the Vikings' 26-3 win Saturday at Philadelphia, and the team will have an interesting decision to make on the quarterback who helped it compile a perfect preseason record.
Vikings show improved ball security in three preseason victories
The Vikings had only one turnover in their exhibitions, with another one Saturday overturned by a penalty.
Vikings at Eagles: Five things to watch
The Vikings will trim their roster to 53 players on Tuesday. Saturday's game in Philadelphia is the last chance to impress for several players.
Vikings DC Flores is happy to be coaching Stephon Gilmore again
The Vikings have added six defensive backs in the training camp. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is the latest, and the second to have been coached by Brian Flores before.
Vikings' Flores says he's stung by criticism from Dolphins QB Tagovailoa
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa called Brian Flores, now the Vikings' defensive coordinator, a "terrible person" in an interview that aired Monday. Flores said he's evolved as a coach since his time in Miami.
'The piece we need': New Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore could make immediate impact
The Vikings' effort to find help at cornerback has seemingly become a round-the-clock endeavor during the 2024 preseason, when they have added five cornerbacks to the roster.
Vikings' Kevin O'Connell says Brian Flores has 'great relationships' after Dolphins tenure criticized
On appearance on "The Dan LeBatard Show," Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa described facing harsh criticism from Brian Flores when he was head coach in Miami.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy facing knee surgery
The rookie first-round pick has a torn right meniscus.
What we learned from the Vikings' 24-23 preseason win over the Raiders
Rookies J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner delivered some early highlights, while cornerback remained a concern.
Vikings trade Andrew Booth Jr. to Cowboys for Nahshon Wright in swap of cornerbacks
Andrew Booth Jr., the Vikings' second-round pick in 2022, is the first prominent departure from a draft class that has yielded meager returns.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy prepares for his first NFL game, hoping for 'a vanilla defense'
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has not said yet how much quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play against the Raiders on Saturday, but the preseason schedule could be valuable for the rookie.
Vikings WR Jordan Addison charged with misdemeanor DUI after July 12 arrest
Addison, the Vikings' first-round pick in 2023, could face a three-game NFL suspension as a result of the case.
Vikings ramping up practices at higher intensity than previous seasons
Coach Kevin O'Connell wants his Vikings to be more physical this year, and he's pushing the team harder in August.
Vikings podcast: Patience with quarterback J.J. McCarthy in an impatient world
Star Tribune Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling and regular contributor Michael Rand broke down the latest from the team on this week's Access Vikings podcast.
Vikings embrace challenge of new kickoff rules — behind closed doors
The Vikings have spent a lot of time in training camp working on different variations of kickoffs, none of it in front of fans or reporters.
Vikings TE Robert Tonyan carted off with back spasms during practice
Tight end Robert Tonyan, a free-agent pickup who's playing for his fourth NFC North team, had an impressive spring with the Vikings during their offseason program.
After offseason film school, Evans returns to Vikings for pivotal season
Akayleb Evans studied film this offseason with MatchQuarters creator Cody Alexander, who gave the cornerback a clearer understanding of how offenses would attack him going into his third year.
Vikings add defensive back McCain, cut kicker Romo
Bobby McCain is a 10-year NFL veteran who was with the Giants last season, and played for Brian Flores in Miami.
Cornerbacks need to prove their worth at Vikings camp
The NFL had Vikings corners figured out by December. The fight for starting roles picked up new urgency after Shaq Griffin's soft tissue injury.
Vikings exploring additions at cornerback with depth tested by injuries
Cornerback Shaq Griffin is expected to miss "a week or so" with a leg injury after Mekhi Blackmon was lost for the season with a torn TCL.
O'Connell: Speaking at Khyree Jackson's funeral was 'an honor'
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was back at practice Saturday after leading a contingent of coaches and players to rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson's funeral in Maryland on Friday.
Camp competition heats up in Vikings' eternal search for starting guards
Blake Brandel enters training camp as the starter on the left side, and Ed Ingram is back on the right, but Dalton Risner could push for a starting spot.
Vikings rookie Turner gets to 'slow it down' in NFL
Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner is used to toiling under Nick Saban at Alabama. Under Brian Flores, the rookie is working on his technique to prepare for an eclectic role on the defense.
Flores works through his grief at Vikings training camp
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said he has "my moments where I get down" about the death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson in a July 6 car accident.
Vikings lose cornerback Blackmon to knee injury in first practice
Mekhi Blackmon, a second-year corner who started three games last season, tore his ACL on Wednesday.
Is Vikings starting QB job really up for grabs at training camp?
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday, "It's going to be a very competitive camp at multiple positions." The Star Tribune is taking a look at each of those camp competitions. First up: Quarterbacks.
Vikings sign Darrisaw to new deal worth up to $113 million
A contract extension for Christian Darrisaw figured to be the next big item on the Vikings' to-do list, and Tuesday, he agreed to a four-year deal that could make him the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL.
Heartbroken Vikings will honor rookie Khyree Jackson all season
Players will wear helmet patches with cornerback Khyree Jackson's initials, and his No. 31 and locker will go unused after his death in car accident on July 6.
![J.J. McCarthy became the highest-drafted quarterback in Vikings history when the team selected him at No. 10 overall in April.
] AARON LAVINSKY](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YCK6THIOM5FBDG5AOZQJHNHWAU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings, QB McCarthy agree to terms on rookie contract
Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th pick in the NFL draft, is expected to make $21.85 million, with a $12.71 million signing bonus. The team's training camp begins next week.
Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson killed in car accident at 24
Khyree Jackson, who once quit football to work at a Chipotle and a grocery store before becoming a fourth-round draft pick, died in a car accident in his native Maryland with two high school teammates.
For Vikings rookie McCarthy, team's summer break won't be a vacation
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy plans to spend most of the five weeks before training camp in Minnesota, working out at the team facility and learning the playbook.
How the Vikings determined Jefferson's value, set up for the future
Vikings Insider: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell came to Minnesota with a plan. They've arrived at the juncture that will determine whether it worked.
New Vikings QB Darnold getting a lot of help in learning team's offense
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is surrounded by the most offensive talent he's had in his checkered NFL career and has inherited some tricks for understanding coach Kevin O'Connell's scheme.
'I'm the leader of this team.' Jefferson era with Vikings gets fresh start.
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson returned to team headquarters for a mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, discussed his record $140 million contract extension and practiced with his new QBs for the first time.
Vikings' Jefferson agrees to record-setting contract
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension averages $35 million per season, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. The agreement wrapped up nearly a year of negotiations on the eve of the team's minicamp this week.
Vikings' Addison building connections with new QBs
With Justin Jefferson away from the Vikings and T.J. Hockenson injured, the second-year receiver has been the team's top target this spring.
Vikings bring back veteran guard Dalton Risner
Dalton Risner, who started 11 games last season, found common ground with the Vikings on a new deal that adds to Minnesota's offensive line options in 2024.
Former Packer joins Vikings' crowded tight end room
With T.J. Hockenson still recovering from his torn ACL, the Vikings added another passing target in Robert Tonyan, who should be familiar to fans of NFC North teams.
Vikings 2024 schedule: Cousins returns to Minnesota in December
The full 2024 NFL schedule was released Wednesday. Here is a game-by-game look at the Vikings season, which begins at the Giants, ends in Detroit and includes nearly 22,000 air miles.
Vikings fans could get an early preseason look at McCarthy
The Vikings play only one preseason game at home, on Aug. 10, and it could provide a rare glimpse of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings will play Aaron Rodgers in October, Caleb Williams in November
The Vikings will face an old nemesis in London in October and have their first game against new Bears QB Caleb Williams in November.
Cousins, Rodgers, London: What we know about Vikings' 2024 schedule
The NFL will release the regular-season schedule Wednesday night, assigning dates, times and TV networks to the slate of Vikings opponents we've known for months. The list includes some familiar faces and places.
McCarthy loses bet, learns from his coach's mistake all in first Vikings practice
Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy gained a valuable and exhausting lesson about talking trash to the opposing defense.
Five questions the Vikings are facing after the NFL draft
The Vikings emerged from the NFL draft with their successor to Kirk Cousins and their pass rusher to follow Danielle Hunter. Now, they'll see how it all works.
Vikings roster overhaul could lead to most competitive training camp in years
Vikings Insider: From quarterback to cornerback, from both lines of scrimmage to kicker, the battle for roster spots and positions on the depth chart will be intense.
Meet the Vikings' 2024 NFL draft class
The Vikings' seven draft picks included a QB of the future, a star edge rusher, a kicker and some help for the offensive and defensive lines.
Recap: How Vikings used five picks on Day 3 of the draft
The Vikings added a cornerback, two offensive linemen, a defensive lineman and, yes, a kicker on the final day of the NFL draft.
New QB McCarthy says Vikings 'just a perfect fit'
J.J. McCarthy's youth and relatively low usage at Michigan mean he comes to the Vikings with things to learn from a coach who's said rookie QBs benefit from time to develop.
Vikings take McCarthy, Turner in first-round bid to 'swing for a great player'
The Vikings played a big role in a wild first round of the NFL draft by making two trades so they were better position to select Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy and Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner.
Vikings first-round recap: Trades yield QB, edge rusher
The Vikings traded up twice in the first round of the NFL draft and selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No. 17.
Vikings mock draft: seven rounds, eight picks and, yes, one quarterback
Star Tribune Vikings beat reporter Ben Goessling predicts how the team will use its nine draft picks and secure a quarterback of the future.
Next phase of O'Connell's quarterback journey begins tonight
In the first round of the NFL draft tonight, the Vikings could make franchise history with a choice coach Kevin O'Connell was hired two years ago to make.
Quarterback of the future? This Vikings mystery is about to end.
Part 6 of a series: Six quarterbacks are on the draft radar to fill both practical and philosophical needs for the Vikings.
Grateful for the beast that is the Boston Marathon
Star Tribune Vikings beat reporter Ben Goessling ran his first Boston Marathon on Monday, and by the time he finished, gratitude for the experience overshadowed any disappointments.
Training for Boston Marathon during a never-ending Vikings season
Interviews, free-agent signings and NFL injuries interrupted Vikings reporter Ben Goessling's training to prepare for the race. So how did he prepare to run in today's race?
How NIL and the transfer portal are shaking up the Vikings' draft strategy
This year's NFL draft includes just 58 underclassmen, the result of NIL and transfer rules that empower players to stay in college longer.
Vikings offensive coordinator suspended for three weeks without pay
Wes Phillips pleaded guilty in February to careless driving after a December arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. He can return to work April 23, the week of the NFL draft.
NFL overhauls kickoff rules. Here's how they'll look.
The change, approved on a trial basis for 2024, comes after years of discussion over the future of the kickoff, as the NFL sought to reduce injury and increase excitement.
Three things Brian Flores was looking for to evolve Vikings defense
When Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores met to discuss the Vikings' defense for 2024, they knew there were holes to fill in three areas.
