Are the Minnesota Vikings leaving wins on the table because Kevin O’Connell isn’t putting in the late-night film sessions that Ben Johnson is doing with Caleb Williams in Chicago? Or is he? That’s the provocative question Dave Stefano and Darren Campbell tackle head-on in this week’s episode of Two Old Bloggers, a Minnesota Vikings podcast produced by Vikings 1st & SKOL.
The Bears’ 12-4 turnaround — after Williams credited his two-hour nightly film sessions with Johnson — has Dave asking out loud:
“Is somebody in the organization sitting down there and spending that extra time with the quarterback?” It’s a question nobody in the Twin Cities media seems to be asking, and it might be the most important one of the offseason. Or is it a big nothing-burger?
The Caleb Williams–Ben Johnson film room revelation from the Pardon My Take podcast, where Williams described daily one-and-a-half to two-hour meetings with his head coach during the season. The duo contrasts that with what’s publicly known — and not known — about Kevin O’Connell’s mentorship habits with J.J. McCarthy and now with Kyler Murray. As Darren notes, “O’Connell’s big on empowerment and trust — and that trust paid off with Darnold in 2024.” But does it go far enough?
They draw comparisons to Belichick/Brady and Payton/Brees, both marathon film-room partnerships that produced Super Bowl rings. From there, the show pivots to the NFL rumor mill’s latest offering: NFL insider Jason La Canfora floating a Jordan Addison trade to the Baltimore Ravens. Darren breaks down the case for and against, weighing Addison’s drop issues, off-field arrests, and contract situation against the reality that “his poor stats were largely driven by poor quarterback play.”
The show wraps with three “This Week in Vikingsland” topics: Nolan Teasley’s completed front office rebuild (with Ryan Pace, Trent Kirschner, and Tyler Hamblin now aboard), a Mac Jones-to-Vikings 2027 scenario worth monitoring, and Darren’s bold bounce-back prediction for T.J. Hockenson — fueled by improved QB play and Kyler Murray’s history of targeting his tight end.
Key Points:
- Caleb Williams revealed daily 1.5–2.5 hour film sessions with Ben Johnson; Dave asks if KOC does the same with Vikings QBs
- Historical precedents: Belichick/Brady and Payton/Brees both used marathon film study — and both won Super Bowls
- Jordan Addison trade to Baltimore floated by Jason La Canfora; Darren says it’s speculation but not without logic
- Addison’s 2025 struggles: 44 catches, 610 yards, 7 drops, 14.3% drop rate — but largely blamed on QB play, not talent
- Addison arrested in Tampa in March 2026; charges dropped, but Dave says “it still counts”
- Nolan Teasley’s front office overhaul complete: Ryan Pace (advisor), Trent Kirschner & Andrew Healy (co-AGMs), Tyler Hamblin (Director of Football Strategy)
- Ryan Grigson has left the Vikings and joined Cleveland
- Mac Jones remains on the Vikings’ radar for 2027 if the QB situation stays unsettled
- Darren predicts a T.J. Hockenson bounce-back: more touchdowns, more explosive plays, better yards-per-catch under improved QB play
Listen:
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Watch:
Whether you think Kevin O’Connell needs to be doing Ben Johnson–style film marathons with J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray, or you’re still riding or dying on the Jordan Addison extension, Two Old Bloggers gives you the unfiltered takes that Vikings fans actually want. Dave and Darren bring decades of passion and perspective to every episode — and they’re not afraid to ask the questions the beat writers won’t. Catch the full episode now on the Fans First Sports Network, wherever you stream your podcasts.
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Open question for you:
Do you think Kevin O’Connell (or one of his assistants like Phillips/McCown/Traylor) needs to adopt a Ben Johnson–style film room approach with J.J. McCarthy and/or Kyler Murray — and would it actually make a difference?
