Is it Vikings time to panic after their 24-21 loss to the Steelers in Dublin? Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano break it down on The Real Forno Show, urging calm amid injuries and execution woes. In this episode of the Minnesota Vikings podcast from Vikings 1st & SKOL, the hosts dive into the Week 4 defeat on September 28, 2025, analyzing Carson Wentz’s struggles, Kevin O’Connell’s play-calling adjustments, and Brian Flores’ defensive strategy. It a must-listen for SKOL Nation questioning the 2-2 start.
The show kicks off with breaking news on Brian O’Neill’s week-to-week MCL injury, setting the stage for a candid discussion on the Vikings’ mounting challenges. Forness argues the offensive line isn’t the main culprit—blaming Wentz for holding the ball too long and missing open throws like a potential touchdown to Justin Jefferson. They praise O’Connell’s shift to more quick-game concepts, with seven such throws on the opening drive, but highlight execution failures. On defense, Flores’ Cover 2 calls against Aaron Rodgers’ quick releases (2.17 seconds average) draw criticism, alongside linebacker issues without Blake Cashman. Echoing 2016’s injury-plagued vibe, the hosts list absences like J.J. McCarthy, Ryan Kelly, Donovan Jackson, Brian O’Neill, and Aaron Jones, but emphasize patience for young depth like Michael Jurgens.
- Offensive Line and Injuries: Five unique combinations used (tied for NFL most), with O’Neill’s MCL sprain and Kelly’s possible lingering concussion; backups like Jurgens show promise but need time.
- Carson Wentz’s Performance: Responsible for six pressures and four sacks per PFF; missed key throws on concepts like Yankee routes, lacking pocket presence compared to McCarthy.
- Kevin O’Connell’s Play Calling: Evolving with quick-game emphasis, but fans question slow-developing plays; hosts defend him, saying execution, not design, is the issue.
- Brian Flores’ Defense: Best EPA per play league-wide, but soft coverage allowed quick gains; missed tackles (11) and run defense woes against Kenneth Gainwell highlighted.
- Overall Outlook: Not time to panic—team can beat anyone with health; parallels to 2016 but optimism for bounce-back.
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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 production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and the network’s NFL feed over at Pro Football Insiders @Pro_FB_Insiders. Your ultimate source for NFL insights, breaking news, and expert analysis. From draft prospects to game-day strategies, we’ve got the inside scoop!
Question:
After this Vikings time to panic breakdown, do you think the injuries will derail the season, or can they rally against the Browns?
