1 00:00:06,200 --> 00:00:07,800 Speaker 1: I reflect on it a lot. You know, it's a 2 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:10,960 Speaker 1: blessing to feel great too, you know, just look back 3 00:00:10,960 --> 00:00:13,360 Speaker 1: and see you know, the hard rugs was rewarded. And 4 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:17,840 Speaker 1: I'm going into you know, my third year. When it's 5 00:00:17,840 --> 00:00:19,639 Speaker 1: time to play ball, it's time to play ball. You know, 6 00:00:19,800 --> 00:00:21,639 Speaker 1: you just see that. And Kurt, when it's time to 7 00:00:21,680 --> 00:00:23,360 Speaker 1: play in you know you like that. You know you 8 00:00:23,400 --> 00:00:33,919 Speaker 1: just see you see that when it's time to play. So, hey, everybody, 9 00:00:33,920 --> 00:00:38,720 Speaker 1: welcome to episode fifty four of the Minnesota Vikings podcast. 10 00:00:38,960 --> 00:00:42,720 Speaker 1: I'm your host, SIAM. It's enjoined in virtual studio by 11 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:46,760 Speaker 1: Chris Corso and Jay Nelson from Vikings dot Com and 12 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:53,159 Speaker 1: this episode, Episode fifty four is brought to you by Verizon, 13 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:58,960 Speaker 1: the network more People rely on, gives you more. Verizon 14 00:00:59,440 --> 00:01:03,480 Speaker 1: Vikings Training Camp is entering into the Ota portion of 15 00:01:03,520 --> 00:01:07,920 Speaker 1: their calendar. There has been, guys all, there's all sorts 16 00:01:07,920 --> 00:01:10,120 Speaker 1: of stuff that I want to touch on. In this episode, 17 00:01:10,200 --> 00:01:12,600 Speaker 1: Chris is going to have an interview with Mike Boone. 18 00:01:13,000 --> 00:01:15,839 Speaker 1: We're going to talk a little bit about the Spielman 19 00:01:16,560 --> 00:01:20,120 Speaker 1: extension that now matches him and pairs him with Mike Zimmer. 20 00:01:20,840 --> 00:01:23,200 Speaker 1: I want to start with a little Justin Jefferson and 21 00:01:23,280 --> 00:01:25,160 Speaker 1: Kubiak News, and then I want to talk about the 22 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:28,360 Speaker 1: greater trend that everybody's talking about, which is the opt outs. 23 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:30,320 Speaker 1: Today was the last day of opt outs. But let's 24 00:01:30,720 --> 00:01:34,040 Speaker 1: let's start with Justin Jefferson. He's officially made his way 25 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:37,840 Speaker 1: to TCO Performance Center. He's officially started his NFL journey. 26 00:01:38,319 --> 00:01:41,280 Speaker 1: He was on the COVID nineteen list to start, he's 27 00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:45,480 Speaker 1: been removed. Then actually followed him around on his first 28 00:01:45,600 --> 00:01:48,920 Speaker 1: day and has posted a video chronicling his experiences, which 29 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:51,080 Speaker 1: is really a great watch if you head over to 30 00:01:51,200 --> 00:01:56,360 Speaker 1: Vikings dot com. My question for you too is, as 31 00:01:56,840 --> 00:01:59,360 Speaker 1: you know, I think everybody is pretty through the roof 32 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:02,480 Speaker 1: Freddie to see what this kid can do. Are our 33 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:08,480 Speaker 1: expectations as a fan base in line with the reality 34 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:11,760 Speaker 1: of being a rookie wide receiver walking into a COVID 35 00:02:11,840 --> 00:02:15,160 Speaker 1: training camp, walking into his first season with no preseason 36 00:02:15,280 --> 00:02:18,600 Speaker 1: Chris si I think the expectations have to be there, 37 00:02:19,120 --> 00:02:22,680 Speaker 1: and he's talked about this. He needs to replace Stefan Diggs. 38 00:02:22,720 --> 00:02:24,600 Speaker 1: That's what he was brought here to do. That's what 39 00:02:24,680 --> 00:02:29,200 Speaker 1: he was traded for directly, So that is the confidence 40 00:02:29,240 --> 00:02:31,519 Speaker 1: that he's coming in with I've seen him and IRV 41 00:02:31,600 --> 00:02:35,480 Speaker 1: Smith Junior getting along really well, two guys from Louisiana, 42 00:02:35,600 --> 00:02:37,960 Speaker 1: growing up in the same area. They definitely worked out 43 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:41,080 Speaker 1: together in the offseason. I expect big years for the 44 00:02:41,120 --> 00:02:44,400 Speaker 1: both of those guys. We'll touch on a little Gary 45 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:48,160 Speaker 1: Kubiak bite later on, but getting him on the level 46 00:02:48,480 --> 00:02:51,000 Speaker 1: of where his mind is, because you know this guy 47 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:53,840 Speaker 1: has confidence. Gary Kubiak's the one that's got to do 48 00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:56,280 Speaker 1: that on the field when he finally gets to take 49 00:02:56,280 --> 00:02:59,240 Speaker 1: the field with his teammates in practice this week. So 50 00:02:59,320 --> 00:03:02,520 Speaker 1: Chris is all in on the expectations. Chris thinks it's fair. 51 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:06,880 Speaker 1: Chris thinks it's just fair. Jay Nelson is that where 52 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:11,160 Speaker 1: you're at, it's fair and just. But fans need to 53 00:03:11,200 --> 00:03:14,800 Speaker 1: temper their expectations. So he as an athlete can't walk 54 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:16,359 Speaker 1: in the door and say, well, I may or may 55 00:03:16,360 --> 00:03:19,000 Speaker 1: not be ready. He has to have the mindset of 56 00:03:19,320 --> 00:03:21,520 Speaker 1: I'm a professional, I'm getting my crack at the NFL. 57 00:03:21,840 --> 00:03:24,080 Speaker 1: And he knows that everyone's eyes are on him to 58 00:03:24,080 --> 00:03:27,320 Speaker 1: say there are some huge shoes to fill. But when 59 00:03:27,360 --> 00:03:30,280 Speaker 1: you talk about him working with IRV Smith Junior, you 60 00:03:30,320 --> 00:03:32,840 Speaker 1: see photos of him working with Adam feeling. We know 61 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:35,320 Speaker 1: that this is not the first time that he's able 62 00:03:35,400 --> 00:03:38,160 Speaker 1: to do something with these guys. And even yesterday you 63 00:03:38,240 --> 00:03:41,000 Speaker 1: had a video of Cousins throwing a deep ball with 64 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:43,760 Speaker 1: him going to get it. So there are plenty of 65 00:03:44,640 --> 00:03:47,440 Speaker 1: ramped up expectations for this kid. And as you said, 66 00:03:47,440 --> 00:03:49,800 Speaker 1: it's the COVID nineteen where they haven't had the offseason 67 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:52,640 Speaker 1: program to work. There's going to be growing pains here. 68 00:03:52,720 --> 00:03:57,000 Speaker 1: But in the end, his success and the success of 69 00:03:57,000 --> 00:03:59,400 Speaker 1: the team selecting him as a first round draft picker 70 00:03:59,440 --> 00:04:01,360 Speaker 1: going to be tied too. Does he live up to 71 00:04:01,400 --> 00:04:03,680 Speaker 1: the expectations that we were given. And to be honest 72 00:04:03,720 --> 00:04:06,600 Speaker 1: with you, I think long run, yes, short term temper 73 00:04:06,680 --> 00:04:10,120 Speaker 1: those expectations. Yeah, that's kind of what I was hinting at. 74 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:13,520 Speaker 1: I mean, I think it's a I just personally, I 75 00:04:13,680 --> 00:04:17,400 Speaker 1: never mind in sports placing expectations on a player for 76 00:04:17,440 --> 00:04:21,640 Speaker 1: player swap. Stefan Diggs had his ups and downs kind 77 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:24,680 Speaker 1: of off the field as his run ended here. Those 78 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:29,680 Speaker 1: were well documented. But that is a guy who provided 79 00:04:30,520 --> 00:04:34,120 Speaker 1: one of the most iconic moments in not just Viking 80 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:38,880 Speaker 1: history but NFL history. And you know, along with case 81 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:42,600 Speaker 1: Keenum and I think he won this spot in Viking 82 00:04:42,680 --> 00:04:45,360 Speaker 1: fans hearts. He was a fan favorite and he was 83 00:04:45,360 --> 00:04:48,840 Speaker 1: an electric player. I'm not ready to put that sort 84 00:04:48,839 --> 00:04:52,480 Speaker 1: of expectation on Justin Jefferson. Here's the weird thing about 85 00:04:52,600 --> 00:04:56,039 Speaker 1: young wide receivers. They run this huge gamut. You get 86 00:04:56,080 --> 00:04:59,599 Speaker 1: some good, some really good young wide receivers that have 87 00:04:59,720 --> 00:05:03,239 Speaker 1: the a season where they put up four hundred yards, 88 00:05:03,279 --> 00:05:05,320 Speaker 1: three hundred yards. They have to learn how to be 89 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:07,480 Speaker 1: in the league. They don't do much. Stefan Diggs as 90 00:05:07,480 --> 00:05:09,840 Speaker 1: an example, his first season, he didn't even play tew 91 00:05:10,400 --> 00:05:13,080 Speaker 1: x amount of games into the year. Then there's the 92 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:16,159 Speaker 1: other side of it. There's the Anquan Bolden side where 93 00:05:16,200 --> 00:05:18,840 Speaker 1: you have guys that come in and you're like, what 94 00:05:18,920 --> 00:05:22,120 Speaker 1: the hell is this dude doing almost a hundred catches 95 00:05:22,200 --> 00:05:26,040 Speaker 1: exploding all over the field. It's really hard to predict 96 00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:29,640 Speaker 1: what young rookie wide receivers will explode. And so I 97 00:05:29,720 --> 00:05:32,960 Speaker 1: think what I'm doing is, given the COVID situation, I 98 00:05:33,040 --> 00:05:38,120 Speaker 1: am setting a baseline of I hope this guy is 99 00:05:38,279 --> 00:05:41,040 Speaker 1: a can come in and by some point in this 100 00:05:41,080 --> 00:05:46,560 Speaker 1: season really be competent in the two three role that 101 00:05:46,640 --> 00:05:50,559 Speaker 1: the number two wide receiver ish area and really step 102 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:53,599 Speaker 1: up for us. And if he goes far above and 103 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:56,279 Speaker 1: beyond that and burst out of the bubble, that's house 104 00:05:56,320 --> 00:05:58,960 Speaker 1: money for me right now. You know that that's kind 105 00:05:58,960 --> 00:06:01,200 Speaker 1: of where I'm sitting. But you know that's that's that's 106 00:06:01,279 --> 00:06:03,560 Speaker 1: kind of what what young wide receivers do. Either they 107 00:06:03,560 --> 00:06:06,840 Speaker 1: have to learn this well. Either they flame out and 108 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:11,400 Speaker 1: they were never anything that's another common NFL story, or 109 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:13,680 Speaker 1: it takes him a minute to get used to the league, 110 00:06:14,440 --> 00:06:18,159 Speaker 1: or they explode out the gate. And uh, god'd be 111 00:06:18,200 --> 00:06:20,240 Speaker 1: great if he exploded out the gate. But I'm I'm 112 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:24,600 Speaker 1: not gonna set my expectations in line with my feelings 113 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:27,159 Speaker 1: towards Stefan Diggs and the sort of the sort of 114 00:06:27,200 --> 00:06:31,560 Speaker 1: player he was. Chris, you spoke about Jerry Kubiak, who 115 00:06:31,600 --> 00:06:35,680 Speaker 1: spoke as part of the media availability video conferences. One 116 00:06:35,720 --> 00:06:39,040 Speaker 1: of the items to know that was that he spoke 117 00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:42,880 Speaker 1: of continuity going into this season, which you know, even though, 118 00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:45,360 Speaker 1: like you said, the wide receiver group is rebuilt. That's 119 00:06:45,440 --> 00:06:47,680 Speaker 1: that's something that I said might be an asset for 120 00:06:47,720 --> 00:06:51,440 Speaker 1: this team is the fact that for the first time 121 00:06:51,520 --> 00:06:55,480 Speaker 1: in a while, there isn't a big shake up. I know, um, 122 00:06:55,680 --> 00:06:58,680 Speaker 1: Stefanski left, but it's still the same system. For the 123 00:06:58,680 --> 00:07:01,480 Speaker 1: most part, it's still the same group of guys. There's 124 00:07:01,520 --> 00:07:05,640 Speaker 1: not a ton of terminology change. Do you really think 125 00:07:05,680 --> 00:07:08,279 Speaker 1: that can give us an advantage in this sort of season, Chris, 126 00:07:08,560 --> 00:07:10,280 Speaker 1: I mean it has to be huge. When you go 127 00:07:10,320 --> 00:07:14,000 Speaker 1: through the whole offseason without offseason workouts, you're doing everything virtual. 128 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:18,400 Speaker 1: Kyle Rudolph spoke shortly after Kubiak can discuss the same thing. 129 00:07:18,440 --> 00:07:20,920 Speaker 1: He said, he's been here for ten years. Last couple 130 00:07:20,920 --> 00:07:23,600 Speaker 1: of years, he's had a new offensive coordinator every single season. 131 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:27,000 Speaker 1: The offensive line, a bunch of young players returning, and 132 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:31,560 Speaker 1: Garrett Bradberry, your guy, Pat elf Line, sy Brian O'Neill. 133 00:07:31,680 --> 00:07:35,440 Speaker 1: That all these guys are returning on the offense, the line. 134 00:07:36,080 --> 00:07:39,280 Speaker 1: You have Gary Kubiak returning. You have Irv Smith, the 135 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:41,920 Speaker 1: guy I mentioned before. I expect big things out of him. 136 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:44,840 Speaker 1: But also you have some new players and depths that 137 00:07:44,880 --> 00:07:47,360 Speaker 1: maybe you don't have to depend on Justin Jefferson to 138 00:07:47,360 --> 00:07:51,560 Speaker 1: be Stefon Diggs numbers last season when Adam Thieland went down. 139 00:07:51,840 --> 00:07:53,840 Speaker 1: You have a seventh round draft pick in old BC 140 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:56,640 Speaker 1: Johnson that has to start and play in just about 141 00:07:56,680 --> 00:07:59,240 Speaker 1: every single game this year. You have a bunch of 142 00:07:59,240 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 1: other players like a Taj Sharpe kJ Osborne, who's another 143 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:05,640 Speaker 1: rookie out of the University of Miami. So it seems 144 00:08:05,680 --> 00:08:09,080 Speaker 1: like there's a little depth to add to the continuity, 145 00:08:09,800 --> 00:08:12,720 Speaker 1: especially at the wide receiver position. So maybe we can 146 00:08:12,760 --> 00:08:17,440 Speaker 1: temper the expectations that you have Si and Jay. That's 147 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:20,800 Speaker 1: I don't that's inaccurate. You you are, We can temper 148 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:25,280 Speaker 1: those high justin Jefferson expects told me before the show 149 00:08:25,320 --> 00:08:27,400 Speaker 1: he thinks that Kirk Cousins is going to throw for 150 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:35,000 Speaker 1: fire the Jay. You know, do you see any advantages 151 00:08:35,280 --> 00:08:39,720 Speaker 1: I mean being close to the process, you know, that 152 00:08:39,840 --> 00:08:42,760 Speaker 1: continuity that he talks about. How does that give the 153 00:08:42,760 --> 00:08:46,120 Speaker 1: team an advantage as they adjust to this new world, 154 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:48,920 Speaker 1: this foreign world of the way training camp is working. 155 00:08:49,280 --> 00:08:50,520 Speaker 1: I think a lot of it has to do with 156 00:08:50,559 --> 00:08:53,200 Speaker 1: the fact that something we talked about before the fact 157 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:57,600 Speaker 1: that the offseason programs were essentially nullified and everything was 158 00:08:57,679 --> 00:09:00,720 Speaker 1: classroom only. You know, one of the nuggets that Gary 159 00:09:00,760 --> 00:09:02,800 Speaker 1: had talked about is he said teaching is ahead of 160 00:09:02,840 --> 00:09:04,920 Speaker 1: doing right now, and they need to be able to 161 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:07,520 Speaker 1: plant their feet on the ground on the practice field 162 00:09:07,800 --> 00:09:10,320 Speaker 1: in order to catch up from what they've actually been teaching. 163 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:12,760 Speaker 1: So it's one thing to talk about it and kind 164 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:14,960 Speaker 1: of diagram and say, yeah, I know what's going on, 165 00:09:15,080 --> 00:09:18,360 Speaker 1: but actually being in position, getting the body positioning right, 166 00:09:18,679 --> 00:09:20,640 Speaker 1: all of those things. If you have guys on the 167 00:09:20,679 --> 00:09:23,520 Speaker 1: offensive side who are coming back, like you said, a 168 00:09:23,640 --> 00:09:26,240 Speaker 1: Rudolph type, if you've got an entire running back room 169 00:09:26,240 --> 00:09:29,760 Speaker 1: that's essentially back as a crew, they all know what 170 00:09:29,960 --> 00:09:32,800 Speaker 1: is expected of them. The one thing that Gary cited 171 00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:37,839 Speaker 1: that he drew from Stefanski and knows for himself is 172 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:40,360 Speaker 1: that he needs to get some reps here as well 173 00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:43,120 Speaker 1: calling plays, and so he's got to go through and 174 00:09:43,120 --> 00:09:45,840 Speaker 1: do some scripting. He's got to be able to mentally 175 00:09:45,840 --> 00:09:48,280 Speaker 1: get to a point where he has some of his 176 00:09:48,800 --> 00:09:50,840 Speaker 1: plays that are in his back pocket that he knows 177 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:52,880 Speaker 1: in certain situations he's going to want to run. So 178 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:55,600 Speaker 1: Gary's going to need some time as well as the players, 179 00:09:55,640 --> 00:09:57,640 Speaker 1: and I think it's going to be a little from 180 00:09:57,679 --> 00:10:01,520 Speaker 1: my perspective NFL across the board, an offense. Offense always 181 00:10:01,520 --> 00:10:03,600 Speaker 1: takes a while to catch up to the defense. It'll 182 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:05,600 Speaker 1: probably be a little slow to start, but I think 183 00:10:05,640 --> 00:10:08,679 Speaker 1: once Gary and that offense, and the continuity of those 184 00:10:08,720 --> 00:10:11,080 Speaker 1: guys working together in a system they already know clicks. 185 00:10:11,440 --> 00:10:13,520 Speaker 1: They might actually be ahead of schedule from what other 186 00:10:13,559 --> 00:10:17,560 Speaker 1: teams are at this point. Let's the official opt out 187 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:22,160 Speaker 1: deadline came and went today as of three pm Central Time, 188 00:10:22,440 --> 00:10:25,720 Speaker 1: and there's some names on there, notably the Patriots who 189 00:10:25,920 --> 00:10:31,559 Speaker 1: lost All World Superstar Patrick Chung, Donta High Tower, Marquise Lee, 190 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:35,800 Speaker 1: you know, Devin Funches with the Packers, Eddie Goldman with 191 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:39,800 Speaker 1: the Bears, Damian Williams, who the star of the Super Bowl. 192 00:10:39,800 --> 00:10:42,720 Speaker 1: One of these stars of the Super Bowl, the Loan 193 00:10:42,960 --> 00:10:46,480 Speaker 1: Viking on the list, defensive tackle Michael Pierce, you know 194 00:10:46,520 --> 00:10:49,319 Speaker 1: we talked about on this show. I wasn't here, but 195 00:10:49,360 --> 00:10:53,720 Speaker 1: you guys talked about his medical history with asthma and 196 00:10:54,040 --> 00:10:57,640 Speaker 1: he qualified as a high risk opt out. I guess 197 00:10:57,640 --> 00:11:03,560 Speaker 1: my first question is, are you guys surprised about the number? 198 00:11:03,559 --> 00:11:06,400 Speaker 1: Did you expect this number? Did you expect more, did 199 00:11:06,440 --> 00:11:09,280 Speaker 1: you expect less? How surprised were you by the amount 200 00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:11,920 Speaker 1: of people that opted out? Chris, I'm surprised by the 201 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:15,000 Speaker 1: number of Patriots, that's for sure, just with their history 202 00:11:15,040 --> 00:11:17,600 Speaker 1: and then the way they play. I mean maybe they're 203 00:11:17,640 --> 00:11:20,560 Speaker 1: tanking to get the number one draft pick and get 204 00:11:20,600 --> 00:11:23,040 Speaker 1: Trevor Lawrence had a Clempson. I don't know. I don't 205 00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:26,400 Speaker 1: think Bill Belichick has a tanking bone in his body. 206 00:11:27,080 --> 00:11:30,280 Speaker 1: I've seen the skits from from Frank Caliendo. Those got 207 00:11:30,280 --> 00:11:32,760 Speaker 1: me pretty good, so you might have to go check 208 00:11:32,800 --> 00:11:37,280 Speaker 1: those outside. But yeah, no, it's definitely it's understandable. Obviously, 209 00:11:38,040 --> 00:11:39,760 Speaker 1: this is your health. When it comes to your health. 210 00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:42,960 Speaker 1: Just like Mike Zimmer said about Michael Pierce, he completely 211 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:47,080 Speaker 1: understand supports them and all that. So whoever wants topped out, 212 00:11:47,160 --> 00:11:50,560 Speaker 1: I understand. But we're happy to move forward and get 213 00:11:50,559 --> 00:11:53,240 Speaker 1: back to football. And I'm very happy that there's only 214 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:56,280 Speaker 1: one Viking on this list now, the COVID reserve list, 215 00:11:56,360 --> 00:11:58,880 Speaker 1: we've had a bunch of guys in and out, which 216 00:11:58,960 --> 00:12:01,960 Speaker 1: that's another subject, so I'd like to see us kind 217 00:12:01,960 --> 00:12:05,600 Speaker 1: of be lower on that list. But yeah, I completely 218 00:12:05,679 --> 00:12:08,680 Speaker 1: understand guys who do not want to play this season. Jay, 219 00:12:09,280 --> 00:12:12,959 Speaker 1: you know the Vikings, and I'm sure you guys discussed 220 00:12:12,960 --> 00:12:14,679 Speaker 1: this to a certain degree last week, but I'd like 221 00:12:14,800 --> 00:12:17,640 Speaker 1: to discuss it again this week. That is a pretty 222 00:12:17,720 --> 00:12:25,360 Speaker 1: big hole to fill, both figuratively and literally huge man. 223 00:12:25,920 --> 00:12:28,720 Speaker 1: There was the deal with the haul out of the Raiders, 224 00:12:28,760 --> 00:12:32,680 Speaker 1: which I believe he failed a physical correct. So now 225 00:12:32,800 --> 00:12:36,960 Speaker 1: you know, as camp progresses, how do you see this 226 00:12:37,320 --> 00:12:39,920 Speaker 1: positional battle breaking out? So one of the things that 227 00:12:40,040 --> 00:12:42,600 Speaker 1: I had cited one of the questions from before was 228 00:12:42,679 --> 00:12:44,960 Speaker 1: you know, what player are you going to be looking 229 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:47,680 Speaker 1: at or what position group? That was the group that 230 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:50,679 Speaker 1: I chose was the defensive line, just because there has 231 00:12:50,679 --> 00:12:53,240 Speaker 1: been some turnover there. You know at this point with 232 00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:56,080 Speaker 1: Everson Griffin being gone, now you have Michael Piers gone 233 00:12:56,080 --> 00:12:59,679 Speaker 1: and Lindvall gone. That means that you're Jalil Johnson's, your 234 00:12:59,720 --> 00:13:02,920 Speaker 1: arm and Watts, even your Affadi Adenibo's. Those guys are 235 00:13:02,920 --> 00:13:05,400 Speaker 1: going to have to step up, let alone some of 236 00:13:05,440 --> 00:13:08,079 Speaker 1: the DJ Wonam's and the other guys that were selected 237 00:13:08,080 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 1: in the draft that are coming up. So you've got 238 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:14,040 Speaker 1: a group of guys that Zimmer has always helped rely 239 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:17,440 Speaker 1: on that defensive line to set the tone for what 240 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:20,360 Speaker 1: he wants to do as a defense. On defensive line, 241 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:22,640 Speaker 1: they control the line of scrimmage that the linebackers can 242 00:13:22,679 --> 00:13:24,440 Speaker 1: do their thing or if you're trying to do that 243 00:13:24,480 --> 00:13:27,719 Speaker 1: double a gap blitz, those guys are critical to this, 244 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:32,720 Speaker 1: and so Linvaal Joseph and Michael Pierce presumably were supposed 245 00:13:32,760 --> 00:13:34,959 Speaker 1: to be two of those lynch pins for that defensive line. 246 00:13:35,360 --> 00:13:38,120 Speaker 1: And now that both of those guys are gone, those 247 00:13:38,160 --> 00:13:40,280 Speaker 1: younger guys that did get some run before are going 248 00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:42,640 Speaker 1: to have to step up. And I'm not going to 249 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:45,160 Speaker 1: give Michael Pierce any hard time at all given his 250 00:13:45,280 --> 00:13:48,160 Speaker 1: medical history on this stuff. It just means that now 251 00:13:48,240 --> 00:13:50,720 Speaker 1: for the Vikings on their side, they have to find 252 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:53,160 Speaker 1: a way to fill that gap, whether it's with guys 253 00:13:53,200 --> 00:13:55,520 Speaker 1: internally or they can start looking at other players that 254 00:13:55,559 --> 00:13:58,520 Speaker 1: potentially get cut once teams go through and start making 255 00:13:58,559 --> 00:14:01,360 Speaker 1: some of their roster cuts. It's going to be a process, 256 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:03,280 Speaker 1: and I think the entire year is going to be 257 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:05,840 Speaker 1: a process. Given players are going to get sick, people 258 00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:08,079 Speaker 1: are going to get cut, and this is just one 259 00:14:08,120 --> 00:14:11,280 Speaker 1: of the first benchmarks for that this offseason. Yeah, you know, 260 00:14:12,160 --> 00:14:14,880 Speaker 1: I go back to this well a lot with you know, 261 00:14:14,920 --> 00:14:17,240 Speaker 1: where the defense is at currently in terms of a 262 00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:21,160 Speaker 1: youth and talent standpoint. I obviously want to win this year. 263 00:14:21,680 --> 00:14:23,640 Speaker 1: I think we have a very good team with a 264 00:14:23,640 --> 00:14:25,920 Speaker 1: lot of good veteran players, and I think we have 265 00:14:25,960 --> 00:14:28,360 Speaker 1: a very good chance to win this year, but I 266 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:32,040 Speaker 1: also think we're in a unique position where we both 267 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:34,320 Speaker 1: can attempt to win this year and we might be 268 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:37,680 Speaker 1: building something very special for the future. I think for 269 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:43,160 Speaker 1: the first time in you know, probably his tenure. And 270 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:46,560 Speaker 1: I'm not saying that this is a truth, but I 271 00:14:46,600 --> 00:14:50,960 Speaker 1: would say since Mike Zimmer's ten years started, I think 272 00:14:51,160 --> 00:14:55,160 Speaker 1: most fans would feel like the defense was the heart 273 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:59,640 Speaker 1: and strength of this team. And I think now for 274 00:14:59,680 --> 00:15:01,960 Speaker 1: the time, we're at a point not where the defense 275 00:15:02,120 --> 00:15:04,400 Speaker 1: isn't the heart and strength of the team, but where 276 00:15:04,400 --> 00:15:07,440 Speaker 1: the offense at the very least matches it. There's been 277 00:15:07,480 --> 00:15:09,920 Speaker 1: a continuity there, like we talked about, there's a level 278 00:15:09,920 --> 00:15:12,440 Speaker 1: of talent there. You got your quarterbacks, you got your 279 00:15:12,480 --> 00:15:15,160 Speaker 1: draft picks. The old line needs to grow and step 280 00:15:15,240 --> 00:15:18,320 Speaker 1: up this year. And so now you're in a position 281 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:21,080 Speaker 1: where and I know I've said this before on the show, 282 00:15:21,560 --> 00:15:24,880 Speaker 1: but coach Zim gets to do what he does best 283 00:15:25,360 --> 00:15:29,200 Speaker 1: and grow young talent while we also are matched on 284 00:15:29,240 --> 00:15:30,840 Speaker 1: the other side of the ball, and he still has 285 00:15:30,880 --> 00:15:33,040 Speaker 1: some of his stud talent. So as much as you 286 00:15:33,080 --> 00:15:36,840 Speaker 1: know I wish Michael Pierce, well, I'm frustrated for him 287 00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:39,160 Speaker 1: and for our fans that this is happening and he 288 00:15:39,840 --> 00:15:42,480 Speaker 1: can't be a part of the season. We're in a 289 00:15:42,520 --> 00:15:44,520 Speaker 1: situation where guys are gonna have to step up, and 290 00:15:44,600 --> 00:15:46,840 Speaker 1: Michael Pierce is signed to a multi year deal, and 291 00:15:46,880 --> 00:15:48,560 Speaker 1: I hope we have a great year this year, but 292 00:15:48,640 --> 00:15:50,880 Speaker 1: guess what next year when Michael Pierce comes back and 293 00:15:50,880 --> 00:15:53,440 Speaker 1: he's a beast, because anybody who hasn't seen that guy play, 294 00:15:53,680 --> 00:15:58,600 Speaker 1: he is an absolute monster in the middle of the field, 295 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:01,600 Speaker 1: Guess what every time that dude needs to come off 296 00:16:01,600 --> 00:16:05,200 Speaker 1: the field. Hopefully you've got a young stud who spent 297 00:16:05,280 --> 00:16:08,800 Speaker 1: this past year growing and learning and proving himself. And 298 00:16:08,960 --> 00:16:12,960 Speaker 1: now that's the thing in the NFL, talent plus depth, 299 00:16:13,440 --> 00:16:17,280 Speaker 1: talent plus depth, talent plus depth. And we're in a 300 00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:20,880 Speaker 1: situation right now where Zim is getting the chance to 301 00:16:20,920 --> 00:16:24,120 Speaker 1: build both of those things on the defense and pair 302 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:27,000 Speaker 1: him with a powerful offense. And who knows, that's me 303 00:16:27,080 --> 00:16:29,200 Speaker 1: being a psycho worrying about whether or not we can 304 00:16:29,240 --> 00:16:31,160 Speaker 1: win a Super Bowl two years from now or three 305 00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:37,360 Speaker 1: years from now. But that's the rose colored glasses that 306 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:40,360 Speaker 1: I'm looking at this situation, and a lot of these 307 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:43,400 Speaker 1: roster situations, the young cornerbacks. I'm looking at all of 308 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:47,640 Speaker 1: it through that viewpoint. Chris Well, you have your two 309 00:16:47,680 --> 00:16:51,240 Speaker 1: positions where you're really depending on young players, the cornerback 310 00:16:51,280 --> 00:16:54,680 Speaker 1: position and the middle of the defensive line. The middle 311 00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:57,480 Speaker 1: of the defensive line, I'm looking at Jalil Johnson. I 312 00:16:57,920 --> 00:17:00,360 Speaker 1: think it's his time now. The third round pick out 313 00:17:00,360 --> 00:17:02,320 Speaker 1: of Iowa, He's been in the league for a couple 314 00:17:02,360 --> 00:17:05,679 Speaker 1: of years. You've seen some flashes of greatness, especially in 315 00:17:05,720 --> 00:17:08,520 Speaker 1: the run game, but also getting to the quarterback. He's 316 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:10,679 Speaker 1: got to step up this year because you have Shamar 317 00:17:10,760 --> 00:17:13,639 Speaker 1: Stephen in that one spot, who's probably gonna be the 318 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:16,080 Speaker 1: starter in the middle of the defensive line, But then 319 00:17:16,080 --> 00:17:18,960 Speaker 1: you're gonna have Jalil Johnson, You're gonna have Armon Watts 320 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:22,000 Speaker 1: and Hercules Mataafa. The three of them are battling for 321 00:17:22,200 --> 00:17:24,879 Speaker 1: snaps in the middle of this Vikings defense. And we've 322 00:17:24,880 --> 00:17:28,920 Speaker 1: heard coach Zimm he loves Hercules, he really, he's loved 323 00:17:28,960 --> 00:17:31,600 Speaker 1: him since the beginning. He came in as in as 324 00:17:31,640 --> 00:17:35,200 Speaker 1: a linebacker defensive end hybrid. Coach Zimmer moved him into 325 00:17:35,240 --> 00:17:37,520 Speaker 1: the middle of the defense because he loved them there. 326 00:17:38,119 --> 00:17:40,359 Speaker 1: He's battled up a ton of injuries. But that's another 327 00:17:40,359 --> 00:17:42,800 Speaker 1: guy to keep an eye on. And those three players, 328 00:17:43,119 --> 00:17:45,880 Speaker 1: we just gotta see how it shakes out during training camp. 329 00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:48,680 Speaker 1: That's gonna be a fun battle to watch because no 330 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:51,680 Speaker 1: Michael Pierce, these one of these three guys is gonna 331 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:54,479 Speaker 1: step in and get playing time. So that is a 332 00:17:54,480 --> 00:17:58,400 Speaker 1: position that all eyes will be on of coach Mike 333 00:17:58,520 --> 00:18:02,320 Speaker 1: Zimmer because he loves developing the young players. As you said, well, 334 00:18:02,359 --> 00:18:05,640 Speaker 1: speaking of Mike Zimmer, he got his extension and now 335 00:18:06,440 --> 00:18:10,879 Speaker 1: his partner in football, Rick Spielman has officially signed his 336 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:14,919 Speaker 1: own three year contract extension, extended to twenty twenty three. 337 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:19,639 Speaker 1: He's now on the exact same timetable as Zim. Spielman. 338 00:18:19,800 --> 00:18:22,960 Speaker 1: It's his fifteenth season with the Vikings and his thirtieth 339 00:18:22,960 --> 00:18:26,440 Speaker 1: in the NFL. You know most Viking fans by this point. No, 340 00:18:26,680 --> 00:18:29,880 Speaker 1: his long history with the team. Obviously, he's been connected 341 00:18:29,920 --> 00:18:34,359 Speaker 1: with Zimmer since hiring him in two thousand and fourteen. 342 00:18:35,200 --> 00:18:41,719 Speaker 1: I've always thought the job of a general manager is 343 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:46,880 Speaker 1: a horrible, horrible job in sports. I think there are 344 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:50,959 Speaker 1: very few things that are more difficult in terms of 345 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:56,480 Speaker 1: trying to find certainty in your approach than sports drafts. 346 00:18:56,720 --> 00:18:59,160 Speaker 1: I mean, it's it's you can do all the work, 347 00:18:59,240 --> 00:19:01,119 Speaker 1: you can do everything you do, and there's still to 348 00:19:01,160 --> 00:19:04,480 Speaker 1: a certain degree a crapshoot. Tom Brady got drafted where 349 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:08,359 Speaker 1: he draft got drafted. Meanwhile, there's a bus load of 350 00:19:08,480 --> 00:19:12,600 Speaker 1: quarterback busts that went in the top ten. So a 351 00:19:12,720 --> 00:19:15,120 Speaker 1: job like that is a lightning rod for the fans. 352 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:17,520 Speaker 1: And I you know, I think there are fans that 353 00:19:17,560 --> 00:19:21,080 Speaker 1: are through the moon that he got the extension. I 354 00:19:21,080 --> 00:19:23,520 Speaker 1: think there are fans that are not so through the 355 00:19:23,520 --> 00:19:28,320 Speaker 1: moon that he got the extension. But I gotta be honest, hey, 356 00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:31,159 Speaker 1: I think the number one most important thing in the 357 00:19:31,760 --> 00:19:36,960 Speaker 1: NFL is continuity of your front office and your coaching staff. 358 00:19:37,240 --> 00:19:40,480 Speaker 1: We have such a short fuse with these guys. I mean, 359 00:19:41,200 --> 00:19:46,119 Speaker 1: this is only Zim's seventh year. We're in it right now, 360 00:19:46,760 --> 00:19:52,360 Speaker 1: and I am a pretty big fan of what Rick 361 00:19:52,440 --> 00:19:55,200 Speaker 1: has done here. And you know, to those fans who 362 00:19:55,200 --> 00:19:58,040 Speaker 1: aren't quite on board with it, I can understand some 363 00:19:58,119 --> 00:20:01,120 Speaker 1: frustration with some what you've feel like are some hits 364 00:20:01,119 --> 00:20:04,760 Speaker 1: and misses. But comparatively, if you look across the league 365 00:20:04,760 --> 00:20:09,119 Speaker 1: at the success people have in drafts, it's he's up there, man. 366 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:11,520 Speaker 1: I mean, you gotta look at guys. We've obviously talked 367 00:20:11,520 --> 00:20:15,359 Speaker 1: about feeling being undrafted in twenty thirteen, but Shamar Stephan, 368 00:20:15,400 --> 00:20:18,359 Speaker 1: who's a hell of a football player, the seventh rounder, 369 00:20:18,720 --> 00:20:21,840 Speaker 1: Daniel Hunter, and think about the fact that Daniel Hunter 370 00:20:21,960 --> 00:20:25,679 Speaker 1: was a third round pick. Diggs was a fifth Anthony Harris. 371 00:20:25,680 --> 00:20:28,320 Speaker 1: He's always been great with undrafted free agents at Foddy, 372 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:31,159 Speaker 1: who I think is going to have a fantastic season 373 00:20:31,160 --> 00:20:33,480 Speaker 1: this year, is a seventh round pick. I'm a big 374 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:40,280 Speaker 1: fan and I will fight against that concept that fans 375 00:20:40,359 --> 00:20:42,960 Speaker 1: run with about some sort of poor draft history because 376 00:20:42,960 --> 00:20:46,480 Speaker 1: I just I don't think that's how the sports world works. Yes, 377 00:20:46,720 --> 00:20:49,400 Speaker 1: I think his staple and I'm not gonna go positive 378 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:52,359 Speaker 1: positive positive, but I think his staple here as the 379 00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 1: Vikings GM has been what he does on draft day, 380 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:57,679 Speaker 1: whether it's the trades that he makes. I think he 381 00:20:57,760 --> 00:21:01,560 Speaker 1: averages the most trades in the draft since since he 382 00:21:01,720 --> 00:21:04,439 Speaker 1: started as a GM. I mean he had like six 383 00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:07,800 Speaker 1: seven the past two each of the past two years. 384 00:21:07,840 --> 00:21:10,320 Speaker 1: So and then the other thing that you already mentioned, 385 00:21:10,320 --> 00:21:13,200 Speaker 1: the fact that he has so many players as an 386 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:18,560 Speaker 1: undrafted contract or or a late round draft pick uh 387 00:21:18,880 --> 00:21:22,600 Speaker 1: type of contract that make big contributions to this team. 388 00:21:22,640 --> 00:21:25,760 Speaker 1: And his best draft was twenty fifteen when he drafted 389 00:21:25,840 --> 00:21:29,440 Speaker 1: Eric Kendricks, when he got Trey Wayne, Stephan Diggs to 390 00:21:29,560 --> 00:21:31,800 Speaker 1: Neil Hunter, all those guys are in the same draft. 391 00:21:31,880 --> 00:21:34,200 Speaker 1: So um, you look at a draft like that as 392 00:21:34,280 --> 00:21:36,080 Speaker 1: is positive. You look at the fact that he's always 393 00:21:36,119 --> 00:21:39,040 Speaker 1: able to make trades and get a substantial number of 394 00:21:39,080 --> 00:21:42,040 Speaker 1: draft picks like he had this past season with fifteen. 395 00:21:42,320 --> 00:21:45,240 Speaker 1: I think those are his two staples as a as 396 00:21:45,280 --> 00:21:48,919 Speaker 1: a successful GM for the Minnesota Vikings. For me, there 397 00:21:49,200 --> 00:21:52,440 Speaker 1: are two metrics that a lot of successful teams are 398 00:21:52,480 --> 00:21:54,879 Speaker 1: all based off of, and they tend to be do 399 00:21:54,920 --> 00:21:57,960 Speaker 1: you replenish your roster through the draft for long term 400 00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:01,119 Speaker 1: success because it helps with your track situations in your 401 00:22:01,160 --> 00:22:04,040 Speaker 1: cap numbers. But overall, like we had just talked about, 402 00:22:04,359 --> 00:22:08,000 Speaker 1: you have to have backup continuity with these players where 403 00:22:08,040 --> 00:22:11,160 Speaker 1: it's one, two, three, four or five players deep within 404 00:22:11,200 --> 00:22:14,480 Speaker 1: a roster. Because NFL football is it's a tough sport. 405 00:22:14,520 --> 00:22:16,159 Speaker 1: People are going to get hurt. You have to have 406 00:22:16,280 --> 00:22:19,840 Speaker 1: competent people. And if you're nailing those fifth, sixth, seventh 407 00:22:19,840 --> 00:22:23,600 Speaker 1: and undrafted players, those are it's gold. It's absolute gold 408 00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:25,880 Speaker 1: for you to be able to supplement the top tier 409 00:22:25,960 --> 00:22:28,080 Speaker 1: guys that are always in that one through three draft 410 00:22:28,160 --> 00:22:30,840 Speaker 1: or own space. But the other thing that football teams 411 00:22:30,920 --> 00:22:34,640 Speaker 1: need is they need to be status quo. They need 412 00:22:34,680 --> 00:22:37,120 Speaker 1: to be looking for the future. But the status quo 413 00:22:37,200 --> 00:22:40,520 Speaker 1: part is you just do not want chaos. And teams 414 00:22:40,520 --> 00:22:42,880 Speaker 1: that are chaotic are the ones that have the turnover 415 00:22:42,960 --> 00:22:46,440 Speaker 1: of front office and coaches and top tier players year 416 00:22:46,520 --> 00:22:48,800 Speaker 1: after year after year, and then they try to buy 417 00:22:48,800 --> 00:22:51,040 Speaker 1: a roster to try to fix it. They bring in 418 00:22:51,080 --> 00:22:52,800 Speaker 1: the hot new coach for a year or two, and 419 00:22:52,840 --> 00:22:55,200 Speaker 1: they end up bouncing them again because that doesn't work. 420 00:22:55,520 --> 00:22:59,119 Speaker 1: It's patience by not only ownership, but by front office 421 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:02,600 Speaker 1: and having a guy Expielman and Zimmer be able to 422 00:23:02,640 --> 00:23:05,400 Speaker 1: work together to try to see this vision out. Those 423 00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:07,919 Speaker 1: guys are going to be linked together to make this happen. 424 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:11,320 Speaker 1: So it's for me. It's great to have Rick here 425 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:15,800 Speaker 1: because he has proven through winning rosters, winning seasons. He's 426 00:23:15,840 --> 00:23:18,840 Speaker 1: the sixth longest tenure GM in the league at this point. 427 00:23:18,880 --> 00:23:21,320 Speaker 1: That does not happen if you do not have a 428 00:23:21,400 --> 00:23:24,520 Speaker 1: vision that not only the players, but coaches and owners 429 00:23:24,800 --> 00:23:28,520 Speaker 1: are all buying into so hopefully with getting this extension 430 00:23:28,520 --> 00:23:31,040 Speaker 1: with Zim, this is the last piece that we need 431 00:23:31,080 --> 00:23:33,080 Speaker 1: in order to finally get to the ultimate goal of 432 00:23:33,080 --> 00:23:36,440 Speaker 1: what this team's been trying to get to for sixty seasons. Well, 433 00:23:36,480 --> 00:23:39,840 Speaker 1: and as a guy who knows absolutely nothing about NFL 434 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:42,840 Speaker 1: drafts and how to rank them and whether or not 435 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:47,360 Speaker 1: they're good, let me give you my stupid person's expectations 436 00:23:47,400 --> 00:23:50,960 Speaker 1: for a draft. If you can get a stud, if 437 00:23:50,960 --> 00:23:52,919 Speaker 1: in the first or second or third round, you can 438 00:23:52,960 --> 00:23:56,119 Speaker 1: go out and get a stud somebody that two or 439 00:23:56,160 --> 00:23:57,840 Speaker 1: three years from now, you look at and you go, 440 00:23:58,119 --> 00:24:01,080 Speaker 1: I hope that guy's a Viking for years. If you 441 00:24:01,119 --> 00:24:03,560 Speaker 1: get one of those guys and then you get three 442 00:24:03,760 --> 00:24:08,040 Speaker 1: other contributors that really have a positive effect on the team, 443 00:24:08,520 --> 00:24:12,439 Speaker 1: I mean, to me, that is about as good as 444 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:16,720 Speaker 1: it gets. And I mean, Spielman is right there, year 445 00:24:16,760 --> 00:24:19,280 Speaker 1: after year after year. You know SI dot Com did 446 00:24:19,440 --> 00:24:22,280 Speaker 1: they ranked to his top eight drafts going all the 447 00:24:22,280 --> 00:24:24,960 Speaker 1: way to the bottom. Hell, I'll start at the very bottom, 448 00:24:25,400 --> 00:24:28,679 Speaker 1: right you know, you look at you look at some 449 00:24:28,760 --> 00:24:31,439 Speaker 1: of these some of these drafts, and he's getting that 450 00:24:31,560 --> 00:24:33,879 Speaker 1: nearly every the year two thou sixteen or excuse me. 451 00:24:33,920 --> 00:24:37,280 Speaker 1: Twenty and seventeen, Dalvin Cook goes in the second round. 452 00:24:38,359 --> 00:24:42,639 Speaker 1: He is a all World, all Universe, top of the 453 00:24:42,720 --> 00:24:46,800 Speaker 1: league running back Jalil Johnson, who both Courso and I 454 00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:48,800 Speaker 1: think is coming for a big year, came out of 455 00:24:48,800 --> 00:24:50,639 Speaker 1: that year. A Foddy came out of that year in 456 00:24:50,640 --> 00:24:53,879 Speaker 1: the seventh round. And I know everybody disagrees with me 457 00:24:53,920 --> 00:24:55,760 Speaker 1: about Pat alf Line, but if he has a good 458 00:24:55,840 --> 00:24:57,840 Speaker 1: year this year, which I think he's gonna, and I 459 00:24:57,960 --> 00:25:00,560 Speaker 1: tell all you guys to suck it, that is a 460 00:25:01,040 --> 00:25:03,080 Speaker 1: that is a that's a hell of a round. That's 461 00:25:03,080 --> 00:25:05,159 Speaker 1: a hell of a draft right there. And that is 462 00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:10,240 Speaker 1: what they're, you know, considering one of his worst drafts 463 00:25:10,320 --> 00:25:12,639 Speaker 1: by their metric, whatever that is. I mean, but you 464 00:25:12,640 --> 00:25:15,720 Speaker 1: look at twenty nineteen, another one that they don't have 465 00:25:15,800 --> 00:25:18,359 Speaker 1: high up the list yet. I mean, I think we 466 00:25:18,400 --> 00:25:21,080 Speaker 1: all think Garrett Bradberry is going to catch up and 467 00:25:21,119 --> 00:25:22,679 Speaker 1: be on pace to be a hell of a center 468 00:25:22,680 --> 00:25:26,480 Speaker 1: in this league. Irv Smith, you know, I think everybody 469 00:25:26,560 --> 00:25:29,960 Speaker 1: was so thrilled about him when he got drafted that 470 00:25:30,040 --> 00:25:33,120 Speaker 1: they didn't take the time to recognize how difficult it 471 00:25:33,200 --> 00:25:35,399 Speaker 1: is to learn the tight end position in this league. 472 00:25:35,640 --> 00:25:38,880 Speaker 1: And very rarely do those guys pop in their first year. 473 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:44,600 Speaker 1: I'm expecting a huge year from IRV Smith. Alexander Madison 474 00:25:44,640 --> 00:25:47,240 Speaker 1: in the third round looks like one of the steals 475 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:49,880 Speaker 1: of the last five to ten years. For this, I mean, 476 00:25:49,920 --> 00:25:52,760 Speaker 1: I have huge upside for him. And Chris Boyd, who 477 00:25:52,760 --> 00:25:54,399 Speaker 1: I think is going to contribute this year, was a 478 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:57,520 Speaker 1: seventh round pick, so BC Johnson seventh round pick this 479 00:25:57,600 --> 00:25:59,280 Speaker 1: year as well, So that is another one of their 480 00:25:59,640 --> 00:26:02,520 Speaker 1: lower ranked drafts, and I think he really put it together. 481 00:26:02,680 --> 00:26:06,600 Speaker 1: So you know, now we're at the point where I 482 00:26:06,640 --> 00:26:09,119 Speaker 1: think the counter argument to that is, this is a 483 00:26:09,160 --> 00:26:12,359 Speaker 1: big moment. This last draft was a big draft. You 484 00:26:12,440 --> 00:26:15,920 Speaker 1: traded a superstar wide receiver, you you got, you lost 485 00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:18,720 Speaker 1: all your cornerbacks. You know you need help on the 486 00:26:18,800 --> 00:26:22,200 Speaker 1: D line. This is you needed help on the O line. 487 00:26:23,200 --> 00:26:25,880 Speaker 1: This draft is you know, obviously they have the extension, 488 00:26:25,920 --> 00:26:28,560 Speaker 1: there's some security and some continuity, but I think this 489 00:26:28,680 --> 00:26:32,760 Speaker 1: past draft and how it plays out will will also 490 00:26:32,800 --> 00:26:35,880 Speaker 1: write a significant amount of the history. But at this point, 491 00:26:35,960 --> 00:26:38,879 Speaker 1: I couldn't be more thrilled about the extension. Yeah, and 492 00:26:38,920 --> 00:26:41,359 Speaker 1: speaking of all those udfas, we talked to one this 493 00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:45,399 Speaker 1: week in Mike Boone, who another guy who was not 494 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:48,320 Speaker 1: drafted and ran a four four at the combine, put 495 00:26:48,400 --> 00:26:51,240 Speaker 1: up all these crazy numbers, and now he's he's still 496 00:26:51,240 --> 00:26:54,320 Speaker 1: with the Vikings on the roster and third year player 497 00:26:54,359 --> 00:26:57,560 Speaker 1: who when called upon, well we'll get to that in 498 00:26:57,560 --> 00:27:02,160 Speaker 1: the interview. He's had significant upside. I'm remembering the week 499 00:27:02,240 --> 00:27:05,160 Speaker 1: fifteen game against the Los Angeles Chargers where Davin Cook 500 00:27:05,200 --> 00:27:07,359 Speaker 1: goes down and he comes in and scores two touchdowns. 501 00:27:07,680 --> 00:27:09,920 Speaker 1: I mean, that's kind of the kind of depth that 502 00:27:10,119 --> 00:27:13,200 Speaker 1: that Rick Spielman brings in. That's that's one good example 503 00:27:13,240 --> 00:27:15,159 Speaker 1: of it. Well that's uh, I think you tied that 504 00:27:15,240 --> 00:27:16,879 Speaker 1: up as well as we need to, Chris. That was 505 00:27:17,040 --> 00:27:21,360 Speaker 1: very smooth. Let's let's transition out of Rich Spielman into 506 00:27:21,960 --> 00:27:24,680 Speaker 1: Mike Boone. Chris are very young. Chris Corso got a 507 00:27:24,760 --> 00:27:27,760 Speaker 1: chance to sit down with him, and I've I've already 508 00:27:27,760 --> 00:27:30,120 Speaker 1: heard it because I get that privilege because I get 509 00:27:30,160 --> 00:27:32,639 Speaker 1: to host this show. And I loved it. Chris. I 510 00:27:32,640 --> 00:27:37,040 Speaker 1: think it was fantastic. The guys enjoy Mike Boone. What 511 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:40,520 Speaker 1: is off Vikings fans. It's Chris Corso here with another 512 00:27:40,680 --> 00:27:44,560 Speaker 1: special guest on the Minnesota Vikings podcast. It's Mike Boone 513 00:27:44,600 --> 00:27:47,440 Speaker 1: who has a new look going on for for the 514 00:27:47,480 --> 00:27:50,879 Speaker 1: audio audience, Mike Boone has chopped his hair off. I 515 00:27:50,960 --> 00:27:53,400 Speaker 1: liked the new look. Yeah, man, I appreciate that. Man. 516 00:27:53,520 --> 00:27:55,840 Speaker 1: I guess you could say that that quarantine really drove 517 00:27:55,920 --> 00:27:59,440 Speaker 1: me crazy. Uh, I hear you. So twenty twenty you 518 00:27:59,480 --> 00:28:02,399 Speaker 1: got a new look. I'm it's your third season for 519 00:28:02,600 --> 00:28:05,159 Speaker 1: the Vikings. Can you just believe that it was a 520 00:28:05,200 --> 00:28:08,199 Speaker 1: few years ago you came to this organization as an 521 00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:12,040 Speaker 1: undrafted free agent and made the roster. Yeah, man, I 522 00:28:12,160 --> 00:28:13,879 Speaker 1: reflect on it a lot, man, you know, going to 523 00:28:14,200 --> 00:28:16,240 Speaker 1: going into year three match just you know, it's a 524 00:28:16,240 --> 00:28:19,680 Speaker 1: blessing feels great too, you know, just look back and see, 525 00:28:19,720 --> 00:28:22,120 Speaker 1: you know, the hard work was rewarded. And I'm going 526 00:28:22,160 --> 00:28:24,439 Speaker 1: into you know, like you said, my third year and 527 00:28:24,520 --> 00:28:26,760 Speaker 1: just being back in the building, being back with all 528 00:28:26,760 --> 00:28:29,560 Speaker 1: these guidelines with the coronavirus. What's it been like to 529 00:28:29,600 --> 00:28:32,480 Speaker 1: be back with your teammates, see guys like Dalvin Cook 530 00:28:32,520 --> 00:28:35,720 Speaker 1: and Alexander Madison. That running backs room is awesome. Yeah. 531 00:28:35,800 --> 00:28:38,120 Speaker 1: For shell Man, I'm happy to be back to see 532 00:28:38,160 --> 00:28:41,080 Speaker 1: the guys finally get from behind that I passed Cree, 533 00:28:41,200 --> 00:28:44,000 Speaker 1: you know, and you know, just you know, seeing everybody, 534 00:28:44,040 --> 00:28:46,400 Speaker 1: even though we gotta keep our mask on everywhere, you know, 535 00:28:46,400 --> 00:28:48,479 Speaker 1: it just still feels good to be back and finally 536 00:28:48,560 --> 00:28:51,360 Speaker 1: touching you know, touching the field and getting to work 537 00:28:51,360 --> 00:28:53,520 Speaker 1: on the offense a little bit. But those those cleats 538 00:28:53,520 --> 00:28:55,760 Speaker 1: in the grass a little bit. So as we touched 539 00:28:55,800 --> 00:29:00,000 Speaker 1: on that running back room, it's you, Dalvin Cook, Alexander Madison, 540 00:29:00,120 --> 00:29:03,560 Speaker 1: a mirror Abdula. There's so there's so much talent in 541 00:29:03,600 --> 00:29:06,760 Speaker 1: that room. What's it been like doing these virtual meetings 542 00:29:06,760 --> 00:29:08,720 Speaker 1: in the offseason? Now you guys are all back together, 543 00:29:08,840 --> 00:29:12,040 Speaker 1: but just what's take us in that inside that running 544 00:29:12,040 --> 00:29:14,680 Speaker 1: backs room? Oh? Yeah, man, it's just this it's been 545 00:29:14,800 --> 00:29:17,560 Speaker 1: been pretty good man learning experience for me. You know, 546 00:29:17,680 --> 00:29:19,880 Speaker 1: first time. I'm I'm pretty sure any of us had 547 00:29:19,880 --> 00:29:22,520 Speaker 1: to do anything like this, but it just really gave 548 00:29:22,640 --> 00:29:25,719 Speaker 1: us that opportunity to, um, you know, just hone in 549 00:29:25,800 --> 00:29:28,960 Speaker 1: on those small details, you know, and as far as 550 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:31,479 Speaker 1: you know, just meeting on the iPads making everything virtual. 551 00:29:31,560 --> 00:29:33,960 Speaker 1: But like you said, just great to be back with 552 00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:37,520 Speaker 1: the guys and and you know, back working. So you've 553 00:29:37,600 --> 00:29:40,440 Speaker 1: you've had a front row seat watching what Dalvin Cook 554 00:29:40,480 --> 00:29:43,080 Speaker 1: has done on the field, obviously the season he had 555 00:29:43,160 --> 00:29:46,440 Speaker 1: last year with spectacular tell the Vikings fans just from 556 00:29:46,480 --> 00:29:49,040 Speaker 1: from your point of view what you see about his game, 557 00:29:49,080 --> 00:29:51,600 Speaker 1: what stands out the most when you watch Dalvin Cook 558 00:29:51,680 --> 00:29:55,160 Speaker 1: run the football? Man? You can't tackle the guy, man, 559 00:29:55,240 --> 00:29:57,080 Speaker 1: you know, it's every It's hard to get him on 560 00:29:57,120 --> 00:29:59,440 Speaker 1: the ground. You know, his feet is always churning. And 561 00:30:00,120 --> 00:30:03,000 Speaker 1: he's just a special back, you know it speed vision, 562 00:30:03,360 --> 00:30:05,560 Speaker 1: just a complete back, you know. In my eyes, he 563 00:30:05,600 --> 00:30:07,520 Speaker 1: actually helped me a lot, you know, coming in here. 564 00:30:07,560 --> 00:30:11,080 Speaker 1: He taught me a lot of smart, smart guys, smart 565 00:30:11,160 --> 00:30:13,760 Speaker 1: athlete and I just try to, you know, learn what 566 00:30:13,800 --> 00:30:16,400 Speaker 1: I can from help each other out. Man. What's the 567 00:30:16,440 --> 00:30:18,720 Speaker 1: big what's the biggest thing you've learned from down in 568 00:30:18,760 --> 00:30:22,240 Speaker 1: your time together? Ah? Actually, man, you know when I 569 00:30:22,240 --> 00:30:23,920 Speaker 1: first got here, he told me, he was like, boom, 570 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:26,760 Speaker 1: just just be yourself, you know, just be yourself and 571 00:30:26,760 --> 00:30:29,040 Speaker 1: and focus on the small details, you know, like I said. 572 00:30:29,080 --> 00:30:31,040 Speaker 1: And that's that really, you know, that stuck with me 573 00:30:31,080 --> 00:30:33,960 Speaker 1: and it's taking me far, you know, because those those 574 00:30:33,960 --> 00:30:37,160 Speaker 1: small details is really what helped us be consistent, you know, 575 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:39,240 Speaker 1: And that's kind of you know, that's kind of what 576 00:30:39,360 --> 00:30:43,520 Speaker 1: stuck with me absolutely looking at your career rise. It 577 00:30:43,640 --> 00:30:46,440 Speaker 1: really started in the preseason two years ago. Yea had 578 00:30:46,440 --> 00:30:49,320 Speaker 1: one hundred and ninety six yards in the preseason. Last 579 00:30:49,400 --> 00:30:51,840 Speaker 1: year you had right right around two hundred as well. 580 00:30:52,240 --> 00:30:55,120 Speaker 1: What is it about these opportunities, right whenever you get them? 581 00:30:55,120 --> 00:30:57,640 Speaker 1: It seems like a good thing happens every single time 582 00:30:57,680 --> 00:30:59,640 Speaker 1: you touch the ball, all right, man, just you know, 583 00:30:59,720 --> 00:31:03,760 Speaker 1: just that just goes to show. Like I said, those details, 584 00:31:03,760 --> 00:31:05,840 Speaker 1: and you know, film work and the offensive line, you know, 585 00:31:05,920 --> 00:31:08,440 Speaker 1: can't forget about those guys. Can't just put it all 586 00:31:08,440 --> 00:31:11,240 Speaker 1: on me, you know. But every chance my numbers called, 587 00:31:11,280 --> 00:31:12,680 Speaker 1: I just try to be there, you know, try to 588 00:31:12,720 --> 00:31:15,800 Speaker 1: execute and help out however I can. Speaking of the 589 00:31:15,840 --> 00:31:18,440 Speaker 1: offensive line, one of my favorite things that you guys 590 00:31:18,520 --> 00:31:21,840 Speaker 1: do is after you score a touchdown, you hand them 591 00:31:21,840 --> 00:31:25,080 Speaker 1: the ball. And we watched Pat elf Line really spiked 592 00:31:25,080 --> 00:31:28,520 Speaker 1: the ball into the ground. Who decided to start doing that? 593 00:31:29,320 --> 00:31:33,240 Speaker 1: Oh oh, I think it actually might have been Dalvin. 594 00:31:33,360 --> 00:31:35,760 Speaker 1: You know, he came, he scored a touchdown and Pat 595 00:31:35,800 --> 00:31:38,320 Speaker 1: was right there. You know, he just gave a big 596 00:31:38,320 --> 00:31:40,360 Speaker 1: guys some love. You know, Let Pat throw that thing 597 00:31:40,400 --> 00:31:43,680 Speaker 1: to the ground. Man. And I actually I think I 598 00:31:43,720 --> 00:31:45,760 Speaker 1: threw it the big old once a couple of the guys. Man, 599 00:31:45,800 --> 00:31:48,400 Speaker 1: but Pat Pat really you really can throw that thing. 600 00:31:48,760 --> 00:31:51,480 Speaker 1: He really can, Spike. I was about to ask you, 601 00:31:51,520 --> 00:31:53,640 Speaker 1: who's your favorite to hand the ball off to you? 602 00:31:53,760 --> 00:31:57,040 Speaker 1: You've had three touchdowns last year? Who is your favorite 603 00:31:57,080 --> 00:31:59,240 Speaker 1: offensive lineman to say? Here you go throw this thing 604 00:31:59,280 --> 00:32:01,920 Speaker 1: at the ground. Man, I hate this a favorite, but 605 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:04,760 Speaker 1: you know Pat Pat as always, he's normally the first 606 00:32:04,800 --> 00:32:07,280 Speaker 1: guy there, you know, so I just always I tossed 607 00:32:07,320 --> 00:32:10,640 Speaker 1: it to pet Um. Yeah, I gotta go with pet 608 00:32:10,680 --> 00:32:13,680 Speaker 1: You know, looking at your season last year, you had 609 00:32:13,720 --> 00:32:18,120 Speaker 1: to step in Week fifteen against the Los Angeles Chargers 610 00:32:18,120 --> 00:32:21,000 Speaker 1: in a game where Dalvin Cook gets injured and you 611 00:32:21,040 --> 00:32:23,120 Speaker 1: step in and have a pair of touchdown. Some of 612 00:32:23,120 --> 00:32:26,600 Speaker 1: the runs were just awesome to see. So first in 613 00:32:26,720 --> 00:32:30,080 Speaker 1: goal might not through the long yardage and here are 614 00:32:30,200 --> 00:32:36,840 Speaker 1: the king to the end zone for the touchdown. First touchdown. 615 00:32:36,920 --> 00:32:40,480 Speaker 1: Other season, as the offensive line creates a lane, he 616 00:32:40,520 --> 00:32:43,480 Speaker 1: just cuts back. Herb Smith works across the line and 617 00:32:43,520 --> 00:32:46,080 Speaker 1: does the kick out on the backside. Good vision by 618 00:32:46,080 --> 00:32:47,840 Speaker 1: Boon to cut it back against the grain and get 619 00:32:47,840 --> 00:32:50,640 Speaker 1: it into the end. Just describe your feeling in that game, 620 00:32:50,680 --> 00:32:52,600 Speaker 1: and how you were so ready for the challenge and 621 00:32:53,000 --> 00:32:55,560 Speaker 1: and how you really helped the Vikings running game continue 622 00:32:55,600 --> 00:32:58,160 Speaker 1: to get over two hundred yards, which they did almost 623 00:32:58,160 --> 00:33:01,959 Speaker 1: every game last season. You know that just that's just 624 00:33:02,160 --> 00:33:05,560 Speaker 1: um being prepared. You know, I give a lot of 625 00:33:05,960 --> 00:33:08,040 Speaker 1: a lot of props to KP. He prepared every one 626 00:33:08,080 --> 00:33:10,680 Speaker 1: of us, you know, to be ready for a situation 627 00:33:10,720 --> 00:33:13,880 Speaker 1: like that. You know, so I prepared all week. You 628 00:33:13,880 --> 00:33:16,240 Speaker 1: know that, that's kind of our routine. Prepared, like you know, 629 00:33:16,280 --> 00:33:19,640 Speaker 1: you're that guy, you're that starter, and you know it's 630 00:33:19,680 --> 00:33:22,720 Speaker 1: football and the game we play. Injuries happening, you know, 631 00:33:22,800 --> 00:33:24,720 Speaker 1: Cook kind of went down. They called my number and 632 00:33:24,760 --> 00:33:27,200 Speaker 1: it was you know, I just told myself, like, hey, 633 00:33:27,280 --> 00:33:30,680 Speaker 1: you've been prepping this all week, they call your number, 634 00:33:30,800 --> 00:33:33,560 Speaker 1: Just come out of execute, you know. Speaking of KP, 635 00:33:33,840 --> 00:33:37,360 Speaker 1: that's running backs coach Kennedy Paulamalo sort of a father 636 00:33:37,560 --> 00:33:40,280 Speaker 1: figure of a coach. What have you learned from him 637 00:33:40,280 --> 00:33:42,560 Speaker 1: in your time with the Vikings and just describe his 638 00:33:42,680 --> 00:33:45,400 Speaker 1: leadership of the Vikings running backs. Man, I learned a 639 00:33:45,400 --> 00:33:48,840 Speaker 1: lot from KP. Man as far as um, you know, 640 00:33:48,920 --> 00:33:53,880 Speaker 1: just just techniques, blocking techniques, life experiences. Man he got 641 00:33:53,880 --> 00:33:56,360 Speaker 1: a little joke. You know, don't bite that apple. You know, 642 00:33:56,440 --> 00:33:58,440 Speaker 1: no matter how much success you get or you know, 643 00:33:58,440 --> 00:34:01,040 Speaker 1: how much exposure you get, don't bite that out. But 644 00:34:01,120 --> 00:34:03,720 Speaker 1: don't don't feed into it. You know, he definitely has 645 00:34:03,800 --> 00:34:06,720 Speaker 1: his sayings, that's for sure. I know that. Looking at 646 00:34:06,760 --> 00:34:09,880 Speaker 1: the offensive coordinator this year, it's Gary Kubiak, who is 647 00:34:09,880 --> 00:34:13,240 Speaker 1: obviously with the Vikings in a mentor role. Last year, 648 00:34:13,480 --> 00:34:16,759 Speaker 1: he is the creator of this outside zone scheme that 649 00:34:16,840 --> 00:34:19,520 Speaker 1: the Vikings run when running the ball. It seems to 650 00:34:19,560 --> 00:34:23,319 Speaker 1: fit your style of running a little bit. So how 651 00:34:23,320 --> 00:34:25,400 Speaker 1: do you describe what you think the offense is gonna 652 00:34:25,400 --> 00:34:29,480 Speaker 1: look like under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak? You know, like 653 00:34:29,600 --> 00:34:32,799 Speaker 1: you said, you know, he was the guy to you know, 654 00:34:32,920 --> 00:34:35,359 Speaker 1: say invent that outside zone. You know, if we will 655 00:34:35,440 --> 00:34:37,439 Speaker 1: put put the ball on the ground, you know, try 656 00:34:37,480 --> 00:34:41,480 Speaker 1: to try to open everything up and just you know, uh, 657 00:34:41,680 --> 00:34:43,960 Speaker 1: let the let the run game compliment the past game. 658 00:34:44,160 --> 00:34:46,839 Speaker 1: Going further through your season last year, you were able 659 00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:49,920 Speaker 1: to get a big opportunity to play against the Chicago 660 00:34:49,960 --> 00:34:52,480 Speaker 1: Bears in Week seventeen. I think you had to run 661 00:34:52,560 --> 00:34:55,200 Speaker 1: like right out the gate on the first play where 662 00:34:55,239 --> 00:34:59,840 Speaker 1: you just broke loose Mike too, who was making his 663 00:35:00,040 --> 00:35:04,240 Speaker 1: second The NFL start starts the game with a bang, 664 00:35:05,840 --> 00:35:09,000 Speaker 1: a huge game. The first playoff left tackle had a 665 00:35:09,080 --> 00:35:13,319 Speaker 1: huge hole and well, this is something they didn't do 666 00:35:13,480 --> 00:35:17,440 Speaker 1: last week. Beautifully executed. That's just the wide zone play. 667 00:35:17,560 --> 00:35:20,040 Speaker 1: You saw the block by the left tackle, by the 668 00:35:20,040 --> 00:35:23,560 Speaker 1: tight end getting it done, the cutback lane by describe 669 00:35:23,600 --> 00:35:26,719 Speaker 1: your performance in that game, it was it was impressive 670 00:35:26,760 --> 00:35:29,640 Speaker 1: to see you score another touchdown as well. Oh yeah, man, 671 00:35:29,719 --> 00:35:33,200 Speaker 1: that that first round felt felt good. You know. After that, 672 00:35:33,280 --> 00:35:35,520 Speaker 1: I'm like, okay, yeah, let's go. Man. The next play, 673 00:35:35,600 --> 00:35:38,680 Speaker 1: I kind of I got a toss and uh, I 674 00:35:38,920 --> 00:35:40,960 Speaker 1: had a bad exchange. My eyes were bad on the 675 00:35:40,960 --> 00:35:43,319 Speaker 1: toss and I fumbled, you know, but I just took 676 00:35:43,360 --> 00:35:46,000 Speaker 1: that mentality to you know, next play mentality, you know, 677 00:35:46,520 --> 00:35:49,720 Speaker 1: and just try to come out and compliment the offensive 678 00:35:49,760 --> 00:35:51,640 Speaker 1: long because those guys, you know, they had a good game. 679 00:35:51,680 --> 00:35:54,600 Speaker 1: They opened it up for me, and you know, you 680 00:35:54,640 --> 00:35:57,319 Speaker 1: see the results. I read somewhere that you were a 681 00:35:57,360 --> 00:36:01,480 Speaker 1: wide receiver in high school broke a ton of records 682 00:36:01,920 --> 00:36:04,319 Speaker 1: in Florida as a wide receiver in high school. How 683 00:36:04,320 --> 00:36:06,960 Speaker 1: did you make the transition from a wide receiver to 684 00:36:07,120 --> 00:36:11,560 Speaker 1: at the University of Cincinnati. You become a star running back. Um. 685 00:36:11,680 --> 00:36:14,080 Speaker 1: You know, um, I was getting recruited to since he 686 00:36:14,760 --> 00:36:17,880 Speaker 1: at the time, coach Eddie Grant, it was the that 687 00:36:17,960 --> 00:36:20,080 Speaker 1: was my coach at the time, and I guess he 688 00:36:20,120 --> 00:36:22,040 Speaker 1: saw it in me. You know, he saw a little 689 00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:24,440 Speaker 1: running back potential in me. So he made the change, 690 00:36:24,480 --> 00:36:26,800 Speaker 1: and you know, I was with it. I was for it. 691 00:36:26,880 --> 00:36:29,120 Speaker 1: I was positive about it, and you know, I just 692 00:36:29,280 --> 00:36:31,880 Speaker 1: took his coaching and I guess he was right. You know, 693 00:36:31,920 --> 00:36:33,960 Speaker 1: it turned out good for me. Man, How do you 694 00:36:33,960 --> 00:36:37,239 Speaker 1: think that experience at at the wide receiver position has 695 00:36:37,239 --> 00:36:40,799 Speaker 1: helped you be a successful running back? Obviously we've seen 696 00:36:41,040 --> 00:36:42,839 Speaker 1: that you can catch the ball and do good things 697 00:36:42,840 --> 00:36:45,480 Speaker 1: with it out of the backfield right exactly that you know, 698 00:36:45,480 --> 00:36:47,880 Speaker 1: it just helps make me, you know that much more versatile, 699 00:36:48,440 --> 00:36:51,240 Speaker 1: make me confident going out running you know whatever route, 700 00:36:51,280 --> 00:36:53,200 Speaker 1: you know, catching the ball out the backfield and just 701 00:36:53,280 --> 00:36:55,440 Speaker 1: kind of put me out a little advantage versus you know, 702 00:36:55,520 --> 00:36:58,799 Speaker 1: linebackers because being you know, norm being used to going 703 00:36:59,000 --> 00:37:01,160 Speaker 1: going against dB you know you kind of get in 704 00:37:01,160 --> 00:37:03,960 Speaker 1: the backfield. Now you're going to get you know, linebackers 705 00:37:03,960 --> 00:37:06,319 Speaker 1: and safeties. It kind of just prepped me for the 706 00:37:06,360 --> 00:37:10,080 Speaker 1: position on Man, Now, what is your best trait as 707 00:37:10,080 --> 00:37:12,239 Speaker 1: a running back? I want you to just to just 708 00:37:12,400 --> 00:37:15,279 Speaker 1: talk about. Tell Vikings fans what is the best thing 709 00:37:15,320 --> 00:37:18,480 Speaker 1: you bring to the table. Oh man, I'm putting you 710 00:37:18,520 --> 00:37:22,040 Speaker 1: on the spot here, man, yeah, man, But I have 711 00:37:22,160 --> 00:37:25,160 Speaker 1: to say, um, I like to consider myself, for you know, 712 00:37:25,320 --> 00:37:27,279 Speaker 1: a good one cutback, you know, as a as a 713 00:37:27,360 --> 00:37:30,000 Speaker 1: running back. It's it's good to have that, you know, 714 00:37:30,280 --> 00:37:32,680 Speaker 1: in your backpack, that being able to make a cut 715 00:37:32,719 --> 00:37:34,480 Speaker 1: and just get it north, you know. And I kind 716 00:37:34,480 --> 00:37:37,759 Speaker 1: of I kind of feed off that, kind of do 717 00:37:37,800 --> 00:37:39,719 Speaker 1: a lot of training you know on that in the offseason, 718 00:37:39,760 --> 00:37:42,640 Speaker 1: and I try to consider myself a great one cutback. Man. 719 00:37:43,200 --> 00:37:46,320 Speaker 1: I love that getting behind those pads. Yeah, we definitely 720 00:37:46,400 --> 00:37:49,200 Speaker 1: had saw that. Last year. You average five point six 721 00:37:49,280 --> 00:37:52,680 Speaker 1: yards per carry on forty nine carries for the Vikings. 722 00:37:52,719 --> 00:37:54,759 Speaker 1: Do you think you could keep those numbers up if 723 00:37:54,800 --> 00:37:56,920 Speaker 1: you're giving one hundred, one hundred and fifty carries in 724 00:37:57,320 --> 00:38:00,120 Speaker 1: an NFL season? Hey man, however it goes, you know, 725 00:38:00,200 --> 00:38:03,879 Speaker 1: I definitely think I can, you know, because just being 726 00:38:03,920 --> 00:38:06,680 Speaker 1: consistent you know, with the with the small details exactly 727 00:38:06,719 --> 00:38:09,279 Speaker 1: that'll that'll put me in position and continue doing those 728 00:38:09,320 --> 00:38:11,200 Speaker 1: type of you know, having those type of games or 729 00:38:11,840 --> 00:38:13,800 Speaker 1: making those type of runs. So you know, whenever my 730 00:38:13,920 --> 00:38:18,000 Speaker 1: numbers called, I just make it a job to be 731 00:38:18,080 --> 00:38:21,719 Speaker 1: there wrapping things up here. Kirk Cousins has given you 732 00:38:21,800 --> 00:38:24,840 Speaker 1: a lot of love, um throughout the season. He I 733 00:38:25,360 --> 00:38:28,240 Speaker 1: mean in press converages, he always shows love and talks 734 00:38:28,239 --> 00:38:31,360 Speaker 1: about your performances in the preseason and kind of what 735 00:38:31,440 --> 00:38:33,920 Speaker 1: you bring to the Vikings offense. So uh kind of 736 00:38:33,920 --> 00:38:37,799 Speaker 1: described your relationship with the Vikings quarterback. Uh. You know, 737 00:38:37,920 --> 00:38:40,440 Speaker 1: Kirk Kirk's a you know, a great guy man. Anytime 738 00:38:40,480 --> 00:38:42,279 Speaker 1: you see me around the facility, you know, he kind 739 00:38:42,280 --> 00:38:44,680 Speaker 1: of chop it up with me and he just you know, 740 00:38:44,719 --> 00:38:46,920 Speaker 1: put me on a lot of game you know, football wise, 741 00:38:47,000 --> 00:38:48,919 Speaker 1: making sure I'm you know, my head is right with 742 00:38:48,920 --> 00:38:52,759 Speaker 1: with formations or you know, just pass pro and he 743 00:38:52,880 --> 00:38:55,040 Speaker 1: just kind of took that role, you know, that that 744 00:38:55,040 --> 00:38:57,359 Speaker 1: that that big ro role almost you know, I hate 745 00:38:57,400 --> 00:38:58,719 Speaker 1: to say that, but you know you just kind of 746 00:38:58,760 --> 00:39:01,480 Speaker 1: make sure I'm always you know, on the right check. 747 00:39:01,960 --> 00:39:04,799 Speaker 1: And what is he like inside the huddle? I mean 748 00:39:04,920 --> 00:39:07,960 Speaker 1: I've been told that there's like a different like alter 749 00:39:08,120 --> 00:39:11,520 Speaker 1: ego that comes out when Kirk Cousins is rallying the 750 00:39:11,560 --> 00:39:14,080 Speaker 1: troops a little bit. Is he a little different inside 751 00:39:14,120 --> 00:39:16,680 Speaker 1: the huddle? You know? He kind of you bring and 752 00:39:16,719 --> 00:39:18,799 Speaker 1: that's what anybody you know, that's just a different when 753 00:39:18,800 --> 00:39:20,560 Speaker 1: it's time to play ball. It's time to play ball, 754 00:39:20,600 --> 00:39:22,319 Speaker 1: you know, and you just see that and Kurt when 755 00:39:22,320 --> 00:39:25,399 Speaker 1: it's time to play and you know, I guess he's saying. 756 00:39:25,440 --> 00:39:27,040 Speaker 1: You know, you like that, you know, you just see 757 00:39:27,239 --> 00:39:29,200 Speaker 1: you see that when it's time to play. So well, 758 00:39:29,280 --> 00:39:31,440 Speaker 1: I really wish you the best of luck this season. 759 00:39:31,520 --> 00:39:33,960 Speaker 1: I know when the opportunity comes, you're gonna make the 760 00:39:34,000 --> 00:39:36,239 Speaker 1: most out of it because you've shown that pretty much 761 00:39:36,320 --> 00:39:39,759 Speaker 1: your entire career so far. So good luck on your 762 00:39:39,800 --> 00:39:43,560 Speaker 1: third NFL season here and hope to see you around 763 00:39:43,600 --> 00:39:46,399 Speaker 1: the facility pretty soon. Man. I appreciate that. Man, thanks 764 00:39:46,400 --> 00:39:51,279 Speaker 1: for having that was Mike Boone with our very own 765 00:39:51,360 --> 00:39:53,880 Speaker 1: Chris cors So. I think it's gonna be great and 766 00:39:54,800 --> 00:39:57,759 Speaker 1: interesting to see what Mike's role looks like this year 767 00:39:58,600 --> 00:40:01,279 Speaker 1: and what kind of Jay, as you've said, what kind 768 00:40:01,320 --> 00:40:05,440 Speaker 1: of wrinkles Kubiak might be able to implement in the 769 00:40:05,520 --> 00:40:09,640 Speaker 1: twenty twenty season. Stay tuned to Vikings dot com all 770 00:40:09,640 --> 00:40:12,280 Speaker 1: of our social media for the latest and Viking news 771 00:40:12,320 --> 00:40:17,200 Speaker 1: and everything going on at the Verizon Vikings twenty twenty 772 00:40:17,200 --> 00:40:20,880 Speaker 1: training Camp. Another huge thank you to our sponsor Verizon 773 00:40:21,040 --> 00:40:25,320 Speaker 1: for sponsoring this episode in the Minnesota Vikings Podcast. There's 774 00:40:25,400 --> 00:40:28,520 Speaker 1: a lot of great stuff on the website. Check it out, 775 00:40:29,520 --> 00:40:31,839 Speaker 1: follow us everywhere. Can check out our guy who helped 776 00:40:31,880 --> 00:40:35,000 Speaker 1: out last week, Gabe Henderson, and did a great job 777 00:40:35,000 --> 00:40:36,520 Speaker 1: on the show when I wasn't able to be here. 778 00:40:36,800 --> 00:40:40,760 Speaker 1: He caught up with former Vikings Pete Versich, Mike Morris, 779 00:40:40,800 --> 00:40:44,480 Speaker 1: Dixon Edwards, and Hall of Famer Randall McDaniel on Training 780 00:40:44,480 --> 00:40:48,000 Speaker 1: Camp Memories presented by us Bank. That video is available 781 00:40:48,080 --> 00:40:50,880 Speaker 1: right now on Vikings dot com. And also, you know, 782 00:40:50,920 --> 00:40:54,240 Speaker 1: I'm I think Gabe is fantastic, So I've been watching 783 00:40:54,280 --> 00:40:55,840 Speaker 1: a lot of the stuff he's been doing and he 784 00:40:56,120 --> 00:40:59,120 Speaker 1: has a great sitdown with Eric Kendricks a one on 785 00:40:59,160 --> 00:41:02,400 Speaker 1: one that I actually right before we recorded this podcast 786 00:41:02,440 --> 00:41:05,399 Speaker 1: about Erica getting the top one hundred and a few 787 00:41:05,440 --> 00:41:09,279 Speaker 1: other things. We're underway with the OTA portion. We're less 788 00:41:09,280 --> 00:41:15,840 Speaker 1: than two weeks away from our August to seventeenth deadline. Guys, 789 00:41:15,920 --> 00:41:18,640 Speaker 1: any final thoughts before we get out of here. Yes, 790 00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:20,279 Speaker 1: I just want to see these guys get out on 791 00:41:20,320 --> 00:41:22,960 Speaker 1: the field. I'm watching these these social media videos of 792 00:41:23,920 --> 00:41:27,360 Speaker 1: Justin Jefferson catching balls and watching Justin Jefferson and r 793 00:41:27,480 --> 00:41:30,320 Speaker 1: Smith flexing with each other working out. I'm ready to 794 00:41:30,320 --> 00:41:32,120 Speaker 1: see these guys out on the field. I want to 795 00:41:32,120 --> 00:41:35,799 Speaker 1: see these position battles. The cornerback and the defensive line 796 00:41:35,840 --> 00:41:38,279 Speaker 1: interior I am looking at and I can't wait to 797 00:41:38,280 --> 00:41:42,080 Speaker 1: see who wins those spots. Jay. For me, I want 798 00:41:42,080 --> 00:41:43,879 Speaker 1: to see the train back on the tracks. I want 799 00:41:43,880 --> 00:41:46,279 Speaker 1: to see these guys out in pads being able to 800 00:41:46,719 --> 00:41:50,000 Speaker 1: hit somebody. And as we get further and further along, 801 00:41:50,120 --> 00:41:53,680 Speaker 1: make sure that these live bullets are looking smooth and 802 00:41:53,800 --> 00:41:56,400 Speaker 1: the players are looking like they're comfortable with everything. One 803 00:41:56,440 --> 00:41:59,560 Speaker 1: of the things that Kendricks and Rudolph had talked about 804 00:41:59,600 --> 00:42:01,879 Speaker 1: was actually getting their cleats in the grass and how 805 00:42:01,920 --> 00:42:04,520 Speaker 1: happy it made them. So I think the further we 806 00:42:04,560 --> 00:42:06,680 Speaker 1: get along in this process, the more the guys will 807 00:42:06,719 --> 00:42:09,400 Speaker 1: be feeling comfortable working with each other. And That's what 808 00:42:09,440 --> 00:42:11,320 Speaker 1: I'm looking for. It is just to see how smooth 809 00:42:11,520 --> 00:42:13,120 Speaker 1: and how long it takes for this stuff to get 810 00:42:13,160 --> 00:42:15,560 Speaker 1: back to normal allo guys, thank you so much for listening. 811 00:42:15,600 --> 00:42:18,160 Speaker 1: We will be back next week with another episode of 812 00:42:18,360 --> 00:42:23,080 Speaker 1: the Minnesota Vikings Podcast. We will see you guys then