Welcome back to the Minnesota Vikings Podcast. The 2025 Vikings Training Camp presented by Omni Viking Lakes is in full swing and the media coverage is next level. Sky Sports Neil Reynolds and CBS Sports Evan Washburn check in with Tatum Everett to give their observations from practice in Eagan, MN. Neil gives a primer on the Vikings upcoming international games in Ireland and London, takes a look back on the teams 2024 successes, and gives his take what it will take to recreate the magic in 2025. Evan looks at the new responsibilities for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Kevin O'Connell's coaching philosophy, and previews his interview with Vikings running back Aaron Jones. All of this and more is in Episode 306 of the Minnesota Vikings Podcast.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
Welcome into the MVP the Minnesota Vikings Podcast. I'm your
host Tatum Everett, and today we're diving into the latest
from Egan. As the team wraps up another intense week
of practice, it feels like training camp is just flying
by as the players put on pads for the first time,
leading to some spirited play. The energy is certainly building
(00:27):
in the competition, heating up as the players fight for
roster spots and starting roles. There is a lot of
national attention around this twenty twenty five Vikings team, which
has led to some visits from national and even international media.
In this episode of MVP, we're joined by CBS Sports's
Evan Washburn and Sky Sports' Neil Reynolds. Now, if you're
(00:48):
unfamiliar with Neil, I can tell you it is a
real treat to talk to him. He's a true pioneer
in bringing American football to fans across the UK and beyond.
As the voice the NFL on Sky Sports, he's one
of the most respected figures in the game's international media landscape,
with over two decades of experience covering the NFL. He's
(01:10):
interviewed legends like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Dan Reno, and
even Tom Brady, and he's helped grow the sports popularity
throughout his career. He's made the game more accessible, more exciting,
and more global. And he told me that Minnesota is
one of his favorite stops every summer on his training
camp tour. Making his annual trip out here to Vikings
(01:33):
training camp, it feels like is sky Sports as Neil Reynolds, Neil,
how is the trip over? What's it like being back
in Minnesota.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
I always enjoy coming here watching the Vikings practice. Always
get treated so well. So, yeah, this is stop number
two on my training camp trip. I'm seeing seven teams
in eight days. Started in Jacksonville and then just arrived
here in Minneapolis. And then as I was just telling you,
I'm going to drive the rest of the way to
New York. So it doesn't look that far on the.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Map, doesn't look that far. You got to drive on
the right side of the road.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
I'm all right. And you actually have roundabouts in Minneapolis. Yes,
they don't have them in America very much, do they.
It's all four ways stops. Very confusing.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
We're coming around. Well, let's talk a little about the
Viking schedule that came out because we have played over
there before a couple of few times on that but
the first trip to Ireland and then they're staying over
to go play at Tottenham hartsbre Sadium. When you saw
that and you saw it was the Vikings, what were
(02:30):
your first thoughts?
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Not surprised that it was the Vikings because I think
the team are very open minded internationally and I think
they've had great success. Of course winning all those games
in London. Not losing a game in London touch would
keep it going. But I felt like it was a
piece of history. Again. The NFL's continuing to push that
envelope and see how much they can do internationally. This
(02:52):
is the first time we'll have a team play in
America then in two different countries internationally as well. So
to go from home gaming, it's the Bengals, right, I
think Week three against the Bengals and then straight to
Dublin and then on to London again. It's that testing
of the international market and how it impacts a team logistically.
So yeah, very exciting and feels historic.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
How do you think the game in Ireland is going
to feel out there? What's your take from being you know,
in the UK being out there like, what's your take?
Speaker 2 (03:21):
I mean, I love the London games and they are
fantastic and they're very close to my heart of course,
but Dublin's the one. Dublin is the one that's going
to catch everyone's attention this year. It's going to really
move the needle because the Irish fans, I've done a
lot of stuff in Ireland the last few years. They
really love their NFL. They're so passionate, so knowledgeable, a
lot like the UK fans. But what you're going to
(03:44):
see as well is so many people coming over from
America because everyone's got Irish heritage, and it seems like
everyone's got an Irish aren't or an Irish grandparent. So
there's going to be a real sentiment that game is
going to be off the charts.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Yeah, we have a couple of coaching coaches and our
quarterback with a little bit of an Irish shared.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
And mister Steelers and Vikings. I know this from London
in twenty thirteen, those two fan bases travel. It is
going to be incredible. I can't wait.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Well, speaking of our quarterback, JJ McCarthy, will you get
a chance to talk to him while you're here. Yeah,
he's on my list. Okay, that's amazing. So what are
some of the things you want to know from him
as you pursue that storyline?
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, I mean it's his team now, if it's a
quarterback driven league, it's his team. So how does he
handle that? How does he feel about that? How excited
is he? I like to capture the stories from the
you know, take the helmet off and get to know
the player and the person as well. So you know
you're waiting to come into the NFL, you're a first
round draft pick, You play a preseason game, it goes great,
(04:45):
everyone's excited, and then you don't play. So how do
you deal with that? How do you deal with that?
How do you come back from that? And how does
he work with coach O'Connell because we know his reputation
what he can do for quarterbacks as a former quarterback himself.
So haven't written all my questions yet, but I think
those three be a good start.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
You've got a litle bit of time before, but it's
a really good start. I think you get some good
answers from him. What are some other storylines that really
intrigue you about this twenty twenty five Vikings team.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
I think it's just can you pick back up and
get to where this team was. Remember, this team was
playing for the number one seed in week team was
one of the very best teams in the NFL. Yes,
the quarterback has changed, but it's a quarterback everyone's really
excited about. To me, everything else is still there, so
it's not always easy to climb back up to that
(05:33):
mountain that you're almost at the top of. So that's
the big thing for me. Can they bounce back? It's
a team absolutely loaded with talent. I love all the
additions that were on defense last year. I thought that
all came together brilliantly. We know that Justin Jefferson is
going to be spectacular again. So yeah, I think all
the pieces are still there. So it's just a case
of stacking those wins and getting back because they were
(05:55):
so close. But no seasons the same, is it? Everything
can change from year to year. But yeah, fingers crossed always.
I'm not allowed to root for anyone because I'm in
the media, but I do root for the fun.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
I was going to say, I kind of feel like
you've got a little bit of love there, but you've
been covering them for so long that you feel that
affinity towards Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
So been coming regularly since twenty thirteen, when the team
first played at Wembley Stadium. I've been making it a
regular trip. I always get treated so well. I always
enjoy seeing, you know, the players and the and the
coaching staff. And last year we did the game in
Week two against the forty nine ers inside that stadium,
US Bank Stadium, and it was deafening. It was incredible.
(06:34):
There was a moment just before kickoff when they were
doing the skull chant and I just thought, you know what,
why am I talking? I just stopped and I was
on camera and I just stopped and just started looking around.
So I'm just going to enjoy. It was so good.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
It was so going to give me goosebumps. I'm like
ready to go.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
I had goosebumps. The hairs on my head, No, they
weren't on the neck for standing up.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
You did mention a second ago about the new defensive editions.
What about your three brian ors and some of those
new pieces excite you.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
I think with him, what always excites me is you
never quite know what you're going to get, and you
know I followed follow what Even when I'm back in
the UK, I follow what players are saying about the
team and how much they enjoyed playing for him. Last year.
I was talking to Jonathan Grenard and Andrew Van Ginkell
and they were saying, you know how special it was,
and Gink was saying that, you know, a lot of
(07:24):
the players were coming to him because he knew all
the terminology and we saw what a great season he had.
But it's how they all do so many different things,
and they all cross train and do different things. You know,
Josh Mattellus is a linebackers he a safety?
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Is he rushing?
Speaker 1 (07:38):
No?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
I mean that's that's what's so fascinating. We always talking
football about coaches and their chess pieces, and that's what
I see with this defense. I have to feel like
Brian Flores is just literally playing chess every Sunday.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
So we did talk about that Ireland game, but the
Vikings will be back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium playing the Browns.
What are you excited to have about having those fans
back in that part of the country.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Yeah, I just think Vikings fans travel so well and
we have a great fan base in the UK. And
we always have a really good atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspas Stadium.
But the fact that the Browns and the Vikings will
bring their own fans as well just brings that little
bit of American flavor to it as well. The Jags
talked about playing back to back games in London. It
was a really good experience for their players. Another in
(08:26):
season training camp if you will, chance to be together.
So how the Vikings cope with that? I think is
going to be key, But I think they'll I think
they'll actually thrive. I think it'd be really good for them.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Well, we are so excited for the double dip overseas.
Thank you so much for your time, Neil. Always a pleasure,
have a wonderful visit.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
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backslash Vikings for exclusive offers to Vikings fans. Thanks to
Neil Reynolds for giving us the tea from across the pond.
Looking forward to catching up with him again when the
Vikings go international on September twenty eighth in Dublin. In
October fifth in London. Also making the trip to Egan,
Minnesota with CBS Sports reporter Evan Washburn, who's one of
(09:29):
the most recognizable voices on the NFL sidelines. He kicked
off our chat by telling me why to stop at
Twin City's Orthopedics Performance Center was a must continuing our
Vikings training camp coverage. We have a visitor today CBS
Sports is Evan Washburn. And you've had that. This is
ten teams in fourteen days. What made you make us
(09:53):
stop here in Eagan, Minnesota.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
Well, I like to see teams that our crew at
CBS Tom with iin Eagle, JJ Watts make his debut
this year and myself and you can kind of track
the teams that will often see CBS usually gets the AFC.
Now it's a bit more mixed, but then I think
it's also important to see the teams that you think
are going to be part of the conversation in January
(10:15):
and maybe even early February, and I would put Minnesota
in that conversation and the ones that have the most
intriguing storylines, And I think again, Minnesota falls into that
category for a lot of reasons.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Yeah, check and check. Why do you think they can
be a contender down the line in those late month
playoff games and towards that stretch.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
Well, I always think about teams that have one talent
across the roster on both sides of the ball. Minnesota
has that continuity, both on the coaching staff and within
the roster. Are their players that have been a part
of the build that are now part of what they
hope to be kind of that next step, whether it's
a playoff win in the Vikings case or pushing through
to a super Bowl. I think the Vikings have that.
(10:57):
And then I think at the quarterback position that always
has to be part of the conversation as well. And
that's the one question mark for Minnesota, but not one
because you don't think the players talented, but we just
haven't seen him do it and he's very young. So
that all makes Minnesota to me one of the more
interesting teams in the league, at least in what I
call the talk season, which is what July in August
(11:18):
is right.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
So when they come to you and they say, Evan,
you're about to watch practice, so I can't say that
you've seen JJ McCarthy in action yet at practice, they
come to you and they ask you, you know, what
is the situation like in Minnesota. How would you describe
the level of confidence in JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
Well, I would start with what I know has been
built up around him, and that starts with the front
office and in my opinion, most importantly the head coach
and Kevin O'Connell, who I just got to spend a
bunch of time with and we go back a little ways,
and he's always been a guy that I've enjoyed talking to,
not just about ball, but about life. And I think
that they've been really diligent and thoughtful in how they've
(11:55):
set up a environment for JJ McCarthy to be successful,
recognizing there is going to be a lot on his shoulders,
but they have to make sure that it's not overwhelming,
both from outside expectations but also internally and from just
the nuts and bolts. They have a really talented defense,
They can take pressure off of a young quarterback. They
have invested heavily in an offensive line, which is probably
(12:18):
the most important thing, and then they have probably the
best set of skill position weapons for him. So everything's
there with also the thoughtfulness of those that are running
it to make sure that they don't do anything to
keep him from being successful.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
You have an interview with Aaron Jones that is coming out,
so it's some of the things that you wanted to
talk to him about. What were some of those questions
you wanted to find out from Aaron?
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Well, one, just what he sees in this team coming
off of last year, what he sees in JJ McCarthy.
I thought he lent some great perspective to that. In
terms of his leadership as command of a huddle. I
think that's an important thing people don't think about. It's
not always the big time throws. It's literally how does
a twenty two year old step into a huddle with
an Aaron's case, a thirty year old, some older offensive
(13:02):
lineman and a future Hall of Famer and Justin Jefferson,
how does he handle that huddle? And for Aaron to
use the word commands a positive We talked about his
sort of situation right now as a thirty year old
running back coming off a career year, what he prioritizes
to maintain it in the running back position, how polarizing
it's been. And then we had some fun talking hoops
(13:23):
and he compared some of his teammates both with the
Vikings and the Packers to NBA guys, which I enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
If you are a Vikings fan, what do you think
you're most excited about for twenty twenty five?
Speaker 3 (13:35):
I think it's hopefully not putting too much weight on
the early season results or production from your quarterback, but
seeing moments, whether it be in between the lines, on
the sideline in a press conference, things that you can
latch onto and say, hey, we've got somebody here and one.
(13:55):
Trust your coaches, whether it's Kevin O'Connell or any of
the play the vets telling you what they have. But
I think that's what you have to be most excited for,
because I think you know from the most part what
you have around him. In this league, for better or worse,
success is often defined and found based off of who
your quarterback is, and you had one in Kirk Cousins
(14:16):
for a number of years. He did a lot of
things that any team would want, and now it's do
we have the next guy? So I think I think
that's It sounds obvious, but that's what you have to
be most excited about. Do you have the next guy?
Is he your franchise?
Speaker 2 (14:30):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (14:30):
I wasn't trying to make a softball, but it was
a little bit. Thank you so much for sure, Evan,
and be sure to look out for his interview with
Aaron Jones on cbsports dot com. A big thanks to
Evan for lending us his insight. We are in the
thick of training camp and some exciting things are on
the horizon. The highly anticipated night practice at TCO Stadium
is coming up on Monday, August fourth, so mark your
(14:52):
calendars and get ready for one of the most exciting
nights of the summer. It's certainly shaping up to be
an unforgettable evening under the lights is Gates. It's open
at five o'clock. The action kicks off with happy hour specials,
a local artisan market featuring game day gear and handcrafted goods,
and plenty of fun for the whole family. Then at
(15:12):
seven o'clock, the Vikings hit the field for your chance
to see the guys in action. But that's not all
stick around afterwards for a team autographed football toss and
a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the night. I've
been for the last four years and that is a
spectacle to see. Let's pack the stands, bring the energy
and show the team some love. But if you can't
(15:34):
make it, lucky for you, it will be stream live
on Fox nine from six to eight on Monday night.
Paul Allen, Pete Bursag, and myself with maybe a few
other voices will be showing up on that broadcast on
Fox nine, so be sure to tune in if you
can't make it out to TCOPC. But guys, we are
only single digit days away from the Vikings first preseason game,
(15:59):
so help us kick off the twenty twenty five season
at US Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for three pm
against the Texans, and I'm here at Tickets are still available,
so we'd love to see you out there. That'll do
it for us here on the MVP. We'll drop another
episode next week as we get closer and closer to
the regular season kickoff on September eighth. Spallan Montage is
(16:23):
the Twin Cities premier salon and spa destination and proud
official hair sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders. With three
convenient locations in DNA, Woodbury, and chan Hassen, there's a
spellan close to you. Visit online at spolan dot com.
Welcome into the MVP the Minnesota Vikings Podcast. I'm your
host Tatum Everett, and today we're diving into the latest
from Egan. As the team wraps up another intense week
of practice, it feels like training camp is just flying
by as the players put on pads for the first time,
leading to some spirited play. The energy is certainly building
(00:27):
in the competition, heating up as the players fight for
roster spots and starting roles. There is a lot of
national attention around this twenty twenty five Vikings team, which
has led to some visits from national and even international media.
In this episode of MVP, we're joined by CBS Sports's
Evan Washburn and Sky Sports' Neil Reynolds. Now, if you're
(00:48):
unfamiliar with Neil, I can tell you it is a
real treat to talk to him. He's a true pioneer
in bringing American football to fans across the UK and beyond.
As the voice the NFL on Sky Sports, he's one
of the most respected figures in the game's international media landscape,
with over two decades of experience covering the NFL. He's
(01:10):
interviewed legends like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Dan Reno, and
even Tom Brady, and he's helped grow the sports popularity
throughout his career. He's made the game more accessible, more exciting,
and more global. And he told me that Minnesota is
one of his favorite stops every summer on his training
camp tour. Making his annual trip out here to Vikings
(01:33):
training camp, it feels like is sky Sports as Neil Reynolds, Neil,
how is the trip over? What's it like being back
in Minnesota.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
I always enjoy coming here watching the Vikings practice. Always
get treated so well. So, yeah, this is stop number
two on my training camp trip. I'm seeing seven teams
in eight days. Started in Jacksonville and then just arrived
here in Minneapolis. And then as I was just telling you,
I'm going to drive the rest of the way to
New York. So it doesn't look that far on the.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Map, doesn't look that far. You got to drive on
the right side of the road.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
I'm all right. And you actually have roundabouts in Minneapolis. Yes,
they don't have them in America very much, do they.
It's all four ways stops. Very confusing.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
We're coming around. Well, let's talk a little about the
Viking schedule that came out because we have played over
there before a couple of few times on that but
the first trip to Ireland and then they're staying over
to go play at Tottenham hartsbre Sadium. When you saw
that and you saw it was the Vikings, what were
(02:30):
your first thoughts?
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Not surprised that it was the Vikings because I think
the team are very open minded internationally and I think
they've had great success. Of course winning all those games
in London. Not losing a game in London touch would
keep it going. But I felt like it was a
piece of history. Again. The NFL's continuing to push that
envelope and see how much they can do internationally. This
(02:52):
is the first time we'll have a team play in
America then in two different countries internationally as well. So
to go from home gaming, it's the Bengals, right, I
think Week three against the Bengals and then straight to
Dublin and then on to London again. It's that testing
of the international market and how it impacts a team logistically.
So yeah, very exciting and feels historic.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
How do you think the game in Ireland is going
to feel out there? What's your take from being you know,
in the UK being out there like, what's your take?
Speaker 2 (03:21):
I mean, I love the London games and they are
fantastic and they're very close to my heart of course,
but Dublin's the one. Dublin is the one that's going
to catch everyone's attention this year. It's going to really
move the needle because the Irish fans, I've done a
lot of stuff in Ireland the last few years. They
really love their NFL. They're so passionate, so knowledgeable, a
lot like the UK fans. But what you're going to
(03:44):
see as well is so many people coming over from
America because everyone's got Irish heritage, and it seems like
everyone's got an Irish aren't or an Irish grandparent. So
there's going to be a real sentiment that game is
going to be off the charts.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Yeah, we have a couple of coaching coaches and our
quarterback with a little bit of an Irish shared.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
And mister Steelers and Vikings. I know this from London
in twenty thirteen, those two fan bases travel. It is
going to be incredible. I can't wait.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Well, speaking of our quarterback, JJ McCarthy, will you get
a chance to talk to him while you're here. Yeah,
he's on my list. Okay, that's amazing. So what are
some of the things you want to know from him
as you pursue that storyline?
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, I mean it's his team now, if it's a
quarterback driven league, it's his team. So how does he
handle that? How does he feel about that? How excited
is he? I like to capture the stories from the
you know, take the helmet off and get to know
the player and the person as well. So you know
you're waiting to come into the NFL, you're a first
round draft pick, You play a preseason game, it goes great,
(04:45):
everyone's excited, and then you don't play. So how do
you deal with that? How do you deal with that?
How do you come back from that? And how does
he work with coach O'Connell because we know his reputation
what he can do for quarterbacks as a former quarterback himself.
So haven't written all my questions yet, but I think
those three be a good start.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
You've got a litle bit of time before, but it's
a really good start. I think you get some good
answers from him. What are some other storylines that really
intrigue you about this twenty twenty five Vikings team.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
I think it's just can you pick back up and
get to where this team was. Remember, this team was
playing for the number one seed in week team was
one of the very best teams in the NFL. Yes,
the quarterback has changed, but it's a quarterback everyone's really
excited about. To me, everything else is still there, so
it's not always easy to climb back up to that
(05:33):
mountain that you're almost at the top of. So that's
the big thing for me. Can they bounce back? It's
a team absolutely loaded with talent. I love all the
additions that were on defense last year. I thought that
all came together brilliantly. We know that Justin Jefferson is
going to be spectacular again. So yeah, I think all
the pieces are still there. So it's just a case
of stacking those wins and getting back because they were
(05:55):
so close. But no seasons the same, is it? Everything
can change from year to year. But yeah, fingers crossed always.
I'm not allowed to root for anyone because I'm in
the media, but I do root for the fun.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
I was going to say, I kind of feel like
you've got a little bit of love there, but you've
been covering them for so long that you feel that
affinity towards Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
So been coming regularly since twenty thirteen, when the team
first played at Wembley Stadium. I've been making it a
regular trip. I always get treated so well. I always
enjoy seeing, you know, the players and the and the
coaching staff. And last year we did the game in
Week two against the forty nine ers inside that stadium,
US Bank Stadium, and it was deafening. It was incredible.
(06:34):
There was a moment just before kickoff when they were
doing the skull chant and I just thought, you know what,
why am I talking? I just stopped and I was
on camera and I just stopped and just started looking around.
So I'm just going to enjoy. It was so good.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
It was so going to give me goosebumps. I'm like
ready to go.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
I had goosebumps. The hairs on my head, No, they
weren't on the neck for standing up.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
You did mention a second ago about the new defensive editions.
What about your three brian ors and some of those
new pieces excite you.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
I think with him, what always excites me is you
never quite know what you're going to get, and you
know I followed follow what Even when I'm back in
the UK, I follow what players are saying about the
team and how much they enjoyed playing for him. Last year.
I was talking to Jonathan Grenard and Andrew Van Ginkell
and they were saying, you know how special it was,
and Gink was saying that, you know, a lot of
(07:24):
the players were coming to him because he knew all
the terminology and we saw what a great season he had.
But it's how they all do so many different things,
and they all cross train and do different things. You know,
Josh Mattellus is a linebackers he a safety?
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Is he rushing?
Speaker 1 (07:38):
No?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
I mean that's that's what's so fascinating. We always talking
football about coaches and their chess pieces, and that's what
I see with this defense. I have to feel like
Brian Flores is just literally playing chess every Sunday.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
So we did talk about that Ireland game, but the
Vikings will be back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium playing the Browns.
What are you excited to have about having those fans
back in that part of the country.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Yeah, I just think Vikings fans travel so well and
we have a great fan base in the UK. And
we always have a really good atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspas Stadium.
But the fact that the Browns and the Vikings will
bring their own fans as well just brings that little
bit of American flavor to it as well. The Jags
talked about playing back to back games in London. It
was a really good experience for their players. Another in
(08:26):
season training camp if you will, chance to be together.
So how the Vikings cope with that? I think is
going to be key, But I think they'll I think
they'll actually thrive. I think it'd be really good for them.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Well, we are so excited for the double dip overseas.
Thank you so much for your time, Neil. Always a pleasure,
have a wonderful visit.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
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(09:06):
backslash Vikings for exclusive offers to Vikings fans. Thanks to
Neil Reynolds for giving us the tea from across the pond.
Looking forward to catching up with him again when the
Vikings go international on September twenty eighth in Dublin. In
October fifth in London. Also making the trip to Egan,
Minnesota with CBS Sports reporter Evan Washburn, who's one of
(09:29):
the most recognizable voices on the NFL sidelines. He kicked
off our chat by telling me why to stop at
Twin City's Orthopedics Performance Center was a must continuing our
Vikings training camp coverage. We have a visitor today CBS
Sports is Evan Washburn. And you've had that. This is
ten teams in fourteen days. What made you make us
(09:53):
stop here in Eagan, Minnesota.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
Well, I like to see teams that our crew at
CBS Tom with iin Eagle, JJ Watts make his debut
this year and myself and you can kind of track
the teams that will often see CBS usually gets the AFC.
Now it's a bit more mixed, but then I think
it's also important to see the teams that you think
are going to be part of the conversation in January
(10:15):
and maybe even early February, and I would put Minnesota
in that conversation and the ones that have the most
intriguing storylines, And I think again, Minnesota falls into that
category for a lot of reasons.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Yeah, check and check. Why do you think they can
be a contender down the line in those late month
playoff games and towards that stretch.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
Well, I always think about teams that have one talent
across the roster on both sides of the ball. Minnesota
has that continuity, both on the coaching staff and within
the roster. Are their players that have been a part
of the build that are now part of what they
hope to be kind of that next step, whether it's
a playoff win in the Vikings case or pushing through
to a super Bowl. I think the Vikings have that.
(10:57):
And then I think at the quarterback position that always
has to be part of the conversation as well. And
that's the one question mark for Minnesota, but not one
because you don't think the players talented, but we just
haven't seen him do it and he's very young. So
that all makes Minnesota to me one of the more
interesting teams in the league, at least in what I
call the talk season, which is what July in August
(11:18):
is right.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
So when they come to you and they say, Evan,
you're about to watch practice, so I can't say that
you've seen JJ McCarthy in action yet at practice, they
come to you and they ask you, you know, what
is the situation like in Minnesota. How would you describe
the level of confidence in JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
Well, I would start with what I know has been
built up around him, and that starts with the front
office and in my opinion, most importantly the head coach
and Kevin O'Connell, who I just got to spend a
bunch of time with and we go back a little ways,
and he's always been a guy that I've enjoyed talking to,
not just about ball, but about life. And I think
that they've been really diligent and thoughtful in how they've
(11:55):
set up a environment for JJ McCarthy to be successful,
recognizing there is going to be a lot on his shoulders,
but they have to make sure that it's not overwhelming,
both from outside expectations but also internally and from just
the nuts and bolts. They have a really talented defense,
They can take pressure off of a young quarterback. They
have invested heavily in an offensive line, which is probably
(12:18):
the most important thing, and then they have probably the
best set of skill position weapons for him. So everything's
there with also the thoughtfulness of those that are running
it to make sure that they don't do anything to
keep him from being successful.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
You have an interview with Aaron Jones that is coming out,
so it's some of the things that you wanted to
talk to him about. What were some of those questions
you wanted to find out from Aaron?
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Well, one, just what he sees in this team coming
off of last year, what he sees in JJ McCarthy.
I thought he lent some great perspective to that. In
terms of his leadership as command of a huddle. I
think that's an important thing people don't think about. It's
not always the big time throws. It's literally how does
a twenty two year old step into a huddle with
an Aaron's case, a thirty year old, some older offensive
(13:02):
lineman and a future Hall of Famer and Justin Jefferson,
how does he handle that huddle? And for Aaron to
use the word commands a positive We talked about his
sort of situation right now as a thirty year old
running back coming off a career year, what he prioritizes
to maintain it in the running back position, how polarizing
it's been. And then we had some fun talking hoops
(13:23):
and he compared some of his teammates both with the
Vikings and the Packers to NBA guys, which I enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
If you are a Vikings fan, what do you think
you're most excited about for twenty twenty five?
Speaker 3 (13:35):
I think it's hopefully not putting too much weight on
the early season results or production from your quarterback, but
seeing moments, whether it be in between the lines, on
the sideline in a press conference, things that you can
latch onto and say, hey, we've got somebody here and one.
(13:55):
Trust your coaches, whether it's Kevin O'Connell or any of
the play the vets telling you what they have. But
I think that's what you have to be most excited for,
because I think you know from the most part what
you have around him. In this league, for better or worse,
success is often defined and found based off of who
your quarterback is, and you had one in Kirk Cousins
(14:16):
for a number of years. He did a lot of
things that any team would want, and now it's do
we have the next guy? So I think I think
that's It sounds obvious, but that's what you have to
be most excited about. Do you have the next guy?
Is he your franchise?
Speaker 2 (14:30):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (14:30):
I wasn't trying to make a softball, but it was
a little bit. Thank you so much for sure, Evan,
and be sure to look out for his interview with
Aaron Jones on cbsports dot com. A big thanks to
Evan for lending us his insight. We are in the
thick of training camp and some exciting things are on
the horizon. The highly anticipated night practice at TCO Stadium
is coming up on Monday, August fourth, so mark your
(14:52):
calendars and get ready for one of the most exciting
nights of the summer. It's certainly shaping up to be
an unforgettable evening under the lights is Gates. It's open
at five o'clock. The action kicks off with happy hour specials,
a local artisan market featuring game day gear and handcrafted goods,
and plenty of fun for the whole family. Then at
(15:12):
seven o'clock, the Vikings hit the field for your chance
to see the guys in action. But that's not all
stick around afterwards for a team autographed football toss and
a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the night. I've
been for the last four years and that is a
spectacle to see. Let's pack the stands, bring the energy
and show the team some love. But if you can't
(15:34):
make it, lucky for you, it will be stream live
on Fox nine from six to eight on Monday night.
Paul Allen, Pete Bursag, and myself with maybe a few
other voices will be showing up on that broadcast on
Fox nine, so be sure to tune in if you
can't make it out to TCOPC. But guys, we are
only single digit days away from the Vikings first preseason game,
(15:59):
so help us kick off the twenty twenty five season
at US Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for three pm
against the Texans, and I'm here at Tickets are still available,
so we'd love to see you out there. That'll do
it for us here on the MVP. We'll drop another
episode next week as we get closer and closer to
the regular season kickoff on September eighth. Spallan Montage is
(16:23):
the Twin Cities premier salon and spa destination and proud
official hair sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders. With three
convenient locations in DNA, Woodbury, and chan Hassen, there's a
spellan close to you. Visit online at spolan dot com.
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