Ben Goessling
@bengoessling.bsky.social
Minnesota Vikings beat writer at Star Tribune; track/cross country ass't coach at Apple Valley and Augsburg. Husband, girl dad, sinner saved by grace.
Subscribe to the Access Vikings newsletter: https://pages.e2ma.net/pages/1788361/5824
Subscribe to the Access Vikings newsletter: https://pages.e2ma.net/pages/1788361/5824
Pinned
The making of J.J. McCarthy and the big business behind becoming an NFL quarterback
Is the Vikings’ new QB a product of a booming coaching industry, or was he destined to thrive in it? Either way, he’s a beacon for hopeful Vikings fans and an archetype for aspiring young players.
www.startribune.com
I spent the summer learning about the QB development industry: the private coaches and elite camps that now produces many of the country's top prospects.
It's complex and costly, but for some — like J.J. McCarthy — it can fulfill childhood dreams. My project:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
It's complex and costly, but for some — like J.J. McCarthy — it can fulfill childhood dreams. My project:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
The #Vikings activated center Ryan Kelly from injured reserve, as Kelly prepares to return from the concussions that had kept him out for seven weeks. He practiced in full all week, and seems likely to start on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
November 22, 2025 at 9:22 PM
The #Vikings activated center Ryan Kelly from injured reserve, as Kelly prepares to return from the concussions that had kept him out for seven weeks. He practiced in full all week, and seems likely to start on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Ryan Kelly was a full participant for the third straight day, as he prepares for his return on Sunday. The #Vikings will have to activate him from injured reserve by tomorrow, but they’ve kept Dwight McGlothern’s roster spot open for him.
November 21, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Ryan Kelly was a full participant for the third straight day, as he prepares for his return on Sunday. The #Vikings will have to activate him from injured reserve by tomorrow, but they’ve kept Dwight McGlothern’s roster spot open for him.
Got a good Access #Vikings newsletter coming today, looking at why rookie contracts for QBs make it harder to sit a first-round pick for multiple years like the Packers did with Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers.
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Sign up for Access Vikings
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November 21, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Got a good Access #Vikings newsletter coming today, looking at why rookie contracts for QBs make it harder to sit a first-round pick for multiple years like the Packers did with Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers.
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Another full day of practice for Ryan Kelly, who’ll likely be activated from IR in time to return for the #Vikings’ game against the Packers on Sunday.
November 20, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Another full day of practice for Ryan Kelly, who’ll likely be activated from IR in time to return for the #Vikings’ game against the Packers on Sunday.
The #Vikings need a spot on their active roster to bring Ryan Kelly back from injured reserve. That’s likely why they waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern today.
November 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM
The #Vikings need a spot on their active roster to bring Ryan Kelly back from injured reserve. That’s likely why they waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern today.
Putting out the weekly call for #Vikings questions. Leave them here, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Sign up for Access Vikings
Sign up for Minnesota Vikings news and complete team coverage.
link.email.startribune.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Putting out the weekly call for #Vikings questions. Leave them here, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Reposted by Ben Goessling
New ep. of Access Vikings is out now: @bengoessling.bsky.social rejoins @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I as we hit the usual QB talk, that final Bears KR and Ryan Kelly practicing in full. Plus, what awaits the Vikings at Lambeau.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/spAJ34k99h4
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/spAJ34k99h4
Vikings prepare for Packers while still waiting for J.J. McCarthy's foundation to set
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview the Vikings' annual trip to Lambeau Field on Sunday. They discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development with seven games left on the schedule,…
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 2:07 AM
New ep. of Access Vikings is out now: @bengoessling.bsky.social rejoins @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I as we hit the usual QB talk, that final Bears KR and Ryan Kelly practicing in full. Plus, what awaits the Vikings at Lambeau.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/spAJ34k99h4
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/spAJ34k99h4
Kevin O’Connell said Jonathan Greenard will work on a side field today, as the #Vikings try to get him back from his shoulder injury. Ryan Kelly will be a full participant today.
November 19, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Kevin O’Connell said Jonathan Greenard will work on a side field today, as the #Vikings try to get him back from his shoulder injury. Ryan Kelly will be a full participant today.
No QB in the NFL has had passes batted or tipped more frequently than J.J. McCarthy this season. I took a look at his high rate of "blocked shots," as Kevin O’Connell has called them, and what's leading to it: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Analysis: Batted passes and drops point to problems with J.J. McCarthy’s mechanics
In terms of frequency, there’s no quarterback who’s had his passes deflected more than the Vikings’ first-year starter.
www.startribune.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:37 PM
No QB in the NFL has had passes batted or tipped more frequently than J.J. McCarthy this season. I took a look at his high rate of "blocked shots," as Kevin O’Connell has called them, and what's leading to it: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
The #Vikings fall for the fourth time this year at U.S. Bank Stadium, and drop to 4-6 after a 19-17 loss to the Bears.
Devin Duvernay's kick return set up the game winner and denied J.J. McCarthy a chance to redeem a rough game with a comeback win for the second time this year.
Up next: at GB
Devin Duvernay's kick return set up the game winner and denied J.J. McCarthy a chance to redeem a rough game with a comeback win for the second time this year.
Up next: at GB
November 16, 2025 at 9:07 PM
The #Vikings fall for the fourth time this year at U.S. Bank Stadium, and drop to 4-6 after a 19-17 loss to the Bears.
Devin Duvernay's kick return set up the game winner and denied J.J. McCarthy a chance to redeem a rough game with a comeback win for the second time this year.
Up next: at GB
Devin Duvernay's kick return set up the game winner and denied J.J. McCarthy a chance to redeem a rough game with a comeback win for the second time this year.
Up next: at GB
J.J. McCarthy throws missiles, for better or worse. Starting with that fourth-down conversion, it was for the better. He beats Nahshon Wright, who picked him off for the second time this year, earlier in the game, and the #Vikings lead 17-16 with 50 seconds to go. Bears have 3 TOs.
November 16, 2025 at 8:58 PM
J.J. McCarthy throws missiles, for better or worse. Starting with that fourth-down conversion, it was for the better. He beats Nahshon Wright, who picked him off for the second time this year, earlier in the game, and the #Vikings lead 17-16 with 50 seconds to go. Bears have 3 TOs.
Good block, and a fist pump, from Justin Jefferson on that Jordan Mason touchdown. #Vikings have plenty of time to pull this one out if they can get another stop and a score.
November 16, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Good block, and a fist pump, from Justin Jefferson on that Jordan Mason touchdown. #Vikings have plenty of time to pull this one out if they can get another stop and a score.
The boos have started at U.S. Bank Stadium, after Christian Darrisaw's first false start of the day turns third-and-2 into third-and-7 and J.J. McCarthy misses Justin Jefferson high. Frustrating, familiar set of issues for the #Vikings.
November 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The boos have started at U.S. Bank Stadium, after Christian Darrisaw's first false start of the day turns third-and-2 into third-and-7 and J.J. McCarthy misses Justin Jefferson high. Frustrating, familiar set of issues for the #Vikings.
We've reached halftime, where Caleb Williams' 57.6 passer rating is the better of the two QBs today.
Bears lead 10-3, and will get the second-half kick.
Bears lead 10-3, and will get the second-half kick.
November 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM
We've reached halftime, where Caleb Williams' 57.6 passer rating is the better of the two QBs today.
Bears lead 10-3, and will get the second-half kick.
Bears lead 10-3, and will get the second-half kick.
Nice rush from Eric Wilson on second down, taking the edge away from Caleb Williams and forcing him to throw instead of escape. That was key to that stop, and Dallas Turner is getting some pressure.
November 16, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Nice rush from Eric Wilson on second down, taking the edge away from Caleb Williams and forcing him to throw instead of escape. That was key to that stop, and Dallas Turner is getting some pressure.
Another pick on a target for Justin Jefferson.
November 16, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Another pick on a target for Justin Jefferson.
A screen to T.J. Hockenson and a third-and-2 run for Aaron Jones, then a second-and-10 handoff that gains six for Jones. Vikings had some supports for J.J. McCarthy on the first drive -- but two bad misses end the drive.
November 16, 2025 at 6:11 PM
A screen to T.J. Hockenson and a third-and-2 run for Aaron Jones, then a second-and-10 handoff that gains six for Jones. Vikings had some supports for J.J. McCarthy on the first drive -- but two bad misses end the drive.
Justin Jefferson talked this week about restoring some of the youthful energy to his game, while J.J. McCarthy knows he needs to grow up on the job as fast as he can.
A look at the #Vikings' QB-WR duo at a bit of an inflection point: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
A look at the #Vikings' QB-WR duo at a bit of an inflection point: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
J.J. McCarthy, Justin Jefferson at a crossroads as the Vikings prepare for the Bears
As the Vikings sit at 4-5, last in the NFC North, their star receiver wants to recapture his youthful energy while their 22-year-old quarterback looks to scrub some blemishes out of his game.
www.startribune.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Justin Jefferson talked this week about restoring some of the youthful energy to his game, while J.J. McCarthy knows he needs to grow up on the job as fast as he can.
A look at the #Vikings' QB-WR duo at a bit of an inflection point: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
A look at the #Vikings' QB-WR duo at a bit of an inflection point: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
#Vikings injury report for Sunday vs Bears:
Out: Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), Ryan Kelly (concussion)
Kelly finished his first week of practice during his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. He’ll get at least one more week of practice before the Vikings think about playing him.
Out: Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), Ryan Kelly (concussion)
Kelly finished his first week of practice during his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. He’ll get at least one more week of practice before the Vikings think about playing him.
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#Vikings injury report for Sunday vs Bears:
Out: Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), Ryan Kelly (concussion)
Kelly finished his first week of practice during his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. He’ll get at least one more week of practice before the Vikings think about playing him.
Out: Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), Ryan Kelly (concussion)
Kelly finished his first week of practice during his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. He’ll get at least one more week of practice before the Vikings think about playing him.
Today is the three-year anniversary of Justin Jefferson’s catch against the Bills. He said today that seeing the clips of the catch made him want to get back to his “savage mode” from 2022. “It’s just going out there and just killing it, and not worrying about anything else that I can't control.”
November 13, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Today is the three-year anniversary of Justin Jefferson’s catch against the Bills. He said today that seeing the clips of the catch made him want to get back to his “savage mode” from 2022. “It’s just going out there and just killing it, and not worrying about anything else that I can't control.”
J.J. McCarthy returned to full participation for the #Vikings on Thursday, after being limited Wednesday with the right hand injury he sustained Sunday.
November 13, 2025 at 9:45 PM
J.J. McCarthy returned to full participation for the #Vikings on Thursday, after being limited Wednesday with the right hand injury he sustained Sunday.
Asked J.J. McCarthy today how he balances the fact he's a first-year starter with the fact he leads a veteran team that won 14 games last year. Even with his inexperience, he said he's not looking to be graded on an easier curve.
November 13, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Asked J.J. McCarthy today how he balances the fact he's a first-year starter with the fact he leads a veteran team that won 14 games last year. Even with his inexperience, he said he's not looking to be graded on an easier curve.
J.J. McCarthy said his right hand injury happened when he hit his hand on helmet on the throw to the end zone for Justin Jefferson. When asked if it affected him, he said, “If you slam your hand in a car door, it’s gonna feel different. But there’s no excuse. You’ve got to push through.”
November 12, 2025 at 10:57 PM
J.J. McCarthy said his right hand injury happened when he hit his hand on helmet on the throw to the end zone for Justin Jefferson. When asked if it affected him, he said, “If you slam your hand in a car door, it’s gonna feel different. But there’s no excuse. You’ve got to push through.”
Putting out the weekly call for #Vikings questions. Leave them here, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Sign up for Access Vikings
Sign up for Minnesota Vikings news and complete team coverage.
link.email.startribune.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Putting out the weekly call for #Vikings questions. Leave them here, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free Access Vikings newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Kevin O’Connell on people making quick conclusions on J.J. McCarthy: “I’ve long understood that's what it is. I think you're speaking in regards to not only the people in this room, but the people that fill stadiums, the people that evaluate the quarterback position from many different landscapes.
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Kevin O’Connell on people making quick conclusions on J.J. McCarthy: “I’ve long understood that's what it is. I think you're speaking in regards to not only the people in this room, but the people that fill stadiums, the people that evaluate the quarterback position from many different landscapes.