Alec Lewis

I miss it

It’s gameday.

And, at long last, J.J. McCarthy’s time.

There is almost a defiant sense of empowerment in the Vikings’ plan with the QB for 2025. So far, it has produced his characteristic energy.

“He glows. And when you’re around him, you glow also.”

t.co/tKNxWzJsco

Vikings training camp: 10 things I’ll be watching when it kicks off Fans are hopeful about the Vikings after their successful offseason. Here are 10 things our expert will be watching when practice begins.

The 10 things I’ll be watching at Vikings training camp. Let’s ride. www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...

J.J. McCarthy’s moment begins: What he’s thinking as Vikings training camp opens Is McCarthy, 22, nervous about his chance to be the Vikings starter? “I don’t think it feels like weight to him,” his former QB coach says.

What’s J.J. McCarthy’s mindset with all eyes on him as Vikings training camp dawns?

Glad you asked.

Some perspective from the folks who know him best: www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...

YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show J.J. McCarthy’s arm, Vikings’ new-look Brian Flores defense and more with Ollie Connolly (Ep. 95)

Fun new Ep of the pod with @ollieconnolly.bsky.social...

— His J.J. McCarthy eval
— McCarthy arm convo
— Ryan Kelly/Will Fries raving
— Brian Flores's next evolution

Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj10...

Serious off field concerns

Vikings agree to deal with C Ryan Kelly: What he means for Minnesota’s focus on trenches The Vikings have wanted to revamp the interior of their offensive line this offseason, and the first domino fell Monday evening.

Some thoughts on the Vikings and Ryan Kelly and what’s next www.nytimes.com/athletic/619...

Jeff Okudah will likely be in play for Vikings, yes.

Just for timing purposes: The Jonathan Allen visit with the Vikings is happening this afternoon. Couple hours from now.

Vikings identified Isaiah Rodgers early. Was starter in Indy before gambling suspension in ‘23. Slight, but swift and competitive.

Vikings still very much in IDL market. Similar to last year with Christian Wilkins — they just prefer not to pay at top of market. More strategic (with comp picks in mind, too).

Minnesota Vikings 2025 free agency tracker: Still looking to improve in the trenches The Vikings roster has plenty of needs: the interior O-line, interior D-line, cornerback and running back. Expect the team to be aggressive.

Alrighty, here’s the Vikings free agency tracker. Updates over here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/618...

Khyree Jackson’s grieving family finding inspiration in Vikings’ special season The Vikings have rallied around the family of Jackson, who was killed in a car crash last summer. “It just feels so genuine,” his mom says.

A family will be watching the Vikings tonight in the DC area.

A mother, a father and a brother.

Why this team has meant as much as it has to the Jacksons over what has been the hardest five months of their lives 🕊️:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/605...

Vikings stamp themselves as legitimate contenders with impressive victory over Packers As the pressure continues to mount, the Vikings keep getting it done. Now the Lions are all that stand between them and the NFC's top seed.

A head coach who says he trusts his players, then backs it up.

A DC who is willing to do *whatever* it takes, and players who believe wholeheartedly.

A QB thriving. A special skill group. These Vikings, a great story, have stamped themselves as a force: www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...

How Kevin O’Connell, Vikings’ offensive design laid foundation for Sam Darnold’s ascent Darnold’s impressive play of late is a testament to the infrastructure that was built for him by O'Connell and company last offseason.

Well-designed NFL offense is easy to spot when it’s something funky.

Crazy motions, trick plays, etc.

The Vikings don’t do a ton of that. The intentionality behind *this* system is the special sauce 👇👇👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...

Sam Darnold produces signature moment with game-winning TD pass against Seahawks Darnold's late go-ahead touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson was another special play in a special season for the QB and this Vikings team.

NFL teams and QBs are inextricably linked.

But the Vikings and Sam Darnold relationship feel deeper.

It's the belief amid ample doubt, and a QB & team becoming undeniable together. An ode to the latest chapter 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...

Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell leans on unlikely source for guidance: Hall of Famer Bill Cowher The Vikings coach has gotten guidance from the Hall of Famer who calls O'Connell "one of the best leaders in the National Football League.”

Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell leans on unlikely source for guidance: Hall of Famer Bill Cowher www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...

YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show Vikings analyst Pete Bercich talks keys for team down stretch, Seahawks matchup and more (Ep. 43)

New Ep of the pod with Pete Bercich presented by First Resource Bank...

— Seahawks game thoughts
— Vikings run defense of late
— On Sam Darnold's play
— Ivan Pace Jr.'s value
— And more

Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIYm...

Why Vikings safety Cam Bynum is the NFL’s best celebration coordinator (and much more) Bynum's viral turnover celebrations are legendary, but he wouldn't have anything to celebrate if he wasn't succeeding on the field.

He breakdances. He moonwalks. He thinks about this for hours.

Cam Bynum is, unquestionably, the best celebrator in the NFL.

How did this happen? It’s a story about a coach, supportive parents and so much more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...

Usher liked his social media post. Lindsay Lohan and Marlon Wayans have praised his talents. He even received a message from the Jabbawockeez.

This is what life is currently like for Cam Bynum, the best celebrator in the NFL, writes @aleclewis.bsky.social.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...

YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show Ben Leber talks Vikings’ quarterback future, team concerns ahead of playoffs and more: Ep. 41

New Ep of the pod with Ben Leber! Presented by First Resource Bank...

— What was going through his mind during Falcons game
— The job Kevin O'Connell has done
— Biggest concerns down the stretch
— Future at QB thoughts

Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjj...

Vikings’ Sam Darnold dilemma: Has he played so well that they can’t let him go? Should the Vikings re-sign Darnold long term after his career year, or should they let him go and look to the future with J.J. McCarthy?

The conversation regarding Sam Darnold’s future is unavoidable.

It involves a relevant team, a resurgent quarterback, a highly touted youngster, NFL team-building strategies, big-money contracts & more.

So what’s going to happen? The multiple paths www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...

Kevin O’Connell deserving of national praise as Vikings continue to ascend Minnesota's head coach has earned credit for what he and his team have done during their 11-2 start — but also for how they've done it.

Credit for this Vikings’ 11-2 season goes a lot of places.

But even those typically tie back to the head coach.

Why Kevin O’Connell deserves the attention he’s getting: www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...

Vikings QB Sam Darnold’s ‘special’ performance vs. Falcons thrusts him into MVP discussion Darnold outplays Kirk Cousins, throwing for 347 yards and five touchdowns in Vikings' 42-21 dismantling of Falcons.

He gave the fans what they wanted.

And the fans gave him what he hasn’t had since USC.

What this town embracing Sam Darnold looked and felt like in real time: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...

Vikings-Falcons preview, predictions: Can Minnesota spoil Kirk Cousins’ return? Can the talented Vikings defense keep Cousins, Bijan Robinson and Drake London in check for 60 minutes on Sunday?

The Vikings-Falcons preview with @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social!

• What we’re watching
• Biggest concerns
• Most interesting matchup
• Advanced data breakdown
• Predictions

www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...

KFAN’s Paul Allen talks Kirk Cousins’ return, Vikings’ NFC North chances and more: Ep. 38 | Presented by First Resource Bank Podcast Episode · The Alec Lewis Show · 12/04/2024 · 47m

For the audio crowd...

iHeart: www.iheart.com/podcast/1333...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3Zcc...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/k...

Love it! Thank you!!!

Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota means more than the Vikings are saying Buried beneath the Falcons-Vikings pleasantries are six years of memories affecting this team, this town and Cousins himself.

This is going as expected.

They’re all treating Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota in ho-hum fashion.

But this is more than that. This is six years of memories — highs, lows, joy, frustration, validation. And all of that matters: www.nytimes.com/athletic/597...

YouTube video by The Alec Lewis Show KFAN’s Paul Allen talks Kirk Cousins’ return, Vikings’ NFC North chances and more (Ep. 38)

New podcast ep with Paul Allen presented by First Resource Bank...

— On Kirk Cousins' return
— NFC North chances
— Kevin O'Connell's play-calling
— And more

Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXW7...

Why Vikings’ Jonathan Greenard has earned a place among NFL’s top pass rushers "We're lucky to have him," defensive coordinator Brian Flores said of Greenard, who has 10 sacks and leads the NFL with 60 QB pressures.

One HC called him the most underrated edge player in the NFL.

Vikings DC Brian Flores says every week “we’re lucky to have him.”

Jonathan Greenard has earned his place among the elites with an almost jarring level of consistency: www.nytimes.com/athletic/596...