Will Flores Transforms Vikings D Again? 2025 Predictions + Linebackers Long-Term View & More!

In the July 13, 2025 episode of Two Old Bloggers on Vikings 1st & SKOL, Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano analyze Vikings linebackers’ long-term outlook—uncertain inside but stable edge with Turner/Greenard—Flores’ 2025 defense evolution (more man coverage, versatility), and news like Cousins’ Falcons regrets, Turner’s $240K scam, and ESPN’s 13 Vikings draft gems. SKOL!

As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2025 NFL season following their impressive 14-3 run in 2024, fans, reporters, bloggers, and podcasters are buzzing about defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ potential innovations to sustain elite performance. In the latest episode of Two Old Bloggers on Vikings 1st & SKOL—a production partnered with the Fans First Sports Network—hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano deliver a comprehensive breakdown that’s essential listening for Purple faithful. With training camp just days away, the duo explores long-term linebacker stability, Flores’ tactical evolutions like increased man coverage and versatile deployments, and timely Vikings headlines that could shape the year ahead.

Campbell and Stefano, seasoned bloggers with a pulse on Vikings lore, remind us why Flores transformed a leaky 2022 unit into a sack-happy and turnover generating force, while pondering if new additions like Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, along with Isaiah Rodgers, will propel them further.

Imagine a Vikings defense that doesn’t fade late in the season—blitzing less against vets, manning up more, and confusing offenses with multi-tool players. That’s the question: Could Flores’ “time machine” genius, as Stefano calls it, finally deliver a championship-caliber unit? Dive in for the full scoop on why 2025 feels like Minnesota’s breakout year.

Key Themes of the Show:

• Linebackers Long-Term Outlook: Inside linebackers face uncertainty with Blake Cashman and rookie Kobe King as the only longer-term locks; Ivan Pace Jr.’s pass coverage development could earn an extension, while Brian Asamoah battles for a roster spot. Edge rushers appear stronger with Dallas Turner (under contract through 2028), Jonathan Greenard (2027), and Andrew Van Ginkel (2026), though depth relies on undrafted talents like Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy; age and production will determine extensions for veterans turning 30+.
• Brian Flores’ 2025 Defensive Evolution: Flores aims to sustain early-season dominance by increasing man coverage with corners like Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr., emphasizing “multiple” versatile players (e.g., Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Turner) for confusion; expect less blitzing against seasoned QBs thanks to interior upgrades like Hargrave and Allen, focusing on dictation over reaction to counter late-2024 fades where the Vikings allowed 25+ points in final games.

For another great take, check out Warren Ludford’s piece here at the Daily Norseman.

• Vikings Headlines Roundup: Kirk Cousins admits feeling “misled” by Atlanta drafting Michael Penix Jr., thanking the Falcons for pushing Minnesota to move on and draft J.J. McCarthy; Dallas Turner loses $240K to a scam, potentially fueling a breakout year with motivation to make it up in incentives; ESPN’s Ben Solak lists 13 Vikings as best draft picks by slot (e.g., Adrian Peterson at #7, Justin Jefferson at #22), sparking debates on omissions like Danielle...