In this episode, Forness and Stefano kick off with Addison’s plea to “wet reckless” driving, predicting a 1-3 game NFL suspension based on league precedent (most likely 3 games), potentially impacting early matchups like Week 3 against the Bengals. The focus shifts to Flores’ evolving scheme, highlighting a “waves defense” with rotations featuring Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave to sustain last year’s 38.6% blitz rate. They speculate on Dallas Turner’s expanded role as a pass-rush threat, Ivan Pace Jr.’s linebacker versatility, and cornerback battles amid questions about Mekhi Blackmon’s ACL recovery and Isaiah Rodgers’ fit. Discussions on turnovers aim for 25 in 2025, down from 33, emphasizing earned plays, while special teams touches on returner competitions and punter Ryan Wright’s job security. Forness praises UDFAs like Tyler Batty and Elijah Williams as dark horses, underscoring the unit’s potential to rank top-5 if healthy and adaptable.
Jordan Addison Update: Plea deal to lesser charge; NFL suspension likely 3 games, with appeal possible; possible absence impacts against high-powered offenses like Bengals in week 3.
Defensive Line Rotations: “Waves” strategy with Allen and Hargrave for interior pressure; intrigue around undersized additions like Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (275 lbs) for versatility.
Edge and Linebacker Outlook: Greenard as top pass rusher; Turner’s Year 2 breakout potential; Pace’s role expansion amid backups like Kobe King.
Secondary Battles: Corner spots open beyond Byron Murphy Jr.; Rodgers hyped for speed and patience; three-safety looks persisting with Theo Jackson.
Turnovers and Special Teams: Realistic goal of 25 forced turnovers; returner skepticism on Silas Bolden, favoring options like Isaiah Rogers.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.
Question:
What do you predict for Jordan Addison’s suspension length, and how might it affect the Vikings’ early 2025 games? Share your thoughts below!