Ben Goessling
bengoessling.bsky.social
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.

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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...
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
Quick podcast with @emleiker.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social today, reacting to the news that J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol: youtu.be/SwsEHblP05o?...
J.J. McCarthy's in concussion protocol. Will Max Brosmer start vs. Seattle?
YouTube video by Star Tribune
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Kevin O’Connell said the hit that caused J.J. McCarthy's concussion "had to be late" in the game, based on how much the Packers hit him in the second half.

In addition to the five second-half sacks he took, here's the fourth-quarter scramble where T.J. Hockenson helped McCarthy up.
November 24, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Max Brosmer will take first-team reps at quarterback for the #Vikings with J.J. McCarthy in the concussion protocol, Kevin O’Connell said. They’ll make a decision on the starting quarterback for Seattle once they see how McCarthy comes through the protocol.
November 24, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Kevin O’Connell said J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol. McCarthy reported some symptoms as the #Vikings came home last night, O’Connell said.
November 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
“You say the same things, expecting something to change, and we’re still in the same spot.”

Justin Jefferson summarized a #Vikings team that seems stuck in a loop. After one of their worst days ever at Lambeau, they’re left looking for anything to pull them out: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
www.startribune.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Reposted by Ben Goessling
A dumpster was moved up and down a Lambeau Field ramp near where @bengoessling.bsky.social, @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I were recording today's Access Vikings postgame episode, so it's quite the listen.

Out now on audio. Video to come later, but we're en route back from Green Bay currently.
November 24, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Kevin O’Connell said Christian Darrisaw was trying to play through his foot and ankle injuries, and Donovan Jackson wanted to go back in the game, but trainers thought it would be best to hold him out. They’ll both be evaluated this week.
November 23, 2025 at 9:25 PM
The #Vikings' 145 yards are currently their second-fewest ever at Lambeau Field, ahead of only the rainy December Thursday night game here in 2006. They had 104 yards in that game, which they lost 9-7.
November 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
J.J. McCarthy's pass is intercepted by Isaiah McDuffie. Looked like Rashan Gary hit it coming around the left side past Justin Skule.
November 23, 2025 at 8:29 PM
#Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw (foot) is also out for the game.
November 23, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Donovan Jackson is out for the rest of the game with an ankle injury, the #Vikings announced.
November 23, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The #Vikings have -10 yards in the third quarter.
November 23, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Micah Parsons beat Christian Darrisaw on second down, and steamrolled Ryan Kelly on third down. Hard to see a path back for the #Vikings if the Packers' pass rushers can just pin their ears back.
November 23, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Touchdown Emanuel Wilson. 16-6 Packers, extra point pending.

For the second week in a row, a special teams mistake could have disastrous consequences for the #Vikings.
November 23, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Daniel Whelan's punt checks up, and Myles Price gets pushed into it. Packers recover on the #Vikings' 6.
November 23, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The #Vikings have turned the ball over 13 times in their past seven games, and haven't won the turnover battle since Week 3. No turnovers for either team today; a takeaway could be the key for the Vikings in the second half.
November 23, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Will Reichard is now 7 of 9 from 50+ this season.
November 23, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Will Reichard, practically automatic from 59 out. It's 10-6 Packers with 10 seconds before halftime.
November 23, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The Packers, who are up 10-3, will get the second-half kickoff. #Vikings have 2:25 before halftime; it's a big chance to score, but a three-and-out would put the Packers in position to score again. Important spot here.
November 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Josh Metellus is out of the medical tent, and returning to the game after testing out his knee on the sideline.
November 23, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Now Josh Metellus is down. Eric Wilson rolled up on Metellus' left knee.

Christian Darrisaw is out of the medical tent. Taking a few sets on the sideline with a member of the medical staff watching.
November 23, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Christian Darrisaw is in the medical tent. Jordan Mason landed on the back of his legs on the #Vikings' fourth-down run.
November 23, 2025 at 6:53 PM
After all that commitment to the run, the #Vikings get stopped on third and fourth down with a yard to go. T.J. Hockenson on third down, Jordan Mason on fourth down. Packers created a pile-up on both plays.
November 23, 2025 at 6:48 PM
The #Vikings have handed off nine times for 64 yards. They've run Jordan Mason on five straight plays.
November 23, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Dallas Turner with the sack of Jordan Love on third-and-15. #Vikings brought four on third down; Turner beat Rasheed Walker with a power move after fighting through a chip from Josh Whyle.
November 23, 2025 at 6:35 PM