KOC Hints Shotgun Shift While Blake Brandel Takes Center Stage

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: Blake Brandel #64 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the field after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images Vikings fans, Blake Brandel’s center gamble could make or break Kyler Murray’s 2026 season — and Kevin O’Connell just tipped his hand at the NFL meetings. In the latest Two Old Bloggers episode on Vikings 1st & SKOL, Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano deliver no-fluff analysis of the league meetings, the high-stakes center battle, Jordan Addison’s future, and Kirk Cousins’ Vegas payday.

Darren and Dave open by dissecting Kevin O’Connell’s comments, noting the head coach refused to name a starter but left zero doubt. “KOC basically admitted it’s Kyler Murray’s job to lose,” Dave said, “while quietly promising more shotgun looks and hoping Blake Brandel doesn’t get him killed up the middle. ” Darren highlighted O’Connell’s plan for more pistol and shotgun formations — a shift from the Vikings’ traditional under-center approach — and credited new assistant Frank Smith’s influence.

He also praised KOC’s mid-2025 adjustment when J. J. McCarthy struggled, showing the coach can adapt to his quarterback’s strengths.

On the personnel side, interim GM Rob Brzezinski’s “dry powder” line stole the show. Darren explained it means the Vikings still have cap flexibility for moves between now and September, especially at wide receiver and defensive line. Jauan Jennings remains a logical target.