Jared Allen Issues Strong Words to Vikings Before Lions Game
There wasn’t much for Minnesota to take away in Week 8. The team must evaluate what went wrong and quickly move on from the blowout loss ahead of their Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions. After starting the 2025 NFL season at 3-2, the Vikings have dropped two straight to fall to 3-4.
While the focus is on the quarterback situation, especially now with Carson Wentz done for the 2025 NFL season, former Vikings defensive lineman Jared Allen believes how the Minnesota defense is performing is just as concerning.
“The offense has been putting up points,” Allen said on the October 27 edition of the “Up & Adams” show. “We weren’t really blown out until this Chargers game, but when I watched that game, the biggest thing I saw was a lack of tackling and guys not using their hands properly up front and catching blocks. And you know, for me, if you can’t stop the run, it’s simple, right? You have to stop the run.”
Are the Vikings in a Troubling QB Situation?
With Carson Wentz out for the season and uncertainty surrounding second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s return, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson believes Minnesota are
“I will say this: Kevin O’Connell is incredibly patient,” Wilson said on the October 27 edition of “CBS Sports HQ
“And I do know that they like Max Brosmer a lot, the undrafted free agent out of Minnesota who had played previously at the University of New Hampshire. So, they have options. They are young options with
“I don’t want to say the Vikings are in a bad way, but they have some answers they need to find at the quarterback position now that Carson Wentz, who had been average at best but was sort of holding things together until J.J. got back, is now on IR, and his season appears to be over.”
Will the Vikings Make the Playoffs?
With McCarthy expected to return for the Lions game and the team sitting at 3-4, the big question is whether the Vikings can still make a playoff push following the Wentz injury. Wilson admitted he’s not confident about where things stand at the
“This ain’t where you want to be at the midway point of the season,” Wilson added. “No doubt about it. And again, last year this time, we were having conversations about Sam Darnold as the MVP, which is sort of funny to say, but he played that well. That team played that well.
“The other thing to keep in mind is that the Brian Flores defense hasn’t looked quite like the Brian Flores defense we saw a year ago. They’ve been exposed at times, most recently on Thursday night, where we saw the offensive line, which has also struggled with injuries. We saw Carson Wentz take another beating that led to him landing on IR.
“But you compound the issues with the offensive line struggling to stay healthy and then the defense not playing at the level that it played at a year ago. And you take that all together with a young and/or rookie quarterback, should Max Brosmer have to play. And this is where you find yourself, and there’s very little room for error.”
Dillon Gabriel Faces Growing Frustration Over Ineffective Long Drives, Fans Question His Ability to Bring Stability to Browns' Offense
The Cleveland Browns' offensive woes have continued to plague the team, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel is now at the center of growing frustration from both fans and analysts alike. Despite his early promise, Gabriel has struggled to lead the team effectively, particularly when it comes to executing long, sustained drives. His inability to maintain consistency and generate meaningful plays has left many questioning whether he can provide the stability the Browns so desperately need on offense.
Throughout the season, the Browns have faced difficulty in putting together consistent offensive performances, and the lack of effectiveness on long drives has been a significant part of the issue. Gabriel, who had been seen as a potential answer to the team's offensive struggles, has failed to establish a rhythm, particularly on third downs and in the red zone, where long drives are crucial. Fans have voiced their disappointment on social media and in stadiums, citing missed opportunities and a lack of command during critical moments.
“It’s just not clicking,” said one disappointed fan after a recent game. “Dillon shows flashes of being capable, but when it matters most, he can’t get the offense moving. We’ve seen it too many times this season—long drives that stall, and no consistency. It’s frustrating.”
Gabriel, who was brought in to stabilize the quarterback position and bring some consistency to the offense, has been unable to consistently produce those moments of stability. His performance, while not devoid of potential, has been marred by errors, missed throws, and an inability to string together multiple successful plays when it counts.
“I'm trying to do my best out there, but it’s clear we need more consistency,” Gabriel said after the latest loss. “I take full responsibility for the struggles on offense. I know I need to be better, and I’m working hard to fix the issues. But I understand the frustration of the fans—this team deserves better.”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has stood by Gabriel through the ups and downs, addressed the growing frustration during his post-game press conference, emphasizing the need for improvement across the board. “We’re all looking for better execution, and that starts with me as the head coach. Dillon knows what he needs to work on, and we’re all committed to making those improvements as a team,” Stefanski said.
Despite the setbacks, Gabriel remains hopeful that the offense can turn things around, citing the team’s overall talent and potential. However, as the season progresses, the pressure is mounting on Gabriel to prove that he can bring the stability and leadership that the Browns need to get back on track. The fans’ growing frustration with the offense suggests that time is running out for Gabriel to find consistency and live up to expectations as the Browns’ starting quarterback.
With the Browns facing a critical stretch of games, all eyes will be on Gabriel and whether he can finally get the offense to function at a high level. If he cannot lead the team to more effective and sustained drives, his role as the quarterback could be in jeopardy, and the Browns’ playoff aspirations may continue to slip further out of reach.
