On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, host Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano dive deep into the Minnesota Vikings’ thrilling showdown against the Chicago Bears. As part of the Vikings 1st & SKOL production and Fans First Sports Network, the duo brings fans a refreshing take on all things Vikings. With insightful analysis, and some hearty debate, Forness and Stefano explore the intricacies of the Vikings’ gameplay, Sam Darnold’s remarkable performance, and the ongoing challenges and triumphs of the NFL broadcast.

Vikings’ Victory Analysis:

“Is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold an MVP candidate?” Forness asks as he opens the discussion, setting the stage for a deep dive into Darnold’s on-field performance. While not officially in the race for MVP, Forness argues that Darnold’s recent gameplay, especially against the Bears, has showcased his potential. According to Forness, “Sam Darnold played better than Jared Goff based on both the eye tests and the metrics,” a testament to his outstanding display.

Throughout the episode, Forness praises Darnold’s evolution as a quarterback. He notes, “Sam Darnold is just good now,” reflecting on Darnold’s adaptability and strategic gameplay that have significantly improved over time. This transformation is evidenced in his recent performances, which Forness hails as “the best two games, arguably, of his career.”

The Broadcast Angle:

The discussion takes a critical turn as Forness and Stefano express their frustrations with the sports broadcasting industry. According to the hosts, inconsistent technological resources across stadiums significantly impact game quality and outcomes. Forness passionately argues that, “you have to have equality,” suggesting that every game should be equipped with the same level of technology, regardless of its broadcast rank.

Forness laments, “It is looking subpar,” highlighting the missed opportunities for better coverage due to inadequate camera setups. The hosts stress the significant consequences of these technological disparities, especially on crucial calls that could alter the outcome of high-stakes games. “It’s not rocket science,” Forness contends, advocating for more investment in game-wide technology to ensure equity across all NFL broadcasts.

Narrative Conflicts in Broadcasting:

Beyond technology, Forness calls out apparent biases in game commentators who overlook key Viking stories in favor of other narratives. He criticizes the overwhelming attention given to Bears’ quarterback Caleb Williams over the actual game outcomes. Forness exclaims, “All they could talk about was Caleb Williams… Who cares?” pointing out the need for more balanced and relevant commentary.

For Forness, the highlights of the Vikings’ gameplay, including Darnold’s exemplary performance, were overshadowed by the skewed narrative focusing on the opposing team’s potential. This, he claims, undermines the recognition deserved by the Vikings, a sentiment echoed by many fans who feel the Vikings are often underappreciated by mainstream media.

Sam Darnold Versus the MVP Nominees:

The discourse then shifts back to individual player performances, especially the criteria for MVP candidacy. Forness argues, “Why isn’t Sam Darnold an MVP candidate, but Jared Goff is?” pushing the conversation towards an examination of performance metrics and team dynamics. While neither Forness nor Stefano believe Darnold is a true MVP candidate at this point, they emphasize his noticeable improvement and potential.

Tyler Forness challenges the perception of Jared Goff as a standout quarterback, suggesting that the narrative being built around him is more reflective of media darling status than actual performance. “Preseason narratives matter,” asserts Forness, implying that preconceived notions can heavily influence player popularity and subsequent accolades.

Comparisons:

Yards — Goff: 2,761, Darnold: 2,717

Passing Touchdowns — Goff: 20, Darnold: 22

Interceptions — Goff: 9, Darnold: 10

EPA/play (neutral situations) — Goff: 0.163 (11th), Darnold: 0.225 (5th)

Success Rate (neutral situations) — Goff: 51.1% (8th), Darnold: 53.4% (2nd)

CPOE (Completion Percentage Over Expected) — Goff: 4.7 (8th), Darnold: 9.0% (1st)

Air Yards/Attempt — Goff: 6.6 (27th), Darnold: 9.0 (4th)

Yards After Catch percentage — Goff: 57.2% (8th), Darnold: 40.3% (37th)

PFF Big Time Throws — Goff: 9 (23rd), Darnold: 17 (7th)

Turnover Worthy Plays — Goff: 12 (T-9th worst), Darnold: 15 (T-3rd worst)

QBR — Goff: 57.8, Darnold: 59.4

Passer Rating — Goff: 109.9, Darnold: 101.7

Team Record — Goff: 10-1, Darnold: 9-2

Coach O’Connell’s Play Calling:

A crucial element of Forness and Stefano’s analysis resides in the examination of Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell’s strategy. Addressing the mixed reception of his play calling, Forness declares O’Connell a “great play caller,” acknowledging that brilliant strategy sometimes fails due to poor execution.

Stefano adds depth to this analysis, stating, “There’s a sweet spot between brilliant play calling and the proper execution.” Both hosts agree that while O’Connell’s strategies are often ingenious, the flawless execution lies heavily on player performance under variable conditions – a challenge every head coach must navigate.

Listen:

Watch:

Conclusion:

The episode closes with an acknowledgement of the Vikings’ steadfast fan base and their growing demand for deserved recognition. Forness reaffirms his commitment to voicing inequities in broadcasting and coverage, stating, “Speak up. This is a bunch of crap. And it needs to be fixed.”

The Real Forno Show once again captures the pulse of the Minnesota Vikings fandom, providing not only thoughtful critiques but also advocacy for fairness and equity within the NFL’s expansive landscape. As Forness declares, “You should have the same resources and technology available because you play in the National Football League. That’s simple.” This episode serves as both a celebration of the Vikings’ successes and a call to action for fair coverage and acknowledgment of their achievements.

FAN WITH US!!!

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.