By Brandon Jones

The Minnesota Vikings remain unbeaten, but their latest victory left Stitch and BJ debating how much longer defense and special teams can carry an offense still searching for consistency.

On the latest episode of “Vikings Water Cooler Talk with Stitch and BJ,” presented by GameDay Men’s Health of Rapid City, the hosts discussed Minnesota’s win over Miami, quarterback Kyler Murray’s progress and the upcoming trip to New Orleans.

Their central question: Can the Vikings turn a 4-0 start into sustained success without scoring more offensive touchdowns?

Stitch emphasized the importance of winning while Murray settles into the offense. BJ welcomed the result but said Minnesota’s performance against Miami offered reasons for concern.

Both credited the Dolphins for making the game competitive despite their winless record.

“The NFL is competitive by design,” Stitch said.

The hosts pointed to Murray’s finish as an encouraging development. They highlighted his 13-for-14 passing stretch late in the game and his ability to protect the football when Minnesota needed to close out the victory.

“He made the throws when necessary,” Stitch said. “He didn’t turn the ball over.”

BJ was more measured in his assessment, arguing that the strong finish did not erase earlier missed opportunities. Still, he said he was not ready to call for backup Carson Wentz.

“I’m not willing to give up on Kyler Murray yet,” BJ said.

The discussion also revisited criticism of coach Kevin O’Connell’s play calling. BJ said film analysis had challenged his initial impression that the offensive problems rested primarily with the coach. He described plays in which receivers appeared open but Murray hesitated, missed the throw or left the pocket. Both hosts said improvement would require better execution from Murray and adjustments that make fuller use of his mobility. They also highlighted tight end T.J. Hockenson’s involvement as a positive sign for an offense playing without Justin Jefferson.

For Stitch, Hockenson’s performance offered a reminder of the dependable receiving option Minnesota needs while its star wide receiver is sidelined. The hosts discussed whether Jefferson could return against New Orleans, but their expectations were predictions rather than a confirmed injury update.

Defense, Reichard keep Minnesota moving

While the offense remains a work in progress, Stitch and BJ praised the number of players contributing elsewhere. Their discussion included Dallas Turner, Kyle Van Noy, Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr., with both hosts crediting defensive coordinator Brian Flores for a unit capable of creating problems at multiple levels.

“It’s not one person,” Stitch said.

They also singled out kicker Will Reichard, whose reliability has become especially valuable while touchdowns remain scarce.

“Will Reichard is our offense right now,” Stitch said.

BJ cautioned that relying heavily on field goals leaves little room for error. Both agreed Minnesota needs to finish more possessions in the end zone as the schedule becomes more demanding.

Saints present next test

The hosts viewed the trip to New Orleans as an opportunity to reach the bye week at 5-0, while warning against overlooking a Saints team coming off a difficult loss to Atlanta.

They identified quarterback Tyler Shough, receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara as players Minnesota must account for. Stitch said Shough’s willingness to throw downfield could present a different challenge from New Orleans.

Playing on the road against a team eager to rebound added to their concerns.

“We need to score an offensive touchdown,” Stitch said.

The episode also returned to Minnesota’s long-term quarterback plans following J.J. McCarthy’s departure.

BJ questioned whether Murray would ultimately become the permanent answer or whether the Vikings would pursue another quarterback. Stitch argued that Murray still has an opportunity to earn that role and that an unbeaten team has little reason to disrupt its quarterback room during the season.

“Kyler Murray has every opportunity in front of him to be our quarterback of the future,” Stitch said.

For now, both hosts picked Minnesota to beat New Orleans,while agreeing that the offense needs to take another step.

SKOL Picks

Selections below reflect the picks stated during the episode.

MatchupStitchBJ
Buccaneers at CowboysCowboysCowboys
Eagles at JaguarsJaguarsJaguars
Texans at TitansTexansTexans
Bengals at DolphinsBengalsBengals
Raiders at PatriotsPatriots*Raiders
Vikings at SaintsVikingsVikings
Browns at JetsBrownsBrowns
Colts at SteelersSteelersSteelers*
Giants at CommandersGiantsCommanders
Bears at PackersBearsPackers
Broncos at ChargersBroncosBroncos
Lions at CardinalsLionsLions
49ers at Seahawks49ers49ers
Ravens at FalconsFalconsRavens
Bills at RamsBillsBills

Stitch said he might change his Patriots selection. BJ reserved the right to change his Steelers pick. The Broncos-Chargers discussion included support for a potential Chargers upset, but BJ’s final selection was not settled but he’s leaning on Bronco’s

Kylie remained atop the show’s picks competition at 46-17. Stitch reported a 39-25 record, while BJ stood at 35-29.