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Vikings News Tracker: Kendricks and Barr Sound Off, Packers TE Responds, and More Updates

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At Vikings Territory, every effort is made to ensure our readers stay informed on what’s taking place within the world of Vikings news.

Earlier in the week, there has been a pile of updates. VT has offered up pieces covering Brian Flores being a “psycho,” a player who has some “screws loose,” and the mixed bag on the injury front. Other items — a young player getting leapfrogged, a dissection of the Chicago Bears, Week 2 NFL picks — got offered, as well. Look to the Vikings news items to have been missed.

Vikings News Tracker | Friday, September 18th, 2026

Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks Aren’t Impressed by PFF

NFL: International Series-Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns
Oct 29, 2017; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings players free safety Anthony Harris (41) middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54), outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55), linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (59) and defensive back Tramaine Brock (24) stand during the playing of the United States national anthem during an NFL International Series game against the Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Browns 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The former Vikings linebackers have a great podcast going called Bent Outta Shape. Consider some of their thoughts on PFF, the analytics website that people love to hate:

Both of Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are accomplished ex-professionals who think the game at a high level. My knowledge of football comes nowhere close to them.

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What I will say, though, is that PFF isn’t without merit. Much of what’s helpful is that it offers an easy-to-digest grading system that exists on a scale from 0-100. Nevertheless, there’s great danger in seeing a singular assessment and then concluding that the football debate stops there.

As with any way of knowing about ball, PFF is a singular data point that should be put into conversation with other ways of knowing to arrive at the best possible way of understanding the sport. So, I largely agree with Kendricks and Barr, but would push back just a hair.

A Packers TE Didn’t Love the All-Out Aggression

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) fights through Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) and cornerback Stephon Gilmore (2) as he dives to score a touchdown on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky sent the update about what Tucker Kraft had to say on Green Bay finding more success in the red zone.

The player’s thoughts: “Well, we need to not to get punt-rushed in the red zone. That would be extremely helpful.”

Any defensive coordinator who sees this quote would be wise to ensure the blitzes are ready to roll. Cook up no shortage of six- and seven-man pressures. Essentially, get the defense ready to punt rush the Packers in the red zone. Do that until the Packers prove capable of handling the pressure.

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The NFC North is Up for Grabs on Sunday

Lions players including D.J. Reader getting ready for a game in 2025
From left, Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11), right tackle Penei Sewell (58), quarterback Jared Goff (16) and defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) get ready to take the field for first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. As a result, there are only two perfect teams left standing in the division: the 1-0 Vikings and 1-0 Bears. Coincidentally, these teams will battle on Sunday. Whoever wins will climb to 2-0 and be unmatched by any foes.

Vikings Scouts Ready to Do Some Scouting in their Own Backyard

NCAA Football: Eastern Illinois at Minnesota
Sep 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks on prior to the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Darren Wolfson (KSTP) has the news that Minnesota will have representation at the upcoming Gophers game. Buzz keeps building for an impressive offensive lineman.

The word: “The #Vikings and #Steelers are expected to have scouts Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium for the #Gophers vs. Akron game. Gophers left guard Greg Johnson (Prior Lake HS) continues to impress.”

— Check Back Throughout the Day for More Quick Vikings News Updates —


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5 Mistakes WWE has already made with Money in the Bank 2026

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Money in the Bank is the next big WWE PLE on the calendar. Worlds Collide takes place next weekend, but it’s not as important to everyday operations as Money in the Bank.

The ladder matches provide a star with the opportunity to become a World Champion. Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, and Trick Williams have qualified for the men’s match.

Solo Sikoa, Dominik Mysterio, and Dragon Lee will battle for a spot on RAW. CM Punk, Gunther, and Finn Balor do the same on next week’s SmackDown.

Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, and Jacy Jayne made it to the women’s ladder match. Roxanne Perez faces IYO SKY and AAA’s La Catalina in another qualifier on the upcoming episode of RAW.

Charlotte Flair, Lash Legend, and Giulia have a chance to qualify on SmackDown. Roman Reigns defending the World Heavyweight Championship against LA Knight is currently the only other match booked for the show.

Some booking decisions have been headscratchers. WWE has already made the next five mistakes with Money in the Bank.


#5. Using stars from other brands in qualifying matches

WWE has done this mostly with qualifiers for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Sol Ruca beat Lyra Valkyria and Maxxine Dupri to advance. RAW’s other two triple threats have utilized stars from other brands.

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Lola Vice debuted in a qualifier by beating NXT Women’s Champion Kelani Jordan and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Raquel Rodriguez. AAA’s La Catalina will face Roxanne Perez and IYO SKY on RAW.

The final triple threat is weaving in a match for next weekend’s Worlds Collide show. Becky Lynch, Ivy Nile, or Natalya could have been used instead. Lynch could have still lost and pivoted to facing Liv Morgan or Stephanie Vaquer. Using a few names from other brands usually means those stars won’t advance.


#4. Too many newcomers qualified

The best field of Money in the Bank competitors is a blend of one or two younger stars mixed with several veterans. The veterans could be stars like LA Knight who’ve never captured a major WWE Title, or others like Finn Balor and Kevin Owens who haven’t held major gold in years.

Naomi gained steam by turning heel last year. Picking her to win made sense since she hadn’t won a major title in years. The stars who’ve already qualified are either under 30 or relatively new to the main roster.

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Only Bron Breakker has been around for more than a few years. Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams joined RAW and SmackDown in early 2026. Sol Ruca and Jacy Jayne debuted after WrestleMania 42. Lola Vice debuted in her qualifying match and won.

Other than Breakker, those names shouldn’t win the case. It is a way to represent the future, but those spots could have gone to other names that are closer to being World Champions.


#3. Trick Williams advances over Randy Orton

SmackDown’s first qualifier pitted Randy Orton against United States Champion Trick Williams and AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix. Fenix was in the match to eat the pin.

Since Williams currently holds the United States Title and is feuding with Baron Corbin, it would have made much more sense for Corbin to cost Trick the match. Interference is legal under triple threat rules.

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Orton has mentioned winning a 15th title numerous times over the last three years. Putting him in Money in the Bank would have at least given the illusion that he could win it via the case.

Trick should be focusing on rebuilding the US Title after a mediocre run with the title. The belt feels more like a prop and a joke. It’s lost a lot of prestige in a year due to match quality and ending the US Open Challenges.


#2. WWE doesn’t put Bayley in a qualifier

Bayley returned to RAW during Lyra Valkyria’s Money in the Bank triple threat. She missed the previous six weeks to sell Lyra’s attack following their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in July.

The former Hugger paid Lyra back by costing her a chance to qualify for this year’s Money in the Bank. WWE has felt the need to use stars from other brands, but why isn’t Bayley in a qualifier?

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She’s one of the best workers and biggest stars in the division. Lyra could have cost her in her triple threat. If she’s back on RAW, use her.


#1. Putting current champions in the qualifiers

WWE has done this with Money in the Bank qualifiers and King of the Ring tournament matches. Champions should focus on their titles. It’s the easiest thing to book.

If a champion advances, it takes an opportunity away from a different star that could use it. Where’s Carmelo Hayes? He could have been in Trick’s triple threat instead. WWE could have used Damian Priest, Shinsuke Nakamura, or Corbin.

Jordan, Rodriguez, La Catalina, Jayne, Williams, and Breakker all hold titles. Breakker is a tag champion, and WWE doesn’t focus much on those belts. Putting so many champions into triple threats often means one will lose or be pinned. This happened when Vice pinned Rodriguez to advance.

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