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

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

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.

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

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.

The NFC North is Up for Grabs on Sunday

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

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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