The Alec Lewis Show Vikings offensive plan changes, 2026 draft priorities, cap space levers and more: Ep. 134 | Presented by First Resource Bank
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Dec 10, 2025 Delve into the Vikings' evolving offensive strategies, including a heavy running approach against the Commanders and simplified communication at the line. Discover how J.J. McCarthy's passing accuracy has improved and the implications of playing with an early lead. Standout performances from Eric Wilson, C.J. Ham, and Jalen Naylor take the spotlight. The discussion also touches on draft priorities for 2026, cap space maneuvering, and Kevin O'Connell's play-calling future amidst rising challenges in the wide receiver room.
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Two-Mode Offensive Plan Worked
- The Vikings split game plans: heavy personnel and runs on early downs, and shotgun spread on third downs to simplify reads for J.J. McCarthy.
- Alec Lewis says this two-world approach targeted Washington's stagnant defense and reduced McCarthy's pre-snap chaos.
Quick Passing Concepts, Not Deep Reads
- Passing emphasis was on quick reads, screens, and high-low concepts rather than asking McCarthy to read the whole field.
- Lewis notes these concepts weren't brand new, but McCarthy's improved accuracy made them more effective.
Leading Dictates Winning Scripts
- Playing with the lead radically changes the Vikings' script and success; they had only 128 offensive snaps with a lead in first 13 weeks.
- Lewis links their biggest wins to games where they spent the most snaps leading, making lead maintenance paramount.