Purple Daily - A Minnesota Vikings Podcast

Is Minnesota Vikings offense actively changing at training camp?

August 7, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Is the Vikings Offense Actively Changing at Training Camp?

The Minnesota Vikings are installing a noticeably different offensive system at training camp, and the early returns suggest something more than cosmetic tweaks. Host Thor and co-host AJ break down what they've observed in the first week of padded practices, centered on the arrival of Frank Smith—the run game architect brought in from the Miami Dolphins—and the broader implications for how this offense will look in 2025.

The Frank Smith Influence and a New Run Scheme

The most visible change at camp is the shift toward a wide zone run scheme primarily out of shotgun, the system Smith ran in Miami. In 2023, the Dolphins led the NFL in yards per carry under that approach, and the Vikings are clearly hoping to generate the kind of explosive runs that have been absent from their backfield. Last season, Minnesota ranked 23rd in rush yards per game; the Dolphins, even as their team struggled in 2024, finished tied for fourth in yards per carry.

Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.

Read Full Summary →

Free • No credit card required

Listen to Audio Summary Open in App

Never miss an episode of Purple Daily - A Minnesota Vikings Podcast

Get every new episode summarized in your inbox — free, ~5 minutes to read.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

What you'll learn

1 Timestamped Outline
2 (01:16) **Show Opening and Setting Up the Topic** - Hosts Thor and AJ introduce the episode and preview discussion about offensive system changes at Vikings training camp
3 (02:30) **Frank Smith's Run Scheme and Its Proven Track Record** - Thor explains the new run game coordinator's wide zone system and why the Vikings brought him in
4 (04:44) **Jordan Mason as the Ideal Fit for This System** - Thor argues the running back is poised for a breakout season in the new scheme
5 (06:32) **The Pistol Formation as a Tactical Weapon** - Thor explains how mixing formations creates confusion for defenses
6 (07:03) **Manipulating Defensive Personnel Through Formation** - Thor connects the new approach to a broader NFL trend of using heavy sets to create passing advantages
7 (09:54) **Early-Season Strategic Advantage Against Division Rivals** - The hosts discuss how the new looks could pay off immediately

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Thor goes in depth on what he's noticed at training camp so far regarding the Vikings installing more of Frank Smith's running game schemes the introductory of Pistol into the fold. Plus some leftover mailbag questions from listeners on Thursday's show!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.