KEVIN O’CONNELL – Page 9 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings Must Count on KOC, Flores for Difference Makers

Posted on June 15, 2024June 15, 2024 by David Shama

A common wagering figure this spring is the 2024 Vikings will win seven to eight games (7.5). That prediction is likely more acceptable in other parts of the country than in Vikings land where expectations are more like nine or 10 wins.

Still, only the giddiest of Purple fans—perhaps high on too much aquavit—will argue their favorites have an uber talented roster. The production from the all-important quarterback position is unknown, while the output from the interior offensive and defensive lines, edge rusher and cornerback group belong in the uncertainty category as well. Go ahead, too, and throw in speculation about the quality of the punting and kicking specialists where newcomers loom. And, yes, the schedule is challenging.

There are excellent playmakers at wide receiver, tight end and running back who play with two potential All-Pro tackles in Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw. Star power is lacking on defense where the unit’s biggest name from last season, pass rusher Danielle Hunter, left in free agency.

Scrutinize the roster and it’s evident if the Vikings exceed expectations the personnel will have to play beyond their potential. And that’s where head coach Kevin O’Connell, leading the offense, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores need to be difference makers.

There’s no questioning the coaching chops of either. In the two previous seasons leading the Vikings O’Connell proved his worth as an offensive schemer and play caller. Flores, in his first season leading the defense last season, lived up to his superb reputation after previous assignments as an assistant and head coach in the NFL.

Kevin O’Connell image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

With two unproven quarterbacks in Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, O’Connell will need to be efficient in devising an offense that makes a defense think, without being too exotic. This offense could be run focused to the extent the quarterback is asked to throw 22 to 26 passes a game.

Power running with multiple tight ends and even two running backs might be how the Vikings often line up. The addition of running back Aaron Jones, the free agent signee who three times in seven seasons with the Packers rushed for over 1,000 yards, could see the Vikings use him as a bell cow softening up defenses before Darnold or McCarthy hit wide receivers Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison with a big pass play. Whatever the formation, with or without pre-snap motion, count on KOC to provide an edge in deception and play calling.

Variation of scheme and play calls are likely to be trademarks of Flores’ defense, too. It wouldn’t even be surprising if the unit lined up in a five-man front instead of a three. Flores’ blitzes will be part of the defensive package and expect him to mix his personnel to take advantage of individuals’ strengths and keep players fresh.

It looks like with the players the Vikings have added on defense in the offseason they will collectively be a faster unit than in 2023. That’s exemplified with new linebacker Blake Cashman, the 28-year-old former Gopher whose speed allows him to excel in pass coverage. Rookie Dallas Turner is 6-3, 247, but can motor and may make an impact next fall as a big play pass rusher.

When the Vikings open training camp late next month, the tutoring by O’Connell, Flores and the other coaches will begin as they work with a revamped roster that counts seven rookies and 12 key new NFL veterans. The time will go quickly and must be used wisely as the Vikings prepare for their regular season opener September 8 at the Giants.

A quote from O’Connell last week fit what lies ahead for the staff: ”…There’s an hourglass going for 32 teams the moment that we all come back to training camp and how we use that time—how we prepare the team, I’ve learned is a huge part of the early season.”

Worth Noting

Espn.com posted a story this week about the NFL’s highest paid players and the list included two Vikings and two others with Minnesota ties. Categories used were three-year average (APY) compensation and guaranteed money.

Viking wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s new deal has him at $35 million APY and an NFL record of guaranteed money for a non-quarterback—$110 million. Viking T.J. Hockenson, who agreed to a new deal last summer, is tops among tight ends in guaranteed money at $42.5 million and third in APY at $16 million.

Former Gopher All-American Antoine Winfield Jr., playing for the Bucs, is No. 1 among safeties with $21.03 million APY and $45 million guaranteed. Minnesota native Frank Ragnow, playing for the Lions, is tops among centers in both APY at $14 million and guaranteed money, $42 million.

The highly respected Phil Steele Publications has seven Golden Gophers among its college football preseason honorees. Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery is a third team preseason All-American, while kicker Dragan Kesich made the fourth team.

Both Gophers are first team All-Big Ten selections along with wide receiver Daniel Jackson. Defensive lineman Danny Striggow and cornerback Justin Walley are second teamers, with linebacker Cody Lindenberg on the third team and punter Mark Crawford the fourth team.

Ryan Burns, the Gopher football authority from GopherIllustrated, counts cornerback transfer Ethan Robinson from Bucknell among new players he will analyze this fall. Burns told Sports Headliners Robinson had “copious amounts of opportunities” from other schools including USC.

Robinson will be a senior and figures to start with Walley, a three-year starter and senior. Burns said the potential is present to have “two play making corners there that’s going to help you immensely.”

Greg Gagne, son of former Gopher great and legendary pro wrestler Verne Gagne, is a partner and co-founder of PowerTown, a company producing “original collectible wrestling action figures comprised of legends of the sport from the past eight decades,” per the website. Greg wrestled for his father’s American Wrestling Association years ago and gained tag team wrestling fame with fellow Minnesotan Jim Brunzell. https://powertownwrestling.com/

Former Gophers public address announcer Dick Jonckowski reports he has been cancer free for about 18 months. He has battled and overcome non-Hodgkin lymphoma three times, and celebrates his 81^st birthday in October.

Jonckowski was honored earlier this year by the Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association with its distinguished service award for his many years promoting the sport including as the public address voice at state tournaments.

The Twins could use a right-handed hitting corner outfielder as they try to overcome a disappointing start to the season and chase the Guardians in the race to win the Central Division title. Ironically, 29-year-old right-handed hitting outfielder Brent Rooker is in town with the lowly Athletics, and he is a club leader in home runs with 13 and 41 RBIs. The Twins drafted Rooker in 2017 but gave up on him after the 2021 season. Before the MLB trade deadline on July 30, he will be rumored to join a contending club.

Luis Arraez, the former Twin leading MLB in batting average at .329, can become the only player in the modern era to win three batting titles with three different teams. With Minnesota, Arraez won the American League championship in 2022, topped the National League last season with the Marlins and could lead that league again playing for the Padres.

Meanwhile, pitcher Pablo Lopez, who came from the Marlins in the Arraez deal, is struggling and not producing numbers like a staff ace. Lopez is 6-6 with a .533 ERA. In his last seven starts he is 3-4 with a 6.34 ERA.

The club’s best starter in 2024 is Joe Ryan, 5-5 and 3.24 ERA. In his last seven starts he is 4-3 with a 2.98 ERA.

Can’t beat these baseball names for pitchers: Scott Blewett and Janson Junk are two names brought to attention by friend Dave Mona. Blewett is one of the Saints’ better relievers with a 3-2 record and 2.41 ERA. Junk is also a reliever and the Brewers recently optioned him to their Nashville farm team after compiling a 9.00 ERA in three games and five innings.

That was Minnetonka High School graduate and Kansas senior Gunnar Broin impressing at the U.S. Open yesterday with a two-under 68 that enabled him to make the cut in Pinehurst, North Carolina. After two rounds he is in contention to finish as the low amateur. He played in the 2023 North and South Amateur at the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club so he is familiar with the course.

It was sad to hear of Jerry West’s death this week. The NBA icon was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1960, shortly before the franchise moved to Los Angeles. West teamed with Elgin Baylor, who got his start with the Lakers in Minneapolis, to form one of the most prolific scoring duos in NBA history.

The Lakers picked up their legacy of great teams in Minneapolis after their move to California. During the 1960s their playoff games were sometimes televised back to the Twin Cities by owner Bob Short who used his trucking company, Admiral Merchants, as a sponsor.

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NFL Authority: J.J. McCarthy to Start for Vikings in 2024

Posted on May 15, 2024 by David Shama

A trusted Sports Headliners source, a former front office personnel leader with NFL teams, is optimistic about playing time in 2024 for Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy who for now is behind veteran Sam Darnold on the early depth chart.

“I expect him to be the starter, maybe not week one, but I would say certainly by October I think he’ll have taken over for Darnold, and I think he could beat him out in training camp. That they (the coaches) may just say hey, we’re going to go with the more talented guy here,” said the source who asked not to be identified.

Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Jets, has bounced around, also playing for the Panthers and 49ers without establishing himself as a key performer. The source describes Darnold, who the Vikings signed as a free agent in March, as “good insurance” until McCarthy is ready.

Darnold, who turns 27 in June, has been inconsistent in past pro stops since leaving USC. Never say never, but the source believes it’s “hard to think that things will change dramatically” for Darnold who has 63 career touchdowns and 56 interceptions.

McCarthy, 21, was the No. 10 overall pick last month in the first round of the NFL Draft. The authority refers to the former Michigan national championship QB as a potential franchise changing player. He sees a lot to like in the 6-foot-3, 219-pound McCarthy, describing him as motivated, athletic and able to “make all the throws.”

A criticism of McCarthy before the draft was he didn’t have to do all that much in Michigan’s run-focused offense that was loaded with talent. However, the insider said when McCarthy “had to make plays he did.” He added McCarthy was “very efficient on third and long, whether it was throwing or running.”

The Vikings are into spring activities and practices which will provide a first look at the QB who was 27-1 as a starter with the Wolverines. “I am excited to see him in camp. I think it was a huge move just for the excitement factor for the franchise and get…the fanbase kind of cranked up,” the source said. “Now they’ve got a guy that could be considered a future franchise quarterback and potentially make people forget about Kirk Cousins.”

What criteria will the Vikings use to evaluate their rookie and potential future leader in the immediate days and weeks ahead before training camp starts in July? The authority, who has been part of leading drafts for NFL teams, said the Vikings coaches will want to see how effectively McCarthy is learning the offense and making the right decisions on the field. “To just see where he’s at and how he’s coming along. I think he’ll progress quickly, will be my expectation for him.”

Head coach Kevin O’Connell knows it’s a challenging learning experience for a rookie quarterback but not surprisingly is upbeat his No. 1 draft pick who will wear No. 9 just like former Viking QB Tommy Kramer. “…This guy (McCarthy) is a process-driven guy and understands that there’s a long road ahead of him. That we’re just trying to make incremental gains that will be solidified as part of how he plays quarterback for a long time. So, I’ve been really impressed with him so far and look forward to get another full day tomorrow,” O’Connell said last Friday.

Optimism about a college phenom preparing for a first season in the NFL can eventually change for varied reasons including lack of surrounding support. But McCarthy’s environment with the Vikings is part of what fuels the insider’s positivity about him finding success early on.

The offensive personnel are a roster strength. All-world Justin Jefferson leads a superb group of pass receivers. Tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are two of the best on one team in the league. Off-season signee and veteran Aaron Jones gives the Vikings a proven playmaker at running back.

O’Connell is an offensive guru and former NFL quarterback. His staff includes new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown who played 18 seasons in the league. O’Connell said McCown “has absolutely been awesome from day one,” praising his assistant for his ability to communicate information and knowledge to others.

Viking teammates and coaches—the supporting cast—are probably the best that any quarterback from the 2024 draft is going to have. It’s an environment the Sports Headliners authority said could contribute to McCarthy starting “sooner, rather than later.”

In July and August McCarthy figures to play as much or more in practice and preseason games as Darnold. Part of the process will likely involve a scrimmage or two against another NFL team and that will be an opportunity for McCarthy, too. “…That’s where he’ll get really the valuable reps against first team defenses and so forth,” the insider said.

How will the coaching staff evaluate McCarthy before the season starts in September? “They want to see progress,” the source said. “They want to see confidence. They want to see that he is going to be capable to make plays whenever they put him in the lineup whether that’s opening day, or week six, or week eight, or after the bye week. Whatever they do.”

It looks right now like a two-man race for the starting job, with no additions expected to the quarterback roster. “They’re not going to sign another quarterback,” the source said. “They need to put their money toward that interior offensive line and also I still think they could use another corner, another veteran corner.”

The authority knows predictions are often dicey, but it seems unlikely Darnold can flip a switch in his career development. “Anything is possible, but I think the likelihood is that they want J.J. to be the guy. And be the guy as soon as he’s ready.”

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Ex-Vikings GM: Team Got Best Rusher in NFL Draft

Posted on April 30, 2024April 30, 2024 by David Shama

Enjoy a Tuesday notes column.

Former Vikings GM Rick Spielman praised his former team’s aggressiveness in moving up the draft board and early players chosen. Minnesota’s first three picks were quarterback J.J. McCarthy and outside linebacker Dallas Turner, both first rounders at No. 10 and 17, and cornerback Khyree Jackson, No. 108 in the fourth round.

The Vikings, of course, are hoping they found their franchise quarterback in McCarthy. Defensively, having lost edge rushing talents Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum to free agency, and also needing help in the secondary, the Vikings may have filled significant needs for highly regarded defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

“…In Brian Flores’ defense you have to have pressure on the quarterback which can alleviate some of the pressure on the secondary—which they needed to address as well—which they did with the Oregon kid (Jackson),” Spielman said recently on CBS Sports HQ. “So I think they did a great job, especially in the first round making sure that they got the quarterback. They couldn’t come out of this draft without a quarterback, and they got a legit pass rusher who I thought was the best pass rusher coming out. That’s why I think it was an A (draft grade for Minnesota).”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t hold back in his praise of Turner either (he was the second edge rusher drafted after the Colts selected Laiatu Latu from UCLA). O’Connell described Turner, the 6-3, 247-pound former Alabama star, as a “great fit in Flo’s defense, incredibly versatile, huge traits and skill set to be a dominant player on the edge for us.”

On the plus side, too, from this draft is the club didn’t sacrifice it’s 2025 first round pick. Speculation was GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might offer his two first round picks in 2024 and his 2025 first rounder to move up to No. 2 or 3 on the NFL Draft board, allowing Minnesota to choose North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

Here are four expectations about McCarthy:

Fans are giddy about the 21-year-old former Michigan national championship quarterback. Interest will be intense, and his summer debut will create must-see viewing for the usually “ho-hum” preseason games. There will be a clamoring for tickets to training camp to get the earliest of looks at McCarthy and demand to buy his jersey seems likely to be exceeded in sales only by that of the other J.J.— wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

McCarthy knows he landed in an ideal situation where he is surrounded by talented offensive teammates starting with Jefferson. Also important is learning from O’Connell, a QB whisperer, and his position coach Josh McCown who played 18 seasons of quarterback in the NFL. Teammates and teachers probably will make McCarthy comfortable, and likely the envy of quarterbacks drafted before him who landed in less ideal environments.

Among the many parts of the learning curve that won’t come overnight is McCarthy becoming totally in synch with his receivers. Successful NFL quarterbacks and receivers have a familiarity with one another that doesn’t happen right away. It can take a year or more for everyone to completely know the nuances of each other. How effectively and how fast McCarthy and the key receivers click, will be a key measurement in his development.

How much will McCarthy play during the regular season? O’Connell has said his rookie quarterback won’t be rushed but there is a lot of time between now and next October or November. An injury to presumed veteran starter Sam Darnold, or poor performance for too many weeks by Darnold, might send McCarthy off the bench and into the game. Remember, the NFL is a win now league.

The Timberwolves, who closed out their first-round playoff series Sunday night with a 4-0 sweep of the favored Suns, might be undervalued by oddsmakers who have made the Celtics, Nuggets and Thunder bigger favorites than Minnesota to win the NBA championship. The Wolves are going to be a “heavy lift” for any team as long as the defense remains among the best in the league (anchored by Rudy Gobert) and Anthony Edwards continues to be the premier clutch shooter in franchise history.

Meanwhile, mediation regarding franchise ownership is expected this week. It appears almost certain the contested sale of majority ownership between Glen Taylor and the Marc Lore-Alex Rodriguez two-some will later go to arbitration and eventually be resolved by NBA leadership and league owners. My guess is when the dust settles Taylor prevails—at least partially because of his successful track record with the franchise in meeting financial obligations.

Bustingbrackets.com ranks the Gophers’ Ben Johnson No. 17 in its listing this month of the 18 Big Ten men’s basketball coaches. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo is No. 1 with USC’s Eric Musselman, son of former Minnesota coach Bill Musselman, ranked the fourth best coach.

Elevate the Arches is the new collective supporting St. Thomas athletics. Both Dinkytown Athletes (supports Gophers athletics) and Elevate the Arches are limited liability companies, not charitable organizations.

The football Tommies host their annual spring game Saturday starting at 12:04 p.m. in O’Shaughnessy Stadium. Admission is free. The Tommies, 7-1 in Pioneer League games last season, haven’t lost at home since 2016. They have an NCAA-leading home winning streak of 31 consecutive games.

The Twins have struggled all spring trying to develop a five-man rotation. Sonny Gray, who the Twins lost through free agency last offseason, would be the staff ace if he had been retained. With the Cardinals, he is 3-1 and has a 1.16 ERA.

Lance Lynn, Gray’s teammate with the Cardinals and another former Twins starter, is 1-0 with a 2.64 ERA. Other Twins alums and former starters off to impressive starts are the Blue Jays’ Jose Berrios, 4-1 with a 1.23 ERA, and the Pirates’ Martin Perez, 1-1 and a 2.86 ERA.

It was 30 years ago last Saturday that Twins’ starter Scott Erickson threw a no-hitter, walking four and striking out five in a 6-0 April 27, 1994, win over the Brewers. Francisco Liriano threw the last no-hitter for the club in 2011.

Each year the Twin Cities Dunkers stage a Dunkers Fund Dinner to raise money for the athletic programs at the 14 Minneapolis and St. Paul public high schools. The Fund has generated over $1 million in the last few years and this year’s members-only dinner is Thursday.

There is a silent auction to generate more funding and you don’t have to be a Dunker member to bid. Click on the attached https://bidpartner.net/dunkersfunddinner/silent-auction/ to preview auction items including a trip to watch the Gophers play UCLA in the Rose Bowl on October 12 and golf outings at Wayzata, North Oaks, Minikahda, Woodhill, Stone Ridge, Spring Hill, Bearpath, Burl Oaks, Somerset, Hazeltine and other courses.

Bloomington-based Vintage Sports Authentics’ spring auction includes memorabilia of former Twins Jim Kaat, Joe Mauer and Kirby Puckett with bidding open now. www.VSAauctions.com

Chase Brixius, the linebacker from Benilde-St. Margaret’s who is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 17 state prospect for the class of 2025, is the grandson of Frank Brixius, the Academic-All-American tackle on the Gophers’ 1960 national championship team. Among Chase’s college offers, per 247, are North Dakota State and Buffalo.

I worked for the Minnesota North Stars in the 1980s and never heard a bad word then or since about legendary radio voice Al Shaver who passed away last week at age 96. Son Wally has been calling Gophers’ hockey on radio since 2001 and his son Jason Shaver is the broadcast voice of the Chicago Wolves (American Hockey League) for 13 seasons. Condolences to family and friends of Al, a gentleman and great announcer.

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