Stadiums – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Jordan Addison: ‘Be Crazy’ to Play Kirk Cousins on Sunday

Posted on December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 by David Shama

Kirk Cousins, the Vikings starting quarterback for six seasons, comes to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday with his Falcons in a much-anticipated homecoming game against the Purple.

With his strong and accurate arm, and wholesome personality, Cousins was a hero in Skol Country. The former high school choir boy is now making news in the south where he recently reported singing along in the theatre to songs from the movie “Wicked.”

Wide receiver Jordan Addison, a favorite target of Cousins in 2023, was asked awhile ago what it will feel like to play against the former team leader. “It will be crazy. Great quarterback in my eyes. I look forward to playing against him. I know he’s going to come in having his team ready to go. So we gotta be ready to go for that game.”

Addison had 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season when he was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team. He credits Cousins for helping him transition to the NFL. “…I learned how to be a pro. How to come in and do my job. Where to be at, when, and just learning a lot about the defensive side.”

Nick Mullens was Cousins’ backup for two seasons and the two formed a lasting friendship. “Yeah, we talk every now and then. A couple times (this year) just checking in. We had a good working relationship. It was awesome.”

What will it be like seeing Cousins in a Falcons uniform? “…It will be exciting. Obviously, he had some great moments here and great years as the Vikings quarterback so for him to come back that will be a fun storyline for that week but once that ball gets snapped it’s all back to football after that.”

Mullens said the No. 1 thing he learned from his mentor was: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”

That is a favorite phrase of Cousins’ and it addresses the ups and downs for any player in the NFL. “…That’s what Kirk has done and that’s what I strive to do every day,” Mullens said.

“I learned a lot from Kirk. His leadership. His attention to details. His accuracy. And he did all that and he treated people right off the field. So much respect for Kirk for sure.”

Guard Ed Ingram said it’s going to be cool to see “my boy Kirko” again. “…It’s going to definitely feel weird because I am so used to playing with him. But it’s going to be a great opportunity to go see him.”

Expectation is the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd will express mixed sentiments toward Cousins who had many highlight moments for the Vikings but chose to leave in free agency by accepting a four-year $180 million contract in Atlanta. “It might definitely be mixed,” Ingram said in regard to cheers and jeers.

The intensity of detractors in Minneapolis on Sunday, though, will be mild compared to what Cousins is going through with the Falcons fanbase. In yesterday’s 17-13 home loss to the Chargers, he threw four interceptions in one of his worst games ever. The picks tied a career high for one game, plus he had an atrocious 40.0 passer rating, and he threw no touchdown passes.

It was the third consecutive loss for the Falcons who now are 6-6 in the NFC South Division and precariously holding on to a first-place tie with the Bucs in hopes of winning the division and receiving a spot in the playoffs despite a mediocre record. Cousins had his moments earlier in the season when he helped the Falcons get off to a 4-2 start.

One highlight was throwing four touchdown passes in an October 27 overtime win against the rival Bucs, 31-26. He threw for a franchise record 509 yards.

But now with that losing streak, including last Sunday’s dismal performance, fans are predictably calling for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to replace Cousins. Falcons coach Raheem Morris, though, isn’t caving to social media critics and is committed to Cousins remaining his starter.

Cousins could bounce back Sunday against the Vikings and have an impressive performance, but he is 36 and trying to make a comeback from the right Achilles tear that ended his season in late October last year. One adjustment the Falcons may make starting with the Vikings game is more play action passes—a Cousins’ favorite in the past.

According to TruMedia and Atlantafalcons.com, going into the Chargers game the Falcons ranked last in the NFL in play action passes at eight percent. Historically, play action passes have been about 25 percent of Cousins’ throwing plays.

While predicting how Cousins will perform in his last five games is difficult, the verdict is in on the wisdom of the Vikings letting him move on. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t want to meet his contract terms and instead turned to journeyman QB Sam Darnold who has been outstanding on a one-year $10 million deal.

The 27-year-old Darnold has played a major role in the Vikings sitting at 10-2 and looking like a lock for the playoffs. Darnold, like his predecessor, has been clutch for the Vikings including Sunday with his closing minutes touchdown pass to Aaron Jones that rallied Minnesota to a 23-22 comeback win over the Cardinals.

The Vikings, with impressive defense and offensive playmakers like Darnold, Jones, Addison and Justin Jefferson, are 7-1 in one-score games. With Cousins in 2022, Minnesota was an amazing 11-4 in one score victories, an NFL record.

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Twins Unknowns for 2025 Move into Historical Territory

Posted on November 16, 2024November 16, 2024 by David Shama

This is a historical offseason for the Twins, one with questions and uncertainties at a level not seen since more than 20 years ago when it appeared the franchise could dissolve via MLB contraction.

The fanbase is justified in scrutinizing the Twins on multiple fronts. These include ownership, front office leadership, personnel on the field and home options for watching games.

That’s a lot and the fanbase has patrons who are either angry, puzzled or apathetic about the franchise’s status. There are also customers who are pretty much on board no matter what’s going on because, win or lose, they embrace the nostalgia, charm and experience of the “grand old game” when played in Target Field—one of baseball’s great ballparks.

The Pohlads, to the applause of some fans, are exploring selling the franchise the family has operated since 1984. What interest and quality of ownership can the Pohlads attract? A new owner is always a roll of the dice for fans.

New ownership comes with no guarantee that things will be better than in the past— or even as good. Nor is there any certainty the best interests of fans will be a priority.

It’s believed the Pohlads will ask more than the $1.7 billion agreed upon by new ownership for the Orioles earlier this year. That doesn’t mean the Pohlads won’t settle for less but there’s certainly a bottom figure the family is willing to accept. And fans should be prepared to have them own the franchise indefinitely.

The average fan isn’t losing any sleep over who the next owner will be, but diehards are restless about the quality of the club that takes the field next season. The Twins looked like a certainty to make the playoffs last summer but plunged late in the season to a 82-80 record.

There were too many players who faltered in August and September. Their performances, whether veterans or inexperienced, raise questions going into 2025 as to whether they can perform well enough to help turn the Twins into a postseason club.

The Twins’ present roster doesn’t look complete enough as it is. Minnesota likely needs starting pitching help in the fourth or fifth spots, or both. Right-handed hitting from corner outfielders will also have to come from either another team or within the farm system.

Those personnel decisions will still receive attention from Derek Falvey, but newly promoted Jeremy Zoll now takes a larger role as the general manager. His success is needed to help shape whether the Twins can contend for a Central Division title in 2025. Fans wonder how he will do and also why former GM Thad Levine is no longer with the club.

Falvey will not only continue to lead the baseball department but also will head business operations replacing Dave St. Peter as president in 2025 as part of a gradual transition. Falvey has been president of baseball operations since late 2016 and the Pohlads think he can do both jobs. He is well liked within the organization and is a collaborator. St. Peter will stick around indefinitely as a consultant and point man on the pending sale of the franchise.

One question that fans feel is already answered is the 2025 budget to pay players which reportedly will remain about $130 million. That figure was down from a reported $156 million budget in 2023, cut at least in part because of declining local TV revenue.

For 2025 MLB will be taking over production and distribution of Twins games. A source told Sports Headliners he didn’t know how much less revenue this will result in for the franchise, but described it as significantly less than in 2023 and further back.

Fans will have to figure out what’s best for them regarding how to watch the team. Games will be available via television and streaming. New cable and satellite channels will offer games in the Twins’ market area. At least some subscribers will need to pay more than when the 2024 season began.

Some fans couldn’t watch games on cable for a couple of months this past season because of a contract dispute between Comcast Xfinity and Bally Sports North.

Worth Noting

St. Peter, who announced this week he is transitioning from Twins president to an advisory role, is a Horatio Alger story. The University of North Dakota alum had a humble start in the Twin Cities including internships with the NHL North Stars and the Twins. He impressed Twins leaders early on, including when he managed the team’s pro shop in Richfield in 1991. Eleven years later he became the franchise’s fourth president.

St. Peter’s legacy includes his leadership in the drive to build Target Field, now recognized among the premier baseball stadiums in the country. Just his knowledge of stadiums seemingly positions him as a potential consultant to cities hoping to attract a MLB franchise.

The 7-6 Timberwolves are 4-1 when Anthony Edwards scores 30 or more points. He had 36 in last night’s overtime win against the Kings in Sacramento.

Gopher forward Parker Fox, now in his eighth season of college basketball, is worth a listen on Mondays in the 11 a.m. hour when he joins the Paul Allen program on KFNX-FM.

A Sports Headliners reader emailed to report that among those witnessing last Wednesday’s 14-point first half debacle by the basketball Gophers at Williams Arena was Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle. The Gophers, 2-1, lost 54-51 to North Texas, 3-0.

Jamal Mashburn Jr., who played one season for the Gophers and three at New Mexico, is in his final year of college eligibility at Temple where after four games the 6-2 guard is averaging 23.5 points per game.

The Minnesota Old Timers Hockey Association holds its annual November luncheon November 25 at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul. Minneapolis native, former Gopher and ex-Red Wings player Reed Larson will be the speaker, with Dick Jonckowski the emcee.

Jonckowski, who turned 81 last month, no longer drives because of family concerns but gets rides from others and is still working events. Don’t bother to ask for the Polish Eagle’s email address, he’s never had a computer and doesn’t plan on buying one.

Erich Martens, executive director of the Minnesota State High School League, is the latest guest on “Behind the Game.” Martens talks about the MSHL providing a fun, fair and safe environment for all concerned including athletes and coaches. Co-hosts are Patrick Klinger and Dave Boden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57tys0YUBHY&t=22s

Longtime professional wrestling fans were saddened to learn of Al DeRusha’s passing away at age 88 earlier this month. The Twin Cities native made a living behind and in front of TV cameras promoting shows for Verne Gagne (AWA) and Vince McMahon (WWF). A career highlight was DeRusha’s 2015 induction into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Carson Hansen, who was the A.P. Minnesota Player of the Year when he was at Lakeville South, leads the Iowa State Cyclones in both rushing yards, 495, and touchdowns, eight.

Chase Thompson, at 6-8 among the tallest quarterbacks in Minnesota prep history, is one of 10 finalists for the Mr. Football Award that will be announced December 15. The Alexandria athlete has committed to Clemson’s basketball program. He is the younger brother of former Gopher basketball player Treyton Thompson who is now at Stetson.

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Vikings Ownership Efforts Deserve Super Bowl Winner

Posted on November 3, 2024November 3, 2024 by David Shama

This is the 20^th season the Wilf family has owned the Vikings. Zygi and Mark Wilf have long talked about their goal to win a Super Bowl, and in their two decades in Minneapolis they have proven their commitment to do so.

The latest example of their resolve to provide resources is last week’s acquisition of left tackle Cam Robinson to replace the injured Christian Darrisaw. The 29-year-old Robinson will reportedly cost the Vikings $2 million, plus about $58,000 for each game he plays, with his former team, the Jaguars, also paying part of the compensation.

That’s not big bucks in today’s NFL but it shows for the umpteenth time the Wilfs’ willingness to spend money when asked. They could have told GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell to make do with their existing roster of offensive linemen—some of whom can play multiple positions. Instead, they okayed bringing in perhaps the best available replacement in the NFL for the all-important left tackle spot.

In July it was reported Darrisaw received a four-year extension on his contract worth $113 million, with $77 million guaranteed. He had allowed only 11 sacks combined for the two prior seasons.

After wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Darrisaw is arguably the most valuable piece of the offense. In June the Wilfs gave Jefferson a $140 million deal, with $110 million guaranteed, that made him the highest paid non-quarterback in the league.

It’s evident the Wilfs want to win and with the NFL trading deadline coming up Tuesday, don’t be too sure the Vikings won’t add to recent deals that brought Robinson and running back Cam Akers to Minneapolis. Shopping targets could include help on the defensive line and cornerback.

The Wilfs, long-time NFL fans even before acquiring the Vikings, will win any local poll of the best pro sports owners in the state.

When the Vikings struggled for years to obtain a facility to replace the Metrodome they didn’t make a lot of public bluster threatening to move the team. Their diligence paid off in a private-public partnership that made U.S. Bank Stadium a reality and one of the most acclaimed venues in the country.

The Wilfs also paid for their headquarters complex in Eagan that includes one of the NFL’s best training facilities. That has been a major factor in the Vikings ranking as one of the most player friendly organizations in the NFL as judged by the league’s players.

Asked about the 20-season milestone earlier this year, Mark Wilf said the journey has gone quickly. He praised the “greatest fans in the world” and referred to ownership as being “stewards of this great franchise with such a rich history.”

The Super Bowl goal is a constant ambition, Wilf said. And he’s encouraged about the new regime of Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell that took over in 2022. Asked about the change they have brought, Wilf said:

Mark Wilf photo courtesy of Marshall Tanick

“Well, I would just say the culture, the energy in the building, the collaboration among all the coaches, players, and staff. And it’s a real good feeling around here. We do our part as ownership, try to provide the resources to not just get the best players and staff, but have the kind of facilities that our players and coaches can thrive in, to have the kind of training camp where our fans can experience it and enjoy football like we have. And, of course, having the finest stadium in the NFL at U.S. Bank Stadium.”

Worth Noting

The 5-2 Vikings, who play the 4-4 Colts tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium, have a 69.2 percent chance of making the playoffs and 10.8 chance of winning the NFC North Division, per a Wednesday story on ESPN.com. The Lions’ numbers are 96.1 and 65.1. A third North Division rival, the Packers, check in with better numbers than the Vikings, too: 80.9 and 21.1.

After losing two straight games, the Vikings figure to earn a much-needed win against the mediocre Colts who have benched erratic quarterback Anthony Richardson. Veteran Joe Flacco, 39, figures to give the Colts a steadier performance against Minnesota’s confusing defensive looks than would Richardson. The Vikings rank third in points (137) allowed in the NFC.

Meanwhile, with Darrisaw out for the season, it may be more important than ever for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to get the ball out of his passing hand quicker than before.

The Golden Gophers have won four games in a row for the first time since 2021 after defeating Illinois yesterday on the road, 25-17. Minnesota is now 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten after a redemption victory.

The Gophers defeated Illinois head coach Bret Bielema for the first time ever, having entered the game 0-10 against him (0-3 at Illinois, 0-7 at Wisconsin). Minnesota’s Dragan Kesich, whose errant field goals cost his team the season opener against North Carolina, booted four field goals including late in the fourth quarter with a 46-yarder.

That score came at the 1:52 mark of the fourth quarter, increasing Minnesota’s lead to 25-17. The previous play, on third down and two yards to go for a first down, the Gophers (too predictably) tried a hand off and run by Darius Taylor, a marked ball carrier for sure who was stopped for no gain.

Illinois had taken a 17-16 fourth quarter lead after a poor decision by punter Mark Crawford who has the option to run if he sees an opening in the defense. He didn’t have the speed to pick up a first down with 12 yards to go. He was tackled at the Illinois 46-yard line and the Illini marched down the field for a touchdown.

One of the best calls by the Gophers resulted in their last touchdown of the game. On third down at the Illini one-yard line and trailing by one point, the Gophers lined up tight end Jameson Geers behind quarterback Max Brosmer who was under center. Before the snap, Geers moved out in the right flat and was all alone to make a touchdown catch with about five minutes remaining in the game and providing Minnesota a 22-17 lead.

The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in college football and fans are allowed to vote on it. Colorado’s Travis Hunter is a lock for the award, but the Gophers’ Koi Perich will draw votes and could be a favorite to win the award in 2025.

Former Gopher defensive back Beanie Bishop, who transferred to West Virginia after the 2022 season, is NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October. The Steeler cornerback tied for the league-lead with three interceptions, ranked second among rookies with five passes defensed and had 16 tackles.

The Timberwolves, starting the season at 3-3, are working to acclimate veteran newcomers Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and Joe Ingles into their lineup and rotations. The first two players didn’t join the team until about a month ago.

Ingles, speaking recently to Sports Headliners, wouldn’t put a timeline on things meshing and it’s challenging because of the short time the players have been together. “I mean it just naturally takes time. Some days will be really good. Some quarters will be really good. They’ll be possessions that are good. They’ll be possessions of time when it doesn’t look as good. Obviously for us, you just gotta keep figuring that out as quick as possible.

“We don’t want to go 20, 30, 40 games in (and not have it). The good thing is everyone’s trying to figure it out. It’s an unbelievably hard-working team and they’re passionate and all that stuff. …”

Randle, the highest paid of the three newcomers and a focus of attention at power forward replacing Karl-Anthony Towns who was traded to the Knicks, is a first-time teammate of Ingles who notices how “hard he (Randle) plays on both ends.”

Randle is a career scorer of more than 20 points per game but there is more to his makeup that Ingles has noticed. “He is probably a lot more unselfish than I probably anticipated. When you’re with people day to day you see a lot more of who they are. …”

Randle’s effort earns praise, too. “He’s been a hell of a teammate,” Ingles said. “He’s been playing his ass off this year.”

The Wolves were the league’s best defensive team last season. So far, they rank No. 17 in defensive rating. “We pride ourselves on keeping people under 30 (points each quarter) as much as we possibly can,” coach Chris Finch said.

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