Stadiums – Page 2 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

No Chance Now of Viking Playoff Game at Frigid Lambeau

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

A last of the year column while using a notes format and featuring the Vikings, Golden Gophers and Timberwolves.

There is a missing storyline coming out of Sunday’s 27-25 Vikings win over the Packers in Minneapolis. With the victory, the Vikings eliminated a possible matchup against the Pack in Green Bay during the playoffs.

A game at potentially frigid Green Bay in January is something any Packer postseason opponent wants to avoid. Numbing temps and gusty winds could negatively impact Minnesota’s elite roster of offensive playmakers and favor Green Bay’s running offense with stud ball carrier Josh Jacobs.

The 14-2 Vikings defeated the 11-5 Packers by a total of four points in two wins this season. The talent margin between the two teams is not huge and the Vikings would be a more solid bet to win a playoff game at climate-controlled U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Vikings, of course, can host all their NFC postseason games at home if they defeat the Lions, 13-2, in Detroit Sunday. The game time has been changed to an evening kickoff, with NBC televising the match up that will determine the NFC North Division title and playoff seeding.

No matter what quarterback Sam Darnold does in the Detroit game, or in the playoffs, it appears likely the Vikings will bring him back for at least another season. The club could put the franchise tag on him for something like $40 million for one season, or possibly commit longer to the 27-year-old who before 2024 was an NFL journeyman.

Darnold, who passed for a career high 377 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers on Sunday, is the first starting quarterback in NFL history to win 14 games in his first year with his team. He is playing on a one-year $10 million deal.

“Sam Darnold is the best quarterback in the NFL,” teammate J.J. McCarthy posted on Instagram.

McCarthy, the rookie quarterback sidelined all season, was thought to be the heir apparent to Darnold next season. But Darnold is playing at such an elite level that it seems prudent to re-sign him and let McCarthy recover more from knee surgeries and sit and learn in 2025.

The 7-5 Gophers are about a touchdown favorite to win the Duke’s Mayo Bowl Friday night against 6-6 Virginia Tech. It’s tradition at the annual bowl in Charlotte for the winning coach to be drenched in mayonnaise after the game.

That prospect prompts anticipation about Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck’s fate with his bald head. “Yeah, I am excited,” quarterback Max Brosmer said of the possibility. “I am not sure how fond of mayonnaise coach Fleck is, so we will see what that looks like if we come out with a win up there at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

“I kind of wish he had hair because I think it would be stuck in his hair a little more. It might be easier to clean off if he’s clean shaven. …”

In one season Brosmer established himself as one of the best Gopher quarterbacks in decades. His physical skills, mental acuity and work ethic are a combination seldom seen in Dinkytown.

“I feel comfortable knowing that I didn’t take any days for granted,” Brosmer said. “I put as much effort as I could into every single day. …”

Brosmer, who transferred to Minnesota from FCS New Hampshire, is the “best processor” of information Fleck said he has ever coached. The coach said this year’s offense was probably the most “complex” he’s had in 12 years as a head coach but Brosmer “processes it like it’s the easiest.”

“…We only had him for eleven months, twelve months, but the legacy he’s going to leave is what he passed down in terms of the process—the preparation—to the other guys. And I think that’s the ultimate definition of a leader is what you’re passing down that other people are going to use to make the team and themselves better.”

Brosmer’s likely successor will be freshman Drake Lindsey. Brosmer is complimentary of Lindsey’s passion to play and work ethic. “No team will be successful without a quarterback that just loves football,” Brosmer said.

On the defensive side, lineman Anthony Smith is likely to be a key player in the bowl game and in 2025 when he could achieve postseason honors. The 6-6, 295-pound redshirt sophomore has gone from a spot player in his career to a starter.

Fleck said early on Smith was moved around with different responsibilities and that was a learning process, “but he’s grown a ton mentally, physically and emotionally. The maturity level is going through the roof. He knows why in everything that he’s doing, he’s able to play a little bit faster. And he’s so versatile. I don’t think I’ve ever had a guy that big with that versatility, at 6’6″, 295 pounds, and he can do a lot of different things. …”

“He’s a dude. He’s a very built player. Very big, naturally strong,” said nose guard and teammate Jalen Logan-Redding. He believes Smith has “really realized how big of a player he actually is when he is on the field.”

Minnesota has won five consecutive bowl games under Fleck. While other teams may not focus on giving their best, that hasn’t happened with the Gophers.

“Yeah, that comes from coach Fleck,” said offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. “He demands that we have the discipline and structure every single day to…(be) our best. It shows throughout training camp, spring ball, bowl prep, whatever season of the year it is. It comes from the top.”

The Timberwolves have won three consecutive games, and that success is coming at an opportune time because of the next two opponents. The Wolves will play two of the best teams in the NBA, against the 26-5 Thunder Tuesday night in Oklahoma City and in Minneapolis Thursday evening against the 23-9 Celtics.

The Wolves, 17-14, have won their last three games by a total of nine points. Before Sunday night’s 112-110 home win over the Spurs, Minnesota point guard Mike Conley talked about what was being emphasized.

“It’s finishing and that’s on both ends of the floor. Boxing out, defensive rebounding, finishing our plays offensively. Playing through contact, just being aggressive, being physical. I think when we can get back to our nature of being that aggressive team, we can play through mistakes and be a confident team going forward.”

Guard Donte DiVincenzo came off the bench to score a season high 26 points, including 15 points in the first half when the Wolves took a 57-45 end of the second quarter lead. It was his second consecutive 20-plus game and coach Chris Finch had him on the floor in the closing minutes when the 6-4 guard contributed offensively and defensively.

The crowd came to see the Wolves for sure, but also 7-3 Spurs’ wunderkind Victor Wembanyama. The 20-year-old could be the future face of the NBA. He plays with extraordinary agility and versatility, able to roam the court defensively and offensively.

Wembanyama scored a game high 34 points, making four of 12 three-point shots. In pregame warmups he drew a roar from the crowd after making a beyond midcourt shot.

After the game Wolves power forward Julius Randle was asked about the assignment of guarding Wembanyama. “Just take up his air space. You know he’s 7’10, whatever the hell he is. Just trying to take up his air space and make it difficult for him. You know when you let him play free in space, he’s special, so just trying to make it as hard as possible. …”

Heartfelt condolences to friends and family of Bill McReavy Sr. who passed away recently at age 92. Bill is in the Loyalists’ Hall of Fame among devoted supporters of Gophers athletics. He always had a smile for friends and was an icon in the community heading up Washburn-McReavy funeral and cremation services.

Sad to report the deaths of former Gopher hockey player Len Lilyholm and wife Carol after a car accident on Saturday in Iowa. They were travelling from Minnesota to their home in Florida where they planned to spend time with friends Lou Nanne and Dave Brooks, a source told Sports Headliners. Len played in the early 1960s for Minnesota on the “Smurf line” that included Brooks and Gary Schmalzbauer. Nanne, a defenseman, was on the team, too.

Belated happy birthday to Randy Shaver who recently turned 69. The former KARE 11 news and sports anchor can be followed on his podcasts.

Minneapolis native Jay Pivec, now retired but a well-traveled basketball coach who is in the NJCAA Coaches Association Hall of Fame, has a new book out about his basketball life. The Book of Piv is a fun storytelling read and available from Amazon.

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Locals Interested in Owning Twins; Relocation ‘Nonsense’

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by David Shama

The family of the late Carl Pohlad announced in October its intent to explore a possible sale of the franchise. Allen & Company, an investment banking firm based in New York, is facilitating the process with longtime Twins president Dave St. Peter representing the Pohlads.

St. Peter told Sports Headliners on Monday to remember there is no final decision to sell the franchise and the exploratory process is still in a preliminary stage. “After the first of the year I expect that process will move into another gear and you’ll start to see prospective buyers emerge, and ultimately, as we head closer to opening day (March 27), I think you’ll see then more information as its relates to kind of where that is heading—and ultimately if the Pohlads are going to engage in a sale or not.

“But it’s premature right now to really determine exactly the course we’re on there. We’re in, I would say, more of a diligence phase and that will continue here through the end of the year.”

There are potential buyers for the franchise that Carl Pohlad bought in 1984 from the Griffith family for $44 million (worth $133.52 million in today’s dollars, per Forbes.com). It’s believed the Pohlads might be asking $1.8 billion or more for the club which Forbes valued at $1.46 billion earlier this year.

The Orioles sold for a reported $1.7 billion earlier this year. It could be argued the Twins are the more valuable franchise because the Baltimore-based Orioles are less than 40 miles away from another MLB franchise, the Washington Nationals.

Of note, too, is that owning an MLB team is being in exclusive company. Only four of MLB’s 30 franchises have changed owners in the last 12 years, per Sportsbusinessjournal.com.

Dave St. Peter (photo courtesy of Minnesota Twins)

“There’s a robust market for the team,” St. Peter said. “Buyers are certainly raising their hand but there’s a process here you go through. Those buyers…I think will engage much more directly with the investment bankers (Allen & Co.) as well as with the team after the first of the year.

“…There’s a tremendous amount of interest in the Minnesota Twins and I am proud of the fact that it’s viewed very favorably on a lot of different fronts. The market, the ballpark, the people (employees), (the) fanbase. This is a very solid franchise that many prospective buyers have interest in.”

Who the interested buyers are is unknown and there has been minimal media conjecture. Speculation has included Twins fan and Minnesota business titan Marty Davis. Glen Taylor’s name has also been mentioned but at age 83 and embroiled in litigation to retain majority control of the Timberwolves and Lynx it’s believed his interest in the Twins is dubious.

“Yeah, there are some local groups that have demonstrated interest,” St. Peter said. “Yes, but not exclusively and it remains to be seen at what level those groups ultimately will engage throughout the process.”

Selling to Minnesota-based owners will lessen concern from fans that the franchise, which started here in 1961 after relocating from Washington D.C., will remain in Minneapolis. St. Peter said from the seller’s perspective that’s probably a preference to sell to Minnesota people “but it’s not a requirement.”

He is “highly optimistic,” though, that if the Pohlads choose to sell they will find a quality buyer who is committed not only to the Twins but also to “our marketplace and our community.”

The Twins have 15 years remaining on their Target Field lease. St. Peter said regardless of whether the Pohlads retain control, or a new owner is in place, he expects negotiations with Hennepin County in the near future that could result in extending the lease to 2059.

The Minnesota Ballpark Authority owns the acclaimed stadium that opened in 2010. The entity was created by the State Legislature in 2006 to oversee the design, construction and operation of the stadium. Stadium financing was a venture between the county and Twins.

“I don’t view this (potential franchise sale) as a relocation threat,” St. Peter said. “I know there’s a lot of talk about that, but I think it’s nonsense.”

St. Peter pointed out that the MLB Ownership Committee will play a significant role in a potential Twins sale. Not only would a final buyer be vetted, but bidders will also be investigated by MLB. That gives St. Peter confidence that any party expressing serious interest “is going to pass muster so to speak.”

St. Peter also assured that MLB regards the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and surrounding market as important. He added “this is a critical market for our league so there’s no interest in relocating the Twins.”

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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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