Timberwolves – Page 80 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings Show Patience with Bradford

Posted on September 11, 2016September 11, 2016 by David Shama

The Vikings’ offense struggled today in the team’s NFL regular season opener but head coach Mike Zimmer didn’t turn to Sam Bradford for help. That might have surprised the casual football fan but it was likely too soon to use Bradford who joined the team nine days ago and is still acclimating to his situation.

Learning a new offensive system and adjusting to teammates is a major transition for an NFL quarterback. Bradford probably wasn’t ready to play today and there’s no guarantee he will be ready next Sunday when the Vikings open their home season. The learning process is complicated and the Vikings don’t need to repeat the disaster of a few years ago when they rushed newly acquired Josh Freeman into a game only days after he joined the team. It was an embarrassing performance by Freeman and loss by the Vikings against the Giants before a national TV audience.

The Vikings’ offense didn’t score a touchdown today in a 25-16 win over the Titans in Nashville. Shaun Hill, the 36-year-old quarterback who has taken over for injured starter Teddy Bridgewater, completed 18 of 33 passes for 236 yards. He missed two throws that could have been touchdowns but he avoided turnovers.

Hill might be the starting quarterback for awhile. Bradford, 29, is a more highly regarded passer but he must do well with his learning curve and if the team keeps winning Zimmer might stay with Hill indefinitely. Hill is looked at by Zimmer as a game manager, and while the Vikings will have to start scoring touchdowns they don’t want to give them away, either, like the Titans did.

Minnesota’s defense used two Titans’ turnovers on read-options by quarterback Marcus Mariota to score second half touchdowns. Linebacker Eric Kendricks made a third quarter interception and ran the ball 77 yards for a touchdown that gave the Vikings their first lead of the game, 12-10. In the fourth quarter another read-option mistake led to a fumble recovery and 24-yard run for a touchdown by Vikings’ defensive end Danielle Hunter.

The Vikings had trailed at halftime 10-0 before Blair Walsh kicked two third quarter field goals to narrow the score. The first field goal was set up by a 61-yard kickoff return by Cordarrelle Patterson to begin the third quarter. Big plays like that fueled the Vikings’ comeback on a day when All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson rushed 19 times for 31 yards.

Peterson didn’t have many holes to run through as the Vikings try to develop their offensive line with new starters in guard Alex Boone and tackle Andre Smith. To the line’s credit, though, the pass protection was often solid, particularly in the second half.

Regardless of how soon—or if—Bradford plays, the Vikings will need to get their run game going. In the offseason the Vikings made red zone offense a priority. Today the offense hardly had a sniff inside the Titans’ 20 yard line. Pass receivers, particularly in the first half, had difficulty getting open from defenders and Hill missed some throws. The run game, mostly led by Peterson, was a flop.

With Hill, or Bradford, the Vikings need to get some touchdowns from their offense but for today they had enough other options to win against a Titans team that was 3-13 last season and might not be improved.

Worth Noting

Fans attending the first-ever regular season game at U.S. Bank Stadium next Sunday between the Vikings and Packers can expect a memorable night for more reasons than football. Vikings executive Lester Bagley told Sports Headliners the event atmosphere and entertainment—including a “Super Bowl quality halftime”—will be special. “The building will be rocking and it will be electric,” Bagley said.

A video will recognize key figures that helped support and obtain the votes to make funding for the stadium a reality. Leaders include governor Mark Dayton, former Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak and the late David Olson who for years was president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “He was one of the most important people in getting votes for the stadium,” Bagley said of Olson who died from cancer in 2014.

Former Gophers coach Jerry Kill was in town Friday and Saturday signing copies of his new book Chasing Dreams: Living My Life One Yard at a Time. A VIP signing Friday morning raised about $200,000 to assist the fight against epilepsy, the coach told Sports Headliners.

Kill was introduced to the crowd during the Gophers-Indiana State game Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium and received a standing ovation as fans chanted, “Jerry!, Jerry!” Kill, who now works administratively with the football program at Kansas State, was able to be in Minneapolis because the Wildcats had a bye in their schedule on Saturday.

The Gophers might have several true freshmen who eventually become impact players and difference-makers this season and in the years ahead. Receiving playing time already and worth watching are linebacker Carter Coughlin, defensive end Tai’yon Devers, linebacker Kamal Martin and wide receiver Tyler Johnson.

Minnesota used six freshmen, either true first-year players or redshirts, on kickoffs during the 58-28 win over Indiana State.

With franchises in Major League Baseball, the NBA, NFL, NHL and WNBA, plus Gophers basketball, football and hockey, the competition for attention and revenues in this marketplace is intense and about to become fiercer with the arrival of Minnesota’s new Major League Soccer franchise and stadium. Glen Taylor, who owns the NBA Timberwolves and WNBA Lynx, told Sports Headliners he isn’t that concerned about soccer splitting the sports revenue pie in too many pieces.

Taylor sees the soccer audience as having large segments that aren’t necessarily passionate fans—or fans at all—of the other teams in town. The pro soccer crowd in Minnesota is expected to include immigrants new to the state and younger patrons such as college students. For individuals and families, the affordability of tickets compared to the major pro sports teams could make the Minnesota soccer franchise a popular alternative.

Taylor analyzed factors like those mentioned above—and that soccer is the most popular game in the world—and decided to buy 15 percent of the new franchise that is led by majority owner Bill McGuire, and begins play next year. Taylor, who also owns the Star Tribune, said his ownership stake was motivated by a desire to add diversity to Minnesota’s sports offerings.

“That’s my most important one (reason for involvement),” he said. “No. 2, I think, it would be an event (sport) that will grow in the future. It just appears to me it is going to be more dominant in the United States. …I hope it will be somewhat similar to the Timberwolves, that as the league evolves the value of the franchise increases and it will be a good investment for my family.”

San Diego State is searching for a new athletic director but the eventual hire won’t change the status of Bloomington, Minnesota native Brian Dutcher who carries the title of assistant coach and “head coach in waiting” for the men’s basketball program. Brian’s father, Jim Dutcher, said that his son has been assured the promise to succeed head coach Steve Fisher remains in place. Fisher’s son Mark Fisher has been struggling with ALS for years but continues to be an assistant coach.

U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III will announce three of his four Ryder Cup Captain’s picks tomorrow at 10 a.m. from Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska. The Golf Channel will televise the news conference.

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Bradford May Adjust Fast to Vikings

Posted on September 4, 2016September 4, 2016 by David Shama

Sam Bradford’s NFL experiences in different offensive systems and relationships with Vikings assistant coach Pat Shurmur, and players Shaun Hill and Adrian Peterson, should hasten the adjustment to his new team, and allow him to play soon.

Bradford, who will be 29 in November, was acquired yesterday from the Eagles to solve the Vikings’ quarterback void created by the season-ending injury to Teddy Bridgewater. Bradford is in his seventh NFL season and he has played for several offensive coordinators and in multiple systems.

“Yeah, if there’s a good thing about learning a new offense every year, it’s that I’m familiar with this process, and I kind of know how it goes, I guess,” Bradford said after being traded to the Vikings for future draft choices. “I’m sure there will be some carryover from some of the systems that I’ve been in, but as far as right now, we really haven’t gotten too deep into the (Vikings) playbook. But, I’ve gone through this process, so hopefully doing it before will help me pick things up a little quicker.”

Rick Spielman (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings).

The list of Bradford’s previous coaches includes Shurmur who was his offensive coordinator with the Rams in 2010 and Eagles in 2015. Shurmur, now the Vikings’ tight end coach, talked with Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman before the trade for Bradford, a starter for both the Rams and Eagles.

“…He knows what his strengths and weaknesses are,” Spielman said of Shurmur’s past history with Bradford. “I think that’s a valuable asset for us as our coaches teach him the offense and understand what things he does best, and what things that he may struggle at. Our coaches always preach to put these guys (in the best possible situations) and to utilize what they do best.”

Bradford acknowledged his relationship with Shurmur should help him learn offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s system. “Pat is very familiar with me as a player. I think he understands the things that I do well, the concepts that I like. So I’m sure that he can relay that to coach Turner. …”

Turner’s system includes a deep vertical passing game to loosen defenses for shorter throws and create space for the team’s running backs. That deep threat has been a challenge since Turner joined the Vikings prior to the 2014 season but Bradford could improve results.

Spielman said Bradford, 6-4, 224, has multiple attributes as a passer. “He is a very accurate thrower. He does a great job getting through his reads of progressions. He makes quick decisions in the pocket. He can throw the deep ball down the field. Some of the routes that we throw in our offense, we’ve seen those same routes and seen him complete those same balls that he’s going to have to do in this system.”

Hill, 36, signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 2015 to back up Bridgewater, who then was the team’s second-year starting quarterback. Hill had played the previous season with the Rams where he was the backup to Bradford. Hill’s knowledge of the Vikings’ offense will be an asset for Bradford. “I’m really excited to work with Shaun again,” Bradford said. “We had a great relationship when we were in St. Louis.”

Adrian Peterson (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings).

Peterson, a future hall of famer, is a major presence in the Vikings locker room. He and Bradford were together for awhile in college at Oklahoma. Peterson will be supportive of his new teammate and no doubt help ease Bradford’s transition.

Today and into the week Bradford will be learning the playbook and adjusting to his new teammates. It’s unlikely he will start the season opener at Tennessee next Sunday. Hill is the team’s No. 1 QB now, but his age and lesser skills than Bradford likely mean a change is coming soon—perhaps game No. 2 on the schedule at home against the Packers September 18.

Bradford could become the team’s starting quarterback indefinitely. The Vikings have him under contract through next season. Bridgewater’s knee injury is so serious and predicted recovery time so extensive he might not be effective next season. If the Vikings win big with Bradford this season, the quarterback job could be his or at least up for competition in 2017.

Bradford was the first-overall selection in the 2010 NFL draft by the Rams. He became the 2010 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and still holds the league rookie record for most passes completed (354). Last season he set Eagles franchise records in completions (346) and completion percentage (65 percent), and finished fourth in team history in passing yardage (3,725).

Worth Noting

Best wishes to former Vikings tight end and Twin Cities resident Joe Senser who is recovering from a health issue. Senser played for the Vikings from 1979-1984 and later was a radio analyst on their games.

The Vikings, as expected, dominated the television audience numbers last Thursday night. Their preseason game did a 19.2 rating and 37 share in this market, with the Gophers’ nonconference opener drawing a 5.1 and 10. The Twins-White Sox game had a 2.2 rating and 4 share. At no time during the evening did the Gophers’ numbers exceed the Vikings.

The hapless Twins, who ended a 13-game losing streak with a win Thursday night, had historic TV numbers a week ago Sunday, according to a ratings authority. He said the Nielsen results of the Twins-Blue Jays game showed no viewers in the 600-home meters sample size. “That’s never happened before with the Twins,” the source said.

True freshman Tyler Johnson from Minneapolis North caught three passes for 31 yards in the Gophers’ 30-23 win over Oregon State. Only senior wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky, with four catches, had more receptions for Minnesota in the opening game.

A converted quarterback and defensive back, the 6-4 Johnson has impressed coaches, teammates and others. Johnson could exceed the numbers of last year’s leading freshman receiver Rashad Still who caught 18 passes for 194 yards including three touchdowns. The Gophers’ freshman receiving records for yardage (654) and touchdowns (seven) are held by Ernie Wheelwright in 2004. Ron Johnson set the total receptions record with 38 in 1998.

True Thompson, formerly of Armstrong High School, suffered a concussion last month playing football for Iowa Western Community College. The wide receiver and son of Gophers’ career leading rusher Darrell Thompson will sit out the season as a redshirt.

True’s brother Race Thompson, who will be a junior this fall at Armstrong, is an outstanding 6-8 basketball player being recruited by the Gophers, and he attended the Minnesota-Oregon State game Thursday evening. He has received scholarship offers from multiple schools including Minnesota and Marquette.

Renovation of Target Center will not only relocate the Lynx to Xcel Energy Center next year, it could be a problem for the Timberwolves. If the team were to surprise and make a deep playoff run next spring the arena renovation timeline will slow down.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor told Sports Headliners Target Center work sometimes will be so extensive the whole building will be closed for events. If the Wolves need the arena for playoff games, the renovation schedule will intensify to have Target Center ready for the opening of the team’s 2017-2018 schedule.

“We just have to work that out,” Taylor said. “Maybe some inconveniences but we’re just gonna have to adjust.”

The Wolves haven’t made the playoffs since 2004 but have one of the NBA’s most promising young rosters.

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Vikes Group Aims for Winner’s Circle

Posted on July 11, 2016July 12, 2016 by David Shama

A horse named Tiger D is on a deadline at Canterbury Park this month. The five-year-old thoroughbred will make its six-man ownership group happy if he can earn a win before the Vikings head to training camp by the end of July.

Track announcer and Vikings radio play-by-play man Paul Allen heads an ownership group that also includes Vikings coaches Norv and Scott Turner, offensive lineman Brandon Fusco, trainer Eric Sugarman and Wild goalie Alex Stalock. They purchased Tiger D in Florida last spring and have yet to see the horse win a race at Canterbury Park.

Because of illness Tiger D won’t run in races at the Shakopee race track this week. The horse has been unable to run for awhile, and Allen told Sports Headliners Tiger D’s owners are very much anticipating his return to health.

Tiger D has third, fourth and fifth place finishes but no firsts. “(But) we haven’t been despondent,” Allen said.

Allen put up the largest share of the $16,000 purchase price for the horse, while the five others invested equal amounts. There are also other costs involved with owning a race horse but Allen said return on investment isn’t the No. 1 motivator for him and his partners.

“The most important thing to us is a winner’s circle,” Allen said.

The Vikings report to training camp in Mankato on July 28. Tiger D’s owners want to be present for the first win and stand in the winner’s circle to celebrate. That means Canterbury Park’s live racing dates of July 21, 22, 23 and 24 are final opportunities for Tiger D’s owners—at least for awhile.

If Tiger D gets that initial triumph later in the summer, even Allen might not be around to cheer on his favorite horse. Allen will be out of town for two Vikings preseason games in August and the thought has crossed his mind he won’t be available to pose for a photo in the winner’s circle with Tiger D.

Allen has called nearly 25,000 races as a track announcer, working a few years in California and 22 at Canterbury Park. A sports talk show host at KFAN for 18 years, Allen starts his 15th year as the Vikings radio play-by-play man this summer. He will call his 300th Vikings game during 2016.

Growing up in southern California in the 1980s, Allen listened to radio play-by-play legends Chick Hearn of the Lakers and Vin Scully of the Dodgers. The two men left lasting impressions on Allen. The now deceased Hearn was known for his enthusiasm and creative expressions—e.g.“Elgin Baylor yo-yoing the ball near the top of the circle.” Scully, with his soothing voice, is still calling games for the Dodgers and describing baseball like a Pulitzer Prize winning author.

Allen is known for his passion and flair behind the microphone. “I am not afraid to describe things in an unconventional way,” Allen said.

Watch Allen call a race at Canterbury Park and you will see him following the horses with powerful binoculars. He also uses that tool while describing Vikings games. “I may be the only announcer in the NFL using binoculars,” he said.

The transplanted Californian has made a lot of friends here including at Winter Park where the Vikings train most of the year. A regular visitor there, including during the offseason, Allen was in the complex last winter when a conversation with Norv Turner quickly led to a six-man partnership to buy a racehorse.

Now all that’s left is a trip to the winner’s circle. At least once—and preferably before July 28.

Worth Noting

A local basketball source told Sports Headliners that highly recruited shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. “definitely” will not play his senior season at Apple Valley High School. Trent could name his college destination, and apparently he and his family believe an out of state high school can better prepare him for NCAA and NBA competition.

The decline of Gophers basketball in the 21st century means Minnesota apparently has the most minimal of chances to recruit Trent who is the son of former Timberwolves forward Gary Trent Sr. Junior seems likely to end up at a legendary college basketball school like Duke. That possibility is discouraging to Gophers fans who have watched Minneapolis area legends Khalid El-Amin, Cole Aldrich and Tyus Jones win national titles at Connecticut, Kansas and Duke.

Sports Headliners is told Jones has added about 10 pounds and lost approximately two percent of his body fat during offseason training. Jones, 20, was a first round draft choice of the Timberwolves in 2015 and his status for making the roster next season could be uncertain since the team used its No. 1 pick in June to select point guard Kris Dunn and also has five-seasons veteran Ricky Rubio. It’s not unusual, though, for NBA teams to carry three point guards on the roster.

Marcus Fuller, the Gophers basketball beat writer for the Pioneer Press, is moving from that newspaper to the same assignment at the Star Tribune. He replaces Amelia Rayno who will leave the sports department but remain with the Star Tribune and write about food.

Clyde Turner, a star on the Gophers 1972 Big Ten championship, is in his 30th year of running local basketball camps. Over 10,700 campers have participated including El-Amin, Jones, Devean George and Rashad Vaughn.

Schedule makers for the Iowa Hawkeyes found a “pastry shop” to their liking this summer while lining up the team’s upcoming nonconference basketball schedule that includes “cream puffs” Delaware State, Kennesaw State, Regis, Stetson, Savannah State and Texas Rio Grande Valley.

The Twins’ front office has often stumbled making player acquisitions but Eduardo Nunez can make club officials smile this week, although it wouldn’t be shocking if his name comes up in trade talks. The 29-year-old infielder plays in his first MLB All-Star Game tomorrow night after a spectacular first half of the season including a .321 batting average—10th highest in baseball.

Nunez entered this season as a nonstarter and a career .267 major league hitter. The Twins acquired him in a 2014 trade with the Yankees, giving up left-handed pitcher Miguel Sulbaran who is with Trenton in the Double A Eastern League and on the disabled list. With all-star status and a reported $1,475,000 salary, Nunez could be attractive to a contending team that wants to make a trade with the Twins this month, perhaps offering a super prospect or two.

The Twins might have another success story developing with 24-year-old first baseman-outfielder Daniel Palka who they acquired from the Diamondbacks last November, giving up catcher Chris Herrmann. Palka, recently promoted to Triple A Rochester, hit 21 home runs and drove in 65 runs at Double A Chattanooga. In four games with the Red Wings, Palka has two home runs and is hitting .400. Herrmann, now in his fifth major league season, looks like a journeyman catcher but he is having a career best average at the plate with the Diamondbacks hitting .291.

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