Twins – Page 72 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

NFL Insider: Kendricks Vital to Vikings

Posted on December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by David Shama

Vikings veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks didn’t play last Sunday because of a calf injury. Former NFL executive Jeff Diamond thinks it’s all-important for the Vikings to have him available against the Tampa Bay Bucs next Sunday in a vital game to the playoff chances for both teams. Kendricks didn’t participate in practice yesterday.

“They’ve gotta have Eric Kendricks this week,” Diamond told Sports Headliners. “They got by without him last week, barely. I know (sub) Todd Davis played pretty well, but you’re talking about one of your best defensive players, if not your best defensive player, in Eric Kendricks.”

Diamond was Vikings general manager in the late 1990s and after the team’s 15-1 season in 1998 was named NFL Executive of the Year. He later was president of the Tennessee Titans. While living in the Minneapolis area now, he is involved with varied work assignments including senior consultant with the Institute for Athletes sports management firm that represents NFL players such as Adam Thielen of the Vikings.

Diamond offered a prediction on the outcome between the 6-6 Vikings and 7-5 Bucs. “I think it’s going to be a close game, but if I had to make a pick, I would pick Tampa by three. …I think the key (for the Vikings) is they’ve gotta get some pressure on (quarterback Tom) Brady. The pass rush has been just so-so, and in order to get pressure they’ve had to blitz. Brady is not exactly the guy you want to blitz because he sees things so fast.”

Not only is the (arguably) GOAT a challenge Sunday, but so, too, are his outstanding receivers. Diamond predicted the inexperienced Vikings cornerbacks are going to be “severely” tested. Rookie corner Jeff Gladney sustained a reported calf injury in last Sunday’s close win over the 1-11 Jaguars, and Diamond said the Vikings need him in Tampa. Otherwise, he believes the team is reaching too deep into its cornerback pool and that will send reserve corners on the field who he describes as “shaky.” Gladney was limited in what he did in practice yesterday.

Diamond likes the improvement of Gladney and Cameron Dantzler, another rookie corner showing development. They are part of the reason why Diamond is bullish on the club’s future.

Diamond said: “A team that I think is going to be better next year when you get Danielle Hunter back. You have these young players, the rookie class, that is looking like it could be outstanding with (Justin) Jefferson, (Ezra) Cleveland, Gladney and Dantzler already starting. (Rookie reserve) D.J. Wonnum making big contributions as a pass rusher.

“This (2020 draft) could wind up being one of the great Viking drafts of all-time. You get all those players in their second year (2021) where they are going to continue to improve and have a full off-season. … You get back Michael Pierce (who) sat out this year for COVID, as a run-stopper inside. And Anthony Barr (injured vet not playing this season), we will see what happens there. I think they may free up some cap space with him, and I am not sure he is going to be here next year. I think the future is very bright for this team, so I am excited for the future.”

The opinion of fans on head coach Mike Zimmer is varied but Diamond credits ownership for being smart in giving Zimmer a contract extension earlier in the year. Zimmer has been the team’s head coach since 2014 with highlights that include two NFC North Division titles and a 13-3 regular season that saw the Vikings advance to the NFC championship game. His record is 63-44-1, with total wins and winning percentage ranking third in franchise history behind Bud Grant and Dennis Green.

Diamond said the more successful NFL franchises have stability and continuity. The Pittsburgh Steelers have employed three head coaches in the last 50 years. The Vikings have had five head coaches in the last 25 years, including Zimmer.

This season no team has a better record than the 11-1 Steelers. The Steelers head coach is Mike Tomlin, the former Vikings defensive coordinator, who took over in Pittsburgh in 2007. He has won a Super Bowl and might win another in 2021.

There have been ups and downs for Tomlin in Pittsburgh but Diamond said the African-American coach can lead his team without fear of losing his job. The organization has a culture prioritizing stability and valuing longevity. The Steelers have been owned for generations by the Rooney family. Diamond knew the late Dan Rooney and present boss Art Rooney II. “They’re just sold guys that are going to give their coaches a chance, and they select the right coaches in the first place,” Diamond said.

Worth Noting

Diamond’s varied activities include assignments for WCCO Radio, and speaking to college and business audiences about his NFL career and other subjects such as leadership, negotiation and sports management. He is working with Richfield native Michael Clements who is commissioner of the startup Minneapolis-based National Rugby Football League expected to be operational in two years.

Eric Kendricks is the Vikings’ nominee for the 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. Each of the league’s 32 nominees were announced today.

In the last three weeks Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins ranks second in the NFL with nine touchdown passes. He ranks third with 926 passing yards. In each of his last three games, Cousins has produced at least 300 passing yards and three touchdown passes.

With at least 300 passing yards and three touchdown passes next Sunday against the Bucs, Cousins will tie Patrick Mahomes (four consecutive games in 2018) and Peyton Manning (four straight games in 2012) for the second-longest streak of games with those numbers in a single NFL season. Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (five consecutive games in 1998) has a longer streak.

Rumors persist that Twins DH extraordinaire Nelson Cruz might use his free agent status to join the White Sox who could emerge from the off-season as the favorite to win the AL Central. MLB.com named Cruz second team All-MLB today at DH. Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda also is on the second team.

As mentioned in this space recently, it could be multi-positional Kiké Hernández of the Dodgers remains a potential free agent signing by the Twins.

Hopkins is No. 1 in ESPN’s top 25 national rankings of girls high school basketball teams. ESPN has Royals junior forward Maya Nnaji as the No. 7 prep prospect in the class of 2022.

The Vikings and Minnesota Football Coaches Association sponsor the Mr. Football Award and the ten 2020 finalists are: Shea Albrecht, Orono; Joe Alt, Totino-Grace; Cameron Anderson, Blue Earth Area; Trey Feeney, Moorhead; Nick Flaskamp, Minneapolis Southwest; Marcus Hansen, Waseca; Eli Mau, Chanhassen; Jake Ratzlaff, Rosemount, Garrison Solliday, St. Thomas Academy; Adam Tonsfeldt, Barnesville. An announcement date disclosing the winner has yet to be made public.

Charley Walters, the newsy Pioneer Press columnist with thousands of sports world contacts, is the latest “Behind the Game” guest with co-hosts Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson. The program is available for viewing on the “Behind the Game” YouTube Channel and via cable access throughout the state.

Klinger is organizer of the membership-only Capital Club that will hear from Vikings chief operating officer Andrew Miller via Zoom next Wednesday.

Sign of the times: the New Mexico Bowl is relocating for one year from Albuquerque to Frisco, Texas.

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Zimmer Expects Cook & Thielen to Play

Posted on December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by David Shama

Enjoy a Wednesday notes column:

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said this morning he expects running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Adam Thielen to play in next Sunday’s game.

Cook, who reportedly hurt his ankle last Sunday, has been a focal point of the offense this fall and taken a lot of hits from opposing players. Zimmer, though, wouldn’t commit to using his star runner any less, saying every game has different demands. “His health is fine, so we’ll just keep going and try to be smart about how we use him.”

Thielen missed the most recent game because of testing positive for COVID-19. “I think he’ll be ready to go,” Zimmer said.

The coach liked the way quarterback Kirk Cousins, not known for his running ability, scrambled in Sunday’s comeback win over the Panthers. “I just think it’s improving (the scrambling). It’s always a work in progress, but you don’t want to run when guys are open. There were times when he was flushed out of the pocket and then made plays with his legs.”

CBS televises next Sunday’s Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium against the 1-10 Jaguars. Beth Mowins, who in 2017 became the first woman in 30 years to call an NFL game, will do play-by-play.

In 14 of the past 16 NFL seasons, at least one team with a losing record after 11 games has qualified for the playoffs. The Vikings, Patriots and 49ers currently have 5-6 records.

With 24 players on opening weekend NFL rosters, Houston was first among cities producing talent. More 2020 NFL players graduated from high school there than any other community. Miami was second with 19 natives in the league followed by Fort Lauderdale and Tampa with 14 each.

Eden Prairie has three native sons in Blake Cashman, Ryan Connelly and Carter Coughlin. Minneapolis has Tyler Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Other Minnesota natives in the NFL include Ben Ellefson, Joe Haeg, Zack Johnson, Kamal Martin, Billy Turner and Maxx Williams.

States with the most NFL players: Florida, 194; Texas, 192; California, 170; Georgia, 134; Ohio, 71; Alabama, 60; Pennsylvania, 60; Louisiana, 59; North Carolina, 59; New Jersey, 57; Illinois, 53; Tennessee, 45; Michigan, 44; Virginia, 44, Maryland, 39; South Carolina, 39.

Although the Gopher football team has cancelled its last two games because of the pandemic, Mohamed Ibrahim still leads the Big Ten in rushing with 817 yards, averaging 163.4 per game. Next closest in total yards is Iowa’s Tyler Goodson with 564.

Forget about Gophers junior point guard Marcus Carr returning next fall for a senior season. He is playing like a first round NBA draft choice, averaging 29.7 points per game and making clutch shots with none bigger than Monday night’s three pointer to win the game against Loyola Marymount, 67-64. In three nonconference games thus far he has made 54 percent of his field goals and 45 percent of three-pointers.

Meanwhile, long range shooting specialist Gabe Kalscheur has converted less than one percent of his three-point shot attempts. The junior shooting guard is making 28 percent of his field goals.

In three games against mid-major teams (played LM twice), the 3-0 Gophers have just a two rebound edge, 119-117.

Freshman Jalen Suggs, the former Minnehaha Academy guard from West St. Paul and the highest rated recruit ever at Gonzaga, is drawing early speculation as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Word is Timberwolves basketball boss Tom Thibodeau traded Ricky Rubio in 2017 because he thought the former lottery pick wasn’t a physical point guard and defensive standout. Rubio, reacquired this fall by current president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, is the kind of offensive creator who fits the aggressive run and shoot style the Wolves are now committed to.

Here is an obscure name to keep in mind when the Wolves start up their schedule in late December and into January. Reserve forward Jake Layman, injured and not playing much of last season, had a noteworthy impact on a team with an overall record of 19-45. Minnesota was 11-12 in games he played.

Monday’s column suggesting Tony Oliva belongs in the Hall of Fame drew reader response, including from local baseball historian Dave Wright who emailed that the three-time American League batting champion ranks far down the list in key career hitting statistics during an abbreviated career: “…It is a pity that injuries did him in—he never played an inning in the field after 1972. To me, he just doesn’t cut it. If you let him in, you open the gates for guys like Al Oliver, Rocky Colavito and many others who had some very good moments but they didn’t last.”

Wright agreed, though, with Monday’s reference to another former Twin, pitcher Jim Kaat, being Hall of Fame worthy. “Kaat is a different issue. It has always been a mystery to me because he was a starter, a reliever, a fielder, a decent hitter and was used as a pinch runner at times—a rarity for a pitcher. It is one of the great injustices in the game. …”

St. Paul Saints owner Mike Veeck, 69, has been selected by the Society for American Baseball Research as one of baseball’s most significant Off-Field figures in the last 50 years. For SABR’s 50^thanniversary the organization honored Veeck and others like Buck O’Neil, Bill James, Claire Smith, Frank Robinson, Peter Gammons, Ted Turner and Vin Scully.

Veeck told Sports Headliners yesterday he has no comment on the reported deal making the Saints a AAA Twins farm team until MLB makes an announcement.

It’s all but certain the Twins shopped left fielder and free agent Eddie Rosario in trade talks before placing him on waivers. Minnesota is likely searching for pitchers while ready to try top prospects to replace Rosario. Watch to see if ace reliever Brad Hand, from Chaska, becomes a Twin.

Bill Robertson, men’s commissioner of the Twin Cities-based WCHA, reports more than 10 schedule changes of games already this fall because of the pandemic. He has learned more than ever to “take things as they come,” being flexible and ready to adapt.

The WCHA is using regional game officials when possible to minimize travel. No fans, even family of players, are allowed at games. Big Ten hockey has the same spectator policy.

The Twin Cities Dunkers, the well-known organization that dates back to 1948, lost its most tenured member when Sid Hartman passed away this fall. Hartman, who was influential with the organization for decades, joined Dunkers in 1965.

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Vikes Jefferson Nears Moss Records

Posted on November 30, 2020November 30, 2020 by David Shama

Enjoy a Monday notes column:

With the Vikings having five games remaining in the regular season, it’s possible Justin Jefferson could break franchise rookie records set by Randy Moss in 1998 for most receiving yards and receptions.

Moss had 1,313 yards in his first season, while Jefferson has totaled 918 yards in 11 games after becoming Minnesota’s No. 1 overall draft choice earlier this year. If Jefferson continues to average about 84 yards per game, he could finish with 1,338 yards.

Moss also holds the club rookie record for season receptions with 69, and as of today Jefferson has 52. If Jefferson averages about five catches in the last five games, he totals 77 for the season and breaks another Moss record.

After catching two touchdown passes in yesterday’s win over Carolina, Jefferson has six TD catches for the year. Out of reach for the former LSU All-American is the Moss rookie total of 17 touchdown receptions, which is not only a Vikings record but the best in NFL history.

With his speed, moves and sure hands, the 6-1 Jefferson is able to gain separation from defenders and make big catches despite defenses scheming to shut him down. He had two pressure catches in the red zone yesterday while totaling 70 yards for the game. His 918 yards for the season is already fifth best in NFL history for a rookie receiver.

Jefferson has been a great fit for offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s system that requires precise route running. GM Rick Spielman was excited about Jefferson after drafting him last April. “We feel very fortunate that he was there at No. 22,” Spielman said then about the new fan favorite.

Jefferson told reporters this afternoon “it’s hard to believe” the kind of rookie season he is experiencing. Yesterday he filled in for Adam Thielen (COVID-19), the team’s premier receiver. The two have developed a friendship and Jefferson said Thielen contacted him about his performance after the game. “I am definitely excited to have my brother back (for the next game),” Jefferson said.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer saw Jefferson drop a ball in practice last week. The 21-year-old told the coach it wouldn’t happen again. “He is a confident kid, but he works real hard,” Zimmer said today. “There’s a lot of things he has to improve on and we let him know that as well. …I mean he’s good. Everybody knows he’s good. You know, it’s can he be great? That’s the big question.”

Zimmer said he is hopeful Thielen and running back Dalvin Cook (ankle injury yesterday) will be able to play in next Sunday’s home game against Jacksonville.

Jefferson and three other Vikings (WR Chad Beebe, WR Bisi Johnson and TE Kyle Rudolph) all had seven receptions yesterday and at least 60 receiving yards. The 2012 New Orleans Saints are the only other NFL team in history to have that distinction in one game.

The Vikings are showing talent and depth at wide receiver including Beebe who made the game winning catch against Carolina. “We can do a lot with that receiver corps,” Jefferson said.

After playing against Carolina, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins now has 16 career games with at least 300 passing yards, three touchdown passes and a rating of 115-or-higher, surpassing Drew Brees (15 games) and Aaron Rodgers (15) for the most such games by a quarterback in his first nine seasons in NFL history.

Rob Hunegs, owner of Twin Cities Sports Cards in Golden Valley, talking about Justin Jefferson collectibles: “His stuff goes out of here as fast as it comes in.”

The Denver Broncos didn’t have any quarterbacks to use in their game yesterday because of COVID-19. Zimmer said his understanding is the Broncos’ quarterbacks had close contact with each other, while his group has been diligent about protocols. Zimmer didn’t offer names, but in training camp and during the season there is preparation work with an emergency quarterback like someone who played the position in high school or college.

Zimmer liked the red zone performance of his team Sunday, noting his offense had three scores in four attempts while Carolina was 0-3.

Vikings safety Harrison Smith on the high level play of linebackers Eric Kendricks and Eric Wilson making plays: “It settles guys on the back end.”

Not much of a birthday week for Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck who turned 40 yesterday and is still the youngest head coach in the Big Ten. This morning the Gophers announced next Saturday’s game against Northwestern is cancelled because of so many Minnesota players and staffers testing positive for COVID-19.

Minneapolis native Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, the Breck alum, is one of Northwestern’s most productive wide receivers as a senior. He had a career-best 95 yards in receptions against Wisconsin earlier this month.

Former Lakeville North all-stater Bryce Benhart has started every game at right tackle this season as a redshirt freshman for Nebraska. Benhart, though, had a costly holding penalty in the fourth quarter of Friday’s loss to Iowa when the Huskers were driving for a go-ahead touchdown.

Few remember but John Hankinson, the former Gophers quarterback who died earlier this month, worked as a sportswriter for the Minneapolis Daily American after leaving the University of Minnesota and before his career as a successful real estate developer.

Forward Dawson Garcia, who had Minnesota among his final college choices, has scored a team-leading 35 points as a true freshman in two wins for Marquette this month He was a McDonald’s All-American at Prior Lake.

Edina-based Joe Florenzano of Triple Crown Sports is hosting a December 10 private signing with Minnesota sports legend Bud Grant and is accepting items until December 9.

Jalen Suggs, the former Minnehaha Academy guard from West St. Paul, is the highest rated recruit ever at Gonzaga, the nation’s No. 1 team off to a 2-0 start. The Zags play No. 2 Baylor Saturday where the staff includes former Minneapolis-area prep coach Jared Nuness.

In the latest AP poll the Big Ten has four teams in the top 10: No. 3 Iowa, No. 4 Wisconsin, No. 5 Illinois and No. 8 Michigan State.

Former Twins center fielder Torii Hunter is on the latest ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but despite his impressive career he doesn’t have the resume for induction. But why aren’t ex-Twins right fielder Tony Oliva and pitcher Jim Kaat (A+ MLB TV analyst) not enshrined?

If the Twins don’t do a new free agent deal with multi-positional Marwin González, maybe they will sign another versatile player in Kiké Hernández, who may leave the Dodgers.

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