Vikings – Page 138 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Jim Dutcher Upbeat on Gophers

Posted on January 7, 2018January 7, 2018 by David Shama

It’s been a difficult couple of days for the Golden Gophers basketball program after losing two starters indefinitely, but Jim Dutcher is keeping an optimistic perspective for now. News came late last week that senior center Reggie Lynch is suspended from games and sophomore forward Amir Coffey is unable to play because of a shoulder injury.

If Coffey can play again after a short absence Dutcher believes Minnesota could pull off a fourth place final finish in the Big Ten. A return before long by Lynch, too, may result in third place, according to Dutcher who was the Gopher head coach from 1975-1986.

The Gophers struggled last night without Coffey and Lynch, losing to Indiana 75-71. The defeat left Minnesota with a 2-2 Big Ten record, with 14 more games remaining on the conference schedule. “They still got a lot to play for,” Dutcher told Sports Headliners.

Dutcher, though, acknowledges “all bets are off” if the Gophers must play without Lynch and Coffey for several weeks. Lynch is appealing a decision by the University of Minnesota to ban him from campus for more than two years for violating the school’s sexual misconduct policy. Athletic director Mark Coyle announced a suspension of Lynch from playing in games on Friday. Although Lynch is practicing with the Gophers, it might be likely he will never play for Minnesota again. Even if the University reversed itself after appeal, Minnesota head coach Richard Pitino could decide Lynch doesn’t meet his standards for being on the team.

Pitino isn’t creating any specific timeline for the return of either Lynch or Coffey, whose shoulder injury apparently is significant enough to cause speculation he could be out for many weeks. Challenging, too, is the schedule ahead that has the Gophers playing five road games between now and February 4. During that period Minnesota plays twice at home and also has a neutral court game on January 20 in New York City against Ohio State.

Senior Bakary Konate replaced Lynch at center last night, while sophomore Michael Hurt had Coffey’s forward spot. Lynch was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season and entered the Indiana game with about three times more blocked shots than any other Gopher. Coffey, a Big Ten all-freshman last season, is Minnesota’s third leading scorer and perhaps the team’s most versatile and unselfish player.

Konate scored two points against Indiana in 27 minutes. He had four rebounds and blocked three shots. Hurt, in 31 minutes, took one shot and didn’t score. He had four rebounds, all of them in the first half.

Late last summer Minnesota lost its best bench player for the season. Promising sophomore forward-center Eric Curry is sidelined following knee surgery. Now with Lynch and Coffey out, the Gophers are without three of their top six players.

“They went from having a Big Ten championship as a goal, to (now) trying to qualify for the (NCAA) Tournament as a goal,” Dutcher said. “They’re not going to win the Big Ten championship.”

Worth Noting

Dutcher believes Michigan State, Purdue and Michigan will finish one, two and three in the final Big Ten standings. MSU is not only the league favorite but could win the school’s first national championship since 2000.

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to promote the old Minneapolis Lakers jerseys, and the team wore them in a game last week at Target Center against the Timberwolves. The popular MPLS jerseys prompted a telephone call to Bob Stein, the Timberwolves first president, to ask if franchise ownership and management considered naming the team Minneapolis instead of Minnesota back in the late 1980s. Stein didn’t recall serious discussion about using the city’s name, noting the franchise wanted to represent the larger Minnesota market despite the history of the state’s first NBA team being named Minneapolis.

Regarding the choice of Timberwolves as the nickname, Stein said a naming contest open to the public generated many suggestions including the Minnesota Mosquitoes. Others that drew amusement from the team’s front office were:

Minnesota Taxes$; Minnesota Fats; Minnesota Uff Da’s; Minnesota Loona-Ticks; and Minnesota Yumpin’ Yacks.

Timberwolves was a fan favorite but Stein said the organization’s inner circle “winked” on the final tabulation of voting by the public. The outcome, he suggested, was not unlike some “alleged political elections.”

SI.com’s famous NFL writer Peter King, writing last Thursday, predicted the Vikings will win Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis with a 27-23 victory over the Patriots.

SI.com announced its NFL individual award winners last week including Coach of the Year. Sean McVay from the Rams won the award, while the Vikings’ Mike Zimmer was runner-up finishing 25 points behind in voting.

Patrick Mader, the Northfield-based author who wrote the book Minnesota Gold detailing the lives of many Minnesota Olympians, emailed this historical note to Sports Headliners: “In the late 1940s, a young, energetic, and politically ambitious American city mayor was on an Olympic Committee bidding to host the 1952 Summer Games which ended being runner-up to Helsinki, Finland. The mayor was Hubert Humphrey and the runner-up city (tied) was Minneapolis.”

Next month’s Winter Olympics will be in South Korea. Mader predicted Jessie Diggins, a graduate of Stillwater High School who is from Afton, has “a good chance” to win the first Olympic medal in cross-country skiing ever by an American woman. A 2014 Olympian who has an outstanding World Cup record, the 26-year-old is expected to be named to the 2018 Olympic team later this month.

When the Twins go to spring training it will be interesting to see if Brian Dozier is finally moved out of the leadoff spot in the batting order. The team’s power hitting second baseman has led the club in home runs (76) the last two seasons but has batted leadoff because Minnesota didn’t have anyone more suited for the spot that requires foot speed and consistency at the plate. With center fielder Byron Buxton hitting around .300 for part of last season and showing extraordinary speed, it appears the fourth-year Twin could be the new leadoff man, with Dozier moving down to third or fourth in the batting order.

Carl Pohlad, the deceased Twins owner who passed away in early January of 2009, would be pleased his farm system developed most of the franchise’s promising core of position players that includes Buxton, Dozier, third baseman Miguel Sano, left fielder Eddie Rosario, right fielder Max Kepler and shortstop Jorge Polanco.

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Case Keenum in Power Play Spot

Posted on December 31, 2017December 31, 2017 by David Shama

With one regular season game remaining today and the playoffs ahead, quarterback Case Keenum—a humble 29-year-old NFL journeyman—is now a power player for not only the fate of the Vikings but his own future.

The Vikings, who likely will defeat the Bears Sunday, can finish with an unexpected and impressive 13-3 regular season record. They will then have a first round bye and be among the favorites to earn their way to the February 4 Super Bowl in Minneapolis.

Head coach Mike Zimmer’s defense is holding NFL opponents to league bests of 280.9 yards per game and 16.1 points. The unit excels against both the run and pass. There are terrific playmakers on the line and beyond the line of scrimmage. Tackle Linval Joseph is a “wall” to run against, while end Everson Griffen ranks with the league’s top pass rushers and sackers. Linebacker Anthony Barr, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith are standouts, too.

Zimmer is a master at defensive game preparations. His schemes, along with the execution of the players, can have opponents frustrated whether trying to pass or run. Opponents can be forced into costly turnovers and sometimes the Vikings turn those miscues into points.

It’s expecting a lot, though, for the defense to carry the Vikings through two wins in the playoffs and on to the Super Bowl. Certainly the offense must not only avoid giving opponents points with fumbles and interceptions, but also at times that unit must sustain drives resulting in field goals and touchdowns.

The Vikings have a good—not great—offensive team. The rebuilt line, led by new acquisitions from last year, is solid. Pass catchers Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph and Adam Thielen are enjoying exceptional years. The power-speed combo of Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon has more than made up for the departure of Adrian Peterson at running back.

Case Keenum (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

All of which leads back to Keenum, the spring of 2017 free agent newcomer who apparently no one, including the Vikings, wanted to be their starting quarterback. But the Vikings had no choice other than to promote expected backup Keenum to starter when starter Sam Bradford was lost for the season with a left knee injury early in the season. Keenum, who never established himself as a No. 1 quarterback with the Texans and Rams, has been Mr. Super Sub leading the Vikings to 10 wins in 13 games.

Keenum has completed an NFL fourth-best 67.3 percent of his passes, while throwing for 21 touchdowns, and has just seven interceptions. His career-high 98.1 passer rating is among the best in the league.

He has also extended plays and made them successful with his scrambling. He senses when tacklers are closing in and often avoids them. At maybe 6-feet tall, he is short enough to duck under pass rushers and sometimes run for first downs. NBC TV analyst Cris Collinsworth referred to Keenum’s escapes from tackles as Houdini-like in last week’s win over the Packers.

Keenum’s mobility has impressed offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. “…Typically, if you’re going to drive the ball against these good defenses, somewhere in a long scoring drive, the quarterback has to do something with his feet,” Shurmur said. “He’s been able to do that.”

Shurmur is highly regarded as an offensive coordinator who has been successful with Bradford and now Keenum. While Keenum’s ascension to a place among the NFL’s more productive quarterbacks is surprising, it’s not inexplicable. In college at the University of Houston he became the NCAA all-time leading career passer with 19,217 yards and 155 touchdowns. But he had a less than successful NFL Combine and was considered suspect because of his height, going undrafted by league teams and signing with the Texans as a free agent.

Keenum had a bias against him coming into the pros. The two NFL teams he played with prior to joining the Vikings—the Texans and Rams—were struggling to become winners and never committed to Keenum, who at 29 is more experienced and mature than he was with those franchises.

Keenum’s performances in the Vikings playoff games could well determine whether Minnesota wins twice and makes history by being the first NFL team ever to play in a Super Bowl in its home stadium. The stakes couldn’t be higher in January for he and the Vikings.

If Keenum leads the offense successfully he seems a cinch to be the team’s quarterback next season. The Vikings are paying him a reported $2 million and he has never performed before like a quarterback who deserves much higher compensation. He is a free agent after this season and could be in position to leverage something like a multi-year deal for $15 million per year.

What Keenum must not implode in the playoffs so that later he can negotiate for the big money and the security a new contract will deliver. Even if the Vikings lose on their way to the Super Bowl, he remains in a strong negotiating position with the Vikings if he avoids a disastrous game performance.

Bradford and Bridgewater are also free agents after this season but they don’t have anywhere near the leverage for new deals that Keenum does. Bradford is 30 years old with a history of knee problems including ACL surgeries. The Vikings reportedly are paying him $18 million this season. There is some speculation Bradford will decide to retire after this season.

Bridgewater, 25, suffered a horrific knee injury about 16 months ago and it’s still not known whether he can resume his career as a fulltime starter, or even effective sub. He gushes positivity and is a hit in the locker room. In a popularity contest, he probably would be voted the starter. But in the real world Bridgewater, who reportedly earns about $2 million on his present deal, has to decide how much he can command in the open market next year in money and potential playing time, with teams like the Browns and Redskins perhaps interested.

It seems unlikely the Vikings will offer Bridgewater a big contract, even if Keenum disappoints in the playoffs. A complete flop by Keenum seems unlikely since both his leadership and play have been so steady this season. His worst outing was his first game as a starter. He had a passer rating of 65.9 with no touchdown passes, but he’s been a lot more productive since that game against the Steelers September 17.

It will be known soon whether Keenum delivers for the Vikings and himself. He has evolved into a team MVP candidate and widely distanced himself from Bradford and Bridgewater who because of past injuries and inactivity are risky bets. Maybe Keenum will turnout to be a one-year wonder but right now he appears to be the Vikings’ best choice for the 2018 season.

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Test Your Vikings Trivia IQ Here

Posted on December 27, 2017December 27, 2017 by David Shama

How is everyone’s holiday season? Just sitting around this week? While you huddle near the fireplace, space heater or stove, consider testing your knowledge with this year-end Minnesota Vikings Holiday Trivia Quiz?

Earn a nifty score and impress your friends at a New Year’s party. No party plans? Well, take the quiz anyway. The following 20 questions could be a nice diversion from playing Solitaire.

Score 16 or more correct answers and qualify as a consultant for future quizzes. Answer 12 to 15 right and I am still impressed. Get half correct, or fewer? Well, as they say in sports, “There’s always next year.”

Here are the questions, with the answers following after question No. 20. Later your hands might be quivering from the cold weather, but send an email and let me know your score.

1. If the Vikings win Sunday against the Bears, Minnesota’s final regular season record will be 13-3. What year did the Vikings last lose only three games or fewer in a season?

2. Who are the three teams that have defeated the Vikings during the 2017 regular season?

3. Name the Vikings players invited to participate in the 2018 Pro Bowl in Orlando.

4. Wide receiver Adam Thielen, 27, is having a breakout season for his home state team. Name the Minnesota town where he was a four-sport prep athlete.

5. What’s the name of the Vikings’ practice facility and front office headquarters in Eden Prairie?

6. How many surgeries has Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer had on his right eye?

7. Name the Viking offensive coordinator who resigned his position during the 2016 season.

8. Who was the Viking that tackled Aaron Rodgers and the hit resulted in a broken collarbone for the Packers’ great quarterback?

9. The Vikings have two starters and one reserve that played college football at Notre Dame. Can you name the three players?

10. Since the franchise’s first season in 1961, the Vikings have played the majority of their home regular season games at Met Stadium and in the Metrodome. Name the other facilities in Minnesota where they have played during the regular season.

11. What was the final score last Saturday night when the Vikings defeated the Packers in Green Bay?

12. After Vikings long snapper Kevin McDermott was injured during the Packers game, who took over his duties?

13. Where did Vikings’ quarterback Case Keenum play his college football?

14. The Wilf family has owned the Vikings since 2005. Who did the Wilfs purchase the franchise from?

15. What is Bud Grant’s real name?

16. Back in October the Vikings defeated the Bears 20-17 in Chicago. How many times have the Vikings won in their last 10 games at Soldier Field?

17. When the Vikings defeated the Redskins this season, how many different players scored touchdowns for Minnesota?

18. Sam Bradford’s knee has been the subject of much angst this fall. Is it the left or right knee that has been so troublesome?

19. This ex-Viking punter is heard on the team’s gameday radio broadcasts and shows. Who is he?

20. A former Vikings first round draft choice, this athlete also played baseball for the New York Mets. Who is he?

Trivia Quiz Answers

1. Who could forget (hopefully not you) that the 1998 Vikings went 15-1 during the regular season before “crashing” in the NFC title game at the Metrodome.

2. The 2017 Vikings have been defeated by the Steelers, 26-19; the Lions, 14-7; and the Panthers, 31-24. They have won 10 of their last 11 games heading into Sunday’s season-closing game against the Bears.

3. Linebacker Anthony Barr, defensive end Everson Griffen, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and wide receiver Adam Thielen are the four Vikings selected for the Pro Bowl. Admirers of safety Harrison Smith lie awake at night trying to figure out how he was left out.

4. Thielen’s home town is Detroit Lakes, Minnesota where he played football, basketball, baseball and golf. Three other native Minnesotans on the Vikings roster are wide receiver Michael Floyd, fullback C.J. Ham and kick return specialist Marcus Sherels.

5. Winter Park is the name of the team’s practice facility and front office headquarters. The Vikings will move into a new state-of-the-art complex in Eagan next year.

6. Mike Zimmer has reportedly had eight surgeries on his right eye in the last 12-plus months. A difficult ordeal, but he’s a tough guy.

7. With the Vikings offensive struggling in November of 2016, Norv Turner resigned as offensive coordinator. Assistant tight ends coach Pat Shurmur was promoted to coordinator, and this year his name is mentioned for possible 2018 head coaching vacancies in the NFL.

8. It was, of course, Anthony Barr who made the now infamous tackle on Rodgers that has sidelined him for most of the season. This was a “layup” answer so presumably most everyone scored a point.

9. The three former “Golden Domers” are wide receiver Michael Floyd, tight end Kyle Rudolph and safety Harrison Smith. All are 28 years old and were teammates in South Bend.

10. You are a Purple trivia genius if you got this one correct. The answer is TCF Bank Stadium (2014 and 2015 seasons), U.S. Bank Stadium (2016 to present) and Memorial Stadium. The Vikings were forced to play one regular season game at the University of Minnesota’s old Memorial Stadium in 1969 because of a scheduling conflict at Met Stadium.

11. I am guessing that five years from now a lot of Vikings fans will still remember Minnesota dominated the Packers last Saturday night in a 16-0 win. Christmas came early for all Green Bay-hating Vikings fans.

12. Kevin McDermott’s replacement was David Morgan, a backup tight end and the reserve long snapper. Morgan got the job done without a miscue at Green Bay.

13. Case Keenum was an NCAA record-setting quarterback at the University of Houston where his coaches included former Gopher wide receiver Tony Levine who was assistant head coach of the Cougars.

14. Red McCombs, who made his fortune in the car business in Texas, sold the Vikings in 2005 for a reported $625 million after purchasing the franchise for supposedly $250 million about seven years earlier. McCombs used to preach that the Metrodome had “the loudest fans in the NFL.” Would you buy a used car from this man?

15. The legendary former Vikings head coach has been known as Bud for most of his 90 years but his real name is Harry Peter Grant.

16. The Vikings’ win at Soldier Field this fall was only the team’s second in the last 10 games there. The other victory was in 2015.

17. Five Vikings scored touchdowns in the team’s 38-30 win against the Redskins. That is the second highest total in team history.

18. Sam Bradford set an NFL record for completion percentage last season after being acquired by the Vikings but this year his troublesome left knee has kept him sidelined for all but two games.

19. Greg Coleman, who punted for the Vikings from 1978-87, is heard on gamedays giving his analysis including his “Sunday Sermon” where he mixes Biblical and football metaphors.

20. Ouch. I couldn’t resist ending with a difficult question. D.J. Dozier, a former Penn State running back drafted No. 1 by the Vikings in 1987, later played outfield for the New York Mets.

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