Vikings – Page 160 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

What Vikings Fans Need to Know & Do

Posted on September 8, 2016September 8, 2016 by David Shama

With the Vikings’ season starting in a couple days, there is a new book to help fans celebrate their franchise. Star Tribune sportswriter Mark Craig educates and entertains fans with 100 Things Vikings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die (Triumph Books).

Craig has been a regular on the Vikings beat for years and is known for his comprehensive coverage. Craig’s thoroughness shows up in his paperback book that includes the prominent names from the franchise’s start in 1961 up through 2015. There is plenty of good storytelling in 100 short chapters, with surprises mixed in including the song Prince wrote for his favorite team.

Mark Craig book Vikings fans will learn how the franchise got its name and why the first game was played in South Dakota. Howard Webb Field in Sioux Falls is where the Vikings got their start in August of 1961 before 4,954 fans. Craig suggests Vikings fans visit the field as one of the things that true Purple Heads will enjoy. Other recommended destinations include Kezar Stadium in San Francisco where Jim Marshall made his infamous wrong-way run for a touchdown.

Craig interviewed many sources for the book including former Vikings owner Red McCombs who talked about his trade of star receiver Randy Moss in 2005. McCombs dispatched Moss to the Raiders shortly before selling the team. Craig writes that McCombs didn’t make the trade out of revenge for not being able to secure funding for a new stadium. Moss, moody and unpredictable, had just worn out his welcome with McCombs and a lot of other people.

In the chapter about Moss’ trade to the Raiders, Craig recalls details about the closing seconds of the 2004 season finale against the Redskins when Moss left the field, and later in the locker room where he was confronted by livid teammate Matt Birk. That wouldn’t be the end, though, to Moss’ erratic behavior in the NFL.

Moss is a recurring figure in Craig’s book. Chapters include “Randy and Red Resurrect a Franchise,” “Visit Lambeau Field, the Site of Moss’ Moonshot,” and “Eat at Tinucci’s—Where Randy Moss Wouldn’t Take His Dog.”

Moss had a brief but second hook up with the Vikings, joining the team in 2010 after the season began and lasting less than a month. Craig writes that in a move that didn’t follow franchise protocol, Vikings coach Brad Childress unilaterally released Moss after the wide receiver had been “wildly insubordinate” the day before in a game against the Patriots. Within weeks team ownership fired Childress.

Craig acknowledges that the former Vikings coach annoyed players because he was too strict. Childress won no popularity contests with the fans, either, but Craig reports how without notice the coach once stopped what he was doing in his office and accompanied offensive lineman Anthony Herrera to his U.S. citizenship ceremony in St. Paul.

It was Childress who coached the Vikings in 2009 when almost 40-year-old Brett Favre arrived as the Vikings quarterback. Craig tells about Favre’s magical debut game when in the closing seconds he brought the Vikings from behind to win a game that almost blew the top off the Metrodome. Receiver Greg Lewis caught the winning touchdown pass with two seconds remaining. Favre was under such pressure he didn’t even know who he was throwing to and six years later Adrian Peterson still called it “the most amazing” play he’s ever seen.

Peterson receives his own attention in the book including a chapter about his startling and successful comeback from knee surgery. Peterson had torn up his left knee in a game on Christmas Eve in 2011 but soon was determined to return for the next season, and he did so rushing for over 2,000 yards.

There are a lot of feel-good stories in Craig’s book including the author’s suggestion fans visit Peterson’s hometown of Palestine, Texas. In June of each year Adrian Peterson Day celebrates the future hall of famer’s achievements on the field and gifts he has made to the community.

Readers will find some chuckles as they make their way through the book. There is, for example, a chapter on “prankster” Wally Hilgenberg, and another on the “dirty jobs” that some former Vikings experienced prior to their pro football careers. For “dirty” details you will have to buy the book.

Craig told Sports Headliners it took a year to write the book. “Learned to wake up early,” he said. “Getting up at 4:30 in the morning and putting things together—talking to people.”

Craig is pleased he can pass along his Vikings knowledge and the new tales he learned in a year’s worth of research. “I get to share them (all) in a book form,” he said. “It’s a pretty neat concept, I think, being able to present 100 things that people should know or do.”

Worth Noting

Former Gophers coach Jerry Kill is in Minneapolis tomorrow and Saturday signing copies of his new book Chasing Dreams: Living My Life One Yard at a Time. Kill will be in the Dairy Queen Club at TCF Bank Stadium from 8 to 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. From 1 to 3 p.m. tomorrow he will be at the University of Minnesota Bookstore at 300 Washington Ave. S.E. Saturday Kill will be available from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Buffalo Wild Wings location at 2001 University Ave. S.E.

A friend in Las Vegas reports the Vikings’ odds to win the Super Bowl are 10 to 1. He visited a sports book yesterday and learned that with the addition of quarterback Sam Bradford, the Vikings’ odds are superior to all but five other clubs. The five with shorter odds are New England 6 to 1; Arizona 6 to 1; Green Bay 8 to 1; Seattle 8 to 1; and Pittsburgh 9 to 1.

Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen after being asked this week about Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers: “I am focused on the Tennessee Titans. I don’t know who Aaron Rodgers is right now.”

The Vikings open their regular season Sunday against the lowly-regarded Titans before facing the Packers and Rodgers in their home opener September 18. The Packers have won the last three games in Minneapolis.

Eden Prairie native and offensive tackle Carter Bykowski, who was added to the Vikings’ practice squad this week, told Sports Headliners he was going to give his pro football ambitions at least another 30 days if no NFL team had signed him. Bykowski, 26, has a business degree from Iowa State and some day could end up working for a local company.

Former Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson completed 28 of 32 passes including five touchdown passes in his debut game for East Carolina last Saturday when the Pirates routed West Carolina 52-7.

Creative Charters is offering Gophers football fans travel packages to away games including November 12 at Nebraska—with no overnight stay. A charter plane will leave Minneapolis the morning of November 12 and fly to Lincoln for the 6:30 p.m. game between the Gophers and Cornhuskers. The charter returns to Minneapolis following the game.

Creative Charters is offering transportation and more to all five away Gophers games but the Illinois and Maryland games are already sold out. For more information, visit the company website, creativecharter.com.

Pioneer Press sports columnist Charley Walters comes from a golf family. He has an 11.2 handicap and brothers Dick and Steve Walters, who work part-time at Wayzata Country Club, have handicaps under five. Charley has played a lot of courses including in Ireland but Augusta National is his favorite. “As good as it gets,” he said.

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Peterson Can’t Come Up Short Again

Posted on September 6, 2016September 6, 2016 by David Shama

The Vikings don’t want to see Adrian Peterson repeat his opening game results of last season when he ran for only 31 yards against the 49ers. With starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater out for the year, the Vikings will be relying more than they planned on Peterson when they begin their season next Sunday in Tennessee against the Titans.

It’s a legitimate question, though, as to how Peterson, who led the NFL in rushing last season, will perform in Tennessee. Peterson, 31, didn’t play in any preseason games this summer—just like last year. When he ran against the 49ers defense last September his longest run was nine yards and he had his second lowest rushing total of the year. Two NFL authorities told Sports Headliners that no physical contact in preseason games makes NFL running backs, including Peterson, less ready for the regular season opener.

To preserve his health Peterson hasn’t played in a preseason game since 2013. In opening regular season games in 2013 and 2014 he was more productive than against the 49ers, but in neither one reached his common standard of 100 yards or more (seven games in 2015).

Adrian Peterson (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

One NFL source referenced above said there is another factor relating to Peterson’s production in opening games. He said opening games typically feature defenses that are more polished than offenses which are more complicated and take more time to develop. “Defenses are flying around ahead of offenses, with low scoring games (typical),” he added.

It takes some faith to think the Vikings can beat the Titans without a 100-yard plus day from their future Hall of Fame running back. Fill-in Vikings quarterback Shaun Hill, 36, is a considerable drop-off from Bridgewater but at least he will be facing a Titans’ secondary that is probably the biggest weakness of that unit. Still, the Vikings will most likely try to pound the ball most of the time with Peterson. That seems true, too, even if newly acquired and talented quarterback Sam Bradford, the 2010 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is familiar enough to compete using a limited playbook and minimal familiarity with receivers.

“We have maybe the best running back in the NFL,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said last week after losing Bridgewater with a severe knee injury. Zimmer also said “we have a real good team” and referenced his receivers, improved offensive line and impressive defense.

The Vikings’ best prescription for an opening win appears to be a big day by Peterson on Sunday, and turnover production from Minnesota’s defense. The Titans were 3-13 last season and there is no guarantee the club will be better in 2016. The team’s offense is likely to feature the run with offseason trade acquisition DeMarco Murray and draft choice Derrick Henry being highly anticipated rushers. The Titan’s gave up 423 points last season, the second most in the AFC.

Titans head coach Mike Mularkey is occupying a “warm seat” in Nashville. The former Vikings tight end was 2-7 as head coach last season after taking over about midway through the year. The Titans hired a new general manager in the offseason who may have interest in other coaches. Mularkey had losing records in previous head coaching opportunities in Buffalo and Jacksonville.

Effort, though, shouldn’t be a problem for the Titans Sunday. Regardless of records from last season (the Vikings were 11-5 and NFC North Division champions), almost all teams play with a lot of adrenaline in opening games. The Vikings have opened on the road five of the last six seasons and are 1-4 away from home.

Worth Noting

In its August 29 pro football issue, Sports Illustrated predicts the Titans will lose their first five games and finish the season with a 3-13 record.

The Vikings have added Eden Prairie native and offensive tackle Carter Bykowski to their practice squad and released cornerback Tre Roberson.

The Gophers have verbal commitments from many high school players for next year’s freshman class but none may turn out to be a better college player than Blaise Andries, the offensive tackle from Marshall, Minnesota. High school recruiting authority Ryan Burns told Sports Headliners Andries has all-Big Ten and NFL potential.

Burns, publisher of Scout’s GopherDigest.com, said Andries is impressive in multiple ways including his physical skills and “mindset.” Already about 6-5 and 300 pounds, Andries will likely be bigger and stronger as a Gopher.

Intelligent and influential with peers, Burns said Andries scored a 31 on his ACT test, and has a 3.99 GPA with ambitions to become an actuary. Andries has an impressive demeanor on and off the field. “He is a great leader,” Burns said.

Among others players who have made verbal commitments to the Gophers is Woodbury High School tight end Nathan Burch. If Burch becomes a Gopher, Burns said he will be the “best blocking tight end” Minnesota has signed to a letter of intent in a while.

Golden Valley resident Eddie Cohen is in his 60th season as a member of the Gophers football game day statistics crew. Cohen, for years a Minneapolis-based attorney, represented local athletes over the years including former U athletes Lou Hudson and Noel Jenke, and ex-Twin Jim “Mudcat” Grant.

The Gophers, who defeated Oregon State last Thursday night and are now 3-1 all-time against the Beavers, will play a first-ever game in Corvallis September 9, 2017. Some media outlets have ranked Corvallis as the best college town in the country.

While there is still no formal announcement on a contract extension for Gophers men’s hockey coach Don Lucia, the program has hired U alums Ben Gordon and Corey Millen. Gordon’s title is assistant director of hockey operations and Millen is an undergraduate assistant.

The Twins have recalled right-handed pitcher Tyler Duffey and first baseman Kennys Vargas from Triple-A Rochester. The Twins have also selected the contract of infielder James Beresford from Rochester and transferred outfielder Danny Santana to the 60-day disabled list. Rochester hitting coach Chad Allen is joining the Twins staff.

Slugging second baseman Brian Dozier hit three home runs yesterday and his total of 38 for the season is the most by a Twins player since Harmon Killebrew homered 41 times in 1970. He and Killebrew are the only players in franchise history to hit at least 36 home runs in a single season.

Despite having the worst record in major league baseball the Twins rank 21st out of 30 teams in home attendance, according to ESPN.com. The Twins are averaging 24,668 fans per game, their lowest figure since 23,598 in 2004. This is the seventh consecutive season of declining home attendance dating back to 2010 when Target Field opened and the Twins drew over 3 million fans averaging 39,798 per game.

Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference fans can follow league news on the new MIAC website. With the 2016-2017 school year starting, more than 6,000 students are expected to participate in MIAC programs. Over 70 percent of the students are Minnesota natives.

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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.”

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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