Vikings – Page 219 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

My Take on Vikings, Gophers Football

Posted on October 11, 2013October 11, 2013 by David Shama

What I believe and you might want to know about Gophers football and the Vikings:

Gophers fans I hear from are discouraged about the program, including the team’s 0-2 Big Ten start and coach Jerry Kill’s struggles with seizures. After decades of being a passionate fan, one guy contemplates giving up on the Gophers after this season ends. Another man is predicting one or two wins in conference games for not only this season but the ones most immediately ahead.

Then there is a supporter who retains a sense of humor, asking to be assured there are no tall buildings tempting him into suicide when he follows the team next week to Evanston to play nationally-ranked Northwestern. Unfortunately, the Sears Tower in Chicago is not far away from the Wildcats’ campus.

“In the off-chance that the Gophs underwhelm the Wildcats, I‘ll broaden my horizons and develop interests other than U of M football,” the fan wrote in jest. “In fact, I’ve already bought a book on cricket.”

Loyal fans have suffered for decades. Since 1970 Gophers teams have only five times won more than half of their Big Ten games. During that span the Gophers have just six finishes of fourth or higher in the standings. Minnesota hasn’t won the Big Ten title since 1967.

Twice in the last six decades the program showed enough juice to look like it might become an annual force in the Big Ten. The best hope died when coach Lou Holtz left town for Notre Dame after the 1985 season. A flicker of light danced in Dinkytown during the Glen Mason era but the Gophers never achieved better than fourth place finishes (three times) in the Big Ten and couldn’t earn an invite to a New Year’s Day bowl game. Mason’s 10 year record in league games was 32-48.

Mason took over a struggling program from coach Jim Wacker. In 1999, his third season at Minnesota, the Gophers were much improved. They upset No. 2 ranked Penn State and finished with an 8-4 overall record including 5-3 in the Big Ten.

This is Kill’s third season at Minnesota. His team isn’t nearly as good as Mason’s 1999 club. Kill inherited a mess from Brewster, his predecessor, and maybe a more difficult job than Mason found awaiting him in 1997.

An optimist will argue the program has been down for so long it’s going to take awhile longer to become more competitive. Give Kill four recruiting classes (he has had two of his own making) and then judge the program, according to supporters.

The results on the field during the Kill era certainly leave room for much improvement, although the Gophers did qualify for a bowl game in 2012 — the first for the program since 2009. But there are no overall winning records in either of the two full seasons under Kill. Big Ten results in two-plus years are painful with Kill having four league wins against 14 losses. The defeats have been mostly one-sided. Minnesota has only twice lost games by 14 points or less.

Kill’s epilepsy is a threat to his future and has become the face of the program nationally. His seizures have to be stopped or managed effectively enough so that he can do his job and not be a bigger news story than the team.

Count on Kill, a strong character guy and good football coach, to exhaust all possibilities in becoming seizure free. He is one of the most determined individuals I have ever met. Kill’s integrity won’t allow him to coach in the months and years ahead if he can’t be fully functional in his nearly 24-7 role as head coach.

The announcement yesterday that defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys will become interim coach while Kill takes time off to concentrate on treatment and management of his epilepsy is no surprise. But it is a responsible action and welcome news for a coach with multiple game day seizures at Minnesota including this year.

A silver lining for the story is how Kill’s struggles have raised awareness about epilepsy and seizures. In addition, Minnesotans have been reminded about the problems and disabilities that confront so many people, and become more tolerant of them.

The best outcome for Gophers football is for Kill to get well and be able to provide stability to a program that has been fragile for too long including because of the coaching merry-go-round. He has already shown he can guide his players to dramatically improved academic performance. More recruiting classes with better talent (there’s a woeful lack of offensive and defensive playmakers on this year’s team) — along with the maturation process for players that comes with time in the weight room — will bring better results on the field.

Regarding the Vikings, let’s address the most recent drama with this franchise. Two weeks ago fans and media jumped into conspiracy mode after hearing Christian Ponder had a bruised rib. Wasn’t this, they speculated, just a contrived excuse to bench the erratic quarterback?

Uh, no, not really. Ponder’s rib injury is real, still a problem and could be for awhile.

Matt Cassel will probably start at quarterback for the Vikings on Sunday at home against the Panthers. On some future date this fall newly acquired Josh Freeman will almost surely come on the field during a game, either as a reliever or starter. So four games into the season the 1-3 Vikings don’t know who their regular quarterback is.

Not good.

The Vikings began this season 0-3 and since 1990 only three NFL teams with that record have made the playoffs. The Vikings are not going to win all of their remaining 12 games so probably the best they can hope for — a big hope — is to win nine of them and finish 10-6. That might — a big might — win the NFC North and provide a ticket to the playoffs. A 10-6 record, though, is unlikely to qualify for postseason as a wildcard team.

Ponder is a bright guy who may overthink his options when on the field. He does play with hesitation and is indecisive.

Local fans have made Ponder Purple Enemy No. 1 and subjected him to more abuse than any Viking in recent memory. An unhappy crowd is a subtraction in the home field advantage department. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that many boos,” Vikings defensive end Jared Allen said about a home game this year.

Management has ego invested in Ponder, having taken him as the 12^th pick in the first round of the 2011 draft. He was to become the franchise quarterback but if he falls out of favor and Cassel or Freeman takes the Vikings to the playoffs, management still looks good because they acquired both of those players in the last nine months.

Freeman was too talented for the Vikings not to sign despite problems with the Bucs and coach Greg Schiano. Sometimes guys with troubled pasts become major contributors on new teams. Allen had DUI problems with the Chiefs but has been invaluable here. Years ago Cris Carter had drug problems early in his NFL career but he became a Hall of Fame receiver for the Vikings.

In the pass-happy and parity oriented NFL, the Vikings need better quarterback play than they have had in recent seasons. Adding to the pressure to find a savior at quarterback is NFC Division rivals Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay have superior QB’s.

This Vikings roster is too talented not to be in contention for the playoffs. Head coach Leslie Frazier, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and defensive coordinator Alan Williams are on the spot. They have been coaching here long enough to be well beyond the “honeymoon” period.

Despite problems at quarterback, the Vikings defense has been a disappointment and is more responsible than the offense for the team’s 1-3 start — three losses by a combined 15 points. The Vikings rank 14^th out of 16 NFC teams in total defense.

This team should be 2-2, if not 3-1.

Among players who deserve a smiley sticker are wide receiver Jerome Simpson and kickoff returner Cordarrelle Patterson. Simpson is the team’s top pass catcher with 19 receptions for 342 yards. He looks more engaged than last season, his first with the team. Patterson, averaging a league best 33.8 yards on kickoff returns, was named NFC Special Teams Player of the month for September.

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Expect Vikings to Start Cassel at QB

Posted on October 7, 2013October 7, 2013 by David Shama

Expect Matt Cassel to start at quarterback for the 1-3 Vikings on Sunday when they play the Panthers at Mall of America Field. That’s the opinion of former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema who remains close to the team and is a knowledgeable observer.

It’s not known if Christian Ponder’s rib injury will allow him to play, assuming coach Leslie Frazier wants him to return as the starting quarterback. Ponder missed the team’s most recent game after being the starter and losing quarterback in the first three games. Cassel was impressive as the starter in the win over the Steelers in London a week ago Sunday.

In that game Cassel completed 16 of 25 passes for two touchdowns with no interceptions. Those numbers surpassed any stats by Ponder in a single game this season but Lurtsema said starting Cassel is about more than going with the “hot hand” Sunday against the Panthers.

A large and vocal anti-Ponder group of fans targeted the third-year quarterback with resounding boos when the Vikings played at home on September 22, a surprising 31-27 loss to the Browns. Lurtsema believes even if Ponder is healthy enough to play on Sunday, Frazier will bench him because the coach wants a supportive crowd and risks losing “home field advantage” if Cassel isn’t his quarterback.

“That comes into play, although he’s not going to say it,” Lurtsema said last Friday.

Lurtsema has been supportive of Ponder in the past but acknowledges Cassel, a nine year NFL veteran, was effective against the Steelers in his first start ever for the Vikings. “I am in Ponder’s corner but it seemed Cassel didn’t make as many steps after the read (prior to passing),” Lurtsema said. “Ponder takes three or four where Cassel will throw immediately. You’ve got to anticipate receivers.”

Adding more intrigue to the quarterback drama on the team is the expected announcement the Vikings are adding Josh Freeman to the roster. He threw a career high 27 touchdown passes last season but was cut by the Bucs last week. If Freeman joins the Vikings it’s an acknowledgement the team doesn’t believe third team quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who has never played in an NFL game, is ready to help.

Before the season Lurtsema predicted the Vikings’ record will be 11-5. He remains impressed with the club’s talent and said the “worst” record will be 9-7 (despite the 1-3 start). The “best” will be 11-5.

Lurtsema, who correctly predicted the team’s 2012 record of 10-6, holds the defense most accountable for the team’s three losses that came by a total of 15 points. Lurtsema is critical of Josh Robinson who he said has been rated the “worst corner in the NFL.” Teams have consistently targeted passes in Robinson’s direction. “They (the Vikings) gotta do something,” Lurtsema said. “It’s just glaring (the problem).”

The defense has struggled, including in fourth quarters, and at times seems missing in action. Lurtsema insists the key to resurgence is the front four, led by tackle Kevin Williams and end Jared Allen. “The defensive line sets the tempo,” he said. “They gotta get aggressive but have to be disciplined (stay in assignments).”

Worth Noting

Lurtsema is sure the Vikings will beat the 1-3 Panthers next Sunday, 22-6 losers to the Cardinals yesterday. “Absolutely. Slam dunk.”

Personal seat license fees in the new Vikings stadium will be applied to 75 percent of the seats and range in cost from $500 to $10,000, according to a story in the October 4 Star Tribune. The average cost will be $2,500.

Lurtsema is critical of the fees. “I don’t think it’s fair. I think a lot of guys (buyers) are going to be really upset. I would be upset if I had eight to 10 tickets. That’s a lot of buckaroos.”

Lurtsema said a friend paid about $250,000 in personal seat license fees for his Giants tickets when the team moved into its new stadium.

While the Vikings only have four touchdown passes in four games, Minnesota’s NFC North Division rivals have been much more productive. The Bears’ Jay Cutler (10 TD passes), the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers (nine) and the Lions’ Matthew Stafford (eight) have totals among the best in the NFL.

Former Vikings defensive tackle Alan Page played his tuba in a salute to runners along the route of yesterday’s Twin Cities Marathon.

Ex-Vikings assistant coach and former Gophers quarterback Tony Dungy turned 58 yesterday.

Gophers’ defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle yesterday injuries would keep “four or five” of his defensive backs on the sidelines if Minnesota had a game this Saturday. The Gophers have a bye in the schedule and don’t play until October 19 in Evanston against pass-happy Northwestern.

Baseballprospectus.com lists the 2013 Twins payroll at approximately $82 million. While the Twins finished with the third worst record in the American League at 66-96, two of their AL rivals — the Rays and Athletics — made the playoffs with payrolls about $20 million less than Minnesota’s.

The Gophers outshot Lethbridge 46-12 in an exhibition 5-1 win on Saturday. Minnesota will face more difficult opposition this weekend in the Icebreaker Tournament at Mariucci Arena. The field includes nationally ranked New Hampshire along with Clarkson and Mercyhurst.

Media reports have the Gophers and North Dakota verbally agreeing to resume their storied men’s hockey rivalry in a nonconference series starting in 2016-17.

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Gophers Use Predictions for Motivation

Posted on October 4, 2013October 4, 2013 by David Shama

Andre Hollins calls it a “slap in the face.”

The Gophers’ best player is using predictions by college basketball writers that his team will be among the worst in the Big Ten Conference as motivation. “I think we can be a surprise team. …Nobody really knows what to expect, expecting us last. That’s the motivation that we’re using.”

Hollins, who led the Gophers in scoring last season at 14.6 points per game, is one of two returning starters from a team that finished 8-10 in Big Ten Conference games and 21-13 overall last season. He and Austin Hollins were starting guards last season but forwards Rodney Williams and Joe Coleman, and center Trevor Mbakwe, are no longer part of a Minnesota program with a new coach in 31-year-old Richard Pitino.

Basketball writers see a program in transition with changes in personnel and a new coaching staff. They forecast a challenging winter for the Gophers playing in the Big Ten, perhaps the nation’s best conference.

Andre Hollins said the Gophers, who have started fall practice preparing for their first exhibition game against Cardinal-Stritch at Williams Arena on November 1, are embracing the changes. “Much more energetic, enthusiastic. Just the whole program,” he said.

The team’s best players are likely to be the guards. The strategy could be to compensate for lack of size and talent in the frontcourt by playing wide open basketball — fast breaks, quick shots, full-court defense, double teams, and force turnovers.

The Gophers want opponents to panic and to do so Hollins is already seeing the importance of conditioning for himself and teammates. “We’re playing hard-nosed full-court defense an hour twenty minutes in practice,” he said. “I don’t think many teams do that in the nation.”

Hollins, a junior, has been known as an offensive player but when asked about personal goals for the season he said, “Be the best player I can be. Pick it up defensively. Be one of the best defending guards in the nation.”

Hollins said he improved his defense during the summer and made a comparison with how the Gophers will play defense this season versus last. While former coach Tubby Smith had players deny passes, the Gophers now will ease off on that so not to be vulnerable to backdoor cuts to the basket by opponents.

Hollins also said he’s learned to be more vocal, an attribute that will help him as one of three newly elected captains. Austin Hollins and guard Maverick Ahanmisi are the other captains.

Worth Noting

Forward Mo Walker, 6-10, has lost about 50 pounds and looks like a different person. Andre Hollins said Walker can now keep up with 6-11 center Elliott Eliason in running drills. Eliason is known for his ability to run up and down the court.

The Gophers haven’t set an October date when practice will be open to the public but plan to do so.

Pitino has converted the gym adjacent to his Bierman Building office into a practice facility. A wall has been constructed with power operated window shades to provide privacy. On the wall are video monitors showing images including of Minneapolis, the University campus and celebrities such as Ricky Rubio and Adrian Peterson.

The facility has a nearby locker room and showers. It is intended more for individual instruction, with the Gophers also using Williams Arena with its larger floor on practice days.

A passionate and knowledgeable Twins fan, disappointed with the decision to re-sign manager Ron Gardenhire for two more years, sent this e-mail to Sports Headliners: “After so many losses over the last three years, it’s hard to believe a change wasn’t made. Only in Minnesota do we accept such mediocrity on a consistent basis. I love Gardy as a person. It just seemed the right time to go in a different direction.

“What I find interesting is the Twins point to the A’s, Pirates and Rays and tell you a big payroll isn’t necessary to win. That may be true but then it’s an indictment of the team’s baseball operations department for failing to draft, sign and develop players that make an impact. If a team isn’t willing to spend money, then it better draft and develop well. Some of the Twins first-rounders like (Chris) Parmelee, (Trevor) Plouffe, (Aaron) Hicks and (Kyle) Gibson made it to the bigs but don’t appear to be impact players. Others, like (Denard) Span and (Ben) Revere, were traded before the start of the season.”

A guess is Gardenhire’s new deal pays him between $1.4 and $1.6 million annually. Baseballprospectus.com lists his two-year total compensation at $2.5 million for 2008-2009, but offers no figures more recent.

The Gophers (4-1) play at Michigan (4-0) tomorrow in a 2:30 p.m. ABC regionally televised game. The Gophers haven’t won in Ann Arbor since 2005 and have two victories in Michigan Stadium since 1980. The “Big House” has an official seating capacity of 109,901 but 115,109 saw the Wolverines defeat Notre Dame last month – the largest crowd ever to watch a college or pro football game.

Senior defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman said younger teammates might be somewhat “star-struck” playing against college football’s all-time winningest program in such a famous venue, but they need to know it’s “just a regular football game.”

Two years ago it wasn’t a regular game, as Michigan embarrassed Minnesota 58-0 in the “Big House” before 111,106 fans.

The Gophers average of only 27.4 penalty yards per game is the best among Big Ten teams. Coach Jerry Kill stresses in weekly meetings the importance of minimizing penalties.

“You wouldn’t want to be in here (the meeting room) after a ballgame and you were one who made a dumb penalty because it’s going to go up on that screen. That’s called the Daily News.” Kill said. “We all get educated through the Daily News and it helps because it’s not degrading anybody. This is why we didn’t score. This is why we kicked the field goal because we lined up wrong. So we’re gonna get that corrected. ‘Yes, sir.’ Okay, move on. So that’s kind of how we try to teach.”

The defensive secondary might be the Gophers’ top unit, comparing favorably with the best in the Big Ten. Safety Cedric Thompson thinks so and believes the unit is better than last year. “We’re a lot more physical, smarter and faster,” he said.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier didn’t want to tell his players that because of the team’s unexpected poor start and 1-3 record they had to spend part of their bye week at Winter Park working: “I think it’s important that our players get a chance to get away, take their minds off some things for a little bit and also…get re-engaged from a physical standpoint as well. So I think this is the right decision. We’ll come back on Monday, get started on the next opponent. …”

Vikings rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has turned heads with his kickoff return ability including a 105-yard touchdown return against the Bears last month. He is averaging 33.8 yards on 12 returns and was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September. Frazier allows him freedom about making decisions about whether to return a kickoff or down the ball in the end zone for a touchback.

“Yeah, we do have a lot of trust in him for sure,” Frazier said. “We have some parameters on when he can bring it out and when he doesn’t, but it’s not by yards. We think he can return one 109 yards, 108 yards and he’s done 105 so we trust his judgment. We do have some things we talk about when it comes to where the ball is kicked when he has to not return it, but he’s made good decisions up to this point.”

It wasn’t complacency that ended St. Thomas’ 36 game regular season winning streak last month. “Gosh, no. No way,” coach Glenn Caruso told Sports Headliners yesterday. “We would not tolerate it.”

The Tommies lost 20-18 to St. John’s on September 21 and had a bye last weekend. Caruso was surprised how poorly his team played “at times” against the Johnnies, committing five turnovers after a focused week of practice. “It was a great reminder of how strong the rest of the conference has gotten,” he said.

The Tommies are home for a 1:10 p.m. game tomorrow against Carleton, another MIAC opponent. Caruso said the St. John’s loss doesn’t end the dream of playing later this year for the Division III national championship but the Tommies need to focus on the present each week.

State basketball legend Janet Karvonen, now 50, is finishing studies at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, according to the latest issue of MVP Magazine. Bob Brown wrote in his story for the southeast Minnesota sports publication that Karvonen plans to intern at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Lino Lakes. “It’s still a new thing for women to be ordained as pastors,” said Karvonen who grew up in the Lutheran church.

The Lynx open the WNBA Finals on Sunday night at Target Center against the Dream. Single game tickets start at $26.

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