Vikings – Page 37 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Here’s the Predicted Outcome in All 17 Vikings Games

Posted on September 10, 2023 by David Shama

The Vikings open their regular season schedule today against the Buccaneers. Here’s how I see the outcome of every game on the 2023 schedule.

Week 1: It was a dream come true for the Bucs to have Tom Brady in his “golden years.” Post-GOAT era, not so good. The Vikings will win by 12 today. Record: 1-0.

Week 2: The Vikes go prime time later this week playing in Philly Thursday night. The Eagles are legit Super Bowl contenders, but the Vikings make it close in a four-point loss. No shame in losing to Jalen Hurts who could be the NFL MVP. Record: 1-1.

Week 3: The Vikings have been playing in the NFL since 1961 but Minnesota and the Chargers have only met 13 times. In their first matchup ever at U.S. Bank Stadium the Chargers are sluggish from their West Coast trek and lose by a touchdown in the September 24 game. Record: 2-1.

Week 4: Word is the Panthers will be a so-so team this fall but Carolina fans are applauding during this October 1 game when WR Adam Thielen puts the Panthers ahead in the second half with a touchdown reception. But it’s not a great reunion for the former Vikings hero after the Purple, taking advantage of mistakes by rookie QB Bryce Young, win in overtime. Record: 3-1.

Week 5: Brian Flores’ defense has been turning heads with its play the first four weeks but not on October 8 when the Chiefs play their first game ever at U.S. Bank Stadium. That quarterback seen in all those TV commercials befuddles the Vikings and the Chiefs win by 21. Record: 3-2.

Week 6: Vikings players are likely privately pleased they don’t have to visit the Windy City late in the season. This October 15 game, however, is no fun for Minnesota as new Bears linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards cause havoc with Kirk Cousins and friends in a six-point Chicago upset. Record: 3-3.

Week 7: In an October 23 Monday night matchup in Minneapolis, the 49ers show why they could meet the Bengals or Chiefs in the Super Bowl next winter. The San Francisco defense harasses Cousins and his receivers, while the 49er offense, led by RB Christian McCaffrey, having his best NFL season ever, puts up 28 points in a 10-point win. Record: 3-4.

Week 8: Green Bay’s Jaire Alexander and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson are singing kumbaya before the game, but J.J. is humming Skol Vikings at the finish. Not only does Jefferson get the best of his outspoken rival, but the Vikings defense has one of its best games confusing new starting Packers QB Jordan Love in this October 29 matchup in Green Bay. Record: 4-4.

Week 9: The Falcons have a terrific runner in rookie Bijan Robinson but the passing attack is toothless even playing at home November 5 against Minnesota. The Vikings have one of their better days so far on offense, with rookie WR Jordan Addison having a big day as the Vikings win by 20 points. Record: 5-4.

Week 10: The Saints come marching into Minneapolis November 12 and former New Orleans defensive end Marcus Davenport has a two-sack day against his old team. It’s not enough, though, because the vulnerable Vikings secondary is missing injured players and talented Saints WRs Michael Thomas and Chris Olave produce explosive gains in a 9-point New Orleans victory. Record: 5-5.

Week 11: On November 19 the Vikings play in Denver for the first time since 2015 and they haven’t won there since 1999. That changes this year in a shoot-out in the west as comeback quarterback Russell Wilson causes problems, but Cousins and his key pass catchers have several touchdown receptions. However, it’s RB Alexander Mattison who scores on a swing pass in the closing minute to give the Purple a one-point win. Record: 6-5.

Week 12: November 27 will be the 17^th time the Vikings and Bears have played on a Monday Night (the most ever MNF opponent for the Purple). U.S. Bank is rocking as usual and Bears QB Justin Fields looks to run when his first read isn’t there. The Vikings defense contains Fields, and the Minnesota offense puts up four touchdowns in a revenge win by 18 points. Record: 7-5.

Week 14: After a bye week, the Vikings play the Raiders for the first time in Las Vegas. This is no gamble, playing in Vegas on December 10 against a Raiders team having another poor season. Mattison rushes for a career-high 140 yards and the score is so one-sided Cousins back up Nick Mullens plays against his old team. Record: 8-5.

Week 15: The game date is TBA but wondering if former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer will leave his nearby Kentucky ranch and sneak in the backdoor at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati? Cousins threw for 351 yards in a 27-24 overtime loss in 2021 in Cincy. The game turns into a chess match between Flores and Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo who both are skilled at disguising and mixing up schemes. Bengals QB Joe Burrow wins the day for his Super Bowl favorite team as the Vikings lose 23-17. Record: 8-6.

Week 16: Better plan to open presents on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve, December 24, has the Vikings hosting the Lions, their main rival to repeat as NFC North Division champs. The last time the teams played in Minneapolis, Cousins, with 45 seconds remaining, threw the winning TD pass to WR K.J. Osborn in Week 3 of the 2022 season. At a magical time of year in 2023, guess what? Cousins and former Lion T.J. Hockenson beat Detroit in the closing minutes of the game. Record: 9-6.

Week 17: The Packers come to town and the Vikings play like they had too much eggnog, or maybe aquavit. It’s the first time since 2005 the Pack has been in Minneapolis without Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings find Love is much improved since the earlier meeting between the two teams. In the most disappointing loss of the season, the heavily favored Vikings lose by 5 points, but the game isn’t even that close. Record: 9-7.

Week 18: In Detroit Jefferson caps a year for the ages by having over 100 yards in receptions, a total that puts him past 2,000 yards for the season. He becomes the first receiver in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards during the regular season. That’s worth a festive celebration but a loss to the Lions isn’t. The Vikings, playing without several injured starters, suffer a two-touchdown loss to a Lions team that clinches the NFC North title. Game date TBA. Record: 9-8.

Recap: The Vikings don’t come close to last season’s record of 13-4 but luck into the playoffs with their mediocre record. How will they fare in the postseason? For that outlook, you have to wait until January.

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Justin Jefferson & the 2,000 Yards Question in 2023

Posted on September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 by David Shama

Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson had 1,809 receiving yards last season. In NFL history only five others have totaled over 1,800 yards in the regular season, including Cooper Kupp from the Rams who had over 2,000 yards in 2021-2022 counting playoff games.

Jefferson, age 24, starts his fourth NFL season Sunday in Minneapolis against the Bucs. There will be a national watch to see if Jefferson can become the second member of the 2,000 yards club and the first to do it in the regular season. In Jefferson’s first three seasons his 4,825 yards is the most ever for an NFL player.

Voted the second-best player in the NFL this summer by his peers, Jefferson plays for a creative head coach in Kevin O’Connell who, along with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, devises schemes to get the former LSU star open against aggressive defenses.

A former executive with NFL teams, speaking to Sports Headliners on condition of anonymity, recognizes Jefferson’s extraordinary talents and the coaching staff’s high IQ but is skeptical about the 2,000 yards target. “I don’t see a 2,000-yard season. He’s going to have so much attention on him with double and triple teams. …I know that’s his goal to be a 2,000-yard guy but that’s a pretty high ask, I would say.”

Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

The benefit to the Vikings for all the attention to Jefferson will be more opportunities for other playmakers, perhaps starting with rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison who shows big play potential. Wide receiver K.J. Osborn and tight end T.J. Hockenson can also stretch the field for a potentially explosive passing game led by quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Jefferson’s career high in touchdown passes is 10 in the 2021 regular season (eight last year). Davante Adams of the Raiders led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions last season. You can add a touchdown watch to tracking J.J. this season.

Another topic of Jefferson news is an expected contract extension that could be announced this week. The new terms might be $30 million or so over five to six years. How much will be guaranteed? “That’ll be a $100 million plus, I am sure,” said the source referenced earlier.

Gophers Football In-State Recruiting Update

The Star Tribune published its 23-man preseason All-Metro Dream Team last week. Included in Jim Paulsen’s story were Golden Gophers class of 2024 commits Jide Abasiri, Prior Lake; Sam Macy, Chanhassen; and Mo Saine, Eden Prairie. Who else might the Gophers pursue?

Ryan Burns, the recruiting authority from GopherIllustrated, said one of the names to follow is senior offensive lineman Kene Anene from East Ridge who has verbally committed to Kansas. He interests the Gophers, per Burns, but they haven’t offered a scholarship. “He is probably someone they watch the first few games of tape of. Decide if they want to move on him from there.”

Minnesota is likely to watch tape, too, of Minneapolis North senior cornerback Zashon Rich. “Really athletic kid,” Burns said. “Really, really raw like a lot of Minneapolis North kids are. He’s big enough to be a Big Ten caliber athlete but he’s got a lot of refinement left and if he can show that on his senior tape, you’re going to see some power five schools on him pretty quick.”

Junior offensive lineman Sam Ruid from St. Francis could also be a Gopher target. “He is on a short list for best junior lineman in the state,” Burns said.

Paulsen described Robbinsdale Cooper junior linebacker Emmanuel Karmo as “considered the top recruit in the state in the class of 2025.” Burns said the Gophers are evaluating Karmo as are other programs.

Burns said the Gophers are also watching senior Mounds View slot receiver Tyler Nystrom. “I know he is on their radar for a potential preferred walk-on.”

Minnetonka senior quarterback Milos Spasojevic wasn’t selected for the dream team but Burns said he’s the only QB Minnesota has offered preferred walk-on status to. Wisconsin has done the same.

Worth Noting

Mid-American Conference Opponent Eastern Michigan receives a $1.4 million guarantee to play the Gophers Saturday night at Huntington Bank Stadium, according to information obtained by Sports Headliners from the University of Minnesota. Sun Belt Conference member Louisiana will get $1.3 million for playing the Gophers in Minneapolis September 30.

The Gophers’ third nonconference game is on the road September 16 at North Carolina where the Tar Heels will pay a $200,000 guarantee to Minnesota. Next year NC is at Minnesota and will receive $200,000 as the visiting team.

Gophers’ kicker Dragan Kesich and safety Tyler Nubin were honored by the Big Ten today for their performances in last week’s 13-10 victory against Nebraska. Kesich, who kicked the winning field goal in the game’s closing minutes is Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. Nubin, who had two interceptions including one in the fourth quarter that helped Minnesota’s comeback from a 10-3 deficit, is Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

The Gophers used three of their top four running backs against Nebraska. Not playing was redshirt freshman Zach Evans who impressed in his one game last season, rushing six times for 29 yards and a touchdown against Northwestern. “He’s (Zach) doing good, but this is all about competition,” Gophers’ coach P.J. Fleck said about Evans. “I don’t make the depth charts. The players make the depth charts. I just pick who played best. Just because you did something one year, doesn’t mean you’re going to be there the next year. We keep adding talent, and you gotta go out there and perform. We have full trust in him when he gets out there and gets his opportunity.”

MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park pointed out yesterday that amazing Twins rookie Royce Lewis, who delivers in the biggest of moments at the plate, not only has hit three grand slams in the span of eight games, but four of his 13 career home runs have come with the bases loaded.

The Twins have won three of their last four games, including last night’s wild 20-6 victory over the Guardians in Cleveland. Former manager Tom Kelly once said momentum was as good as tomorrow’s starting pitcher.

Saint John’s is the No. 4 ranked team nationally in the latest D3football.com poll, moving up two spots since last week. MIAC rival Bethel is No. 16.

The Johnnies had a dramatic win in their opening game last Saturday against Trinity (Texas). Trailing 31-14 in the fourth quarter, Saint John’s scored the game’s final 20 points in a 34-31 overtime win over then-No. 4 ranked Trinity in Collegeville.

Twin Cities TV sports anchors Mike Max, Dawn Mitchell, Joe Schmit and Reggie Wilson will talk about the changing role of local television sports on Tuesday, September 26 at the Capital Club breakfast at Mendakota Country Club. More information about the Capital Club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

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Vikings May Surprise the NFL Prognosticators Again

Posted on September 3, 2023September 3, 2023 by David Shama

How will the Vikings play during their 2023 regular season schedule that begins next Sunday in Minneapolis against the Bucs? After shocking the NFL with a 13-4 record last season, you may need a sleuth to find a pro football authority who thinks that record will be duplicated.

Projected win totals from many knowledgeable sources are under 10 wins. BetMGM has the wagering number at 8.5. Sports Illustrated magazine’s football preview issue is more pessimistic offering possible season records of 6-11 and 7-10. There’s a bandwagon of naysayers who don’t believe the Purple will repeat as NFC North Division champions.

The lack of enthusiasm is based on a couple of major factors. The Vikings, due to their success in 2022, have a challenging schedule that includes six teams who made the playoffs last season and they face five of those clubs in the first seven games. Second, the Vikings had a subpar defense last season and doubts remain despite bringing in new defensive coordinator Brian Flores and shuffling personnel.

A Sports Headliners source, a former front office leader with NFL teams, spoke with cautious optimism about the Vikings. Asking that his name not be published, he said Minnesota could win the division again, with the race likely to be decided in the closing weeks of the season when the Vikings and Lions play twice (weeks 16 and 18). The Lions are a popular choice to win the NFC North after closing 2022 by winning eight of their last 10.

The early part of Minnesota’s schedule has the source’s attention. “I think if they can get off to 4-3, 4-2, 5-3 (record)… then I think they’re in really good shape because then I think the schedule starts to turn a little bit. But It’s not going to be easy. They’ve got that first-place schedule and that’s what you get when you win the division. …”

Vikings fans will like hearing that the authority believes the Lions are “overrated” and receiving more praise than deserved because of their strong finish last season (Detroit didn’t qualify for the playoffs). The Lions will be competitive, though, and the division’s other teams, the Packers and Bears, will be, too, he said. He projects Minnesota’s record at 10-7 and “good enough to win the division.”

The source has concerns about the Minnesota defense, most specifically the pass rush and cornerbacks. Outside linebacker Marcus Davenport, acquired in the offseason as a free agent, must prove capable of being a force along with veteran sack specialist Danielle Hunter. Davenport, going into his sixth NFL season, had nine sacks for the Saints in 2021 but 0.5 last year.

The authority thinks another offseason acquisition, Byron Murphy, could be an “upgrade” over departed veteran Patrick Peterson. The other starting corner, Akayleb Evans, receives a positive nod from the source, too. The “tricky part” he said is the cornerback depth and how things go if Murphy or Evans are injured. Rookie Mekhi Blackmon is inexperienced, and second year corner Andrew Booth has been a disappointment.

“Andrew Booth, I just think he is a guy that just has not played great and he gets hurt a lot and if they have to play him, I think it’s a potential problem,” the source said. “I think that’s why they use a lot of three safety looks because they do have strength at safety with obviously Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, (and Josh) Metellus is a good player. Lewis Cine (second season) seems to have improved, even though he will still give up a play every once in a while. And I like Jay Ward, the rookie safety, a fourth-round pick. I thought he did some really good things in camp, and especially in that last preseason game. …”

Also on the safety roster is second-year player Theo Jackson. The reality is that the hefty number of six safeties indicates a couple of things. Flores likes mixing up his personnel and options by using three safeties on the field at times and the depth at the position may help cover up cornerback issues.

The source admires Flores but has a word of caution, too. Flores is known for taking chances with his schemes and play calls but his aggressive style “can also burn you at times.”

The NFL insider refers to the Viking offense as “excellent.” And why not? Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, known for his accuracy and durability, has No. 2 ranked NFL player Justin Jefferson leading a receiver corps that could be better than last season with the development of rookie WR Jordan Addison and a full season with tight end T.J. Hockenson who was acquired last fall from the Lions. The offensive line is led by two of the better pair of tackles in the NFL in Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw.

Yes, the Vikings no longer have explosive runner Dalvin Cook but the authority quoted here isn’t that concerned about the running game. Reserve Alexander Mattison moves up to replace Cook with Ty Chandler positioned as his backup. Mattison was better than Cook last year in short yardage. “I think they’ll be okay at running back, honestly, if those guys stay healthy,” the source said.

In another interesting roster move the Vikings have kept four tight ends with Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse. Head coach Kevin O’Connell wants to have opponents guessing as to what’s next and while the Vikings have a superb passing game, they will probably frequently use two tight ends, and possibly three when they want to power run, or disguise a pass.

Worth Noting

Daniel Jackson’s toe-dragging touchdown catch that allowed Minnesota to tie the score at 10-10 against Nebraska late in the fourth quarter last Thursday night must rank among the most spectacular catches in Gopher football history. The tie positioned Minnesota to later kick a field goal as time ran out and win 13-10 in the opening game for both Big Ten teams.

The Gopher mantra is “the football is the program.” The Gophers lived up to that by making fewer mistakes than Nebraska and because key Minnesota’s playmakers made big plays including Jackson’s heroics. Preseason All-American safety Tyler Nubin intercepted two passes including one that set up the winning drive where Dragan Kesich, who had kicked one previous field goal in his college career, delivered the winning three points. Another playmaker, cornerback Justin Walley, punched the football loose from a Nebraska ball carrier and the recovery gave Minnesota momentum for its drive that tied the game 10-10.

Word is there would have been even more Nebraska fans at the game if many had not chosen to be in Boulder, Colorado September 9 when Big Red plays Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes.

The announced attendance Thursday night was 53,629, the fifth largest crowd in Huntington Bank Stadium history.

As of late last week, Minneapolis native and cornerback Craig McDonald was still awaiting a waiver ruling from the NCAA to be eligible for the Gophers this season. The waiver approval is necessary because McDonald has transferred twice in his college career, having been first at Iowa State and later Auburn. McDonald would have three years of eligibility with the Gophers and can be a contributor in 2023.

Friends are looking for help in locating former Gophers’ basketball assistant coach Jimmy Williams who was most recently known to be living in Texas but not heard from in about 12 months. Williams was an assistant coach at Minnesota for 15 seasons including for the 1972 and 1982 Big Ten title teams.

Darrell Thompson, the Gophers’ radio analyst and former record-setting running back in the late 1980s, heads up the Minneapolis-based Bolder Options nonprofit that benefits youth with a mentor-focused program. The organization celebrates its 30^th birthday Friday night at a dinner at Quincy Hall (northeast Minneapolis) featuring a live auction and entertainment. The event will honor the late Mark Sheffert, a prominent Minneapolis businessman and Gopher supporter who served two terms as chair of the Bolder Options board and was highly impactful to the organization’s success. https://www.bolderoptions.org/

Beloved former Golden Gophers athletics trainer Jim Marshall, age 93, is scheduled for a trip to Washington D.C. on September 11 at the invitation of Honor Flight Twin Cities. The non-profit organization flies war veterans to D.C. for a day and provides a tour of various memorials including those for World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Arlington Cemetery and Iwo Jima. Marshall served his country during the Korean War and was assigned to a Navy submarine. https://www.honorflighttwincities.org/

The Twins’ starting pitchers for their key series in Cleveland against the Guardians Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be Pablo Lopez, Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan. The Guardians are expected to go with Lucas Giolito, Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams.

The Twins announced today that utility player Willi Castro (mild left oblique strain) has been reinstated from the 10-day Injured List. To make room for Castro, outfielder Michael Taylor, with a right hamstring strain, has been placed on the 10-day Injured List.

It’s a memorable year for Minikahda Club golf instructor Jeff Sorenson who last week won the Minnesota PGA Professional Championship at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay and earlier in the year was selected for induction into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame.

Bill Robertson, the Minnesota native whose career accomplishments included commissioner of the WCHA, is making a successful transition after about a month to his new home in South Carolina where activities include diving into about 300 unread sports books he has collected over the years.

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