Wild – Page 54 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Bailey Not the Vikings Kicker Yet

Posted on September 17, 2018September 19, 2018 by David Shama

Enjoy a Monday notes column on the Vikings, Gophers, Wild and MIAC.

Hysteria was rampant among Vikings followers after rookie kicker Daniel Carlson missed three field goals in yesterday’s 29-29 tie with the Packers. Among the misses was a 35-yarder in overtime that looked like a “gimme” for the 23-year-old kicker.

Carlson made a 48-yard field goal in Minnesota’s opening win against the 49ers a week ago Sunday. So he was at 25 percent on field goals as of this afternoon when the Vikings announced they cut him from the roster.

At his Monday news conference heard on KFAN-FM, head coach Mike Zimmer said the team will be ordering a physical for Carlson’s likely replacement, 31-year-old former Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey. He is an 88.2 percent career kicker over seven seasons with the Cowboys.

“We’ll see if we sign him or not,” Zimmer said.

The Vikings used a fifth round 2018 draft pick on Carlson, the former Auburn All-American. Minnesota made him the highest drafted kicker in franchise history. The Vikings were attracted to the 6-foot-5 Carlson’s big kicking leg and credentials that included the second best percentage for field goals at 50+ yards in NCAA history (13 of 21).

“That’s life,” Zimmer said. “I don’t know. It’s hard to figure out. You think you got a guy for awhile and then he goes out and misses three in a big game. But, you know, things happen, I guess.”

Carlson was 6 of 6 on PAT’s this season, and he never missed an extra point at Auburn. Conversions were an issue for 31-year-old Kai Forbath who Carlson beat out for the placekicking job with the Vikings this summer. Forbath only made 48 of 56 PAT’s during his Vikings career.

Forbath converted on 12 of 14 field goals between 30 and 39 yards last regular season. He hit six of seven from 40 to 49 yards for the Vikings.

Another change the Vikings personnel decision makers might be considering is replacing Laquon Treadwell when the offense has three wide receivers on the field. Treadwell, a 2016 first round draft choice, has made slow progress in his career. Yesterday he had his first ever NFL touchdown reception, but he also didn’t catch some passes including one that almost cost Minnesota the game.

The Vikings today signed wide receiver Aldrick Robinson who is in his seventh NFL season. He has played with four other NFL teams including the Redskins when Kirk Cousins was the quarterback there before joining the Vikings.

“He’s a fast guy,” Zimmer said. “(He) makes some deep ball plays, and Kirk throws a great deep ball as you saw the other day.”

The Vikings are the third youngest team in the NFL, according to opening day roster information from the NFL. At an average of 25.47 years, the Vikings rank behind the Browns at 25.19 and the Bengals at 25.38.

Only the Browns at 3.21 average years of NFL experience per player, have a lower figure than the Vikings at 3.49.

It was 57 years ago today, September 17, 1961, that rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton led the Vikings to the franchise’s first ever win, a 37-13 upset victory over the Bears at Metropolitan Stadium in the opening game of the season.

Dan O’Brien told Sports Headliners redshirt Gophers sophomore safety and punt returner Antoine Winfield Jr., who already this season has twice been a Big Ten Player of the Week, was under recruited coming out of high school in Texas because of his short stature, maybe 5-foot-10. O’Brien was Winfield’s defensive backfield coach two years ago. During the summer of 2016 word came in from teammates during captain’s practices that Winfield was impressive for a true freshman, after being ranked only a two-star recruit by Rivals.com while in high school.

Winfield had an impressive 31-yard punt return and recovered a fumble in Saturday’s Gopher win over Miami (Ohio). O’Brien, who was part of the Jerry Kill–Tracy Claeys coaching era at Minnesota, is 3-0 in his first season as head coach at St. Thomas Academy.

Minnesota has won 19 of its last 20 nonconference home games, but only one was against a Power Five team. The Gophers defeated the Pac-12’s Oregon State in 2016 at TCF Bank Stadium. The one home loss came against No. 2 ranked TCU of the Big 12 in 2015.

The Gophers will make program history next season with the longevity and experience of two redshirt senior running backs—Shannon Brooks in his fifth year and Rodney Smith in his sixth. Are they the best running backs in program history to play together? No, that distinction goes to Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney.

Jacob Herbers, with deftly placed punts inside the Miami 10-yard line, was the “Player of the Game,” according to Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck talking on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle yesterday.

Fleck indicated on the program he doesn’t expect quarterback Zack Annexstad’s ankle injury suffered in the Miami game to sideline him for next Saturday’s Big Ten opener at Maryland.

Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold, 66, had his third hip surgery last week and is planning a fourth.

As usual, the Wild’s fortunes on the ice will have much to do with the availability and performance of their well-paid two-some of forward Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter. General manager Paul Fenton told Sports Headliners that Parise, coming off of a sternum injury, will participate in the preseason schedule that opens tonight in Winnipeg. Suter, who missed the playoffs because of a severe ankle injury, might not play in the exhibition games.

“The plan is to have him (Suter) back for the opener,” Fenton said. “He’s going to be cleared here to be able to practice, so let’s just get him into the shape that he needs to be in. We’ve got until October 4th for him to be ready.”

With another school year starting, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference reports that more than 7,300 students at its member schools are expected to compete in athletics and over 70 percent are Minnesota natives.

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New & Improved Trivia Quiz Here

Posted on June 26, 2018June 26, 2018 by David Shama

Well, this is almost as traditional as fireworks and hot dogs on the Fourth of July. My annual Independence Day Trivia Contest arrives early this year so you have more time to share with friends and family.

Okay, so I exaggerated with my opening paragraph, but I am delivering 18 questions about Minnesota sports to test your trivia IQ. Answer 16 to 18 correctly and you might become a future trivia quiz contributor. With 12 or more correct, don’t hesitate to test the know-it-all at work who thinks he is “Mr. Minnesota Sports.” Nail 8 to 11 correct answers and figure you were (somewhat?) competitive. Less than eight right answers? Start prepping for the 2019 quiz.

In composing the quiz I kept reminding myself earlier quizzes had too many difficult questions. Admonish me if I remain too harsh of a taskmaster. So dive into the 18 questions, with no peeking at the answers below until answering every darn one.

And Happy Fourth of July!

Trivia Quiz Questions

1. Name the deceased former Vikings coach who will have his name added to the franchise’s Ring of Honor later this year.

2. Kirk Cousins signed an $84 million contract with the Vikings earlier this year, but coming out of college what round of the NFL Draft was he selected by the Redskins?

3. During training camp the Vikings will host another NFL team for joint practices. Name the team.

4. Name the Twins pitcher who struck out 12 Rangers in Minnesota’s win over Texas on Sunday.

5. Who did the Twins trade to the White Sox in July of 2012 to acquire infielder Eduardo Escobar?

6. When these three Twins are in the outfield they like to say, “Nothing falls (between them) but raindrops.” Who are they?

7. This Twins relief pitcher wears his cap cockeyed and during an early season game pursued snowflakes with his tongue. Who is he?

8. Name the Golden Gopher baseball player who the U announced last week has signed a contract with the St. Paul Saints.

9. Name the new Minnesota Wild advisor who once was the Minnesota North Stars’ GM?

10. Where was Wild star Zach Parise born?

11. Who did the Wild select with the 24th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and how do you spell his name?

12. Who is the former Golden Gopher basketball player who once made such a spectacular dunk at Williams Arena that ESPN referred to him as the “Jewish Jordan?”

13. This Golden Gophers basketball starter has a sister who was an All-American at Northwestern. Who is he?

14. Who is the Minnesota Lynx guard who also is head women’s basketball coach for the Golden Gophers?

15. The Timberwolves have two players on their roster who played high school basketball in the state of Minnesota. Name them.

16. Where did Timberwolves first round draft choice Josh Okogie play collegiately?

17. Name the Golden Gophers’ junior wide receiver who is a preseason All-Big Ten choice.

18. What’s the name of the Minnesota United’s soon-to-be home stadium?

Trivia Quiz Answers

1. Dennis Green referred to himself as the “Sheriff” and he rounded up more wins than any Vikings head coach in history except for Bud Grant (101 versus 168).

2. Kirk Cousins was drafted in the fourth round by the Redskins in 2012 and no one could have predicted he would one day sign a three-year $84 million deal.

3. The Jaguars will come to Eagan for joint practices with the Vikings August 15 and 16 at the TCO Performance Center.

4. Jose Berrios, looking increasingly like the staff ace, struck out 12 Rangers and gave up two hits in seven innings in Minnesota’s 2-0 win on Sunday.

5. The Twins sent one-time star pitcher Francisco Liriano to the White Sox in a deal that brought infielder Eduardo Escobar and pitcher Pedro Fernandez to Minnesota.

6. Byron Buxton, Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario are so slick in the field they can (presumably) even run down raindrops.

7. Fernando Rodney is the Twins closer who wears his cap like he put it on in the dark and during a snowy game in Pittsburgh pursued snowflakes.

8. Golden Gopher senior infielder Luke Pettersen, who was an All-Big Ten third team selection at second base, has joined the St. Paul Saints.

9. Jack Ferreira, 74, once directed the personnel decisions for the North Stars and now Wild GM Paul Fenton has made Ferreira an advisor to him.

10. Even if you can’t skate, hope you got this one: Zach Parise was born in Minneapolis.

11. The Wild chose 18-year-old defenseman Filip Johansson, and please note the first name begins with the letter “F” and there are two “S’s” in Johansson.

12. ESPN’s SportsCenter was blown away by Sam Jacobson’s spectacular dunk but incorrectly referred to him as “Jewish.”

13. Golden Gopher forward Amir Coffey’s sister, Nia, was an All-American at Northwestern and their dad, Richard, was a member of the Gopher teams from 1986-1990.

14. WNBA and Lynx veteran Lindsay Whalen, 36, was named Golden Gopher women’s coach earlier this year (another uncontested “layup” question and answer for you).

15. Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones played for Apple Valley in high school, while center Cole Aldrich was a prep at Bloomington Jefferson.

16. Josh Okogie, who the Timberwolves selected with the No. 20 pick in the first round, played collegiately at Georgia Tech.

17. Golden Gophers junior Tyler Johnson is a third-team preseason All-Big Ten pick at wide receiver by Athlon magazine.

18. Allianz Field, located in St. Paul, will host the MLS United starting in 2019.

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Twins President Remains Upbeat

Posted on June 19, 2018June 19, 2018 by David Shama

A Tuesday notes column including the Twins, Vikings, Gophers and Wild.

The Twins won two of three games against the Central Division leading Indians last weekend after demoting 2017 American League All-Star Miguel Sanó to Single-A Fort Meyers on Thursday. Dispatching the underperforming Sano for hitting and conditioning rehab to Florida doesn’t mean club president Dave St. Peter is down on his club. Sanó has played in 37 games for the Twins this season, hitting .203 (30-for-148) with nine doubles, seven home runs, 27 RBI, 14 walks and 66 strikeouts.

Center fielder Byron Buxton’s performance has been a disappointment, too. Like Sano, he has been injured and his stats are not impressive, either. Buxton has played in just 28 games, hitting .156 with no home runs and four RBI.

Buxton and Sano were counted on before the season to be leaders of the now struggling Twins offense. St. Peter told Sports Headliners this morning that the two young players have “tremendous potential” and he remains optimistic about them. “I can assure you we’re not giving up on them,” he said.

Minnesota’s record is 31-37 and the Twins are 5.5 games back of the Indians who they don’t play again for several weeks. Their last remaining meetings against the Indians come in late July and August—a total of three series.

The Twins need to be at their best for a three-game series against the Red Sox that starts tonight at Target Field. Minnesota has struggled for years against baseball’s better teams. The Red Sox, 49-24, are co-leaders of the competitive East Division and play the Twins for the first time this season, while planning to use three starters who are a combined 22-11.

Chris Sale, 6-4, is scheduled to start tonight, followed by David Price, 8-3, and Rick Porcello, 8-4. The Twins will counter with Jose Berrios, 7-5, Lance Lynn, 4-5, and Kyle Gibson, 2-4.

Minnesota’s starting pitching has been a team strength. “We have more consistent good starting pitching than we’ve seen here in a long, long time,” said St. Peter who is hopeful of the Twins earning their way into the postseason.

The Twins are 3-10 this season against East Division teams. The co-leading Yankees, 47-22, swept a four-game series against Minnesota in New York earlier this year.

The Vikings’ 2018 offense could be exciting, and not only because of new quarterback Kirk Cousins and holdovers like Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. It’s anticipated the schemes and playcalling of new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo will be impressive.

“He’s got a lot of creative things under his belt,” Vikings offensive lineman Nick Easton told Sports Headliners. “He likes to keep a defense on edge, (and) never let them get a beat on what we’re doing. I think it’s going to really pay off for us.”

DeFilippo’s coaching resume includes the 2007 season working for Lane Kiffin when the Bloomington, Minnesota native was head coach of the Oakland Raiders at age 31.

Brandon Zylstra, the 2017 Canadian Football League All-Star wide receiver from Spicer, Minnesota, impressed the Vikings this spring. DeFilippo gave the impression last week that the 6-2, 215- pound 25 year old could make the final roster.

“…He’s a big, strong guy,” DeFilippo said. “People are going to have a hard time getting up in his face and pressing him. He has tremendous hands. He’s smart. He’s one of the guys that can line up anywhere, (and) we could put him at any position. We’re very fortunate he’s on our football team.”

Athlon magazine includes North Dakota State safety Robbie Grimsley, from Hutchinson, Minnesota, on its first-team FCS All-American defense.

Athlonsports.com believes the “Big Ten might have the best collection of head coaches among Power 5 leagues for the 2018 season.” Predictably, Ohio State’s Urban Meyer leads the list. Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck is No. 10 in the 14-team Big Ten and ranked ahead of Maryland’s D.J. Durkin, Rutgers’ Chris Ash, Indiana’s Tom Allen and Illinois’ Lovie Smith (No. 14).

Steven Lassan’s June 12 story for Athlon.com praises Fleck’s recruiting success and he writes the second-year Gopher coach has Minnesota “trending in the right direction.”

Vic Viramontes, the Gopher quarterback who recently transferred back to junior college to become a linebacker, has 19,600 followers on Twitter.

Bobby Bell, who turned 78 on Sunday, is arguably the most legendary former Golden Gophers football player still alive. Bell was a two-time All-American defensive tackle and won the 1962 Outland Trophy. From 1960-1962 he was a major reason why the Gophers had a 22-6-1 record with two Rose Bowl appearances and one Big Ten title. The 6-4, 228-pound Bell was a high school quarterback and so athletic he could have played any of several positions for coach Murray Warmath.

When I was involved with Minnesota North Stars marketing years ago I worked with general manager Jack Ferreria. He was one of the most professional front office people I have ever known. He joined the Wild earlier this month as an assistant general manager.

Ferreria, 74, coached new Wild GM Paul Fenton when he was an amateur player. Fenton later was on the San Jose Sharks roster when Ferreria was the team’s general manager.

Fired Wild GM Chuck Fletcher may keep his Minneapolis suburban residence for awhile. Fletcher’s son will be entering his senior year of high school later this summer.

Minneapolis-based Jostens might produce the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup rings. Jostens has a history of rings with Stanley Cup winners and also produced the rings for the 2018 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

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