The Vikings, who have lost three straight road games, can look back at Monday night’s 36-30 overtime defeat in Chicago and list a lot of “what ifs.” But the opinion here is the fourth quarter kickoff coverage that allowed Danieal Manning of the Bears to return the ball to the Vikings 21 yard line tops the list. The Vikings had come back to tie the game at 23-23 with 5:49 remaining.
The Bears turned their field position into a 20 yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler to Earl Bennett. One of the ESPN broadcasters described the kickoff coverage as “inexcusable.” Adrian Peterson’s overtime fumble and Ryan Longwell’s missed extra point were low moments, too, but those were individual mistakes. The kickoff coverage involved several players (if not a whole unit) breaking down when momentum had obviously shifted to the Vikings.
For an entertaining look at Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, visit his Website, https://www.jaredallen69inc.com/#/news/.
Tickets to the Vikings’ first home playoff game go on sale today beginning at 10 a.m. While a specific date has yet to be determined, the first game will be either the weekend of January 9-10 or 16-17. Ticket prices range from $48-$95 and are only available through Ticketmaster by phone 800-745-3000 or Internet (www.ticketmaster.com).
Former Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven hopes 13 is a lucky number for him. He’s on the Hall of Fame ballot for the 13th time and an announcement will be made next week whether he’s going to be enshrined in Cooperstown. https://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091124&content_id=7714798&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has formed a 14-member committee that includes former Twins general managers Andy MacPhail and Terry Ryan to review and examine on-field issues. The Special Committee for On-Field Matters will schedule its first meeting soon, according to a Major League Baseball press release.
“The committee will have the opportunity to review and make recommendations on all aspects of the game on the field, from scheduling, to playoff formats, to umpiring, to pace of game, to instant replay and to whatever other issues the Committee deems appropriate,” Selig said. “There will be no sacred cows.”
Four MIAC players have been named to the D3football.com All-America team. St. Thomas junior running back Ben Wartman and sophomore returner Fritz Waldvogel were first team selections. St. Thomas junior center Josh Ostrue was a second team pick while Saint John’s senior defensive lineman Kyle Schroeder made the third team.