David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings Fans: It’s Time for Gratitude

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

The Vikings close out their regular season Sunday in Chicago against a feeble Bears team. Purple worry warts (as usual) have much to fret about including a Vikings hangover from their dismal showing against the Packers, the health of key players, a possible loss to the Bears Sunday, and potential injuries on a slippery grass field at Soldier Field, seeding for the upcoming playoffs and whether their favorites can march all the way to the Super Bowl.

Whew!

I know I missed somethings (uh, leaky defense) but take a deep breath, Purple Nation. “Doctor Shama” offers the following advice:

Be grateful for what the 2022-2023 Vikings have already put in place. And consider that even if they fail Sunday in Chicago against the Bears and flop in the playoffs, the Vikings have gone far beyond expectations and probably delivered the most theatric season since the franchise started in 1961.

Remember the 2022 offseason last winter and a new decision-making group taking over in the front office and on the field? Were the Vikings going to clear out their roster and rebuild? Dump Kirk Cousins and start over at quarterback? Say adios to other veterans, too?

Instead, new GM Kwesi Adopho-Mensah and new head coach Kevin O’Connell committed to tweaking instead of tearing down. They retained the veteran corps and added a few key contributors like tight end T.J. Hockenson, while changing schemes and culture.

Want to see what a rebuild looks like? Read up on the Bears, who under their new general manager, Ryan Poles, are 3-13 this season. That’s the worst record in the NFC.

Last summer Purple Nation thought an optimistic outlook for the Vikings would be a 10-7 finish while perhaps backing into the playoffs, and likely with no home field advantage in the postseason. Instead, the playoff-bound Vikings will finish the regular season with no worse than a 12-5 record and probably 13-4. They could also host multiple playoff games at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Either 12-5, or 13-4 is a franchise best number of wins since 2017’s 13-3 record (when NFL teams played 16 games). The Vikings are NFC North Division champions for the first time since the 2017 season. Minnesota last qualified for the playoffs in 2019.

The Vikings have outdone themselves and all the other NFL teams in playing dramatic and entertaining football. They have won 11 games by eight points or fewer. Five times the victory margin has been three points. “Comeback” Cousins has led eight fourth quarter rallies and in the process changed his image from loser to winner.

The 2022 Vikings have triumphed in games worthy of best-selling fiction, and this club belongs on a short list of the most memorable teams in franchise history. Two memories for the ages:

The overtime win in Buffalo was improbable for several reasons including that the Bills were positioned to run out the clock late in the fourth quarter but fumbled at their own goal line. Minnesota’s Eric Kendricks recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown and a 30-27 lead. In one of the NFL’s wildest games in the new millenium, the Bills managed a field goal with time expiring in the fourth quarter. The Vikings broke a 30-30 tie with a Greg Joseph field goal in overtime.

The Bills are among the NFL elites. Not so the Colts who a few weekends ago in Minneapolis held a 33-0 halftime lead over the Vikings. Even during a season of good fortune unlike any in Vikings’ history, few observers in U.S. Bank Stadium that day expected the Purple to rally and win. The 39-36 win was the biggest comeback in NFL history. In disbelief, the Purple worry warts switched from lusty boos to triumphant cheers.

Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Cousins has prompted whispers of being NFL MVP worthy. Not so with wide receiver Justin Jefferson whose name has been shouted out with the thunder of a Gjallarhorn. No NFL wide receiver has ever won the award so Jefferson’s candidacy says something special about his 2022 season that has him setting franchise and league records.

Neither Cousins nor Jefferson would be experiencing special seasons without the presence of O’Connell. He is an offensive whiz with schemes, adjustments and play calls. His leadership style has minimized fear among players and created a player-friendly culture without sacrificing discipline.

O’Connell is a good dude, a human being who is welcome in any “Minnesota nice” neighborhood. I’ll guarantee his competitive spirit wants to drive the Viking bus all the way to a franchise first Super Bowl victory. I strongly suspect at this moment he is also grateful for the success of his first season as an NFL head coach and all that he, his staff and players have accomplished.

Vikings fans should say amen to that, while still rooting for more success.

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Wolves Owner Taylor Unhappy with Team

Posted on January 1, 2023January 1, 2023 by David Shama

Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor is disappointed and frustrated with his team’s performance so far this season. In a phone interview with Sports Headliners several days ago Taylor expressed discouragement and befuddlement with the club’s poor play, while expressing expectation there is enough time remaining in the season to qualify for the playoffs in April.

The Wolves record, after a sixth consecutive loss last night, is a distressful 16-21. Demoralizing was losing last evening at home to the lowly Pistons who are 10 and 29.

Last season Minnesota finished the regular season with a 46-36 record and lost its opening playoff series to the Grizzlies. Expectations by Taylor before the season was the Wolves would be improved and could secure home court advantage for the opening round of the postseason (they didn’t have it last spring).

“That’s my expectation (to get beyond the first round),” Taylor told Sports Headliners in October. “I think with the guys that we have, if other than injuries, they should deliver that. I am confident in our coaching. I think they’ll get the most out of these guys. That’ll make a difference.”

The Wolves will have to go 30-15 in their remaining games just to equal last season’s record. They could miss the playoffs, although that’s not the message from Taylor now. “I know they can do it. We have the manpower (talent and depth) to do it. …”

What’s gone wrong consists of a long list of issues including injuries that have sidelined multiple key players starting with All-Star forward Karl-Anthony Towns (right calf strain) who might not play again until late January or February. Reality, though, is the team struggled even with a healthy lineup and blew an opportunity to start the season fast against a succession of mediocre opposition.

The performance has been inconsistent and resulted in a record around .500 all season. Taylor talked about lack of focused play for four quarters and inability to get defensive stops toward the end of games. Rebounding, turnovers, lack of cohesive team play, and technical fouls have been problematic, too. “Little things we just shouldn’t have, and we lose those games to teams we can compete against,” Taylor said.

Chris Finch was hired as Wolves head coach in February of 2021 and has won praise in the past. Based on the team’s performance since October, is there a coaching issue now tied to the failed record?

“I am not sure what it is,” Taylor said. “I really like our coach. I think he’s got a good staff. I do mention that I don’t think we should be having technicals and I think somebody is responsible for that. I think you gotta get the respect of the players to say that they can’t be thinking of themselves individually. They gotta be thinking of what’s in the best interest of the team and if that requires keeping their mouths shut, then keep their mouth shut.”

Taylor’s frustration is evident, and the team’s record prompts the question of whether Finch’s job is safe? The coach and his staff are in a classic situation of being blamed for a team going in the wrong direction.

“Well, they certainly are (safe) now,” Taylor said. “We’re going into the (new) year and we certainly can turn it around. There’s time to do that. That’s my expectation when Kat gets back, and the (other) guys get back. That they still have every reason to think that they could get into the playoffs and that’s …our expectations.”

New president of basketball operations Tim Connelly made a mega deal last summer sending five draft choices, plus five Wolves players, to the Jazz in exchange for center and defensive titan Rudy Gobert. Only the most Polly Anna observer will describe the deal as a success so far.

The 7-foot-1, 30-year-old Frenchman has struggled to fit in with his new team, with contributions much more minimal than expected of a player who came at such a high trade price and commands a salary of over $35 million. Gobert hasn’t been the shot blocking force fans expected and offensively he is frequently an afterthought. The Wolves’ offense is inconsistent at including the 266-pound force who is difficult to stop near the basket.

Taylor doesn’t question Gobert’s dedication and believes the Wolves need to be more consistent in making use of his scoring potential, while also suggesting his center can do a better job with “put backs” near the basket. “He is big and strong and powerful,” Taylor said.

Asked when it’s fair to evaluate the trade that shook up not only the local basketball community but made national headlines, Taylor said he prefers to have the “basketball guys” answer that question.

Taylor is convinced the Wolves “have a very good team” but there are a lot of mistakes to correct while approaching a January schedule that will see them play some of the NBA’s better teams. Troublesome are downfalls both with execution and judgment by players. “I don’t think I am telling you anything (that) any good basketball fan can’t see,” Taylor said.

Meanwhile, the process of Taylor selling controlling interest in the Wolves and WNBA Lynx continues to move forward. Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who are expected to take over the majority share of ownership in about 12 months, have added investment partners.

Taylor said there are three individuals joining Lore and Rodriguez. He is comfortable with the three but didn’t identify them. “…I know who they are. I know they would be acceptable to me and the league.”

Lore and Rodriguez are on an installment plan purchase and process that began about 18 months ago. There has been ongoing speculation whether the two have the money for the $1.5 billion purchase price. The additional investors seem to indicate the need for additional funding. Taylor said if more investors are to be added he needs to be made aware of that in the next few days.

Lore and Rodriguez had to exercise their option by the end of last month for their second payment but have the flexibility to push the transfer of money out a couple months. “They would still be within their rights to do that,” Taylor said.

While acknowledging the sale is proceeding, it’s not a certainty until it is. A final payment must be made and that’s expected around the end of 2023. Then, too, the NBA must eventually sign off on the deal that looks like it will result with Taylor owning a minority share of 20 percent.

“I don’t want to speak for the league, or anything like that,” Taylor said. “I have an agreement with these guys. So far, they’ve made the first payment. I anticipate they’ll do everything, and it will all work. But the league also at some point in time has to approve them.”

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Gophers Hit Their Numbers in Bowl Win

Posted on December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 by David Shama

The Gophers, finishing their year with a 9-4 record, hit the right numbers yesterday in a 28-20 win over Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York. Here are figures worth remembering, and praise for a Gopher never to be forgotten:

Minnesota won its sixth consecutive bowl game dating back to 2015. That’s not only a school record but sets an all-time Big Ten Conference mark, eclipsing a record the Gophers had shared with Wisconsin (2014-2018) at five consecutive bowl wins.

The Gophers have won nine games or more in each of the last three full seasons (not counting the pandemic season of 2020). The last time Minnesota accomplished that was in the early 1900s.

All-American tailback Mo Ibrahim set school records yesterday for most rushing yards in a season and career. He did so by gaining 71 yards in the first half, then sat out the second while resting an ankle that has troubled him this year. Ibrahim also set a new single season record for the Gophers with 20 touchdowns, getting Minnesota’s first score yesterday with a four-yard power (what else) run.

Running backs coach Kenni Burns, interviewed on the KFAN Radio pregame show yesterday, said working with Ibrahim was “probably the biggest joy” of his life. Burns recalled that over six years Ibrahim had to develop confidence and his skills, but the coach could see the potential and told the Baltimore native he had a chance to be the greatest runner ever at Minnesota. “I am determined to be,” Ibrahim answered, according to Burns.

Ibrahim, 24, will take on the challenge of making an NFL roster next year. He also has interest in a coaching career. Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, who has never seen a better runner from the line of scrimmage to 12 yards out, said he “looks forward” to hiring the former three-star recruit who through ability and grit willed himself to a great career, while earning the love of his coaches and teammates.

After the game Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan made a request to athletic director Mark Coyle and school president Joan Gabel. “I think his number (24) should be retired tomorrow.”

With an awful playing field at Yankee Stadium, it may well have been best Ibrahim didn’t play in the second half. Chunks of loose grass were prevalent on the hard field, famous as home to the 27 times World Series champion Yankees. Players on both sides were losing their footing through much of the game and field conditions worsened in the second half.

Syracuse, 7-6 after its bowl loss, had the better of the game statistics but not the final score because the Gophers made two big plays in the second half. Leading 14-10 in the third quarter true freshman safety Coleman Bryson, playing for the injured Tyler Nubin, intercepted a Syracuse pass and ran 70 yards for a touchdown. Bryson was named MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl.

Later in the third, Syracuse kicked off after the Orange had booted a 38-yard field goal to make the score 21-13. Minnesota return man Quentin Redding caught the ball, faked a pitch to Le’Meke Brockington and then ran 72 yards to the Syracuse 25. Soon after Gopher wide receiver Daniel Jackson caught his second touchdown pass of the day from Morgan, another sixth-year player and a leader who goes out as the winningest QB in school history.

The Orange had 477 yards in total offense, Minnesota 215. Syracuse passed for 330 yards, while the Gophers had 138. The Orange, who out first-downed Minnesota 27-13, rushed for 65 yards more than Minnesota. The Gophers, though, got the numbers they wanted including a win by eight points.

BTW in Minnesota’s last 24 away games Fleck’s teams are 18-6 (.750), including the four bowl wins. That is the best 24-game stretch away from home in program history (began with a 37-15 win at Wisconsin on November 24, 2018). Since then, the only Big Ten team with more wins or a higher win percentage away from home is Ohio State at 21-3 (.875).

Praise for New Twins Executive Chair

The Twins have a new leader in Joe Pohlad, who has succeeded his uncle, Jim Pohlad, as executive chair. For many years Joe, 40, has worked in various business positions for the Twins.

“…I think he’s a great fan of the organization and what it means to the Upper Midwest,” a source who is familiar with the Twins told Sports Headliners while speaking anonymously.

Joe is officing at Target Field, while Jim works nearby in a downtown building. Derek Falvey, the organization’s chief baseball officer, said his access to Jim was there when needed, “But now Joe, just being in the building, gives us a little more efficiency.”

The anonymous source sees Joe as a cooperative voice in the front office. It’s expected Joe will allow the baseball leaders to do their jobs, without being meddlesome. ”…I think he is very level-headed,” the source said. “Nobody I ever dealt with (among) the Pohlads…none of them were volatile. They were always very even keeled, very levelheaded guys, and Joe is the same way. Cut from the same cloth.”

Falvey said Jim and Joe were among the first people he met when the Twins were courting him to become the team’s baseball leader in 2016. That initial friendship with both men continues to this day.

The Pohlad family, including Jim’s brothers Bob and Bill, have made a strong impression on Falvey. He has learned they care a lot about the legacy of the Twins in the Upper Midwest, and the vitality of downtown Minneapolis. They have invested considerable resources in both without seeking recognition.

“They just want to be a part of the community,” Falvey said. “They’re so humble.”

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