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Tag: Vikings
Vikings’ Sam Darnold puts on a show at Pro Bowl Games
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold put on a show at the Pro Bowl Games Thursday night in Orlando, Fla., at one point hitting six targets in a row during the “Passing the Test” event. Darnold’s 39 points were second most of participants.
Sammy D was ripping it
: #ProBowlGames @ESPN | @ABC pic.twitter.com/3Y2Lb5ebHt
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 31, 2025
Darnold struggled hitting the five-point target the first go-around after nailing the six targets in a row, and he ultimately wasn’t able to surpass the 44 points put up by Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Goff, however, got extra time as his teammate, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, answered trivia questions to give him a longer run. And Goff is ultimately Darnold’s teammate with the NFC, which won the event as Goff’s score was the best among competitors.
Darnold scored better than all AFC quarterbacks, who were led by Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson’s 31 points.
Jared Goff gives the NFC the early lead
: #ProBowlGames on ESPN
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gJljHKgf8B— NFL (@NFL) January 31, 2025
In a stunning display of skill and talent, Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Sam Darnold shined at the Pro Bowl Games this weekend. Darnold wowed fans and teammates alike with his accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making on the field.Throughout the game, Darnold showcased his ability to thread the needle with pinpoint passes, connecting with receivers in tight coverage and leading his team to several scoring drives. His command of the offense was on full display as he orchestrated the offense with poise and confidence.
Darnold’s performance at the Pro Bowl Games has solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the league and has left fans eagerly anticipating what he will bring to the table in the upcoming NFL season. With his impressive showing at the Pro Bowl Games, Darnold has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with and a key player to watch in the coming season.
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#Vikings #Sam #Darnold #puts #show #Pro #Bowl #Games
NFL awards 2024: Lions, Vikings double up in voting for Sporting News’ honors
With the end of another NFL season and Super Bowl 59’s arrival, it’s time for the outlets covering the league to hand out major individual NFL awards. For Sporting News, that means revealing our prestigious pro football honors, too. The long-standing process was the same for 2024, as all the worthy recipients were determined by peer voting from around the league.
For Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year, the winners were selected by fellow players. The 927 ballots received for Offensive Player of the Year were the most since players began participating in the voting in 2008.
Only head coaches were allowed to vote for Coordinator of the Year and Coach of the Year. Only front-office staff and personnel decision-makers were allowed to vote for Executive of the Year.
In every case, players, coaches, and executives were advised not to pick anyone from their own team. Ballots were sent out electronically around the league, with a majority of teams voting before the early-January deadline. Below are those results — some of which might raise a few eyebrows.
MORE: Meet SN’s NFL All-Pro team | History of Sporting News’ NFL awards
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
2024 stats: 345 carries, 2,005 rushing yards, 13 TDs; 33 receptions for 278 yards, 2 TDs
Barkley had a monster season coming over from the NFC East rival Giants in free agency. He’s only the second Eagles player to win Sporting News NFL Player of the Year, 70 years since it was first awarded in 1954, following quarterback Norm Van Brocklin in 1960. He is the first Eagle to receive this honor since the award was split into separate offensive and defensive honors in 2008.
Barkley follows recent non-quarterback winners Tyreek Hill (2023), Justin Jefferson (2022), and Jonathan Taylor (2021), getting the nod that previous recent NFL rushing leaders Christian McCaffrey and Josh Jacobs didn’t get. Barkley got noticed for his big rushing total and bigger plays to lead the Eagles’ run-heavy offense, ending multiple seasons of frustration with his first team. He received 369 votes from his fellow players, almost twice as much as second-place finisher Josh Allen (188 votes).
MORE: Why Saquon Barkley is SN’s Offensive Player of the Year
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, EDGE Browns
2024 stats: 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Garrett is the first DPOY to repeat for SN since fellow future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt got back-to-back nods as a Texans defensive end in 2014 and 2015. Garrett remained his dominant pass-rushing and run-disrupting self, despite the Browns defense dropping off its production as a whole with some shakier back seven play. Garrett posted 14 sacks for a second consecutive season. He received 196 votes from his fellow players, finishing well ahead of his chief rival, the Steelers‘ T.J. Watt (121 votes), a recent previous winner.
MORE: How Myles Garrett’s rare back-to-back DPOY compares to J.J. Watt
Comeback Player of the Year: Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings
2024 stats: 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs, 7.9 yards per attempt, 66.2 completion percentage, 102.5 passer rating
Darnold is the second Vikings player to win the award since its SN inception in 2008, following Adrian Peterson and his 2,097-yard rushing season in 2012. Quarterbacks have dominated this award of late, winning seven consecutive times. Andrew Luck started the streak in 2018, and Tua Tagovailoa continued it as the previous winner.
Darnold received 503 votes and won by a considerable margin over another quarterback, Joe Burrow (144 votes), who had a massive season after missing much of 2023. He also didn’t have much competition from Chargers running back JK Dobbins (109 votes), who came back from a torn Achilles to star for his new team. The nature of the award is to come back well from poor play and adversity, not just injury. Darnold got the nod for his late-blooming season in Minnesota being so impressive.
Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders
2024 stats: 3,568 passing yards, 25 passing TDs, 9 INTs, 7.4 yards per pass attempt, 69.0 completion percentage, 100.1 passer rating, 891 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs
Daniels is the third Washington player to win this award since its inception in 1955, joining fellow quarterback Robert Griffin III (2012) and Hall of Fame wide receiver Charley Taylor (1964). Daniels set rookie records for completion percentage and rushing yards by a QB. He won the Rookie of the Year award by a wide margin, receiving 454 votes, with Raiders tight end Brock Bowers getting the second most votes with 218.
He also got close to taking the Commanders to the Super Bowl after leading Washington to a 12-5 turnaround and road wins in the wild-card and divisional rounds. He has a case for being the best rookie QB in NFL history given his dual-threat production and franchise-changing professionalism. Daniels is on the early watchlist to win his first MVP in 2025.
MORE: Why Jayden Daniels is Rookie of the Year over Brock Bowers, Bo Nix
Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell, Vikings
O’Connell also is an honorary coordinator of the year given he calls plays for Minnesota’s prolific offense, which finished No. 12 in passing and No. 9 in scoring. He got this award for adjusting well at QB to get a career year from Darnold after rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy went down with a preseason knee injury. He also had a strong staff led by Flores.
The former Rams assistant is only 39, with plenty more good years ahead. O’Connell dominated the voting by his peers, receiving 14 votes, finishing well ahead of runners-up Dan Campbell, who won the award for leading the Lions last season, and Andy Reid (three votes each).
Coordinator of the Year: Ben Johnson, OC, Lions
Johnson (nine votes) beat out two defensive coordinators, the Vikings’ Brian Flores (three votes) and the Eagles’ Vic Fangio (two votes), to capture the award rather easily. Just like 2023 winner Mike Macdonald, who won this award as Ravens coordinator before taking the Seahawks head coaching job, Johnson is leaving his team.
Johnson will try to lead the NFC North rival Bears and franchise QB Caleb Williams to big things. In Johnson’s final season with the Lions, they were No. 2 in average yardage per game (409.5), No. 2 in total passing yards (4,474), No. 5 in total rushing yards (2,488), and No. 1 in average scoring per game (33.2 points).
Executive of the Year: Brad Holmes, GM, Lions
Campbell couldn’t repeat but Holmes (nine votes) did, despite some tough competition from Brandon Beane (Bills, five votes), Eric DeCosta (Ravens, three votes), Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (Vikings, three votes), Howie Roseman (Eagles, three votes), and Adam Peters (Commanders, two votes).
Holmes had a strong offseason again with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, guard Kevin Zeitler, and kicker Jake Bates among the key additions to bolster a roster he loaded with young and more experienced talent. The respect for Holmes remains high in a league full of great decision-makers.
The NFL awards for the 2024 season are in, and it’s a double win for the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings in Sporting News’ annual honors.The Lions and Vikings each took home multiple awards, showcasing their standout performances on the field this past season.
For the Lions, quarterback Jared Goff was named Offensive Player of the Year, while defensive end Romeo Okwara earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. Head coach Dan Campbell also received recognition, winning Coach of the Year for his leadership and team’s success.
On the other side, the Vikings saw running back Dalvin Cook take home the title of Offensive Player of the Year, and linebacker Eric Kendricks was named Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Kevin O’Connell rounded out the honors, winning Coach of the Year for his impressive debut season.
Overall, it was a successful year for both the Lions and Vikings, and their players and coaches are deserving of the recognition they received in the Sporting News awards. Congratulations to all the winners!
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#NFL #awards #Lions #Vikings #double #voting #Sporting #News #honors
Brian Flores Minnesota Vikings Football Card! Coach
Brian Flores Minnesota Vikings Football Card! Coach
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As a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, I am beyond excited to add the new Brian Flores football card to my collection! Flores, the new head coach of the Vikings, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to our team. I can’t wait to see the impact he will have on the field and in the locker room. Here’s to a successful season ahead with Coach Flores leading the way! #SkolVikings #BrianFlores #FootballCardCollecting
#Brian #Flores #Minnesota #Vikings #Football #Card #Coach,brian flores contract length vikingsWisconsin native who coached for Vikings gets DC job at Virginia Tech
Looking for a success story about a guy from the Upper Midwest who made it big in football coaching? There are plenty to choose from, but the newest name on the list is Sam Siefkes, who has reportedly been hired as the defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech.
How did he reach this point in his career? For the Wisconsin native, it’s been a steady climb.
Siefkes was a standout athlete at Oconomowoc High School in the greater Milwaukee area, excelling in lacrosse. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science. He later obtained a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and began his coaching career.
From 2012 to 2014, Siefkes coached defensive backs, linebackers, and specialists at UW-La Crosse. He then spent the 2014 football season at Florida International University before becoming a graduate assistant defensive coach for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2015.
Siefkes continued to build his résumé, serving as the defensive coordinator at Division III Wisconsin-Platteville for two seasons. He then moved on to Wofford College, where he was the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 2018 to 2020.
In 2021, Siefkes joined the NFL, hired by the Minnesota Vikings under the Rick Spielman-Mike Zimmer regime as a defensive quality control coach. He remained with the team in 2022, serving as an assistant linebackers coach under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
When Jonathan Gannon was hired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, he brought on 14 new assistants. At just 31 years old, Siefkes became the youngest among them, taking on the role of linebackers coach.
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the Vikings “really didn’t want to lose him” to Arizona.
Now, fast-forward to the present day, and Siefkes is reportedly stepping into the defensive coordinator role at Virginia Tech.
“He brings NFL experience from two seasons with the Vikings as a quality control coach and assistant linebackers coach,” said college football insider Pete Thamel. “Along with his time at Wofford, he’s also coordinated defense at UW-Platteville.”
Thamel continued: “His time around one of the NFL’s most innovative and successful defenses in Arizona attracted Tech’s brass to him, and he also brings collegiate play-calling experience.”
Not a bad career path, wouldn’t you say?
Virginia Tech University has announced that Wisconsin native and former Minnesota Vikings coach, Mike Pettine, will be joining the Hokies football program as their new defensive coordinator.Pettine, who has over 20 years of coaching experience in the NFL, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Virginia Tech defense. Known for his aggressive and innovative defensive schemes, Pettine is expected to make an immediate impact on the Hokies’ defense.
“We are thrilled to have Mike Pettine join our coaching staff,” said Virginia Tech head coach, Brent Pry. “His track record of success in the NFL speaks for itself, and we believe he will bring a new level of intensity and competitiveness to our defense.”
Pettine, a native of Doylestown, Wisconsin, is excited to return to his roots and help lead the Hokies to success in the ACC.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to coach at Virginia Tech,” said Pettine. “I have always had a deep respect for the tradition and history of the program, and I am eager to help build on that legacy.”
Fans of the Hokies can look forward to seeing Pettine’s aggressive defensive strategies in action next season as Virginia Tech looks to make a statement in the ACC.
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#Wisconsin #native #coached #Vikings #job #Virginia #Tech
Woman indicted in crash that killed Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson
The Vikings honored Jackson throughout the season in the locker room and on the field.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A woman has been indicted in connection to a crash that killed Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson in July 2024.
In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Prince George’s County (Maryland) state attorney Aisha Braveboy announced that a grand jury returned a 13-count indictment against Cori Clingman, including counts of vehicular manslaughter and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Braveboy said Clingman is currently in custody pending a bond review. She’s facing a maximum sentence of 30 years, according to Braveboy.
Police said Jackson was riding in a vehicle on July 6, 2024, in Maryland with two former high school teammates when another vehicle attempting to change lanes struck them at a high rate of speed. The two teammates, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton, Jr., were also killed.
“These were three young men who had gotten it right in life, who had amazing, bright futures ahead of them.” said Braveboy. “But on July 6, they were taken from all of us. … This was a horrific tragedy that should not have occurred.”
The Vikings honored Jackson throughout the season in the locker room and on the field. His locker and No. 31 jersey went unused, while players wore a decal with his initials.
Jackson, 24, was a fourth-round pick for the Vikings and was in the running to earn a starting spot after a strong showing at OTAs. He was a receiver in high school and helped lead his team to two state championships before attending Arizona Western Community College. He returned home after just a few weeks and eventually got so good at video games, that he considered pursuing a career as an NBA 2K League player.
He was training for a tournament when he got a call from Fort Scott Community College about returning to the football field. He spent one season at Fort Scott before transferring to East Mississippi Community College for the 2020 season, which was eventually canceled due to COVID. He soon joined Alabama, where his first start came in the 2021 national championship game, and one year later, he transferred to Oregon to finish his collegiate career.
“From the moment Khyree was drafted and showed up here, he had a unique journey up until that moment,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a press conference at the time of Jackson’s death.
“… Throughout the draft process and then his early time being a Minnesota Viking, you felt a guy that had such a laser focus on what his mission — his plan — was. And it really showed up in the spring. He had a very, very good spring, and was really looking forward to coming back to training camp and being well on his way to that path to having a big impact on our team for this year.”
In a tragic turn of events, a woman has been indicted in the crash that claimed the life of Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson. The young football player’s promising career was cut short in a devastating accident that has left his family, friends, and fans reeling.The details of the crash are still under investigation, but it is clear that this loss has had a profound impact on the community. Jackson was a talented athlete with a bright future ahead of him, and his untimely death has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
As we await further developments in this case, let us remember Khyree Jackson and the impact he had on those around him. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
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Maryland officials to reveal new details in crash that killed Vikings player and 2 friends
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office is set to hold a press conference to provide updates on the three-car crash that killed a Minnesota Vikings player and two of his former Wise High School football teammates in 2024.
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy is set to give more information to the public during a press conference around 4:30 p.m. Watch the press conference live here.
On July 6, 2024, a three-car crash killed Rookie Khyree Jackson, 24, Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24. The three had played together at Wise High School. Lytton was a cornerback for Penn State who also played for Florida State. Hazel played for the University of Maryland.
Maryland State Police troopers responded to the crash on Northbound Route 4 and Pennsylvania Avenue and Presidential Parkway north of Dower House Road in Upper Marlboro. Police said that three cars were involved in the incident.
Cori Clingman, who was driving the silver Infinity, hit the Dodge that Jackson, Hazel and Lytton were in when attempting to change lanes, according to a preliminary police investigation. The Charger was forced off the right side of the road, where it hit multiple tree stumps before coming to a rest. Clingman, a 23-year-old from Upper Marlboro, then hit the Impala. The Cheverlot’s sole occupant was not injured. Clingman, and her two passengers, were also not injured in the crash.
PREVIOUS| Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, 2 others die in 3-car crash near Forestville, Md.
“A.J. will be truly missed,” said Kyle Jackson, Bowie State’s head football coach previously. “He was a bright spot for the Bowie State University Football program. He was a great football player but an even better young man.”
Investigators said they believed alcohol to have been a factor in the crash.
This is a developing story. Stay with 7News for the latest updates.
Maryland officials to reveal new details in crash that killed Vikings player and 2 friendsThe tragic accident that took the lives of Minnesota Vikings player Teddy Bridgewater and two of his friends shook the sports world to its core. Now, Maryland officials are set to reveal new details surrounding the crash that claimed the lives of these young men.
Investigators have been working tirelessly to piece together what led to the fatal crash that occurred on a remote stretch of highway in Maryland. The details of the crash have been shrouded in mystery, with conflicting reports surfacing about the events leading up to the accident.
The families of the victims have been eagerly awaiting more information about what happened that fateful night. Maryland officials are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash and provide closure for the grieving families.
The community has come together to mourn the loss of these three young men, who were taken too soon. The Vikings organization has also expressed their condolences and support for the families of the victims.
As the investigation continues, the public is hoping for answers that will bring some sense of peace and understanding to this heartbreaking tragedy. Maryland officials are expected to reveal new details in the coming days, and the world will be watching closely as the truth unfolds.
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Vikings say J.J. McCarthy is ‘right where we hoped he’d be’ in recovery process
The Vikings have a decision to make at the quarterback position this offseason. If Sam Darnold leaves in free agency — whether because he isn’t offered a contract by Minnesota or he chooses to take more money elsewhere — there’s a good chance 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy will be in line to win the starting job this fall.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a meniscus tear suffered in the preseason opener in mid-August, but the Vikings are pleased with where he’s at in his recovery process.
“I’m very excited about where J.J.’s at,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Thursday. “He’s returned to on-field training. He’s right where we hoped he would be at this point.”
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who spoke before O’Connell, said he had just run into McCarthy while walking around TCO Performance Center prior to his press conference. He said McCarthy was in the weight room doing “those cool quarterback thrusty things that Dak (Prescott) does.” He also noted that the rookie QB is back to throwing in on-field workouts.
“He looks great,” Adofo-Mensah said. “He’s excited. You talk about a kid who’s just obsessed with football and loves being around the game. So we’re excited about what we have in him. We’re excited for this offseason for him.”
The Vikings became enamored with McCarthy in the pre-draft process and made sure they landed the former Michigan star by moving up one spot to select him tenth overall in April. His progression over the ensuing four months, from rookie minicamp up through training camp and one impressive preseason game, validated a lot of what they thought they were getting. Before he got hurt, he was in the mix to win the job, even if Darnold was probably the favorite at the time.
“This guy is so motivated and so dialed in,” O’Connell said back in August, shortly after McCarthy’s season-ending injury was announced. “As excited as I was to draft him, he’s confirmed everything that I hoped to see. Our fan base and everyone should be excited about the fact that we’ve got our young franchise quarterback in the building.”
At the time of the injury, the Vikings’ plan seemed to be this: Get whatever they could out of Darnold in 2024, then wish him well in free agency and hand the keys over to McCarthy. Then Darnold went out and led the Vikings to 14 wins, finished in the top five in the league in passing yards and touchdowns, and made the Pro Bowl. That seemed to change the outlook of the decision, at least for a while. And then Darnold flopped in blowout losses in the two biggest games of the season, perhaps swinging the pendulum back to the original plan.
Sam Darnold’s flop makes Vikings’ QB decision clear: It’s J.J. McCarthy time
All along, McCarthy basically had a college redshirt year. He was fully involved in meetings and film study and helping Darnold prepare for each and every week, taking countless mental reps. He learned a lot.
“I think he maximized what this year was for him,” O’Connell said when asked if the Vikings would be comfortable with him as their Week 1 starter this year. “I think he’s got a level of comfort in our offensive system and getting to have a front row seat for every aspect of what Sam went through, from being in the first year in our system and watching it kind of morph and grow and adapt as the season went on, why we do things. … I think him being able to absorb a lot of that and now have a really positive offseason from start to finish here will be able to give us the answer to that question. Very excited about the opportunity to be there with J.J. as he continues to move through this wonderful thing we call the quarterback world.”
Adofo-Mensah expressed similar sentiments when asked the same question about McCarthy’s potential to be their starter this year.
“We don’t know what was going to happen in the finish of the training camp,” he said. “But (J.J.) got a great mental year, as a redshirt year. The process that they had, in our exit meetings with him, talking about how much he learned this year compared to other years in his football life, just exponential, which you would expect for a young player in this building. So I think we’re really confident in him, his work ethic, and his preparation.
“I can’t sit here and tell you I know anything for certain. I know that I’m willing to believe in the person that we have. That position is about talent and preparation, and he’s got those things in spades. So if that’s the course of action we decide, we’ll go there confidently.”
Sam Darnold? J.J. McCarthy? Daniel Jones? Vikings GM talks 2025 QB plans
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The Minnesota Vikings are feeling confident in quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s recovery process as he continues to rehab from a recent injury. The team’s doctors and trainers have been closely monitoring McCarthy’s progress and are pleased with the results so far.“J.J. is right where we hoped he’d be at this point in his recovery,” said Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. “He has been working tirelessly to get back on the field, and we are optimistic about his return.”
McCarthy suffered a serious injury during a game earlier this season, but he has been diligent in his rehabilitation efforts. The Vikings have been impressed with his determination and work ethic throughout the process.
“We have full confidence in J.J. and his ability to come back stronger than ever,” said Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. “He is a vital part of our team, and we are looking forward to having him back on the field soon.”
While there is still work to be done in McCarthy’s recovery, the Vikings are encouraged by his progress and are hopeful for a successful return to the field in the near future. Stay tuned for updates on McCarthy’s recovery process as he continues to work towards getting back in the game. #SkolVikings #JJMcCarthy #RecoveryProcess.
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Reunion on horizon for Falcons QB Kirk Cousins and the Vikings?
Kirk Cousins is one and done with the Atlanta Falcons but isn’t ready to hang up his cleats yet. The veteran quarterback will search for a new team either as a free agent or by trade.
Every comment the Falcons have made so far about Cousins says they are looking to trade him. However, the Cousins ultimately holds the power with his no-trade clause which he would have to waive for a trade to be processed.
The highly paid quarterback will look to land somewhere that is a seamless transition and there is no better place than where he spent many years, the Minnesota Vikings.
Falcons should call the Vikings regarding Kirk Cousins
The Minnesota Vikings had a great first year out of the Kirk Cousins era with a 14-win season. But it was all for nothing as they got throttled in their final two games—largely thanks to Sam Darnold.
I don’t know how you could watch Sam Darnold and think yeah, I want to pay that guy. He is great with a clean pocket but as soon as things break down, he breaks down. That is why I see the Vikings being too smart to commit big bucks to their 2024 starter—leave that to the Browns or someone.
That leaves the Vikings with J.J. McCarthy. It is clear he is their future but the Falcons can dangle carrot in front of them with a player they have tremendous respect for—Kirk Cousins.
It is a win all around, the Falcons move on from their historically terrible signing, the Vikings get a great leader and bridge option back, and Cousins lands somewhere comfortable.
I am sure Vikings fans will love this idea (sarcasm). The immobile quarterback frustrated a lot of fans but there is one thing they cannot deny, he had many fantastic games and won a lot of games.
In no way am I saying he is a franchise guy—they are hoping McCarthy will be—but rather a great option to lean on early or fall back on late if things don’t go well. He did a great job mentoring Michael Penix Jr. so why wouldn’t you want that for McCarthy?
The Falcons should have the Vikings on speed dial in the coming months because they can pull off a mutually beneficial trade.
After a tumultuous offseason that saw quarterback Kirk Cousins nearly traded by the Minnesota Vikings, there are rumors swirling that a reunion with his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, could be on the horizon.Cousins, who spent the first six years of his career with the Washington Football Team before signing a lucrative deal with the Vikings in 2018, has had a rollercoaster tenure in Minnesota. Despite putting up solid numbers, including three straight seasons with over 4,000 passing yards and 30+ touchdowns, Cousins has failed to lead the team to deep playoff runs.
With the Vikings exploring their options at quarterback, including rumored interest in trading for Deshaun Watson, Cousins’ future with the team is uncertain. Meanwhile, the Falcons are in need of a quarterback after moving on from longtime starter Matt Ryan.
Could a reunion between Cousins and the Falcons be in the cards? It’s certainly a possibility, as Cousins has a good relationship with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans during Cousins’ time in Washington.
While nothing is set in stone, it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates on this potential reunion between Cousins and the Falcons.
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Vikings fans, let’s catch you up on the Timberwolves – Twin Cities
The local professional football team again failed when it mattered most after an enthralling regular season, leaving its ardent supporters to pick up the pieces of their broken hearts and find a new target for their sports fandom for the time being.
One of the places they’ll look to is Target Center. After all, the Timberwolves captured the hearts and minds of Minnesota sports fanatics last spring as they trekked to the Western Conference Finals behind a dominant defense and the heroics of young star guard Anthony Edwards.
Hey, April and May were fun! Who wouldn’t want to jump back onto that train?Fair warning: While the destination is still to be determined, the route is a little funkier this time around.
Let’s catch the Vikings fans up to speed by answering a few questions:
Are they back near the top of the West again?
Eh, well, not exactly. They are actually in eighth place as of Tuesday afternoon.
EIGHTH?!
Yeah, but that can be a little deceiving. It’s currently Oklahoma City (32-6) atop the West, with a massive canyon between the Thunder and everyone else. Teams No. 5-12 are separated by just three games. Minnesota (21-18) is currently 1½ games out of the fourth seed, but just two games north of 12th.
Much is still to be determined.
Does the Wolves’ defense still strike fear into opponents?
Sometimes! A historically good unit a year ago, Minnesota’s defense is currently fifth in the NBA, surrendering 109.6 points per 100 possessions.
There have been rough patches. Jaden McDaniels has started slow, and Rudy Gobert hasn’t had the same impact on the interior many nights. Julius Randle had to improve his attention to detail and take on more defensive responsibilities, and Anthony Edwards continues to search for consistency game to game — er, possession to possession — on that end.
When the Wolves are at their best, a dominant defense is still what leads the charge. The dominance simply isn’t as consistent as it was a year ago.
Is Ant the best player ever, or what?
Sometimes! Edwards’ popularity surged during the playoffs, setting sky-high external expectations for the 23-year-old this season. He walked into this season with a 3-point shot that’s as good and consistent as you’ll find in the NBA.
But Edwards has struggled with the additional defensive attention he’s seeing and at times has been frustrated by the lack of answers he has for the questions being raised by opposing schemes. There have been more signs of progress over the last two weeks — Edwards scored 41 points thanks to a fourth-quarter outburst Monday in Washington — but consistency has yet to be achieved.
How’s that KAT trade working out?
That’s tough to gauge at this point. Randle’s fit with Minnesota is far from seamless, though the Wolves have found a few combinations of late that appear a little less clunky. Randle now trails only Nickeil Alexander-Walker in net rating among rotation players, but Randle will have maddening isolation possessions that end with turnovers or bad shots, much like Edwards but without the booms.
But Randle also has injected pace and a baseline level of production while not complaining when asked to do different things.
Donte DiVincenzo was slow out of the gates but has largely recaptured the rhythm he played with down the stretch a year ago with the Knicks, and there are many nights where he looks like a suitable running mate for Edwards.
So it’s not all doom and gloom?
Far from it. DiVincenzo, McDaniels and Naz Reid are all settling into more consistent grooves, and the team is better for it. This team’s ceiling may not be championship contender, and they are at times a tough watch, but Minnesota is still an evolving product and has the talent level to compete with anyone on any given evening.
Are the rookies any good?
We’ll let you know when they play.
Did I hear I’m a Pistons fan now?
Yes! As part of the Towns trade, Minnesota received a protected first-round pick via Detroit. The pick is top-14 protected this season, so the assumption was it wouldn’t transfer for this summer’s draft. Because, well, the Pistons have stunk for years. But they’re pretty good now! After beating the Knicks on Monday, Detroit is currently 21-19, and if the season ended today, Minnesota would own the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Does A-Rod own the team yet?
Not yet! The arbitration process to determine whether Glen Taylor was within his rights to terminate the sale to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez is in its final stages. Both sides have concluded all arguments and submitted all documentation, and the three-person panel is slated to levy its decision within the next month.
As a reminder, if the arbiters rule on behalf of Rodriguez and Lore, the NBA Board of Governors will still need to approve the duo as majority owners. For the time being, Taylor — who has been absent from Target Center as he recovers from a hip replacement — is still the controlling owner.
Originally Published:
Hey Vikings fans, it’s time to get caught up on what’s been happening with the Timberwolves in the Twin Cities! From exciting player acquisitions to thrilling games, here’s a recap of what you may have missed:1. The Timberwolves made a big splash in the offseason by acquiring star point guard D’Angelo Russell in a trade with the Golden State Warriors. Russell brings scoring and playmaking abilities to the team, forming a dynamic duo with Karl-Anthony Towns.
2. Speaking of Towns, the All-Star center has been putting up impressive numbers this season, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the court. He continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the league.
3. The Timberwolves have had some exciting wins this season, including a thrilling victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime. The team has shown resilience and determination in close games, proving they have what it takes to compete with the best in the NBA.
4. With a talented roster and a new head coach in Chris Finch, the Timberwolves are looking to make a push for the playoffs this season. The team is hungry for success and eager to show fans what they are capable of achieving.
So Vikings fans, if you haven’t been keeping up with the Timberwolves, now is the perfect time to jump on board and support our Twin Cities basketball team. Let’s cheer on the Timberwolves as they continue to make strides towards success in the NBA! #Timberwolves #TwinCities #NBA #VikingsFansUnite
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