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Wide left and the aftermath: Remembering Vikings vs. Falcons, 25 years ago today Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives the latest update on the Twins' TV situation with another new twist. Diamond Sports, which seemed to be preparing to wind down its operations, instead has a new influx of cash from settling a lawsuit with Sinclair and an investment from Amazon, which could keep it operating beyond 2024. The upshot? The Twins' TV plans in 2024 are on hold again, and the bigger picture is cloudier.

8:00: Rand is joined by two friends as they talk through one of the low points in Vikings history. It was 25 years ago today that the Vikings lost to the Falcons in overtime of the NFC title game. So many moments -- some you might have forgotten -- and the aftermath of the game make it worth revisiting.

37:00: It's shaping up to be a bonkers NFL head coaching cycle.

Exploring Timberwolves trade possibilities; What do NFL playoff QBs tell us about the Vikings? Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand asks two questions at the start of the show. First: What in the world happened to the Eagles this season? Second: What do the eight remaining quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs tell us about the path the Vikings should (or shouldn't) take this offseason?

9:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look at the Wolves, who seem to have steadied themselves after a post-Christmas lull. They still have the best record in the Western Conference and now get an easy schedule. But should they be targeting players before the early February trade deadline?

33:00: A rough game for the Gophers men's basketball team and a milestone for Marc-Andre Fleury.

Patrick Reusse on the Vikings getting left behind in the NFC North plus Wild stumbles, Wolves wins Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included two pretty important NFL playoff games Sunday. The Packers routed the heavily favored Cowboys, adding even more fuel to Jordan Love's ascent. The Lions, meanwhile, won their first playoff game in more than three decades. The Vikings look like they could be the fourth-best team in a four-team division in 2024.

The Wild had a players-only meeting after a 6-0 loss to Arizona. They've already fired a head coach and tried to revive their season multiple times. If the reality is that they just aren't that good, what does that mean for the future?

The Wolves, on the other hand, are very good. A strong win over the Clippers provided further evidence. The Gophers men's and women's basketball teams, meanwhile, are in the midst of important stretches.

Now is the time for the Twins to make their move(s); Confirming the Kirk Cousins contract conundrum Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand listens back on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's season-ending news conference and receives confirmation of the crux of this offseason. The Vikings like Kirk Cousins, and Cousins likes the Vikings. But whether there is a contract that suits both sides is another question -- one that from Rand's perspective leads to the answer of "no."

9:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins Rand to talk through a quiet Twins offseason. But Miller reminds us that this is the time of year the Twins tend to start making their moves. In 2023, for instance, a loud January brought the Carlos Correa signing and the Luis Arraez/Pablo Lopez trade. Plus Miller and Rand get into Twins TV discussions and Joe Mauer's firm Hall of Fame standing.

36:00: Rand can't believe what he just read about Florida State and NIL.

Are the Wolves championship contenders? + Gophers women's hockey, men's hoops in the spotlight Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand was almost ready to believe the Timberwolves were true championship contenders before they faltered down the stretch of a wonderful game at Boston. It doesn't mean they won't get there, nor does it mean we can't give the credit for a great short-handed effort. But they still have things to prove.

10:00: The Wolves are feeling some of the same shift in expectations that the Gophers men's basketball team is experiencing. Head coach Ben Johnson and standout big man Dawson Garcia weigh in on that idea.

20:00: Gophers women's hockey senior Madeline Wethington joins the show for a look at her extended hockey family, the PWHL, and a big weekend against Ohio State.

33:00: Hockey teams going in opposite directions; a seismic shift in big-time football.

La Velle E Neal III: It's time for the Vikings to ditch Kirk Cousins Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Timberwolves, who only have one game left on a grueling 16-game test. They are 9-6 so far after a romp over Orlando on Tuesday. They have already passed the test, and the better news is they have the second-easiest remaining schedule in the NBA while already carrying the best record in the Western Conference.

9:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for another perspective on what the Vikings should do this offseason at quarterback. His preference: Cut the cord with Kirk Cousins. Move on. The roster isn't good enough and the salary cap isn't flexible enough. Now is the time, and Neal offers his preferences for solutions. They also get into Joe Mauer's Hall of Fame chances and the Twins' offseason.

31:00: Is this the week we found out how we're going to watch the Twins in 2024?

Film review: Who are core players for Vikings? + What will happen if Aaron Rodgers become self-aware? Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand can't believe Aaron Rodgers would say what he said Monday, but then again he can. At the very least, it gave him an idea about self-awareness as it relates to the Jets quarterback -- who will, by the way, face the Vikings in 2024.

8:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the film on the Vikings one more time. Consider this more of a season in review as they look at which players emerged as part of the Vikings' core and which ones might be part of a larger roster overhaul.

27:00: Vikings poetry gets bleak, but it's not wrong.

39:00: A much-anticipated Wild debut coming soon?

Patrick Reusse on the merciful end for the Vikings, a great hockey beginning and Ben Johnson's Gophers Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the merciful end to a disjointed Vikings season. Now that it's over, let's hope there is an honest reckoning with the roster and a true path forward, which should include a future without Kirk Cousins. The next few months could be as important as any during the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell era.

26:00: The PWHL drew 13,000 fans for Minnesota's home opener, part of a successful weekend aside from the Vikings. Minnesota's team won 3-0, while the Gophers men's basketball team improved to 3-1 in the Big Ten with another tense win.

42:00: Reusse tells some great stories about former Twins manager Billy Gardner, who died recently at age 96.

Huge win for Gophers over Michigan; Inside Minnesota's new PWHL team; Ricky Rubio retires Jan 05, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: The Gophers men's basketball team earned a huge win Thursday at Michigan, further validating the improvements they've made in Year 3 under Ben Johnson. Balanced scoring was again the key, as was a big defensive stop to preserve a 73-71 victory. Just how good can this team be? Plus the Wild lost again, sending their losing streak to four games.

9:00: Rachel Blount joins host Michael Rand for a look at the new PWHL. Minnesota's franchise won its debut 3-2 on Wednesday, and the home opener is Saturday. Blount describes a new era in pro women's hockey that could take the sport to new heights.

26:00: Ricky Rubio is retiring, and Rand has some thoughts. Plus what are Vikings fans hoping for this weekend in the finale vs. Detroit?

A lesson in expectations for Wolves; Justin Jefferson's QB preference; A big week for Gophers men's basketball Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the history of the Timberwolves, which has included 12 seasons that have ended with 24 wins or fewer. That's how many wins the Wolves have now -- after 33 games. Their most recent efforts in a 24-9 season have been lacking, though, including a loss to New Orleans on Wednesday. As fans grumble through this lull, it's a lesson in expectations.

9:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand for a look ahead to Thursday's game at Michigan and the challenges of a Big Ten slate. After some good showings against weak competition, what should we expect from Ben Johnson's team?

33:00: Justin Jefferson sure sounds like he wants Kirk Cousins back as his quarterback; Minnesota's PWHL had a successful debut.

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