Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 9.15.25
I loved primetime games in my 20’s and 30’s…in my 40’s, well…
Vikings Putrid in Loss to Falcons
I told a Lyft passenger headed to U.S. Bank Stadium yesterday that I had a bad feeling Parker Romo would hit a big field goal against his former team.
How about five of them?
Parker Romo was somewhat of a cult hero in these parts for four games last year while filling in for Will Reicherd. Romo tried out for the Falcons in practice this week, then hit five field goals, including a 54-yarder in the fourth quarter, in an ugly 22-6 win over the Vikings last night.
It was a game billed as a matchup between two young quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix, Jr. But it was the Falcons defense, running back Bijan Robinson (22 runs for 143 yards) and Romo that stole the show.
Atlanta’s defense frustrated the Vikings (10 first downs, 198 total yards, 23:28 TOP) all night long. It didn’t help that they lost two starting offensive linemen, including a canter. McCarthy was under siege all night - he completed just 11 passes and got sacked six times. He targeted a frustrated Justin Jefferson just six times - twice in garbage time including one that ended in an interception..
But when McCarthy had time to throw, he wasn’t very good either. He badly underthrew Jefferson with a first down on the line late in the third quarter, and on a curious 3rd-and-1 call in the fourth, McCarthy overthrew a WIDE OPEN Jaren Nailor by at least five yards. It was a sure touchdown otherwise. The rookie signal caller, who became a dad 48 hours ago, has had one good quarter out of eight. After that misplay, Kevin O’Connell curiously punted on 4th-and-1, and the Falcons marched 83 yards on 12 plays in 6:17 to put the game out of reach. Minnesota had the ball for less than nine minutes in the second half, so it was no surprise the Vikings defense wore down.
McCarthy targeted T.J. Hockenson just twice before garbage time without success. With such little time to throw, one would think a quick out to a tight end would have been prioritized.
Starting-ish running back Aaron Jones, who didn’t do much (five rushes for 23 yards) for a second straight week outside of a massive block, suffered a hamstring injury in the second half.
The Vikings have no fewer than six of their 22 starters injured heading into Week 3. Remember when the NFL went to a 17-game season with just three pre-season games to protect players from injury? No, it was a money grab. These early season injuries are concerning across the league.
Things don’t get any easier Sunday against Cincinnati, although the Vikings caught a break when Joe Burrow got injured yesterday. And that game is followed by two in Europe...
Lynx Blow Out Golden State in Game 1
Napheesa Collier scored 20 points as the Lynx outscored Golden State by 36 points over the final three quarters in a dominating 101-72 Game 1 win at Target Center yesterday. The Lynx can advance to the WNBA semifinals with a win Wednesday in California.
It wasn’t a pretty start - but the Lynx aren’t a great first quarter team. Golden State led 28-21 after the first quarter, but Minnesota quickly got untracked and never looked like a loser the rest of the way.
Natisha Hiedeman continued her torrid run with 18 points off the bench. No one in the WNBA can match the Lynx’ depth.
It’s worth noting the Liberty “upset” Phoenix on the road yesterday, so both New York and Minnesota are one game away from a best-of-five semifinal series after meeting in the Finals last year.
Gophers Lose at Cal
Koi Perich got a lot of blame for a muffed punt that was crucial in the Gophers’ 27-14 loss at Cal late Saturday. However, there were plenty of missteps to go around, starting with the play calling.
Despite a solid start to the season, P.J. Fleck didn’t seem to trust redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey in a big-time road game. That’s surprising because star running back Darius Tayler didn’t dress due to injury, and his top backup got hurt early on.
Then again, when given the opportunity, Lindsey didn’t do much with it, either. At some point, you’ve got to throw down the field in a game where your running game has no chance.
So, no College Football Playoff this year for the Gophers, who are of this week before hosting Rutgers on Sept. 27.
Loons Beat San Diego; Two Back for Western Conference Lead
The Loons’ hopes for their first conference title are alive. So is their chance for the first Supporters’ Shield as the best regular season team in the MLS.
Minnesota bested Western-leading San Diego FC 3-1 late Saturday, moving within two points of the expansion team for the top spot in the West. The Loons are only three points back of Philadelphia for the top spot in MLS.
Four games remain - but first, the U.S. Open Cup semifinal against Austin on Wednesday at Allianz Field. Just don’t get anyone hurt…
For what it’s worth, the Loons’ remaining regular season schedule is very easy - no opponent ranks higher than eighth in their conference.
Twins Eliminated from Playoff Contention
The Twins lost two of three at home to Arizona - the middle game of the series officially got them eliminated from playoff contention. That extends Twin Cities’ men’s professional teams’ streak without so much as a championship appearance to 127 “seasons”.
Minnesota won’t get to face the Yankees in the post-season, but they can try to play spoiler for three games this week at Target Field.
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