Harry Maguire was stepping onto a late afternoon flight to Bournemouth with his Manchester United teammates when a WhatsApp message pinged his phone. It was the England manager, Thomas Tuchel, asking if they could talk that evening.
Butterflies fluttered. Maguire hadn’t played for England for nearly two years, since he appeared in a Nations League game against Ireland in 2024. He had never played for Tuchel and there had been very little contact from the manager since he took the job last January. “I knew if I missed this camp, I don’t think I would have been back in the England setup,” Maguire admitted.
The defender has endured a mixed season. He struggled for form and fitness under Ruben Amorim and felt inhibited by the manager’s beloved back-three formation. But a run of games in Michael Carrick’s transformed United side have kindled faint hopes of playing in a third World Cup, at the age of 33.
Sitting on the plane, Maguire turned to fellow England prospect Kobbie Mainoo. “I asked Kobbie if he’d got a text as well and he said, ‘yeah’,” Maguire smiles. That offered some reassurance and, two hours later, Tuchel rang to confirm he was finally back in the England squad for World Cup warm-up games against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley.
Maguire rang round his family to share the news. His mum cried, though she was on holiday in Spain at the time and he suggests the tears may have been helped along by a few Sangrias. “It felt a bit like my first call-up,” he says. “I’ve played 60-odd games for England and been to three major tournaments, but when you’re playing every game, you don’t want to take it for granted, but you get comfortable with the setup. And then when it’s taken away from you all of a sudden, it hurts.”
Advertisement
Harry Maguire in training for England at St George’s Park (The FA via Getty Images)
Maguire is speaking in a quiet room at England’s second home, St George’s Park, in Burton-upon-Trent, back where he feels he belongs. He spent seven years as a mainstay under Gareth Southgate, first on the left side of a back three and later in a pairing with John Stones. Over the past two years he had to get used to watching England as a fan again, taking his career full circle, back to when he was a Hull City player travelling around France with friends watching Euro 2016 from the stands.
“It did hurt [to watch England] but I still wanted them to win,” he says. “I have a lot of friends here. There are times when you feel like you should be in the squad and then that probably hurts a little bit more, but the last three camps I wasn’t fit, I wasn’t playing every game for Manchester United, I was in and out, I was playing three games and getting injured. When you don’t build up that rhythm, you don’t really have an excuse.
“It hurt more when I watched them in the final against Spain, losing that game [Euro 2024 final].”
Away from England, Maguire focused on performing for his club. He enjoyed working with Amorim but felt the central role in a back three limited his best attributes, consigned to be a sweeper when he wanted to roam and charge and challenge opponents physically. His freedom to carry the ball upfield was clipped, and it all added to the narrative that he was a fading force.
“When you’re playing in a back five and you’re playing that middle one, automatically people think you’re a little bit older and can’t move as much. I’ve always said I much prefer playing in a back four. I feel like I can play more aggressive, play more on the front foot and I feel like that’s a big part of my game.”
Advertisement
Harry Maguire’s club form has put him back in the picture for England (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Amorim will be a great manager, Maguire insists. It just didn’t click. “I really like Ruben, I think he’s got great ideas. Those ideas just didn’t work at Manchester United. I do believe he’ll go on and have an amazing career. At his next club he’ll probably go and win many, many football matches.”
Carrick’s reign has been transformational. Maguire has enjoyed the freedom of a back four as United have climbed the table to third, in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League with seven games to go. Surely the players want him to stay beyond the summer?
“Listen, Carrick coming in, he’s been amazing. He speaks really, really well. He’s tactically very, very good. He’s brought in some amazing staff, [such as] Steve Holland. [But] it’s not up to us. I think we’ve got to finish the season strong, and then I think he should go right into the mix with the other candidates.
“It’s going to be a big summer. We know that for Manchester United. We need bodies in to help the squad. It’s going to be a big recruitment in the management department, and I’m sure the hierarchy will get it right.”
Maguire has stayed fit and found form in recent weeks, ironically right up until Tuchel’s phone call. The next night he scored a goal at Bournemouth, but was sent off as United settled for a draw – “a harsh” red card, he says.
Advertisement
Maguire is competing for a place on the plane to North America (The FA via Getty Images)
A one-game suspension means he won’t play for United again until 18 April at the earliest, when they travel to Chelsea. That time off will at least offer a window to speak to the club about his future, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Maguire wants to stay, and the way he talks suggests that something might almost be agreed.
“What that agreement is, I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks,” he says. “I think it’ll get sorted sooner rather than later, whether I stay or leave. I love this club, but it’s got to be right for myself, it’s got to be right for the club as well. I don’t want to be staying on a sentimental value. I want to be staying because I want to be there and the club want me to drive the club forward still, and they feel like I’ve got a big part to play in it.
“[I want to be] playing games and helping the team on and off the pitch. I want to be important to the club. So we need to sit down and speak – and I’ve got a long time off now with the red card.”
Only three months ago, Maguire’s international and club careers appeared to be in their winter days. Suddenly they are in full bloom again. He never gave up hope of travelling to North America to experience one more World Cup as a player, rather than a fan, when summer comes around. “I kept it free, just in case.”
Arsenal will continue their Premier League title chase when they face West Ham United in a London derby on Sunday at the London Stadium.
Arsenal head into the match full of confidence after reaching the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years.
The Gunners defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory in the semi-final.
Advertisement
Manager Mikel Arteta and his players are also leading the Premier League title race after Manchester City played a dramatic 3-3 draw with Everton.
Arsenal are now five points ahead of City, although Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand.
The North London club also defeated Fulham 3-0 in their last league game and are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions.
Advertisement
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the team’s standout players this season.
The Swedish forward has scored 21 goals and provided three assists in 51 appearances in his first season with the Gunners. He also has 14 Premier League goals this campaign.
Arsenal’s defence has also improved in recent weeks, conceding just one goal in their last four games.
Meanwhile, West Ham are battling to avoid relegation after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend.
Advertisement
Coach Nuno Espirito Santo knows his side must start winning quickly to improve their survival hopes.
The Hammers have conceded 61 goals in 35 league matches this season, making them one of the weakest defensive teams in the division.
Despite their struggles, West Ham received positive news as Nuno confirmed that all his players are fit and available for the match.
Arsenal, however, could still miss defender Jurrien Timber, who is recovering from injury, while captain Martin Odegaard is also battling a knee problem.
Advertisement
A victory for Arsenal would strengthen their hopes of winning their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) runs to the end zone after a reception against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings took their time courting Jauan Jennings. He had made it known this offseason that he was looking for money that paid him like a top-two wide receiver on a team. The Vikings moved around cap space, but they still smartly weren’t going to break the bank.
On Thursday night, Jennings came to his senses and decided that working with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison put him in a really great spot. Now, as the third wide receiver in a dynamic Kevin O’Connell offense, the Vikings have the best trio in the sport.
Jennings Gives the Vikings a New Offensive Ceiling
In recent seasons, the Vikings’ third wide receiver has been either K.J. Osborn or Jalen Nailor. Both are no longer in purple, and each used their elevated exposure with Minnesota to secure a warranted payday. Jennings represents a significantly higher bar than either of them, which is why his deal can be worth up to $13 million.
Advertisement
Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota is getting a dynamic talent in Jennings. He operated in a Kyle Shanahan offense that asked him to do a lot for the San Francisco 49ers. With Brandon Aiyuk pouting all of last season, Jennings had plenty of runway to operate on his own.
Not only is Jennings a red zone threat with a 6’3″ stature, but his 212 pounds outman most any defensive back, and he’s an asset in the blocking game as well. In 2024, Jennings posted 975 yards for San Francisco, and he came back with 643 last year. Able to work in the middle of the field, he’s an athletic check-down option and will allow new quarterback Kyler Murray a big target to rely on.
Jennings has found paydirt 22 times in his career and scored a career-best nine times last season. Minnesota routinely struggled when closing in on the goal line last year, and Jennings should be expected to alleviate some of those issues.
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) after catching a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
There are other talented trios in the NFL, but having the league’s best wide receiver in Jefferson and a legitimate star in Addison, just ahead of Jennings, puts Minnesota over the top. If Murray was hoping to have weapons he didn’t experience with the Arizona Cardinals, he’s been handed an embarrassment of riches when going into this season.
The Vikings played their cards right and landed Jennings at the opportune moment. Now it will be on opposing defenses to pick their poison and decide who they will try to stop.
Advertisement
Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
Gabba will play host to Friday’s
Round 9 AFL game between Brisbane Lions and
Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm with Brisbane Lions heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Brisbane Lions vs.
Carlton Blues
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Carlton’s season is quickly slipping away as the Blues prepare for a daunting Friday night trip to the Gabba to face Brisbane. Another second-half collapse against St Kilda last weekend intensified the pressure on coach Michael Voss, with the Blues now sitting at 1-7 after conceding eight third-quarter goals. Brisbane, meanwhile, looks every bit a premiership contender after dismantling Essendon by 64 points. Zac Bailey, Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann combined brilliantly inside forward 50 as the Lions surged into the top four. The contrast in confidence between these two clubs could hardly be sharper right now. Carlton continues to struggle defensively once momentum swings, while Brisbane’s attacking firepower is becoming increasingly difficult to contain. The Lions also won the most recent meeting between the sides comfortably, and they’ll enter Friday night expecting another strong performance on home turf.
Compared to their second-half showing against England, where they bagged two late tries for a bonus-point, Wales could muster very little after the break in Belfast.
Ireland were utterly dominant with possession and territory, with last year’s player of the championship Aoife Wafer leading the charge.
Travelling fans’ only consolation was a 78th minute Jasmine Joyce try but it was not enough to prevent Wales from leaving empty handed.
“We’re ranked 12th in the world, we played the team ranked 5th in the world and you can clearly see when you’re away from home, you’ve got to be a lot more clinical,” said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.
Advertisement
“We said in the huddle at the end of the game, we’ve got to be better with our composure and accuracy.
“I wouldn’t have said the girls dropped their heads. They stuck at it, stuck to their processes, but Ireland kept the ball really well.
“The girls give everything out there and when you see them upset after the game it’s because they care, they want to be winning, so it is tough.”
The Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West is a mythic-rarity enemy, and it is naturally quite annoying to deal with them. Gifted with rare intelligence, these foes can dish out some serious damage if you’re not careful around them, and don’t take the necessary steps needed to put them down.
In this article, we will explore some of the ways you can easily deal with the Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West. Read below to know more.
Exploring different ways to deal with the Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West
The Cryptic Deadeye has quite low HP, around 70, and this enemy only shows up when you’re playing Far Far West in Hard difficulty, or above. Though this enemy only deals 10 damage per hit, the issue that people come across is its consistency. The Cryptic Deadeye, true to its name, does not miss a single shot. This makes it incredibly frustrating to go up against it in-game.
Advertisement
That said, here are some ways you can deal with them in Far Far West:
1) Using Corruption
Corruption has a short cooldown, and it is one of the best ways to counter the Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West. Once corrupted, the enemy will fight for you, and upon the conclusion of the spell, it will take 100 damage and then die. It is one of the most convenient ways to deal with this enemy.
Advertisement
The Corruption Spell (Image via Fireshine Games || YouTube/@BullsGuidebook)
The Crpytic Deadeye in Far Far West first locks onto you before they shoot their gun. Now, a great way to not get shot by them is to simply disrupt their lock-on mechanism by shooting at them.When you shoot them, their lock-on will get interrupted, and you can then proceed to shoot them down using the weapons of your choice.
Keep in mind that a singular bullet can disrupt their lock-on, i.e., you can use this mechanic even when you’re running a shotgun. Aim in their general direction when they’re hard-scoping you, and you will be able to evade their attack using this mechanic.
Cryptic Deadeye will lock-on before shooting you (Image via Fireshine Games || YouTube/@BullsGuidebook)
May 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Inter Miami CF midfielder Lionel Messi (10) battles for the ball with Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio (21) during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Sergio Reguilon and Lionel Messi each scored to lead visiting Inter Miami to a 4-2 win over Toronto FC on Saturday.
Messi also had two assists as Miami (6-2-4, 22 points) made sure it wouldn’t repeat last week’s stunning 4-3 home loss against Orlando City when it surrendered a 3-0 lead.
With his offensive output on the day, Messi added another accomplishment to his already long list, becoming the fastest MLS player to reach 100 goal contributions. He did so in just 64 games, besting the record previously held by Toronto legend Sebastian Giovinco, who needed 95 games to reach the feat.
Messi has 59 goals and 41 assists since joining Inter Miami late in the 2023 season.
Emilio Aristizabal scored a brace for Toronto (3-4-5, 14 points).
Advertisement
The Herons took a 1-0 lead when De Paul’s free kick from 25 yards out in the 44th minute ricocheted off the wall and his one-time right-footed shot hit the post and went in.
Suarez gave Miami a 2-0 advantage when he finished Messi’s pass with his left foot in the 56th minute. The Herons took advantage of the space created when Toronto forward Raheem Edwards remained down on the pitch.
In the 73rd minute, Miami went up 3-0 when Messi returned a pass to Reguilon who scored his first MLS goal.
Advertisement
Miami poured it on at 4-0 when De Paul connected with Messi in the middle of the box in the 75th minute.
Aristizabal trimmed Miami’s lead to 4-1 in the 82nd minute. Toronto trailed 4-2 on Aristizabal’s header on a Kobe Franklin pass in the 90th minute.
Early in the match, Toronto had its chances. Alonso Coello’s free kick from outside the box in the eighth minute skipped through the Miami wall, but Dayne St. Clair made the save.
In the next few minutes, Toronto continued to press as Malik Henry, Markus Cimermancic and Deandre Kerr had shots go wide of the target.
Advertisement
Miami’s offense started to build late in the first half when a Messi shot sizzled beyond the near post in the 38th minute.
Moments later, St. Clair made a diving punch save of a Daniel Salloi shot to preserve Miami’s 1-0 lead at halftime.
The 47th minute featured Luis Suarez forcing a turnover at midfield which set Messi up for a 2-on-1 run. Messi drew in both defenders and slipped a pass to Suarez on the wing, whose shot from inside the box was off target.
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) signs a fans jersey against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The NFL Draft is in the rearview by two weeks, a couple of free agents have signed here and there, and rookie minicamps are blooming around the country. That means it’s time for power rankings, courtesy of VikingsTerritory.
The draft and free agency reshuffled the league, but Minnesota still lands in the middle tier.
We’ll publish one more batch before Week 1, but here’s our pecking order in May.
Advertisement
Minnesota Checks in behind the NFL’s Clear Contenders
Who’s your No. 1?
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) walks off the field after a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sep. 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Harrison quickly became one of the NFL’s most closely watched young receivers because of his polished route-running and immediate offensive impact. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.
32. Arizona Cardinals
Heading into a regular season with Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck as proposed quarterback solutions is wild — and screams “We want Arch Manning, please.”
31. Cleveland Browns
Heading into a regular season with hasn’t-been-good-since-2020 Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green as proposed quarterback solutions is wild — and screams “We want Arch Manning, please.”
30. New York Jets
The roster talent is there, but Aaron Glenn just overhauled his entire coaching staff. In the end, we don’t trust the Jets to be any different than last year. Geno Smith as the fix-all is lunacy.
Advertisement
29. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins’ roster just doesn’t have the firepower to hang with its peers. Not yet, anyway. Go look at the wide receivers here. The group could be the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, and that’s not an exaggeration.
28. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will stabilize, mainly because Klint Kubiak has the mind to be an effective head coach. It just won’t happen as soon as 2026, especially when Las Vegas will play Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Denver six times.
27. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have the perk of living in a division that isn’t gangbusters. But Cam Ward quietly had worse efficiency metrics than J.J. McCarthy in 2025, and nobody cared. This feels like a year where the Titans go 6-11, and that’s considered a step forward.
26. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa will split starts, which has all the makings of a 7-10 finish.
Advertisement
25. New Orleans Saints
This may be too low; we’ll admit it. But we have to see Tyler Shough turn the corner into a stable QB1 to believe it. Thankfully, the Saints finally removed themselves from salary cap hell.
24. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts started the season hot, but when they faced serious opponents in 2025, they began losing. We believe the true Colts identity came to light last December — not September.
23. Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) stands on the field during first-quarter action on Jan. 7, 2024, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Horn later emerged as one of the NFL’s most respected young defensive backs when healthy, showcasing physical coverage skills and versatility in Carolina’s secondary. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
Carolina reached the postseason in 2025. Its defense ranked 22nd in the NFL per DVOA. Our perception is that the Panthers were lucky to wiggle into the postseason.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike McCarthy will make sure these boys will finish 9-8. Is that good? That’s up to Steelers fans to decide.
21. New York Giants
If Dart develops in Year No. 2, the Giants can finish 10-7 and reach the playoffs. Versus the Vikings, though, he played an imbecile, and we just can’t shake that lasting memory.
Advertisement
20. Washington Commanders
If Jayden Daniels stays healthy, this will be a 9-8 club at worst. Somehow, Dan Quinn coached the NFL’s fifth-worst defense in 2025. That’s scary, and it keeps them out of the Top 15 of power rankings.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another one that’s probably too low — the Buccaneers have the perk of an “easy” division, where each team is about the same caliber. They’ll be 8-9, 9-8, or 10-7, and keep their current status: not a serious Super Bowl contender.
18. Chicago Bears
In 2022, we watched as the Vikings won nearly every close game, convincing the fan base that they were a “team of destiny.” The 2025 Bears did the same thing. Like Minnesota in 2023, Chicago’s close-game luck will return to this solar system, and the Bears will finish in last place in the NFC North at 8-9 or so.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
It’s all about the defense, baby. Every year, folks wonder if the defense will catch up to the offense and if Joe Burrow will stay healthy. Here we are again.
Advertisement
16. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings finished 2025 with a winning record, despite the NFL’s fifth-worst quarterback performance per EPA/Play. Now, they have Kyler Murray. With Brian Flores’s No. 3-ranked defense, Murray and the Vikings will finish the season with an 11-6 or 12-5 record.
15. Green Bay Packers
If the Packers didn’t have Micah Parsons, Minnesota would leapfrog them in these power rankings. It remains mind-boggling that of all 31 NFL teams Jerry Jones could’ve shipped Parsons, it just had to be the Packers.
14. New England Patriots
The Patriots had a strength-of-schedule oddity that analysts will study for years. A book may be written about it. New England will face the real world in 2026 without a cakewalk schedule.
13. Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of Jerry Jones, he rebuilt the defense in a single offseason. Dallas will reach the postseason.
Advertisement
12. Denver Broncos
We’re still not on board with Bo Nix as a franchise quarterback. At some point, not being able to drive the ball downfield will mean something. The rest of the team is in great shape, though.
11. Los Angeles Chargers
Trusting Jim Harbaugh is wise, but one must ask if it will ever net a Super Bowl. Is Justin Herbert cut out for that? He seems to have eternal Matthew Stafford-like sympathy around the league.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville’s defense ranked sixth-best in the NFL last year per DVOA, and Trevor Lawrence is figuring it out in real-time. Look out.
9. Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) waves to fans after a 34-27 victory over the New York Giants on Nov. 23, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Hutchinson continued building his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier young edge rushers during Detroit’s successful 2025 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
The Lions’ roster is too complete for another crummy season. Their Super Bowl window closed the day they coughed up the NFC Championship to the San Francisco 49ers, but Detroit will win the NFC North with a 12-5 record and lose in Round 1 or 2.
8. Houston Texans
This team’s defense is deadly. Utterly deadly. If C.J. Stroud does not rebound, DeMeco Ryans can toss Davis Mills in the lineup, and the Texans will still finish 11-6.
Advertisement
7. Kansas City Chiefs
You’re going to find out that Kansas City’s woes in 2025 were a one-year pause. The dynasty can resume. There is no rule against it.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Like the Lions, the Ravens’ roster is wonderful. Just in case Lamar Jackson suffers a Cam Newton-like slowdown — the abrupt kind — Baltimore must try to win it all this year.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers added Mike Evans, Osa Odighizuwa, and Christian Kirk this offseason. That will matter. 12-5 at worst.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
This is usually about the time on the Nick Sirianni lunar cycle when the Eagles start winning, and the weird strife behind the scenes vanishes. Howie Roseman’s roster construction keeps Philadelphia in the Top 4.
Advertisement
3. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Darnold completed one of the NFL’s most surprising turnaround stories by guiding Seattle to a championship victory. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Tip of the cap to Sam Darnold for winning the Super Bowl and making the Vikings look like damn buffoons. Now, he has to stay consistent year by year to prove his staying power as a Top 12 quarterback.
2. Buffalo Bills
Is this the year?
1. Los Angeles Rams
There isn’t a single aspect of the Rams’ roster, coaching staff — or anything — to dislike. They have everything. They could even get away with reaching for a rookie quarterback (Ty Simpson) just for kicks and giggles.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason with a good deal of uncertainty surrounding the center position. Ryan Kelly was a star when on the field last season, but the veteran continued to suffer concussions, and with them mounting over the course of his career, it was wisely time to call it quits.
That left Kevin O’Connell and company with quite the conundrum. Minnesota simply couldn’t move forward without replacing its starting center. With the dust all but settled on the offseason, though, that’s exactly what they opted to do.
Minnesota Is Banking on an Unproven Center Plan
Center is not typically a premium draft position. With multiple talents in the middle rounds, it seemed likely that Minnesota could grab a capable starter with one of its nine picks. They opted against taking anyone early, though, and it wasn’t until the 235th overall pick that they grabbed Gavin Gerhardt.
Advertisement
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) goes through warmups at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio, prior to a matchup with the Bengals. The young lineman prepared for his role on special teams and depth duties, working through pregame drills as teammates joined him on the field in the early afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports.
The Cincinnati product is clearly someone that the Vikings liked. Pre-draft, they put him through a full install and basically gave him the keys to their offense. It stands to reason that eventually Gerhardt could be the one manning the offensive line. Assuming, even with their interest in his skillset, rookie starts aren’t going to be a thing, Gerhardt will be more of a slow burn.
That means it’s the Blake Brandel show for the Minnesota Vikings. He has bounced around the line for the majority of his Vikings tenure, but it wasn’t until playing center last season that it was suggested his best position had been found. Brandel was something of a mixed bag there, but it was also a reflection of him simply getting his feet wet.
Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Cincinnati offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Minnesota will need depth at guard and tackle if Brandel is going to be the starting center. Should that be where he is penciled in, though, he’ll have real runway to get up to speed and be comfortable taking over the starting spot before being thrust into action.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely that Brandel profiles anywhere near what Kelly was at his peak, or even what he was last season. That said, given the reins for real run for the first time in his career, it could be a situation in which he thrives.
Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans produced a complete performance against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, and skipper Shubman Gill made sure the celebrations continued online after the emphatic victory. Soon after Gujarat’s crushing 77-run triumph in Jaipur, Gill shared a picture with star spinner Rashid Khan, with both players recreating the fingers-in-ear celebration.
Watch
Why Suryakumar Yadav is set to lose India T20I captaincy: All you need to know
“Pink city, blue result. Khamma Ghani,” Gill posted on social media, taking a playful dig at the Royals in their own backyard. The Titans had dominated the contest from the outset after posting a massive 229/4 in 20 overs. Gill led by example with a stylish 84, while opener Sai Sudharsan continued his superb form with a composed 55. The pair stitched together a commanding 118-run opening stand that laid the foundation for Gujarat’s highest total of the season. Gill brought up his fourth half-century of the campaign in just 30 balls as Gujarat tore into Rajasthan’s bowling attack during the powerplay. Sudharsan, who has already registered a century this season, once again looked fluent before falling to youngster Yash Raj Punja. Late fireworks from Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia ensured Gujarat crossed the 200-run mark comfortably. Sundar remained unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls, smashing three sixes, while Tewatia finished strongly with two maximums in the final over. Rajasthan’s chase began aggressively thanks to 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who hammered 36 off just 16 deliveries. But once the teenager departed, Gujarat’s bowlers tightened their grip. Rashid Khan turned the game decisively with a brilliant spell of 4/33, slicing through Rajasthan’s middle order with his variations and control. Kagiso Rabada struck twice, while Jason Holder wrapped up the innings with three late wickets as Rajasthan were bowled out for 152. The convincing win lifted Gujarat to second place on the table and marked their biggest victory by runs in IPL history.
Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden celebrate after the Englishman scored City’s 5th goal in the 6-1 spanking of Bournemouth
Manchester City F.C. moved within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal F.C. after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brentford F.C. at the Etihad Stadium.
The match was difficult for City in the first half as Brentford defended strongly and limited clear chances. Striker Erling Haaland missed a few opportunities, while home supporters also showed frustration with some decisions from the referee.
City finally broke the deadlock in the second half through Jérémy Doku, who scored with a fine curling effort.
Advertisement
Haaland later doubled the lead after finishing from close range to give Pep Guardiola’s side full control of the game.
Substitute Omar Marmoush added the third goal late in the match after receiving a neat pass from Haaland and calmly finishing into the far corner.
The important victory keeps the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Advertisement
Arsenal will now face West Ham United F.C. in their next match knowing they cannot afford to drop points as Manchester City continue their chase for another league title.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login