A late header from captain Sandesh Jhingan helped FC Goa salvage a 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League in Chennai on Sunday. The result marked FC Goa’s third consecutive draw as they remained unbeaten and stayed fourth in the standings with 10 points, while Chennaiyin FC are placed eleventh with five points. Sandesh Jhingan was adjudged the Player of the Match. The first half was evenly contested, with both sides creating opportunities but lacking the finishing touch in the final third. FC Goa had the first attempt in the eighth minute when forward Brison Fernandes tested Chennaiyin keeper Mohammad Nawaz, who gathered comfortably.
Chennaiyin came close moments later as midfielder Maheson Singh struck the post in the 11th minute, before forcing a fine save from the Gaurs goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari five minutes later with a powerful effort from distance at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Both teams continued to probe, with Irfan Yadwad seeing his effort blocked and Pritam Kotal heading wide from a set-piece. Yadwad tested Tiwari again in the 37th minute, while Dejan Drazic’s long-range effort at the other end was saved by Nawaz.
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Despite a series of half-chances, neither side could find the breakthrough as the teams went into the interval level at 0-0.
Chennaiyin made a bright start to the second half and broke the deadlock in the 48th minute. A misplaced pass at the back from Sahil Tavora allowed Irfan to pounce, and the forward finished calmly into the bottom-left corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The home side continued to threaten, with Irfan testing Tiwari again from a difficult angle shortly after. FC Goa responded by making multiple changes around the hour mark and began to dominate possession in search of an equaliser.
However, Chennaiyin’s defence held firm, restricting Goa to long-range efforts, with Aakash Sangwan missing the target from distance and from a direct free-kick.
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Braian’s brace gives Bengaluru FC 3-1 over Inter Kashi in ISL
Braian Sanchez scored a brace to help Bengaluru FC register a 3-1 win over Inter Kashi FC in an Indian Super League match in Kolkata on Sunday.
The win took BFC to fourth position in the points table and three points behind the leaders, Mumbai City FC.
Rahul Bheke achieved a personal milestone as he made his 100th appearance for BFC.
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Ashique Kuruniyan gave BFC the lead in the 20th minute before Sanchez struck in the 69th and 90+8th minute. Alfred Moya scored the lone goal for Inter Kashi in the 38th minute.
BFC faced an early setback before kick-off, as Ryan Williams picked up a slight muscle strain during warmup and was replaced by Namgyal Bhutia on the flank for his first start in the ISL this season.
After finding their rhythm and dominating possession in the opening minutes, BFC broke the deadlock in the 20th minute of the game, when Ashique pounced on a loose ball after an error from the Inter Kashi backline, and finished it off with a powerful left footed shot into the roof of the net.
The lead for BFC did not last long, as Alfred made the most of a Poojary slip that put him through one-on-one with BFC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh, who despite getting a hand to it could not keep Alfred out as Inter Kashi drew level in the 38th minute.
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At the break, it was all square as both teams headed into the tunnel.
BFC made one change before the second half as Suresh Wangjam replaced Fanai in the middle of the park, who was on a yellow card, received in the first half.
Sunil Chhetri came close to giving BFC the lead in the 53rd minute as a ball fell kindly to his feet at the top of the circle, but he fired a left-footed shot straight to the Kashi goalkeeper.
In the 69th minute, after Ashique drew a foul on the left flank, Siroj’s set piece delivery was not gathered by Tarres, and Sanchez was present to head it in to put BFC ahead with a little over 20 minutes to play.
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With Inter Kashi pushing for an equaliser, the pressure got to them in the last minute of play as their goalie played a false pass to Braian, who chipped it first time over him to give Bengaluru FC a 3-1 win on the road.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 87th minute. From a corner delivered by Drazic, Jhingan rose highest to power a header into the net and bring FC Goa level at 1-1.
Goa pushed for a late winner in stoppage time, but Nawaz produced crucial saves to deny Abdul Rabeeh and others, while substitute Daniel Lalhlimpuia missed a golden opportunity by firing over from inside the box.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, as both sides settled for a point in a closely contested encounter.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
WWE star Logan Paul left a lasting impression on NFL legend Tom Brady during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on Saturday, the seven-time Super Bowl champion said after the game.
Brady and Paul had a few flare-ups on the field, but kept things professional. The two had a heated feud over the last month leading up to the game.
Founders FFC’s Tom Brady and Wildcats FFC’s Logan Paul talk on the field during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
“I’ll say this, he impressed me out there,” Brady told Fox News Digital in the postgame press conference. Some of the coaches that were coaching him said how serious he was taking it and how he just wanted to learn and be a sponge to go out there and do a great job.
“To watch what he and his brother have done … you know, there’s a lot of tit-for-tat stuff but I do have respect for people that are really driven to succeed. I’m a firm believer in you don’t wait for things to happen, you make it happen. And if you want positive things to happen in your life, you go for it and you’re fearless and you don’t settle for a backup plan. He really displayed that today.”
Founders FFC’s Tom Brady reacts to a call made by the referee against the U.S. National Flag team during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
Brady showed that he hadn’t really lost a step on the football field but it was Team USA that outpaced everyone. The national team crushed Brady’s team, 43-16, after defeating Joe Burrow’s squad, 39-16.
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Some NFL players have made clear their intentions of trying out for the U.S. Olympic team as the sport will debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Logan Paul #19 of the Wildcats FFC and Tom Brady #12 of the Founders FFC speak during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was ‘not yet artificial intelligence’ after his celebrations for the second goal was deemed to have gone too far.
Pep Guardiola will not tone down his Manchester City celebrations after being booked for his reactions to Nico O’Reilly scoring in the Carabao Cup final. The Blues boss kicked an advertising board in delight after the first goal and then ran down the touchline to mark the second as City ran out 2-0 winners over Arsenal.
Leaving his technical area earned the City coach another yellow card in a season where he has already been given two bans – he will miss the FA Cup game against Liverpool next month as part of his latest suspension – but Guardiola said he was moved to such joy because of the way his players were performing. In disbelief at what City were doing to Arsenal, the manager got carried away and did not care about his punishment.
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“I wanted another yellow card, that was the target,” he said with heavy sarcasm. “If I cannot celebrate in the moment against that team with the way we are playing… the emotions are related to the way we are playing. Sometimes we have one action and score a goal and I do not react in that way. I react when it’s yes, yes, yes – the emotions come out.
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“Come on, give me another yellow card but I will celebrate, I’m not yet artificial intelligence. I’m a human being and I can celebrate. I want to celebrate. It’s not no respect for Arsenal or for their fans, I just celebrate with my people. I’m a human being with emotions and when I feel it I express it.
“It’s still the joy to compete. Today was a real challenge. Nobody gave us anything and I said to the players today we are going to see ourselves, what is our level against the best team? What are we? We talked about the game we played against Arsenal at the beginning of the season and that was the challenge.
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“The old ones and myself and the guys on the bench, it’s like what we said after Madrid. They are the best so far, no doubt about that, ok let’s prove. In general, last 10-15 minutes of the first half and the second half I could not believe we could do it against that Arsenal and we did it. That is nice for the sport.”
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) carries the ball during first-half action against the New York Jets, Dec. 17, 2023, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The explosive rookie showcased his speed and burst, creating chunk plays while helping power the Dolphins’ offense in a late-season divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports.
Rumors won’t die down for the Minnesota Vikings anytime soon, especially as the franchise has nine draft picks in 2026 and a few tradeable players. So, we present the Purple Rumor Mill for the second week of free agency,
Minnesota has no shortage of intrigue this week.
This week mainly focuses on trades and the draft.
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Fresh Trade Buzz and Draft Fodder in Vikings’ Rumor Mill
All the gossip in the purple team’s orbit from the last few days.
Miami Dolphins running back De’von Achane (28) celebrates in the end zone after finding space and scoring against the New York Jets, Sep 29, 2025, during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium, showcasing his burst and playmaking ability as Miami extended momentum in a divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.
Rumor: If the Dolphins trade RB De’Von Achane, the Vikings should be at the front of the line.
The Dolphins shipped Jaylen Waddle to Denver for draft picks this week, which is just another sign they’re finagling a full roster reboot. Now that Waddle’s gone — and with Bradley Chubb, Tyreek Hill, and others already out the door — folks are wondering who’s next. Achane’s name keeps popping up, not because Miami’s trying to get rid of him, but because a player like that gets a lot of attention.
Achane’s connection to Minnesota makes things even more interesting. Vikings assistant head coach Frank Smith spent four seasons in Miami and played a big role in shaping Achane’s role in their offense. So, there’s familiarity, there’s trust, and they already know how to use him.
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If Achane becomes available, Minnesota should go all-in. Last season, he racked up 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns, proving just how dangerous he can be when he’s a key part of the offense. At 5’9,” 190 pounds, with 4.32 speed, and only 24 years old, he’s got that rare burst and big-play potential that can really change an offense.
If there’s even a small chance Achane could be on the move, the coach who helped develop him should bring him to Minnesota.
Rumor: Pioneer Press’s Charley Walters insists J.J. McCarthy could be traded.
Walters dropped his version of a bombshell in the Vikings’ discourse last weekend, claiming McCarthy could be traded.
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He explained, “Now that Kyler Murray seems set to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback next season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team entertains a trade for J.J. McCarthy. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns seem like teams that might have an interest in McCarthy, potentially as a starter.”
“The Los Angeles Chargers, coached by Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy to a national championship at Michigan in 2004, would seem a third possibility as a backup to Justin Herbert. The Chargers do not have a designated backup QB. Last season, it was Trey Lance from Marshall, Minn. A trade for McCarthy would require a high enough draft pick. Don’t be surprised, if the Vikings were to trade McCarthy, if they bring Carson Wentz back to play behind Murray.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) walks off the field showing relief and adrenaline after a tough divisional win over the Chicago Bears, Sep 8, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, reflecting the intensity of a close contest and his composure in key late-game moments on the road. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
The Arizona Cardinals could also make sense for McCarthy; their QB plan at the moment is Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. Pew.
Generally speaking, however, it’s probably more likely that Minnesota hangs on to McCarthy, saving him for a rainy day, as Murray’s injury history isn’t spotless.
Rumor: Dillon Thieneman, beyond the shadow of a doubt, is the Vikings’ draft frontrunner in March.
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Without any debate, Thieneman is the current mock-draft favorite for Minnesota — by a mile.
USA Today’s Nate Davis picked Thieneman for Minnesota this week and explained, “With Harrison Smith’s future in doubt, Thieneman would make sense as both a short- and long-term solution. One of the combine’s standouts, the Ducks All-American is a rangy player who can be weaponized all over the field.”
And at NFL.com, Eric Edholm did the same thing: “Defensive tackle is a glaring need for the Vikings, who also could stand to add a receiver, but safety looms as a big worry if Harrison Smith retires. Thieneman is smart, athletic and a strong tackler — a nice schematic fit for coordinator Brian Flores.”
Texas Tech Red Raiders running back J’Koby Williams (20) is brought down by Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during a physical second half sequence, Jan 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Orange Bowl, as both teams battled for control in a high-stakes postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.
Then, The Athletic. Alec Lewis on Thursday with Thieneman to Minnesota: “Will Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores want to use a first-rounder on a safety? Minnesota passed on Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori last year. The Vikings might have a bigger need this time around given what they saw from safety Theo Jackson last season, and considering Harrison Smith’s future might be more uncertain.”
“Thieneman has ball skills. His read-and-react ability would fit nicely in a system that often allows defenders to keep eyes on the quarterback. The Vikings could look for a defensive lineman at this spot, but it’s difficult to settle on one who is a no-brainer type of fit.”
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Mel Kiper at ESPN also fired up Thieneman to the Vikings. He’s everywhere.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) takes the snap from center Ryan Kelly (78) during first-half action on Sep 28, 2025, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, operating the offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an international matchup as Minnesota settles into early-game rhythm overseas. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
It’s not necessarily atypical, but it’s important to call out that the Minnesota Vikings have watched as one-fifth of their 2025 starters have departed via retirement and free agency.
Minnesota’s offseason turnover hit the starting lineup a bit hard.
The main faces on the coaching staff will remain the same, but from a starter personnel viewpoint, get ready to see a revised Vikings club in September.
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Familiar Vikings Starters Have Moved On
In alphabetical order, these are the starters who left.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) slips pressure and breaks outside as Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Allen (93) closes in, Dec 7, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium, extending the play during second-half action while Washington searched for yardage against Minnesota’s front in a tightly contested game through the middle of the field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Jonathan Allen (DT) Where He Went: Cincinnati Bengals
Allen lasted one year in Minnesota after signing a three-year, $51 million contract last offseason during former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s big spending spree. He played decently, basically at a replacement level, making the large financial commitment no longer worth a second look.
Minnesota released him right away during free agency, and he quickly landed in Cincinnati, where his new contract will alleviate most of the Vikings’ 2027 salary cap burden pertaining to his contract.
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Allen was a swing-and-a-miss for the Vikings, at least per expectations.
C.J. Ham (FB) Where He Went: His House. Retirement.
Ham came up during the Mike Zimmer era and stood the test of time. Providing support as an outstanding blocker, special teamer, and sometimes-playmaker, Vikings fans adored Ham and are sad to see him go. He was one of the locker room guys in Minnesota, a team captain through and through.
The longtime purple fullback said this week during a retirement ceremony, “There’s nothing like game day at The Bank. From the beginning, I felt all the love. Just a fellow Minnesota kid living his dream of wearing the purple and gold someday. I know that resonated with many Minnesota fans, so I felt as if I was doing it for me and my family, I was also doing it for you.”
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Ham called it quits alongside former teammate Adam Thielen at the ceremony, and head coach Kevin O’Connel mentioned about the duo: “Their impacts clearly on and off the field have left a tremendous impact, not only on myself as the head coach of this team, all of our players, but also your families and what you guys were able to establish in the community here in the Twin Cities and beyond.”
“I know I, today, get the opportunity to not only speak for our team and our organization, but Minnesota Vikings fans everywhere, just saying, Thank you for your impact that you guys both had.”
Hopefully, Ham returns to the game as a coach down the road.
Javon Hargrave (DT) Where He Went: Green Bay Packers
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You can basically scroll up, read the paragraphs about Allen, rinse, and repeat.
The Vikings added Hargrave last offseason for $30 million over two years, and like Allen, the relationship was not parleyed into a second season. Minnesota dropped Hargrave, and a couple of days later, he did the unthinkable, signing with the Packers.
Minnesota will see him twice next year.
Ryan Kelly (C) Where He Went: His House. Retirement.
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Kelly had a bittersweet time in Minnesota, signed with Allen and Hargrave as part of 2025 free agency. When Kelly was on the field in 2025, he was fantastic, very much living up to his four-time Pro Bowl reputation.
Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) walks off the field after an overtime win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jan 5, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium, reflecting a hard-fought finish as Indianapolis secured a 26-23 victory and players exited following a physical divisional matchup with teammates and staff near the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.
But concussions ruined everything, as Kelly sustained three in one season alone. He even wore a Guardian cap down the stretch of 2025. It didn’t change anything.
Kelly retired from the NFL, and now Minnesota needs a center, either promoting Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens, signing a free agent like Ethan Pocic, or drafting a rookie next month.
Jalen Nailor (WR) Where He Went: Las Vegas Raiders
Nailor jelled instantly with Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but it wasn’t enough to secure a second contract beyond his rookie deal. The Raiders pounced earlier this month, granting Nailor a deal worth $35 million over the next three years.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) powers through contact from Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44), Nov 10, 2024, at EverBank Stadium, fighting for extra yardage during third-quarter action as Minnesota’s offense looked to sustain a drive against Jacksonville’s defense while maintaining balance and momentum near the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
The Vikings need a WR3 to replace Nailor, unless 2025 rookie Tai Felton, from Maryland, is ready for the offense’s bright lights. Nailor, on the other hand, will fill a WR1 or WR2 role in Las Vegas, presumably with rookie passer Fernando Mendoza when the Raiders make the draft pick official next month.
The Waiting Game: Harrison Smith
Smith played flag football with his peers on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, he has made no concrete decision on his future, whether to retire or return for Year No. 15. It’s a waiting game. One would think that if Smith planned to retire, he would’ve done so by now. The sipidity of “Will he or won’t he?” regarding Smith continues.
While no one would be shocked by a Smith retirement tweet, the clues hint at a return.
World number one Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out of the Miami Open in the third round after a surprise 6-3 5-7 6-4 defeat by Sebastian Korda.
Top seed Alcaraz, 22, produced a sloppy first set which gave the American the early initiative but Korda looked to have blown his chance in the second set.
Korda served for the match at 5-4 but was broken to love by the Spaniard who went on to win the next two games to force a third set.
Alcaraz upped the ante but Korda held his nerve and seized a break for 4-3 in the third when his opponent stroked a forehand wide.
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Korda, ranked 36th in the world, confidently held his next two service games to close out the match – sealing the win on his second match point as Alcaraz overhit a a return.
Alcaraz said his game is improving despite being knocked out as he prepares to rest up before the clay-court seaon.
“I think the process has been good. Besides the loss today, I think I’m still in the right way,” he said.
“Some things in previous tournaments that I just didn’t feel comfortable, I think in this tournament, I started to feel better and better.”
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Alcaraz said lower-ranked opponents such as Korda have the opportunity to play with more freedom against him, but he must guard against putting undue pressure on himself.
He added: “I’m feeling they have more to win than to lose in those matches. They’re playing without pressure.
“I’m not thinking about my pressure. I don’t feel it at all. I’m trying to play my best.”
Korda, 25, is the lowest-ranked man to defeat Alcaraz since world number 55 David Goffin of Belgium upset the Spaniard in the second round in Miami last year
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Alcaraz began the year by winning his seventh Grand Slam title with a triumph at the Australian Open and did not suffer his first loss of the season until he fell to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of Indian Wells.
Korda, who reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open in 2021 and 2025 but has never gone further, will face 14th seed Karen Khachanov or qualifier Martin Landaluce in the fourth round.
“It feels great,” said Korda, who wrapped up the win in two hours and 19 minutes as he beat a top-ranked player for the first time in his career.
“I took the scenic route, that’s for sure – a little more stress than I would want but happy with how I played.
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“I kept believing. I got myself in some nasty situations, but I kept going and played really well in the end.”
Timely shots and a gritty performance helped the Iowa Hawkeyes knock off the defending NCAA men’s basketball national champion Florida Gators on Sunday night, 73-72.
Down two points, Iowa inbounded the ball to guard Bennett Stirtz who dribbled up the floor and found Alvaro Folgueiras in the corner. Folgueiras took one dribble back to make sure he was above the 3-point line and nailed the go-ahead bucket for just over four seconds left.
Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) puts up a three point shot against Florida during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Folgueiras pointed to the sky to honor his late father. Florida couldn’t get a last-second shot up and Iowa won the game. He was seen hugging his mother in the stands.
“It’s really special,” Folgueiras said after the game. “We went through a lot of moments in the season. I’ve been in a lot of moments in my life. My mom is there after fighting for me her whole life. This is really special. It’s for the dreamers and there’s no better dreamers than us.”
Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) and Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) go after a loose ball during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Folgueiras scored 14 points and had five rebounds in the win. Iowa star Tavion Banks added 20 points on 7-of-10 from the field.
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Florida’s Alex Condon led the Gators with 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Thomas Haugh added 19 points and Xavian Lee had 17 points.
It will be the first time since 1999 that Iowa will be able to compete in the Sweet 16. In that year, J.R. Koch and the Hawkeyes lost to the Rip Hamilton-led UConn Huskies.
Florida forward Alex Condon (21) reacts after the team lost to Iowa during the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Florida is the first No. 1 seed in the men’s tournament to fall.
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The Gators will no longer be in the running to be repeat champions. It means the Dan Hurley-led UConn team remains the only back-to-back champions since Florida began its own dynasty in 2006 and 2007.
Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC wild card playoff game on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium, preparing for a high-stakes postseason snap as Minnesota’s defensive front battles for leverage and momentum in a tightly contested playoff showdown. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Jalen Redmond continued his career breakout last season, turning a first season on promise in Minnesota into a second season in which he became the team’s best interior defensive lineman. He received an extra $1.18 million this week for his efforts during the 2025 season.
The Recent Cash Windfall
The NFL has a new performance-based payment system that can see players on small contracts get a pay bump after the fact. It is a new initiative for this year, and Redmond found himself in the money this week. In essence, if an unsung player exceeds his expected snap count and the efficiency is there, he gets paid extra.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) breaks free for a touchdown run as Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) pursues from behind at U.S. Bank Stadium. The NFC North matchup unfolded on Dec 29, 2024, with Jacobs showcasing his speed and vision. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Each team was allotted $16.951 million in performance-based pay benefits, and the Vikings issued 100% of their budget to 68 different players.
Redmond was a 2025 poster child for the program and the only Viking to receive north of $1 million. The extra money comes with the $1 million he receives after the Vikings tendered him an exclusive-rights contract, ensuring he stays in Minnesota for the 2026 season.
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Redmond’s rise from a discarded undrafted player in Carolina to a year in the UFL to the lynchpin on the Vikings DL has been meteoric. It leaves Redmond deserving of a much bigger contract than the tender he is sitting on.
When Does the Extension Come?
Redmond deserves a long-term commitment, and while the tender means there’s no rush on the Vikings’ side, Redmond will have accrued three seasons by the end of this year, taking away Minnesota’s exclusive rights. The Vikings shouldn’t wait for him to hit free agency next year and face competition for his signature – get the deal done this year.
Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski speaks with Vikings.com’s Gabe Henderson during a sit-down interview on Feb. 17, 2022, discussing organizational philosophy, front-office strategy, and the hiring of head coach Kevin O’Connell while outlining Minnesota’s leadership structure and long-term football operations vision in a detailed digital feature segment. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The numbers back up what the film shows. Redmond earned a 72.7 Pro Football Focus grade and recorded six sacks from the DL interior, ranking 11th among all NFL defensive tackles. Furthermore, he led all defensive tackles in pass deflections, consistently disrupting quarterbacks.
Minnesota spent big money last year on Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, only to release them earlier this month. Redmond outperformed both last season, deciding to cut ties with the two veterans for salary-cap relief, an easy one.
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He has been a late bloomer, but Redmond is still only 27 and has plenty of football left ahead of him. In a short space of time, Redmond has become one of the most important players on the Vikings’ defense. If there is one player on the Vikings roster who should get the next big contract, it is Redmond.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss Bryson DeChambeau’s chances to claim a green jacket, Tiger Woods’ health and more.
Bryson DeChambeau beat Jon Rahm in a playoff to win LIV Golf South Africa and claim his second straight LIV victory in what was the league’s final tune-up before the first major of the year. With the way DeChambeau has played the last two weeks, has he taken away the title as Masters favorite? Or does that still belong to Scottie or Rory?
Zephyr Melton, associate game-improvement editor (@zephyrmelton): Considering Scottie’s early-season slump and Rory’s uncertain health, I think it’s fair to say that Bryson is the early favorite at Augusta. However, if he doesn’t control his distances with his irons well (which has plagued him in recent years at the Masters), I fear his chances to claim a green jacket are slim.
Dylan Dethier, senior writer (@dylan_dethier): It’s gotta be Scottie still; his demise is greatly exaggerated. But the fact that DeChambeau is in the middle of this conversation now is significant — and fun. Add in a few other stars ramping up with top-tier golf (Xander, Rahm, Fitz) and there should be plenty to talk about pre-Augusta.
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Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Vegas won’t call anyone but Scottie the favorite, and as Dylan says, Scheffler’s “slump” has consisted of three top-25 finishes that followed two top-fives and a win. Scheffler is also playing this coming week in Texas before he heads to Augusta, so he’s got one more chance to fine-tune some things. Bryson playing like this adds mega juice to any major. Few players energize a venue like him. I hope he plays well at Augusta.
LIV’s two biggest stars — DeChambeau and Rahm — battled it out in the final round in South Africa. It’s rare, on any tour, that the biggest names are the ones left standing down the stretch. Is this a meaningful player rivalry? And is that important for LIV or not?
Melton: It’s VERY important for LIV, and with smaller fields and a set schedule, they have a setup to make sure that storyline plays out on a more frequent basis. Unfortunately for the league, recent defections have thinned out the star pool, so the chances of stars battling down the stretch are smaller than the past few years.
Dethier: It’s funny, I went into the Bay Hill/Players double wondering if we were due for a Scottie-Rory showdown. That was very much not the case, and it’s almost never happened. So LIV should be thrilled that its top two dogs are tangling. Also, it’s top two dogs should be thrilled as they continue to build contract leverage…
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Berhow: It’s important for LIV and it’s important for any league. I don’t think golf fans appreciate it enough when this stuff happens in major or non-majors. Think of how many times we saw Tiger and Phil play together in final pairings on major Sundays (once!) or just any pair of marquee players. Bryson and Rory in the final Masters pairing last year was one of the tastiest final major pairings we’ve had in years. The more we see it the more it continues to build these rivalries and storylines.
One week after he lost the Players Championship on the 72nd hole at TPC Sawgrass, Matt Fitzpatrick bounced back to win the Valspar on Sunday. While he’s won 10 times on the DP World Tour, this was just his third PGA Tour title. Has Fitzpatrick’s last two weeks proven he’s ready to go on a heater this summer? Or just a couple of good weeks?
Melton: As the cliche goes, you want to get hot at the right time — and Fitz seems like he’s peaking right when you want to. It’ll be hard to maintain this form all summer, but as far as maximizing his Masters chances go, he’s put himself in a great spot.
Dethier: The most encouraging thing about Fitzpatrick’s surge is his stellar approach play — that travels anywhere. I’d expect him to be a factor in multiple majors.
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Berhow: Now he needs the major success. Sure, he won the U.S. Open at Brookline in 2022 but he’s still had just six major top 10s in 42 starts. But he was T4 and T8, respectively, in The Open and PGA last year, so maybe it’s coming. He’ll be a popular sleeper-ish pick come Masters week.
Last month at the Genesis Invitational, Tiger Woods offered a promising Masters update. But on Tuesday during TGL Woods said he’s “working on it,” adding, “the body doesn’t quite heal like it was when I was 24. Doesn’t quite bounce back. So I have good days when I can pretty much do anything, and other days where it’s hard to just move around.” Has this changed your opinion on if Woods will play the Masters?
Melton: Not at all. I’m just waiting for his WD to become official so we can put this silliness to bed.
Dethier: Meh, I’d still bet he plays. But it’s clear getting to that point is anything but easy. As long as we approach his start with a proper lack of expectations (unlikely, given it’s Tiger at Augusta) we should be fine. It’s all bonus.
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Berhow: I wish I was as optimistic as Dylan. I’m moving his percentage chance of playing down to about 40 percent, although he probably truly doesn’t know until the week of with how things change so quickly with his body.
Augusta National released its Taste of the Masters hosting kits last week, where you can bring parts of the Masters — the pimento, cookies or azalea cocktails, etc. — right to your living room. But what if you only get one item to select? What are you shipping to your home?
Melton: I’m quite fond of the chicken salad sandwiches. But the Georgia peach ice cream sandwiches would be a solid choice as well.
Dethier: I’ve noticed some backlash against the Masters food in recent years — gripes that it’s not that good. I dunno. I don’t care. It’s like eating pasta while walking Rome. Part of the taste is the place. Pencil me in for 50 chicken salad / pulled pork sandos and 50 more chocolate chip cookies. I’ll gun for self-control starting April 13th.
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Berhow: The chocolate chip cookies are a problem. I like the egg salad and pimento and ice cream, but I could live without them. The cookies? They mean too much to me.
Fitzpatrick had led last week’s Players by one shot on the 17th tee but a par-bogey finish cost him as American Cameron Young closed birdie-par to snatch victory.
But Fitzpatrick earned redemption on Sunday at Palm Harbor, Florida, sinking a 14ft-putt to birdie the 18th hole and beat American David Lipsky by one shot.
The 31-year-old carded a three-under-par 68 to finish on 11 under and had to wait for two groups to complete their rounds before his third PGA Tour win was confirmed.
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“To come away with a win this week is really special, considering last week’s performance as well,” said Fitzpatrick, who last won on the tour in 2023.
“I’ll be honest, it wasn’t an ideal putt [on 18]. I wouldn’t say I was overly keen on it considering my putting performance but to get it done was special.”
Fitzpatrick, who won the DP World Tour Championship in November, says he will have a two-week break before preparing for next month’s Masters.
“I’m obviously very confident in my game right now but what it takes to win a major is very different to what it takes to win on the PGA Tour,” added the 2022 US Open champion.
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“Particularly the Masters, there’s extra pressure on the Masters, no matter who you are. It just has that standing above all the other events, as well as the majors.
“I’m coming away from this week delighted with where my game’s at but there’s stuff I want to improve.”
Fellow Englishman Jordan Smith, 33, was third on nine under – his best finish on the PGA Tour.
Smith’s compatriot Marco Penge, South Korea’s Sungjae Imm who had led for three rounds, and Ameircan Xander Schauffele were all tied for fourth on eight under.
Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has insisted his side will use the defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final as fuel for the remainder of the season. The Blues were good value for the win at Wembley Stadium having dominated the second half after an even first 45 minutes.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mistake on the hour mark gave City the lead as he fumbled Rayan Cherki’s cross for Nico O’Reilly to head home. Moments later, the Blues added a second when Matheus Nunes’ cross was powered in by O’Reilly. When asked for his thoughts after the match, Arteta insisted his team would use the defeat as motivation.
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“Very sad, a hard one to take. We know for our supporters how much it means to them,” he said. “We’re going to use it as fire in the belly. We’ll manage the energy in the right way. We’ll go through the pain and disappointment; it’s part of football.
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“We played 50 games before today? Every time we have a draw or a defeat, we have to prove it, we have to do it again. We have a recent history of how this team has responded in these moments.”
City and Arsenal are battling it out at the top of the Premier League with the Gunners boasting a nine-point advantage. However, the Blues have a game in hand over Arteta’s men and still have to face them at the Etihad Stadium next month.
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Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Pep Guardiola insisted he would rather be in Arsenal’s position in the Premier League and played down talk of whether the Carabao Cup win could have an impact on the title race. “I would love to be nine points in front, to be honest. It’s in their hands,” he explained.
“We need time, an incredible break. I am exhausted and after we see step by step.”
When City return from the international break, they will face Liverpool in the FA Cup. The Blues then return to Premier League action on April 12 at Chelsea.
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