Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. celebrated after scoring a first-quarter touchdown against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, giving Minnesota an early Christmas Day spark. On December 25, 2025, in Minneapolis, Jones marked the score as the Vikings tried to build momentum in a holiday NFC North matchup at home. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Among the Minnesota Vikings’ fan base, hopes are high for 2026, mainly because the club acquired Kyler Murray in March and finished last season with a winning record despite mostly miserable quarterback play.
But ESPN does not share that optimism, nominating Minnesota’s roster as the 11th-worst in the NFL heading into training camp. If Minnesota makes something of the season, it will do so without the sign-off of ESPN.
ESPN’s Low View Adds Pressure ahead of 2026
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline at Soldier Field as Minnesota works through calls against Chicago in an NFC North matchup. On Oct. 15, 2023, Flores tracked defensive communication and pressure timing while the Vikings adjusted through a physical second half on the road in a tight divisional setting. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.
ESPN: Vikings’ Roster Ranks No. 22 in Power Rankings
Mike Clay of ESPN dropped the No. 22 ranking for the Vikings, noting that the running backs — Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne, and Zavier Scott — were the team’s foremost weakness.
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On the other hand, he noted the chief strength: “Biggest strength: Pass catchers. Receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and newcomer Jauan Jennings and tight end T.J. Hockenson form a terrific group of targets for whoever wins the QB job.”
“Even in a down season (no fault of his own), Jefferson delivered his sixth consecutive season with 1,000-plus receiving yards in 2025 and remains arguably the league’s best wide receiver. Addison produced 875-plus receiving yards and nine-plus TDs in his first two seasons before the QB woes of 2025.”
Pound for pound, Clay is probably correct about the pass-catchers as the team’s main calling card, though the defense is statistically fantastic too.
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“Jennings broke out in 2024 with the 49ers and has a 132-1,618-15 receiving line over the past two seasons. Hockenson’s stats have been down the past two seasons, but the 29-year-old remains one of the league’s best two-way tight ends,” Clay concluded.
The Teams Ahead of MIN
Three teams questionably checked in ahead of Minnesota:
Indianapolis Colts
Washington Commanders
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Colts are all-in to win a Super Bowl with Daniel Jones, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, an injury that goes either way in terms of recovery. The Commanders fired up a down year after an unexpected sprint to the NFC Championship in 2024. And the Steelers will roll with Aaron Rodgers again, this time led by his old pal, head coach Mike McCarthy.
Placing any of those squads ahead of Minnesota per roster talent is certainly debateable.
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Very Little Faith in the QB
How did the Vikings fetch the 22nd roster ranking in football? It’s pretty evident: outside of Minneapolis, the masses don’t trust the quarterback(s). Murray’s reputation is at a career crater. That’s the cost of doing business when the Arizona Cardinals, of all organizations, run you out of town. Put plainly, the world believes that Murray is mid.
His quarterback running mate this summer, J.J. McCarthy, is mostly known for memes, and somehow, that matters in the court of public opinion. McCarthy produced an up-and-down season in his first as a starter, and that’s when he wasn’t missing seven games due to a flurry of injuries.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys Minnesota’s defense in a Week 13 highlight clip as the Cardinals offense prepares for another snap against Brian Flores’ unit. On Dec. 1, 2024, Murray operated before the play while the Vikings aligned across the formation during a sequence from the NFL’s official regular-season highlights package online. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Most NFL analysis starts with the quarterback, and for a team like the Vikings to rank 22nd, it means that ESPN doesn’t really trust Murray or McCarthy to be dependable.
The Super Bowl Odds
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How about Vegas? Do sportsbooks agree with the 22nd assessment? For the most part.
The Vikings’ Super Bowl odds in early July are 18th-best in the sport. Here’s the full list for curious minds:
Los Angeles Rams: +500
Buffalo Bills: +1000
Baltimore Ravens: +1100
Seattle Seahawks: +1200
Los Angeles Chargers: +1600
Kansas City Chiefs: +1600
Detroit Lions: +1700
New England Patriots: +1700
San Francisco 49ers: +1700
Philadelphia Eagles: +1800
Houston Texans: +1900
Cincinnati Bengals: +2000
Denver Broncos: +2000
Green Bay Packers: +2200
Dallas Cowboys: +2200
Chicago Bears: +2700
Jacksonville Jaguars: +2700
Indianapolis Colts: +4500
Minnesota Vikings: +4500
Washington Commanders: +5000
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +6000
Pittsburgh Steelers: +7000
New York Giants: +7000
Atlanta Falcons: +7500
Carolina Panthers: +8000
New Orleans Saints: +8000
Tennessee Titans: +12500
Las Vegas Raiders: +12500
Cleveland Browns: +35000
New York Jets: +40000
Miami Dolphins: +60000
Arizona Cardinals: +100000
Oddsmakers pretty much plop the Vikings in the same boat as the Colts at +4500. That’s akin to reaching into a shuffled deck and pulling one specific card — like the Ace of Spades — on the first try.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell warms up with his team at U.S. Bank Stadium before a home matchup against Baltimore, staying active during pregame work. On Nov. 9, 2025, O’Connell moved through the field as the Vikings prepared for another AFC test inside their home venue in downtown Minneapolis again. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
NFL Spin Zone‘s Sayre Bedinger ranked Minnesota at — you guessed it — No. 22 in his recent power rankings: “The Vikings are going to be relying on defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his scheme more than ever before.”
“Even with the possibility of a breakout from Dallas Turner, this team has young players replacing the likes of Jonathan Greenard, Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Harrison Smith. Those are huge losses. Factoring in the quarterback position coming down to Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy, this is going to be maybe the biggest “test” year for O’Connell and his staff.”
The Vikings haven’t won a playoff game in 2,376 days.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Sir Keir Starmer is said to be lining up a bank holiday if England emerges victorious in the World Cup.
To celebrate what would be their first win in 60 years, the prime minister has hinted at a day off for the country, but is not expected to confirm any plans until the final.
It is thought that the bank holiday could be on Friday 24 July, which would give the team enough time to return from the final match on the previous Sunday.
Speaking to reporters at the Nato summit on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
After securing a 3-2 win against Mexico, England is gearing up for a quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami on Saturday.
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Keir Starmer and Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Store on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara (AP)
If England wins, they will play either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on 15 July.
Speaking from Ankara, Turkey, Sir Keir praised Monday’s win over Mexico as “one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen”.
He jokingly reminded Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store that England only win the World Cup under a Labour government.
“I’m a good friend of his,” he told reporters.
“The Norway-UK relationship is as strong as it’s ever been, and he’s a key individual in the coalitions that we’ve been building.
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“But for 90 minutes on Saturday evening, we’ll have to go our different ways as we go into that match.”
England have not won a World Cup in 60 years (PA Wire)
He said he had resisted calls to attempt to overturn Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, after Donald Trump persuaded Fifa to suspend US player Folarin Balogun’s ban and allow him to play against Belgium.
“I can’t tell you how many messages I’ve had to rescind the red card that we received in the early hours of Monday,” he said.
“I hasten to add, I haven’t attempted to do that.”
Many English fans were left disappointed after a bank holiday was declared in Scotland in June to mark the country’s participation in the men’s football finals for the first time in decades.
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King Charles approved the proposal, put forward by First Minister John Swinney, who wanted to allow Scots to celebrate the major comeback.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she would “probably not” support a bank holiday if England wins the World Cup.
“Sadly, we all know what would happen with a bank holiday – the private sector would still be working and the public sector would take the day off, and you’d all have to pay for it,” she said.
Sami Zayn became the Undisputed WWE Champion at Night of Champions in the biggest moment of his career. Nine days later, he has lost the title, and his future is uncertain. Sportskeeda Wrestling can now exclusively report on the reason for the title run.
Sami Zayn’s position in WWE after his loss to CM Punk on WWE RAW
Thanks for the submission!
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This author spoke to an insider in the company, who revealed that Sami Zayn’s Undisputed WWE Championship loss to CM Punk was something of an open secret. Although Triple H was the one making the call for his win as well, it turns out that he was not too happy about the change, and not all the higher-ups backstage like Zayn and what he brings to the table for WWE. There is also an idea that he talks too much.
“The fact that Sami Zayn was losing on RAW was an open secret. There were a lot of people talking about how Triple H was involved with Sami winning the title, and the call came from him. But he was not too happy about the change all the same. Sami is seen as someone who has earned his stripes backstage, but there are a lot of people, especially among the older creative heads, those who were around for the Vince era, who feels that he talks too much. “
However, when it comes to the real reason Zayn won and lost the title so quickly, it appears that this run is seen as something of an acknowledgment of the work he has put in for the company. Not everyone gets to be a world title holder, and now he is. His run in WWE is far from over, but for now, he’s a former titleholder.
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“That Sami Zayn is so unapologetically himself is something that escapes no one. They know it, and they are afraid that he will say something that the company does not agree with completely while holding the belt. Even more than, say, CM Punk. Cody and Roman are more in line with what they want. But the real reason he won and then lost quickly is because it is seen as an acknowledgment of Sami doing everything the company asked him to for so many years. He’s now a former titleholder. Not everyone gets that moniker. It’s not fully over for him yet.”
For now, Zayn’s future remains unclear.
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Then came Pirates right-hander Jared Jones on Wednesday night. He twirled six perfect innings at the expense of the Braves before Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly gave Jones the Dugout Handshake of Removal prior to the seventh inning of a scoreless game. Pittsburgh’s shot at the first combined perfect game in MLB history ended when Jones’ replacement, Mason Montgomery, permitted a one-out single in the seventh. Jones, at the time of his removal, was at a modest 77 pitches, and Atlanta went on to win 3-0.
One might be tempted to ask: What gives?
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First, this is not new. MLB decision-makers don’t particularly care about perfect games and no-hitters, as they’re aware that the regular season is a six-month slog with serious considerations that reach beyond a given game or single-game performance — even a potentially historic one. They’re likewise aware that even one isolated high-pitch outing can exact a toll down the road, especially in this current era of maxed-out velocity.
MLB teams prioritizing arm health over historic outings
If it’s a veteran arm with an established record of health and durability, the calculus is different. The circumstances were much different when, earlier on Wednesday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider let Dylan Cease set a career-high pitch count in pursuit of a no-hitter, which he lost in the ninth.
In the cases of Pérez and Jones, though, two sets of numbers are worth considering:
The first set includes Pérez’s and Jones’ current ages, and the second set includes Pérez’s and Jones’ current average fastball velocities. Let’s also add two dates for your review:
April 8, 2024;
May 21, 2025.
Those are the dates of Pérez’s and Jones’ respective Tommy John surgeries — or an internal brace procedure in Jones’ case. Yes, each young hard-thrower has a history of arm troubles. Those three things — youth, high velocity, and prior major arm surgery — add up to mean the moundsman in question is going to be treated with caution, especially when it’s not, say, a game that decides the outcome of a playoff game or something of similar import.
In Pérez’s case, Sunday’s start was his third since missing almost a month with a muscle strain in his thigh. Entering the game, the Marlins had a pitch limit in mind and McCullough stuck to it.
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“Going into this game, 90 plus a batter was a pitch count that I felt comfortable with him coming back off the time on the IL and us looking to play beyond the season,” McCullough, the Marlins’ second-year manager, told reporters. “Eury’s gonna be an important part of that. Yeah, he had it really going today and I totally get it. There was a part of my heartstrings pulling at his opportunity to keep going, but I have to think about Eury, one, and our organization, our team, and what’s best moving forward and giving us a chance to win games. I made a calculated decision of where he was with his pitch count.”
As for Jones, the 2026 season marked his return to the mound after missing all of 2025 because of that aforementioned elbow surgery. He’s been on strict pitch counts all season as he gets built back up. Wednesday’s outing was Jones’ eighth of the season and his season-high is just 81 pitches.
Maybe it’s frustrating from the fan standpoint to see bids for history cut short, not because they’re ended on the field but rather because of managerial discretion. With Pérez and Jones and any other young hurler who flirts with perfection in such a way, though, the cautious approach is one embraced by every organization in MLB right now.
Benjamin Sesko missed Manchester United’s final three Premier League games of the season after picking up an injury during the win over Liverpool
Benjamin Sesko appears to have recovered from his injury and is ready for the start of pre-season training at Manchester United. Sesko joined the Reds from RB Leipzig for £73million last summer.
The forward went on to score 11 Premier League goals in his first season at Old Trafford. However, Sesko’s campaign was cut short when he picked up a shin injury during the 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the start of May.
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But in a post on Instagram, the Slovenia international appears ready to return to action, as he wrote: “Rested. Refreshed. Back to preparing for the season.”
Sesko was recently linked with a move to Barcelona, but the MEN understands that the forward is set for a more prominent role in his second campaign at the club.
But United hero Gary Pallister, who won four league titles during his time at Old Trafford, recently told the club’s hierarchy they need to secure an experienced striker this summer who Sesko can learn from.
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“I think a lot of people at Manchester United are really happy that Michael Carrick has got the job,” he said, via NewBettingSites.
“You look at United and the closest we’ve come to having a stereotypical United team was under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. And it kind of feels a bit like what happened with Ole.
“Michael’s come in and he’s got good results. I think he’s brought a resilience into the team. I think he knows what United fans want.
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“I think in the end Ruben Amorim just lost his way and, honestly, almost welcomed the sack. So I’m pleased for Michael and I hope we can back him in the transfer window.
“He’s already made a start. I think they maybe need another centre-forward. [Benjamin] Sesko did alright last year, but I think he’s still got a bit to learn as he’s still a young kid.
“I think someone with a bit more maturity than Sesko would be ideal for the centre-forward slot to fight with him for the position.”
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Switzerland booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties, but they will know they must produce a much stronger performance if they are to stop defending champions Argentina.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was the hero in Vancouver as he made a brilliant save to deny Colombia striker Cucho Hernandez during the shootout. His save proved decisive after a tense match ended goalless following 120 minutes.
Switzerland converted four of their penalties through Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas to secure a historic victory and reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
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However, the performance itself left plenty of questions.
Switzerland struggled to create clear chances throughout normal time and extra time. Their attack lacked pace and creativity without injured forward Johan Manzambi, one of their standout players at the tournament with three goals and two assists. Vargas also started on the bench because of fitness concerns, although he returned to score the winning penalty.
The Swiss were fortunate that Colombia failed to make the most of their opportunities. Defender Jhon Lucumi hit the crossbar with a header, while substitute Jaminton Campaz wasted a golden chance late in extra time after a defensive mistake by Xhaka.
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Against Argentina, such mistakes are unlikely to go unpunished.
Led by captain Lionel Messi, Argentina have shown throughout the tournament that they can punish even the smallest defensive errors. Their attacking quality, movement and experience will present a far tougher challenge than Colombia managed.
Switzerland’s defence has been organised throughout the competition, conceding few chances, while Kobel has continued to impress between the posts. Those qualities will be essential again, but they will also need much more from their attack.
Creating more chances, keeping possession under pressure and taking opportunities when they come will be crucial if Murat Yakin’s side hope to upset the reigning world champions.
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Their dramatic win over Colombia has earned them a place among the final eight, but if Switzerland want to continue their memorable World Cup journey, they must raise their performance to another level when they face Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Athletes who were subjected to doping by the East German state have “no suitable means for support, even though those affected still urgently need help,” a new report said on Wednesday.
The findings were presented by Evelyn Zupke, the German government’s commissioner for victims of the socialist dictatorship at Hohenschönhausen Memorial, a former detention center of the Stasi, East Germany’s secret police.
According to the report, forced doping constituted “a flagrant abuse of political power,” that reduced athletes “to mere objects of state action, thereby severely violating their human dignity.”
Zupke called for changes to current legislation to ensure victims can access adequate support.
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In a separate report in January, Zupke said she was “convinced that addressing the consequences of state-sponsored doping in the GDR is not just a matter for those affected and for historians.”
“It is equally important for Germany’s self-image as an enthusiastic and successful sporting nation,” she said, pointing to Germany’s bid to host the Olympic Games in the next decades.
The goal was to help the GDR earn more medals at international competitions, who could then be celebrated as evidence of the state’s prowess.
By 1989, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 young people had been systematically given performance-enhancing substances — predominantly anabolic steroids — often without their knowledge or consent. Some were as young as 13.
Doping helped transform East Germany into a sporting powerhouse, with the country winning second-highest number of medals at both the 1976 and 1980 Olympic games.
Following German reunification in 1990, the full scale of the doping program emerged, casting a shadow over East Germany’s sporting achievements.
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What went wrong with the reunification of German football?
“Our reunified country is on the right track to providing the best possible support and recognition for the victims of the SED dictatorship,” said Zupke, referring to the ruling Socialist Unity Party.
“But the shadow of the dictatorship is long: many victims continue to suffer from the health consequences.”
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Jonathan Aranda drove in three runs, Shane McClanahan pitched 6 1/3 innings and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 3-0 on Wednesday night to extend their AL East lead to five games.
McClanahan (8-5) scattered four hits and struck out five without a walk on 85 pitches. He had his longest outing of the season and his second consecutive start without giving up a run. Bryan Baker struck out the side in the ninth inning for his 25th save.
The Rays have struck out the Yankees 45 times in the first three games of the series.
Aranda had an RBI single in the third inning off Gerrit Cole (3-4) that scored Yandy Diaz, an RBI double in the fifth inning off Cole that plated Nick Fortes and added another RBI in the seventh against Fernando Cruz when Taylor Walls scored on a sacrifice fly.
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Diaz went 4-for-4 with a run and raised his batting average to .327.
Cole was charged with three runs over 6 1/3 innings. He gave up seven hits, struck out six and walked one on 97 pitches.
New York has lost 11 of its past 13 games.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone and bench coach Brad Ausmus were both ejected in the sixth inning.
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The Yankees will start an opener against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (7-4, 2.78) on Thursday in the series finale.
France will bid to reach the 2026 World Cup semifinals when they take on Morocco on Thursday in the first quarterfinal match. Les Bleus have been the standout team of this tournament, winning all six of their games and scoring 17 goals along the way. Morocco have also impressed at this World Cup, but the Atlas Lions are uncertain if star striker Ismael Saibari (hamstring) will be fit to play.
Kickoff for France vs. Morocco is at 4 p.m. ET in Foxborough. The latest France vs. Morocco odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list France at -175 (risk $175 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Morocco at +550 and a draw at +280. The over/under for total goals is 2.5. France are -400 favorites to advance, with Morocco at +300. Before locking in any France vs. Morocco picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, check out the France vs. Morocco predictions from SportsLine’s Martin Green.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Last year, Green was profitable in multiple areas on his soccer betting picks, including the Champions League (+211.25) and Bundesliga (+100). He’s also been red-hot in 2026, posting an 18-8 record over his last 26 UCL picks, returning nearly $1,000 in profit. He’s also on a an 18-7 roll (+908) on his World Cup picks. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.
After examining France vs. Morocco from every angle, Green is leaning Over 2.5 total goals (-102). France have scored at least three goals in all five of their matches at the World Cup 2026, averaging 2.8 per game. Morocco, meanwhile, have only kept two clean sheets in five matches, but the Moroccans have plenty of offensive upside themselves, scoring 10 total times in the World Cup, including, three goals against Canada in the Round of 32.
“Both teams have the quality to get on the scoresheet, and this quarterfinal has the makings of a high-scoring affair,” Green told SportsLine. See Green’s best bets for France vs. Morocco at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in France vs. Morocco at FanDuel here:
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stood on the field after a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium, remaining visible as Minnesota wrapped up its afternoon. On August 10, 2024, in Minneapolis, O’Connell watched the postgame scene unfold after the Vikings finished their exhibition opener at home. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t necessarily spill the beans this week about his impending quarterback competition, but he wasn’t afraid to mention his track record in Minnesota, which involves success with seasoned veteran quarterbacks.
O’Connell spoke with D.J. Siddiqi this week, as training camp gets underway in about three weeks.
Murray’s Veteran Edge Becomes a Bit More Apparent
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addresses reporters at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin as the franchise worked through overseas preparation and league obligations before a rare international appearance. On Sep. 26, 2025, O’Connell discussed the team’s schedule, travel adjustment, and broader messaging while representing Minnesota during the NFL’s global slate. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
O’Connell on Murray, the QB Competition
The quarterback battle is top of mind for most Vikings fans, and O’Connell weighed in accordingly. He told Siddiqi, “We’ve had a lot of success with different veteran quarterbacks at different stages of their career, whether it was Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins, and now we want to do everything we can to provide Kyler Murray with a great opportunity and see what he can do with it.”
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“Kyler has always been a player. I’ve known him for a long time, and obviously having coached against him at multiple spots, and the talent you talked about bringing that different dimension. I think what he’s really done over seven years in the NFL is really maintain that dimension.”
Even Nick Mullens dished out massive performances in O’Connell’s offense.
O’Connell added, “But also the growth, the way he sees the field, the way he can throw with anticipation, and ultimately where he’s at in his career is a unique time. Having had the success that he had at his previous stop and ultimately wanting to build upon that and us having the opportunity to bring him to Minnesota, it felt like a great fit.”
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Good with Veterans; Mediocre Without
Murray provides O’Connell with the caliber of quarterback he molds into a solid, sometimes even exceptional, player. It highlights an interesting paradox in O’Connell’s reputation. He has a proven track record of elevating veteran quarterbacks like Darnold, Cousins, Joshua Dobbs, and Nick Mullens — all of whom had prior NFL game experience.
However, his success hasn’t extended to rookies. McCarthy’s full potential remains untapped, Jaren Hall never developed, and Max Brosmer is still an extreme long shot.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches courtside during NBA action at American Airlines Center as Dallas hosted Los Angeles in a high-profile regular-season matchup with national attention. On Apr. 5, 2026, Murray observed the Mavericks-Lakers game while remaining a central figure in offseason quarterback speculation and leaguewide roster chatter around Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
While O’Connell is indeed a “QB whisperer,” his magic seems most effective with players who have already experienced the demands of an NFL Sunday.
That’s precisely why Murray is an ideal fit. He’s not an unproven project and a quarterback who has won games with his undeniable arm talent. Pairing Murray with O’Connell could offer Murray the perfect opportunity for a career resurgence. And it wouldn’t be a situation reminiscent of the Mike Zimmer era, where quarterbacks merely aimed to survive and appease the defense.
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Instead, this would be O’Connell’s chance to reaffirm his “QB whisperer” status with a veteran quarterback talented enough to make everyone a believer.
Two Hungry QBs
Thankfully for the Vikings’ sake, both men want the job badly and have a vested interest in succeeding this season. For example, if McCarthy wins the competition or earns the QB1 job sometime during the regular season, he can regain his footing as the long-term franchise quarterback. That was the original plan two years ago when Minnesota selected him. If McCarthy does nothing of the sort in 2026, well, he’s probably on deck as a trade piece for the 2027 offseason.
For Murray, he faces an ultimatum. He can resume his typical production from the Cardinals days and just become the Vikings’ quarterback for the long haul — like many have suggested Minnesota should’ve done with Darnold. Or, if Murray flunks the Vikings test, he’d hit the 2027 offseason with an unknown future. He can be a starter or a journeyman. It’s up to him.
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Clarity at Camp
The verdict is not far away. The Vikings begin camp in three weeks, and O’Connell has hinted that he doesn’t want the battle to drag forever. While he likely won’t see a practice or two and name a winner, Minnesota won’t take the competition all the way to Week 1.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy releases a pass during first-half action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in a matchup loaded with postseason implications for both teams. On Dec. 14, 2025, McCarthy continued his first season as Minnesota’s starter while facing another NFC contender on the road in Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
By early or mid-August, onlookers should have a pretty good handle on who will take the cake at QB1.
Sportsbooks believe Murray is the guy — he has -770 odds, which translates to about 89%.
The Vikings haven’t hosted a real quarterback battle since 2014, when Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Cassel, and Christian Ponder locked horns in Mankato, but one is just weeks away in Eagan.
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The clues suggest O’Connell may roll with Murray and his steady experience. If not, what was the point of signing him — and why would Murray green-light the deal so seamlessly in March?
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Ireland Chasing European Glory at 2026 Co-ed Slowpitch Championship
Ireland will be aiming to end a seven-year wait for a European Championship medal when they take to the field at the 2026 European Co-ed Slowpitch Championship in London from 14–18 July.
With an experienced squad, several players arriving straight from last month’s Men’s European Championship and a proud history in the competition, there is genuine belief that Ireland can once again challenge Europe’s elite.
One of Europe’s Most Successful Nations
Since the European Championship began in 1998, Ireland have established themselves as one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses.
Only Great Britain, who have won 13 of the 14 European titles, have enjoyed more success than Ireland, whose record includes 10 European medals.
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Ireland’s greatest achievements include:
🥈 Silver Medals
🥉 Bronze Medals
1998
2000
2006
2010
2011
2015
2019
While Ireland narrowly missed out on the podium in both 2022 (5th) and 2024 (4th), those performances reinforced that they remain among Europe’s strongest sides and are more than capable of competing for medals once again.
Battle-Hardened Squad
One advantage Ireland could hold over many of their rivals is recent international experience.
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Several members of the squad, including Cathal Creaven, have just returned from representing Ireland at the Men’s European Slowpitch Championship.
Competing against Europe’s top men’s teams provides invaluable preparation, with players arriving in London already match-fit after a week of high-intensity international softball.
Ireland team in 2024
Experienced Leadership
Ireland will be managed by Aideen Teo, with Peter Mullen serving as Head Coach alongside coaches Jon Barry and Dermot McManus.
Norma McIntyre captains the side, while pitching duties will be shared by the experienced trio of:
Simon Lewis
Wayne Cullen
Brian Hehir
Tournament Format
All 10 nations play each other once in a round-robin competition.
At the end of the group stage:
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🥇 1st vs 2nd contest the European Championship Final.
🥉 3rd vs 4th meet in the Bronze Medal Match.
The remaining teams play classification games.
Every run, every victory and every tie-breaker could prove decisive.
Ireland’s Fixtures
Tuesday 14 July
08:45 – Ireland v Norway
15:00 – Ireland v Czechia
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Wednesday 15 July
10:45 – Ireland v Guernsey
14:45 – Ireland v Germany
Thursday 16 July
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09:00 – Ireland v Lithuania
15:00 – Ireland v Austria
Friday 17 July
09:00 – Ireland v Belgium
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15:00 – Ireland v Poland
18:45 – Ireland v Great Britain
The Matches That Could Define Ireland’s Tournament
Ireland will expect to take victories against Norway, Guernsey, Lithuania, Austria, Belgium and Poland.
Those six games are vital.
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If Ireland can also claim one major scalp against Germany, Czechia or Great Britain, they should put themselves firmly in contention for a place in the bronze medal match—or perhaps even the final.
The standout fixture is undoubtedly Wednesday afternoon’s clash with Germany. Germany denied Ireland a bronze medal at the 2024 Championships, and that game could once again have huge implications in the race for the top four.
Opening against Norway is equally important. A fast start would allow Ireland to take confidence into the tougher contests that follow.
Hazel Hoping for Another Medal
This will be Hazel Kilduff’s third European Championship.
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Her previous finishes are:
After experiencing the heartbreak of missing out on the European podium two years ago, she will be hoping to add a medal to her collection.
Can Ireland Return to the Podium?
Great Britain rightly begin as overwhelming favourites, but behind them the competition is remarkably open.
Ireland have proven over the past three decades that they belong among Europe’s elite. They possess experience throughout the squad, proven pitching, players arriving in excellent form and a management team that knows what success at this level requires.
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If Ireland take care of the games they are expected to win and produce one or two standout performances against Europe’s leading nations, there is every reason to believe they can end their seven-year wait for a European Championship medal.
Did You Know?
Galway City Rapparees GAA Rounders Club will have three players representing two different countries at this year’s European Championship.
Hazel & Katie
🇮🇪 Cathal Creaven and Hazel Kilduff have been selected for Ireland, while teammate Katie Jessop will represent defending champions Great Britain—a unique achievement that underlines the growing reputation of the Galway club on the international stage.
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