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Where Players on the Vikings Defense Land in PFF Rankings Heading Into 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

12 August 2026

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings — Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; The Minnesota Vikings react after an interception by safety Josh Metellus (obscured in center) against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

The start of the NFL season isn’t too far away now but there is still time to get some rankings in ahead of the 2026 season. The good folk over at Pro Football Focus have been doing just that. I previously looked at where PFF ranked the Vikings’ offensive playmakers and offensive linemen. For my third and final look at PFF’s rankings heading into the 2026 season, I will look at the Vikings defense.

Where Players on The Vikings Defense Land in PFF Rankings Heading Into 2026

Last season the Vikings offense struggled while the Vikings defense performed miracles to keep their team in games. It’s telling of how Brian Flores’ defense – and perhaps PFF grading – works, that while the offense had eight players rank inside the top 32 at their position the Vikings defense only had three!

There are some omissions from PFF’s lists that I think should be there, including Jalen Redmond and Byron Murphy. However, Flores’ whole mantra is about getting the best out of what he has available and success being about the scheme rather than having individual star players. That is evidenced further by all three of the players on the Vikings defense that do make the ranking all land in the 20s.

Blake Cashman – LB Rank – 25th

Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard force a fumble by Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium. — Minnesota Vikings defenders Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard converge on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during NFC North action at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Minnesota pass rush created havoc throughout the contest, forcing a key turnover that helped swing momentum early. The play occurred on Dec. 16, 2024, during a divisional showdown in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Whether in Houston or Minnesota, Cashman has generally performed at a strong level; since 2023, he slots 11th in overall PFF grade at the position (77.3). Yet it’s worrisome that his grades have fallen in each of the past two seasons, including to a 63.6 in 2025. Cashman had particular trouble in coverage, where his 12.3 yards per reception was the fifth-worst. A lot is on the line for Cashman as he enters a contract year, especially with the Vikings adding multiple linebackers this offseason.

Not helped by a series of some minor injuries, Blake Cashman hasn’t quite reached the levels he did in Houston before moving back home to Minnesota.

The former Golden Gopher who was born in Eden Prairie is still a very good inside linebacker and a vital cog in the Flores defense. Cashman is the chief communicator who makes everything flow as well as being excellent at coming downhill to make tackles. A fully healthy Cashman for 17 games could significantly climb these rankings and that’s just what the Vikings defense needs.

Andrew Van Ginkel – Edge Ranking – 22nd

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings — Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) and Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) celebrate after a play against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Van Ginkel is a versatile edge defender and is one of just five players at the position to have spent more than 100 snaps in coverage in 2025. His production as a pass-rusher did dip last season, but he also missed time due to injury, and his 66.8 PFF pass-rush grade was still respectable. With Brian Flores back as the defensive coordinator in Minnesota, expect to see Van Ginkel dropping back into coverage plenty, and making an impact there as well as when he rushes the passer.

Andrew Van Ginkel is not your typical edge defender.

It’s a position that is usually all about rushing the passer, and good run defense is a bonus. Van Ginkel’s ability to drop into coverage is fairly unique and perfect for Flores as he looks to mastermind another good Vikings defense in 2026.

To be rubbing shoulders with the star names at this position Van Ginkel needs to be intercepting passes and taking them to the house as he did twice in 2024 on the way to winning second-team All-Pro honors. A ranking of 22nd is a fair placement for the 31-year-old in 2026. This season Van Ginkel has a very important role as a veteran as Minnesota will have to lean heavily on the young duo of Dallas Turner and Jake Golday.

Isaiah Rodgers – CB Rank – 22nd

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) breaks up a pass to New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during — Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) breaks up a pass to New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) during a game at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA – Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Rodgers finally got a starting opportunity in 2025 and took full advantage of it. His 74.1 PFF coverage grade ranked 21st among qualified cornerbacks. He’s now earned at least a 70.0 coverage grade in all five seasons that he’s played in his career. The highlight of Rodgers’ 2025 season came in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he scored two defensive touchdowns and earned the first 99.9 game grade in PFF history.

Murphy is the Vikings’ best cornerback but Isaiah Rodgers had a better PFF grade last season and so makes their list. The problem for me is that the incredible game against the Bengals does a lot of the heavy lifting for all of Rodgers’ stats in 2025. He never hit those heights again and a ranking of 22nd feels generous.

He did have a reasonable season in a system that asks a lot of its cornerbacks. The addition of James Pierre means there will be competition for playing time; hopefully, that makes for a stronger Vikings defense.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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Nigerian Clubs Record Mixed Results in CAF Inter-Club Competitions

Published

9 minutes ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

Nigerian clubs recorded contrasting results in the CAF inter-club competitions on Sunday, with Rangers International held to a 1-1 draw by AS SOBEMAP, while El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a convincing 3-0 win over UDIB.

Rangers Held to Draw in Abeokuta

Rangers International were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against AS SOBEMAP of Benin Republic in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

The Nigerian champions took the lead through defender Chidozie, who continued his impressive goalscoring form to put the Flying Antelopes ahead.

AS SOBEMAP, however, responded strongly, with Emmanuel Ali scoring the equaliser to deny Rangers a home victory.

The draw leaves Rangers with work to do in the second leg as they look to secure a place in the next round.

Rangers are hosting their continental matches in Abeokuta because of the ongoing renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

The second leg will take place in Benin Republic on September 11, with coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his players needing a strong performance away from home.

El-Kanemi Warriors Shine Against UDIB

El-Kanemi Warriors, meanwhile, enjoyed a more positive outing in the CAF Confederation Cup, beating União Desportiva Internacional de Bissau (UDIB) 3-0 in Ikenne.

The Maiduguri-based club stepped up their performance after a goalless first half, scoring three times after the break to secure a comfortable victory.

The result gives El-Kanemi a strong advantage heading into the second leg in Bissau next week.

The Warriors will now look to protect their three-goal lead away from home and complete their qualification to the next stage.

With Rangers facing a tough return leg against AS SOBEMAP and El-Kanemi holding a healthy advantage over UDIB, Nigeria ended Sunday’s CAF fixtures with mixed results.

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Lamine Yamal Slams Double, Barcelona Thrash Valencia To Take Clear Lead In La Liga

Published

22 minutes ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

Lamine Yamal struck twice for Barcelona as they demolished Valencia 5-0 on Sunday to maintain their 100 percent start in La Liga. The reigning champions moved three points clear at the top of La Liga, after Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid lost 1-0 at Real Betis on Friday. Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Pedri were also on target for Hansi Flick’s swaggering visitors on a hot afternoon on Spain’s east coast. Yamal did not take part in the team training session on Saturday after a knock but showed no signs of it during a dazzling display against Carlos Corberan’s Los Che.

Barcelona, the only team in the top flight to win their first four games, took control from the start to the upset of Valencia’s fans at a persistently bad-tempered Mestalla stadium.

“We played a fantastic game, it was nearly perfect, we controlled, we were dominant and this is what I want from the team,” said Flick.

“We stay calm and then if it’s possible to score we try to do it — it was a fantastic game for us.

“Nothing is perfect, you always can improve. If it’s perfect then you can stop working.”

Yamal opened the scoring with a clever lofted finish in the sixth minute after Lopez dinked a superb ball over the top for the teenage star.

The 19-year-old slammed home at the near post for what he thought was Barca’s second goal but the goal was disallowed for a tight offside after a VAR review.

Lopez netted the second with a crisp finish in the 22nd minute after former Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon teed him up.

Barcelona suffered a blow when Eric Garcia had to go off hurt midway through the first half after a collision with team-mate Rodri’s shoulder, on the midfielder’s first start since arriving this summer from Manchester City.

Yamal fired narrowly wide and Lopez struck the post as Flick’s side continued to dominate. Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia made a smart save to thwart Arnaut Danjuma at his near post before the break.

Raphinha, starting again as the team’s centre-forward, tapped home his sixth goal of the season from close range after Lopez fed him.

Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski saved from Rodri before Pedri netted Barcelona’s fourth after an exchange of passes with Dani Olmo.

New arrival Gabriel Jesus came on for his Barca debut as a substitute in the final 10 minutes and sent a low effort just wide.

Yamal stayed onside to collect another Olmo pass and put away Barca’s fifth and conclude a profitable afternoon for both the World Cup winner and the Catalan giants.

“We have a very young team, with the right transfers we made, but it’s the beginning of the season, it’s not the end,” added Flick, telling his team not to get too excited yet about their strong start.

“We have to go a long, long way.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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How to hit better bunker shots: A guide to mastering the sand

Published

36 minutes ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

There are few people in golf who know the bunker game better than David Armitage. He coaches all aspects of the game, but the sand is his specialty.

“I am the only guy that is dumb enough to write 144 pages about how to get out of bunkers,” he says.

For most golfers, bunkers are a source of anxiety — a place to be avoided at all costs. For Armitage, the bunker is his happy place. And he wants it to be the same for his students.

That mission has led Armitage to dedicate himself to helping golfers of all skill levels understand the secrets to better bunker play. He has shared his expertise in his book, The Bunker Game: How to Play with Confidence from the Sand, and now in our latest Top 100 Teacher Sessions video, where he breaks down the techniques and adjustments that can turn any golfer into a more confident player from the sand.

Watch the video below or read on for a complete guide to mastering bunker play, courtesy of the man who — quite literally — wrote the book on it.

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Chapter 1: Why the bunker beats you

Just about every average recreational golfer is fearful of the sand. When they see a sand trap, they do everything they can to avoid them, because when they find one, it can lead to a big score.

“I think it all leads back to bad concepts [and] bad understanding of how to play the bunker shot,” Armitage says.

The “standard” technique for bunker play has long been to severely open your stance, open your clubface and then swing down your feet line. However, that technique doesn’t work for a majority of players. With that setup and strike, it requires tons of strength and clubhead speed to get the ball up on the green.

Another issue with this setup is that it makes it incredibly difficult to get the ball heading in the correct direction. With such an open setup, aim becomes quite difficult.

“It’s going to be unpredictable how the ball is going to start,” Armitage says. “Because I’ve got the face wide open, my feet left … I’m not going to be as predictable with my start line.”

Chapter 2: Seve Ballesteros’ influence on modern bunker play

For Armitage, the turning point in his bunker education came from one of golf’s greatest short-game artists: Seve Ballesteros.

Armitage spent most of the beginning of his golf life in St. Andrews, where the bunkers are small and difficult to escape. And although he had taken lessons from many coaches, he still struggled with his play from the sand.

“I obviously was a strong young kid and could generate a lot of speed,” Armitage says. “But I found it difficult to start the ball online. I found it difficult to generate distance.”

That changed when he spent time with Ballesteros, who was near the end of his career and visited St. Andrews for corporate outings from time to time. During those visits, Armitage got to watch him hit bunker shots and picked up on some of his techniques, such as the simplicity of the setup.

“He hit all the shots from a square stance,” Armitage says.

Armitage remembers watching Ballesteros demonstrate the shots and heading straight to a bunker to try them himself. The difference was immediate.

“I couldn’t believe how it changed my bunker game and how the start lines became better straight away, how my distance control became better, and how it felt just easier,” he says.

Chapter 3: Setup basics

Armitage’s approach to bunker play begins with nailing the setup. Rather than trying to create a complicated swing, he wants golfers to establish a position that makes the correct motion easier to produce.

“I’m looking at really square stance,” he says. “I’ve opened the face. I’m then taking my grip, and then I have a wide stance, low handle, moving my chin, my sternum, and my belt buckle onto the ball or just in front of the ball.”

The first key is getting into a wide stance. Armitage wants it wider than a golfer’s driver stance, which helps lower the body and the handle. That, in turn, helps the ball get up.

He also recommends digging the feet into the sand slightly. This helps golfers feel the sand beneath them and understand what kind of lie they are dealing with. But consistency is important. Armitage doesn’t want golfers digging in by a different amount every time they enter a bunker.

“You’ve gotta be consistent with your approach to that setup,” he says.

The next key is moving the body forward. Armitage wants the chin, sternum and belt buckle to shift toward the target. He sees too many golfers moving their lower body forward while leaving the upper body behind, which moves the low point backward.

“This is a big no-no,” he says.

Instead, the sternum should be forward, with a little more flex in the lead knee. Armitage says this was something he always noticed in Ballesteros’ setup.

For a standard greenside bunker shot, Armitage places the ball just in front of the middle of his stance. The strike point is in the middle, and the sternum is directly above or slightly in front of the ball. That position controls the low point of the swing.

“The club’s gonna enter on the sand, on the line. It gets to its lower point, lowest point where my sternum is, and then it exits out,” he says.

Chapter 4: How to orient the clubface

Once the setup is in place, Armitage turns his attention to the clubface. The face still needs to be open, but the reason is different from the traditional approach. He wants an open face so golfers can expose the bounce of the wedge, which helps the club glide through the sand instead of digging into it.

“This is a beautiful part of the club that Gene Sarazen developed,” Armitage says.

The bounce is the part of the sole that helps the club move through the sand. Opening the face exposes more of it, allowing the club to slide rather than dig.

Armitage also points out that golfers need to use the right club for the sand they are playing from. Different bunkers have different types of sand, and different wedges have different amounts of bounce.

“If you have a lot of bounce and you have a hard sand, that’s probably not a great combination,” he says.

For his standard greenside bunker shot, Armitage opens the face to about 2 o’clock. He uses a clock-face reference to explain the position: 12 o’clock is square, 1 o’clock is slightly open, and 2 o’clock is more open. (Left-handed golfers would use the opposite side of the clock, with 11 o’clock being slightly open, and 10 o’clock being more open.)

Armitage also recommends taking the grip after opening the face, which helps keep the face open through the shot.

He sometimes uses a slightly weaker left-hand grip, which helps prevent the face from closing too much. It’s not something every golfer has to do, but it’s a technique that can be useful and that is used by many tour players.

Chapter 5: The swing

Armitage’s standard bunker shot is 12-yards, which is what another short-game guru, Phil Mickelson, uses as his starting point. All other shots work from that standard 12-yard shot.

For the standard shot, the setup remains the same as described above. Then, the club needs to swing up and down into the sand.

“A lot of people talk about, like, do I pick the club up? Well, I think the club does have to go up,” Armitage says. “Because we do need a steeper angle of attack in the bunker.”

The key is that the setup should make this happen naturally. With the weight forward and the sternum in front of the ball, the club should swing more vertically without the golfer having to force it.

As you approach impact, Armitage wants the clubhead to enter the sand about two inches behind the ball and create a divot pattern that moves slightly left of the target line.If you can do that, the ball should pop nicely out of the sand.

As you make your swing, be sure you keep the weight forward throughout the motion. If you start with 70 to 75 percent of your weight on your lead foot, you wants that pressure to remain there through the backswing and increase into impact. The other important ingredient is speed. The sand slows the club down, so golfers need enough speed to get the ball out.

“Most amateurs, if they hit that shot, they’re out of trouble, they’ve got a putter in their hand, and they’re probably gonna make bogey and move on to the next hole with a smile.”

Chapter 6: Changing distances

Once golfers understand the basic bunker shot, you need to learn how to change distance without changing the swing speed. For that, Armitage suggests using different wedges and different face positions.

He has a gap wedge, a 54-degree wedge and a 60-degree wedge. With each club, he can use a square face, a 1 o’clock face, or a 2 o’clock face. That gives him nine different shots without changing the swing speed.

The type of sand, how much sand is taken, and how the club deflects through it can all affect the trajectory. Armitage points out that tour players don’t always create spin themselves. Sometimes the sand is responsible for the way the ball reacts.

“When they see a ball spinning, they think that the player’s making it spin, and sometimes it’s to do with the circumstances,” he says.

For everyday golfers, the lesson is to focus on the setup and the strike rather than trying to manufacture spin.

Chapter 7: Advanced bunker play

Armitage’s advanced bunker shot is designed for experienced golfers who need to hit a short-sided shot or get the ball to stop quickly.

“This is a shot that I wouldn’t teach the everyday golfer,” he says.

The shot begins by opening the face even more. Armitage moves from his normal 2 o’clock position to about 2:30, pushing the limits of how much loft he can create. The more open the face becomes, the more bounce is exposed. But it also means there is less of the clubface available to hit the ball with, making the margin for error even thinner.

For this shot, Armitage also weakens his left-hand grip, lowers the handle and widens his stance even more. Then, he makes the same swing he does for any other bunker shot. The result is a shot that launches higher and travels shorter. That allows him to swing with speed while keeping the ball from going too far.

“You can still have speed, and that ball’s gonna go higher and shorter,” he says.

For short-sided bunker shots, that speed is especially important. Armitage says golfers often become tentative when they are close to the hole, and that can lead to deceleration and leaving the ball in the bunker.

But Armitage also emphasizes that some bunker shots are simply not accessible. Even the best players in the world sometimes have to accept a difficult pin and give themselves a longer putt.

“Some shots are just not accessible,” he says. “You’ve gotta take your punishment sometimes.”

Chapter 8: How to practice on your own

Armitage’s practice philosophy is simple: start with the strike, not the ball.

One of his favorite drills uses a rake. He places it behind the ball so that if he sways or falls back during the swing, he will hit it. The drill helps golfers understand how vertical the swing needs to be for a proper bunker shot.

“If I drift off the ball on the backswing, I’m gonna hit the rake,” Armitage says.

The rake also helps golfers make sure the downswing is vertical and forward. Armitage recommends starting slowly and using the drill to build the feeling of the correct motion.

“Do it slowly,” he says. “Maybe just do it in very slow motion just to get the image and the feeling.”

Another drill comes from Ernie Els. Armitage says Els would draw two lines in the sand, set up wide, and make swings that focused on contacting the sand between those lines. He would then make two or three of those swings before hitting a ball.

“That’s what the pros do, and one of the best players in the world,” Armitage says.

The lesson for amateurs is to do the same. Rather than immediately hitting balls, start by practicing the setup and the strike.

“Do the line drills first, get that impact where you want it, and then take that to the ball,” he says.

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Stripped? Valentina Shevchenko’s coach explains what happened to her women’s flyweight title

Published

49 minutes ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

After weeks of delays and behind-the-scenes attempts to cobble something meaningful together, UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, Utah finally has a championship main event: Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong for the vacant women’s flyweight belt.

Wait, what? The flyweight belt that Valentina Shevchenko has defended a whopping nine times since 2018 across two title runs? That’s now vacant? When announcing Silva vs. Cong, they cited a “Bullet” injury but didn’t really get into details on how the belt was put back up for grabs. A statement from Shevchenko’s coach Pavel Fedotov gave a bit more info.

“We were supposed to fight on October 3 against Natalia Silva, but due to an injury to the ligaments in the shoulder and back, we decided not to push things and postpone the fight,” Fedotov wrote (via Ushatayka). “Given that the recovery will take a long time, we’ve made the decision to temporarily vacate the belt, and once she recovers, she will fight for it again.”

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PLDT denies Creamline, sends Nxled to first-ever finals

Published

1 hour ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

PVL Invitational Conference Savi Davison PLDT vs Creamline

PLDT’s Savi Davison during a game against Creamline in the PVL Invitational Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled made its first-ever PVL Finals appearance thanks to dethroned champion PLDT.

Already out of title contention, the High Speed Hitters played spoiler and denied the Creamline Cool Smashers’ bid to claim the last ticket to the title match with a 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-12 win on Sunday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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Nxled did its part in the first game by beating Farm Fresh before PLDT’s comeback victory sealed the Chameleons’ place in the final against Thai club EST Cola.

READ: PVL: Nxled beats Farm Fresh in must win, awaits fate

PLDT coach Rald Ricaftort and Savi Davison after stunning Creamline. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/aoznLaky9e
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 6, 2026

Nxled, PLDT, and Creamline actually finished the elimination round with similar 3-2 records, but the Chameleons held the tie-break with 10 points.

Nxled takes on top seed EST Cola in the winner-take-all final on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

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PLDT mounted a 13-9 lead in the fifth set after Kianna Dy’s clutch kill. With Jaja Santiago-Minowa entering the rotation, she made it a two-point game before Dy scored again off the block to reach match point, 14-11.

Minowa saved a point, but Savi Davison ended the match with a cross-court hit. Davison unleashed a new career-high 37 points on 35 attacks and two blocks. The reigning Invitational MVP also had stellar floor defense with 24 excellent receptions and 18 digs.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the result we wanted,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino.

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“But the mindset of the players and the team is that we’re not going to pick and choose which games to fight for. Especially against Creamline, they’re a very challenging team to play against. They really bring out the best in each of us. So we’re going to take this win, keep fighting, and prepare for them again on Tuesday.”

Kianna Dy and Jovy Prado had 14 points each. Mika Reyes had 11 points, highlighted by five blocks.

Creamline missed the Invitational Finals for the second straight time despite adding Minowa, a former league MVP and resident Japan SV.League import.

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Minowa tallied 25 points built on 15 kills, nine blocks, and an ace. Jema Galanza had 20 points, 16 digs, and 16 excellent receptions, while Michele Gumabao added 11.

PLDT and Creamline battle for bronze on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

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A Trio of Questions the Vikings Will be Looking to Answer in 2026

Published

1 hour ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants — Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Vikings will be looking to overcome some widespread doubt about their abilities (or lack thereof) in 2026. Doing so will largely come down to answering some questions.

In particular, onlookers will want to know how things get sorted out at quarterback. Kyler Murray is now the QB1, meaning he’s working into the best situation he’s ever been in within his NFL career. Minnesota does have a football team beyond just the modestly-paid passer who is looking to play well in the Twin Cities.

The Vikings Will Be Looking to Answer Some Questions

Question No. 1 — Can a Draft Class Finally Be Helpful?

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Caleb Banks (95) lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Caleb Banks doesn’t lack for potential. However, there’s some concern about his lack of polish, a possible problem that has commonly been described as a “pad level” issue.

All of LB Jake Golday, DT Domonique Orange, CB Chuck Demmings, and FB Max Bredeson have ignited optimism in training camp and the preseason. How that translates to the regular season is somewhat murky. Others, such as OT/OG Caleb Tiernan, S Jakobe Thomas, and RB Demond Claiborne, have struggled more.

Already, a draftee has been set free. 7th-Round Center Gavin Gerhardt has been cut and released from the practice squad. The Vikings are desperate for youth to shine, but they’re down to eight out of nine draftees.

Question No. 2 — Can Health Cooperate at Key Positions?

So much of last year’s problems could get worked back to health.

Consider, for instance, positions other than quarterback. Each of the top two edge rushers, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, missed time. So did the OT starters, LG1 Donovan Jackson, and C1 Ryan Kelly. Aaron Jones had injury issues and so did Josh Metellus. Blake Cashman played well but wasn’t out there the whole time. All of these absences added up.

And then, of course, there were the quarterback injuries. Needing to start a UDFA rookie in Max Brosmer was never in the plan. Can Kyler Murray start all seventeen games? He has never been mistaken for Cal Ripken out there.

Question No. 3 — Can the Vikings Achieve Playoff Success?

Vikings Can Deal With — Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

There can be no playoff success unless a few issues get fixed. Most notable is the lack of balance on offense between the passing and ground game. At some point, the issue needs to get fixed.

Usually, the Vikings’ defense has been a stingy crew but that’s not always so. There have been times when runners have consistently found running lanes, creating a scenario where it’s tough for Brian Flores to get his guys off the field. Again, something to monitor.

Bringing things down to football basics might involve looking at the trenches in the final tournament. Losing to the Giants following the 2022 regular season and Rams following the 2024 season was largely the result of the Vikings getting walloped at the line of scrimmage. Fixing that reoccurring issue is a must.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Italian Grand Prix red-flagged after big Charles Leclerc crash

Published

2 hours ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

F1 Charles Leclerc crash Italian Grand Prix Monza

Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc competes at the start of the race during the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit in Monza, northern Italy on September 6, 2026. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)

The Italian Grand Prix at Monza was halted after just two laps on Sunday after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc slid off the track and smashed into barriers.

The Monegasque, who is a two-time winner at Monza, lost control on the exit of the parabolica at the end of lap two, going straight into the gravel and flying sideways into the barriers.

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Leclerc stepped out of the car, looking winded but otherwise unhurt.

READ: F1: Charles Leclerc rules British Grand Prix, Ferrari gets 250th win

Huge impact for Charles 🎥
A reminder that he’s out of the car and okay#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/AYTRyQn0gI
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 6, 2026

The race was red-flagged with Mercedes’ George Russell in the lead, having overtaken pole-sitter Pierre Gasly of Alpine.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third ahead of Franco Colapinto in the second Alpine.

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Lewis Hamilton, who started fourth, lost ground when he was forced off the track by teammate Leclerc at the first chicane, and was running eighth.

READ: Charles Leclerc signs new multi-year deal with Ferrari in F1

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli began at the back of the field after exceeding the permitted number of power unit changes but had already moved his way up to 12th in his Mercedes by the time the race was suspended.

The race will resume once the tire barrier has been repaired.

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Arizona State, Morgan State agreed to reduce fourth quarter of blowout to 10 minutes

Published

2 hours ago

6 September 2026

NewsAdmin

On the same day that a college football game consisted of one second more than 60 minutes, another college football game had five minutes fewer than the usual amount.

Like many early-season games featuring an established program against an FCS slappie, Saturday’s game between Arizona State and Morgan State turned into a blowout. Andwith the Sun Devils leading 70-7 after three quarters, the two teams agreed to shrink the fourth quarter to 10 minutes.

“I’ve never been a part of a game like that,” Arizona State coach Kenny Dilligham told reporters after the game, via Bailey Leasure of ArizonaSports.com. “I didn’t even know that was legal, but I learned something today. When he asked to shorten it. I said, ‘Whatever he wants, we’ll do.’”

Arizona State had scored 28 points, 21 points, and 21 points in the first three quarters, respectively. Neither team scored in the final 10 minutes, which consisted of 19 total plays.

It’s a strange outcome, to say the least. And it opens the door to a situation in which certain potential wagers would be undermined by a 60-minute game shrinking unexpectedly to 55 minutes.

But it also opens the door to a new universe of potential prediction markets: Will the game be shortened by the agreement of the teams for reasons other than the weather?

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Italian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton says it is ‘far too late’ to be given priority over Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

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2 hours ago

6 September 2026

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“It’s far too late for those decisions to come. It’s too late. All I can do is just try and turn up. I’ll get up tomorrow morning and I’ll give it my best.”

He added: “It’s never over until it’s over. I don’t know how many points it is now, but I’m sure it’s 60, 70. It’s an amount that, with the pace that they have, it’s a very, very difficult amount to close out.”

Ferrari were left answering similar questions about who should take priority following the team’s performance at the Dutch Grand Prix last month.

Hamilton, who is two places higher than Leclerc in the championship, was left frustrated in Zandvoort, as he felt the team took too long to move Leclerc – who was third and on a differernt strategy – out of the way so he could challenge for a podium, as he was on fresher tyres and quicker.

When they eventually did pit Leclerc, Hamilton responded over team radio: “Great way of wasting time, good job”. He later apologised for his comments.

But the first-lap incident between the pair in Italy seems to have only intensified Hamilton’s concerns.

Speaking after his lap-two crash, Leclerc crash was “it was way too close into turn one” between himself and Hamilton. He added that he was unaware whether the pair had made contact.

“I was quite a lot on the inside kerb and tried to make the corner, which I didn’t do it tight enough,” said Leclerc.

“And then I only saw in the mirrors what happened, which is never what you want between two cars of the same team.”

However, Hamilton said: “I was ahead in turn two by the ethics, I was ahead. There was no ‘we’ in it.”

When asked if Ferrari fans should be worried the dynamics between himself and Leclerc may turn into a team-mate feud, he said: “Look, I don’t race dirty. I’ve always raced clean and fairly and always left space. So I don’t think they should be worried about me.

“I’ve come into the team and tried to be respectful of space and definitely not put the team in jeopardy. I stand by that and that’s all I can talk about.”

Team principal Frederic Vasseur said the incident between his two drivers was “not good”. But he also was keen to stress that every team on the grid has to manage intra-team tensions.

“Now, to see if we have a team order or whatever, I think that the comparison that I made was that last year, [Oscar] Piastri was leading McLaren at this stage of the season, and if McLaren put everything on Piastri, [Red Bull’s] Max Verstappen would have been champion.

“For sure, at one stage you have to make a decision, but I think it was too early to make a decision before Monza. Now we have time to discuss with the guys.”

Hamilton said Ferrari needed to look at how they communicate.

“If we continue to travel the same path, we get the same result,” he said. “And it’s like we keep getting the same result. We’ve got to change things because it’s not helping us to move forward. I think they’re receptive to it and we’ll take it offline.”

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Shane Sweetnam & Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z win $500,000 Grand Prix

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2 hours ago

6 September 2026

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Cork’s Shane Sweetnam aboard Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z triumphed in the $500,000 first Grand Prix of Major League Show Jumping Season 6 in Toronto, Canada, last night.

With a total of 30 combinations taking on the Juilherme Jorge-designed 1.60m course in the 5* Kubota Grand Prix, the triple combination late in the track caused problems for a number of the competitors.

Colombia’s Ilan Bluman and Acajou set the standard when they produced the first clear round in 80.85 seconds. By midway in the class, they were the only combination qualified for the second round jump-off.

Shane Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z were the next to leave every fence intact, with the Irish combination jumping clear, and stopping the clock in 78.66 seconds to force a jump-off.

American Kent Farrington and Descartes SR produced the third clear round, setting up a three-horse jump-off from the original field of 30 starters.

Jump-Off

Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z stopped the clock in 39.08 seconds to take control of the class and put the pressure on Farrington.

With Farrington still to come as the final combination in the jump-off, Sweetnam knew there would be little room for error.

“It’s something I’m always trying to figure out, as I finish second to Kent a lot” recounted Sweetnam after winning the 5* competition.

The US rider returned with Toronto history on his side. A Grand Prix winner in Season 3, the World No. 2 entered the ring with a chance to add another title to his record.

Last to challenge Sweetnam’s time, Farrington and Descartes SR had the pace to take the lead, but the penultimate fence came down. Four faults left the pair in second, Farrington’s third consecutive runner-up finish in the Toronto Grand Prix.

Shane Sweetnam was delighted with Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z’s performance as he is still early in his 5* Grand Prix career.

“This is only his second 5* Grand Prix and the last one he did was in Monterrey (MLSJ Finals), which he was also clear in” said Sweetnam of his mount.

With Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z securing the opening Grand Prix win of Season 6, the League will now move to Traverse City, Michigan, USA, for Leg 2, September 10- 12.