Recent content from Jim Souhan
Souhan: Grading which Minnesota owners have thrived and which have stumbled
What the Twins and Wolves have to hope for is ownership that is rich enough to fund a winner, and humble enough to let the experts run the show.
Souhan: Wolves near two big deadlines that will affect season and franchise's future
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6. Even bigger, in the next two weeks, the arbitrators' decision on the dispute between Wolves owner Glen Taylor and prospective owners Marc Lorre and Alex Rodriguez is expected to be made public.
Souhan: Vikings can feel Bills' pain following Buffalo's latest playoff exit
Running quarterbacks, running backs highlight the conference championship games.
Souhan: Twins will sell, soon, for big bucks, and then we'll learn the full cost
Team executives are balancing the promise of change with the comfort of stability as TwinsFest and other winter activities remind us baseball is ahead.
Souhan: Gophers basketball surging at the perfect time
There's hope at Williams Arena because the Gophers men are leaning on their star, and the Gophers women are learning to play without theirs.
Souhan: Dr. King would have approved of the rise of women's sports
Women's sports have grown so quickly the last two years that their current challenge is maintaining pace, but Minnesota continues to be among the front-runners in creating and supporting women's sports teams.
Souhan: A Vikings observer's view of the NFL's final foursome
We saw over the weekend promising precedents for young, mobile quarterbacks. The Minnesota roster includes one of those, J.J. McCarthy.
Souhan: In Minnesota men's sports, sequels just don't measure up
The Wolves' struggles this season are familiar to any who ever figured success in this state would lead to more. Here are 10 other times when running it back became running for cover.
Souhan: Trade that sent Towns to New York looks terrible … for now
As the Timberwolves and Knicks play Friday, the Wolves are struggling to incorporate Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo into their lineup and falling in the standings. Karl-Anthony Towns is thriving in a basketball mecca for a superior team.
Souhan: Late-season collapse didn't damage O'Connell's credibility
If the Vikings' Kevin O'Connell was a favorite to win coach of the year before this two-game collapse, he should be a lock now, because we can see what he was working with and fighting against.
Souhan: No QB controversy here. Vikings must dump Darnold and develop McCarthy.
The guy who played quarterback the past two games should be no part of the team's future.
Souhan: Circumstances insist Vikings will have their usual not-a-bit-normal playoff experience
Minnesota would like to alter a history that shows no playoff win since the 2019 season, but the various oddities in place now indicate nothing will happen simply.
Souhan: What happened in October, and how the Vikings can avoid a repeat
Monday's Vikings-Rams rematch will come in the first round of the NFL playoffs ... and if Minnesota has its way, they'll have learned from those mistakes back in Week 8.
Souhan: Instead of stewing in your fears, open your eyes. Vikings' path to Super Bowl remains clear.
Those other times when things went wrong — we're talking four Super Bowl losses plus 1998, 2000, 2009 and 2017 — weren't solid opportunities. This time, the NFC playoff field is flawed.
Souhan: Kevin O'Connell's task this week is to fix Sam Darnold... and fast
Darnold knows he is playing for his future. He is playing for tens of millions of dollars, a spot on the Vikings' roster, and, should he win the Super Bowl, eternal fame.
Souhan: Summarized simply, how can we trust Darnold again?
We've seen this. Add Sam's Swoon to the list that starts with Drew Pearson's push-off, runs through Gary Anderson's miss, stumbles at 41-donut and stretches to a flop at Philadelphia.
Souhan: Is Sunday the biggest Vikings regular-season game ever? It just might be ...
In the first game ever to feature two teams with 14 regular season victories, Sunday's Vikings-Lions is a matchup of likable coaches, altered cultures and outsized ambitions.
Souhan: Another coach in town reminds us it's too early to give up on Finch
The criticism we're hearing is the same stuff we heard when Kevin O'Connell was coaching a 7-10 Vikings team last season.
Souhan: There's no rush to decide Darnold's future with Vikings
Calls for the Vikings to urgently sign quarterback Sam Darnold to a long-term contract are premature. As Andy MacPhail once said, "Never make a decision before you have to."
Souhan: Darnold lifts Vikings again; teammates return the favor
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell trusted quarterback Sam Darnold to seal a 27-25 win over the Packers. In the postgame locker room, his teammates showed him what he means to them.
Souhan: Sunday Vikings-Packers showdown is proof of better times
What Sunday's Vikings-Packers game will be, no matter the outcome, is spectacular entertainment, and a scene that Vince Lombardi and Bud Grant probably couldn't have imagined 50 years ago.
Souhan: What should Minnesota sports fans be wishing for this holiday season?
Widely known that Minnesota sports fans are among the most suffering in the nation, this holiday season has the chance to become special, given the recent success of the Vikings, Wolves, Lynx and Wild.
Souhan: Time for Vikings to lock up their future
Following Sunday's dramatic victory, the Vikings control their own destiny to the NFC's top seed — but now it's imperative that ownership locks up the former journeyman quarterback.
Souhan: Darnold's big moment — the biggest of his life, perhaps — sets everything up
When quarterback Sam Darnold hit Justin Jefferson for the winning points against Seattle, he put himself and his team in position for big things.
Souhan: Now the real drama of the Vikings' season begins
Beginning Sunday in Seattle, the Vikings embark on a three-game journey to culminate what could become the most endearing season in the long and unconsummated history of the franchise..
Souhan: Reunion with Towns comes amid emotion and uncertainty
When Kirk Cousins made his return to Minnesota, we already could see his future and that of the Vikings. Nothing about Towns' or the Wolves' situation is as clear.
Souhan: The difference-maker wore a ballcap and headset, not a helmet. Kevin O'Connell, take a bow.
The head coach's work, particularly with quarterback Sam Darnold, is the reason the Vikings are winning. A lack of coaching is the reason the Bears are losing.
Souhan: Are the Bears a challenge for the Vikings, or just challenged?
Enjoy these four takes on Monday's game, starting with the realization that the Purple is positioned to go all season without a bad loss.
Souhan: A modest proposal to improve baseball, because the Golden At-Bat rule doesn't go far enough
We start with a warning to bad pitchers and bad owners: Beware the trap door. And yes, we are considering moats around infielders.
Souhan: Wolves should sit out the NBA trade period
Fans shouldn't let the uneven performance of the current roster fool them into thinking that there is a magic trade available that will improve this team; What this Wolves team needs is patience and stability.
Souhan: Where do the Vikings rank among the NFL's best?
If it's not the Vikings, currently 11-2 and one game back from owning the best record in the NFL, then who is it? The injured Lions? The offensively-challenged Eagles? The lucky Chiefs?
Souhan: Give Kevin O'Connell (or just call him KO) credit for that knockout
A football coach, especially one bearing the label of quarterback whisperer, could not have had a better day.
Souhan: Cousins returns, we yawn. Moving moments are unlikely at this homecoming.
The Vikings are better off without the quarterback, who peaked at "pretty good," and it's likely the Falcons will be, too.
Souhan: Subtle moves by Wild, Lynx and Vikings made all the difference
Rather than selling the future to go star hunting, Minnesota teams have taken a different approach with less obvious moves — and now it's paying off with dominant seasons and championship aspirations.
Souhan: Edwards, Gobert should take Timberwolves' lead
A mediocre first quarter of the 2024-25 season displayed a lack of leadership on the Wolves.
Souhan: Vikings' O'Connell is a legitimate contender for coach of the year
The other two coaches who deserve to be in the conversation at this point in the NFL season have a connection to the Vikings.
Souhan: Time to appreciate all Clare Duwelius, Katie Smith and Dave St. Peter gave to Twin Cities sports
Masters of the unappreciated work that drives franchises, Duwelius, Smith, and St. Peter will be remembered for everything they gave to the Lynx, Twins and the fanbases that follow
Souhan: Lindsey Vonn returns to U.S. Ski Team
A three-time Olympic medalist and four-time overall World Cup champion, Vonn could be eying a shot at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan & Cortina, Italy
Souhan: Jones isn't the best Vikings running back, but he might be the most likeable
Why laud Jones, who has played in just nine games for the Vikings? Because this is about style, savvy and personality, and he's a good-hearted overachiever.
Cashman is back, and he's money against the Jaguars
After missing three games because of a toe injury, linebacker Blake Cashman returned Sunday. As a teammate said, "You see the big difference that he made."
Souhan: The Sam Slide is here. How will the Vikings handle it?
Can Kevin O'Connell coach quarterback Sam Darnold through his recent struggles? It will be the greatest test of the coach's still-young career.
Souhan: NFL receivers are turning 'Did you see that?!' into a catchphrase
The Vikings' Jordan Addison was one of several NFL receivers to reel in a one-handed catch last weekend as what was once improbable is becoming a regular occurrence around the league.
Souhan: The Gophers were spiraling, and now this is one of Fleck's best seasons
Three key factors have made the difference for P.J. Fleck and the Gophers in their turnaround — And now what seemed impossible four games ago is very much a reality.
Souhan: Vikings have chance for rare achievement
Reaching 13 wins has been a rarity in the Vikings franchise. Led by a journeyman QB and a good head coach, and having already survived the daunting part of the schedule, this year's team has a chance to reach that milestone.
Souhan: Darnold's gaffes should have led to a loss. They didn't. But if he doesn't figure it out …
The Vikings quarterback made three errors that could have ruined the night. He'll need to show better poise if any playoff goals are to be met.
Souhan: Vikings GM Adofo-Mensah's moves play to his strengths
Why draft kids when acquiring veterans is cheaper and more certain? And why not take a lesson from the master and show you know when to grab players and when to separate from them?
Souhan: When you rank the top young athletes in Minnesota sports, there's a new leader
Royce Lewis' blazing start to his Twins career had him atop the ranking at the end of spring. But times have changed.
Souhan: Timberwolves' early schedule is a reminder of the NBA's magic
Doncic, Jokic and Wembenyama are next up in starry Western Conference battles.
Souhan: Randle, DiVincenzo show off in first Wolves home opener
Playing fast and passing quickly allowed newcomers Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to shine on Saturday night at Target Center.
Souhan: Following back-to-back losses, can Vikings fix flaws? If so, will they?
Back-to-back losses may have dimmed the undefeated start, but what the Vikings do moving forward can have huge ramifications on their future
Souhan: Vikings don't need a QB trade. They need a healthy Cashman.
Quarterback play is not the reason for the Vikings' two recent losses. Injuries are taking their toll.
Souhan: What should we think about Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve's postgame rant?
The legendary Reeve cut loose Sunday night following the Lynx Game 5 loss to the Liberty... was she right or wrong?
Souhan: Collier melds production and passion again, but the reward goes to others
The Lynx's star player spent the season going above and beyond her peers and again Sunday was the best player on the court.
Souhan: Vikings, Lions coordinators key to Sunday ... and future?
The grass isn't always greener, and that's a decision Brian Flores and Ben Johnson will have to make after Sunday's showdown
Souhan: Vikings sit atop the most dominant division in the NFL
Vikings may be on top of the NFL's best division, but are they the best when it comes to certain categories?
Souhan: Lynx will need more from McBride in Game 3
The All-Star's grit usually shows, and her teammates usually model it. Neither happened in Game 2.
Souhan: Pohlads selling Twins is good, but what comes next?
While fans have been clamoring for the Pohlads to sell the Twins, expectations should be tempered because the uncertainty of the future is just as bleak.
Souhan: OT victory to open WNBA Finals ranks among best in Lynx history
The rally, the drama, the victory recall glory days of the Lynx's four WNBA championship seasons over a seven-year span, and hopefully it indicates good things to come for the rest of this series with New York.
Souhan: Vikings, Lynx to face most important tests of their seasons
The Vikings and Lynx have exceeded expectations in 2024, and now face the most important tests of their seasons.
Souhan: Lynx need more threes, more D if they are going to advance to WNBA Finals
Souhan: Lynx need more threes, more D if they are going to advance to WNBA Finals
Souhan: Twins lacked Cruz control, so signing a hitter like Nelson is an offseason priority
Focusing on money and pitching ignores a franchise reality — clutch hitting is needing for the Twins to contend again.
Souhan: If Randle is happy, Timberwolves will thrive
Former Knicks All-Star Julius Randle arrived in Minnesota, delighted he'll be playing for coach Chris Finch.
Souhan: Timberwolves, Lynx are too good for Glen Taylor to sell
After a blockbuster trade for the Timberwolves on Friday and with the Lynx in the WNBA semifinals, it makes sense why Glen Taylor wants to keep both teams
Souhan: Vikings' ambitions? They're big, and not so easy.
The Vikings are 4-0 during a tough portion of their schedule. Their fans can dare to dream about a trip to New Orleans in February.
Souhan: Adofo-Mensah and staff deserve credit for Vikings undefeated start
While a lot of the early season praise has gone to Kevin O'Connell, Brian Flores and Sam Darnold — and for good reason — General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his staff deserve as much credit
Souhan: Wolves boss Tim Connelly pulls another stunner
The trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo rivals the Rudy Gobert deal.
Souhan: Lynx advance with scoring, scrappiness and civil supporters
With a rematch against the Sun looming in the WNBA semifinals, the Lynx offense has taken center stage behind Napheesa Collier, while Courtney Williams is bringing the tenacity.
Souhan: Darnold's resurgence under O'Connell shouldn't be a surprise
Kevin O'Connell has done this before — first with Matthew Stafford and then with Kirk Cousins, so the only question left to answer is how far Sam Darnold can take the Vikings
Souhan: Are the Vikings the best team in the NFL? They look like it.
A Vikings team that won seven games last year and wasn't expected to do much more this season is 3-0. Even the most jaded fan should like what they see.
Souhan: Ex-Lynx star Smith behind Minnesota's resurgence from beyond the arc
The former Lynx star turned associate head coach, Katie Smith is praised for her work with Bridget Carleton and Kayla McBride as Minnesota led the WNBA in three-point percentage this season.
Souhan: Vikings getting great production for the value with Aaron Jones and Jalen Nailor
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should be given credit for the signing of Aaron Jones this year and the drafting of Jalen Nailor in 2022.
Souhan: How the Vikings have upended expectations with a 2-0 start
The Vikings have flipped the script this season and are "not a joke." Why? It's not a short list.
Souhan: Vikings' matchup against the 49ers is a battle of coupon QBs
The Vikings' Sam Darnold and the 49ers' Brock Purdy make the case that NFL teams should build their rosters around affordable quarterbacks.
Souhan: Is this Lynx season Reeve's best work?
Already one of the most decorated coaches in WNBA history, Minnesota's success on the court is enough to propel Reeve to her fourth Coach of the Year award.
Souhan: For Darnold's next challenge, it's about sustaining success
Sam Darnold has always had success in his first start — it's what comes next that has caused the journeyman quarterback trouble. In possibly his last opportunity, it's on him to prove he can have sustained success.
