Recent content from Jim Souhan
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.
Souhan: Quarterback Sam Darnold is 'big time' in his Vikings debut
New Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold gets a fresh start to his career playing at his old stadium.
Souhan: Wilfs' patience, QB quandary at heart of Vikings' future
With any new season comes new challenges — and the Vikings have numerous questions that need to be answered, for this year and beyond
Souhan: Showdown between Phee Collier and Caitlin Clark about more than hoops
More than MVP candidates, the Lynx's Napheesa Collier and Fever's Caitlin Clark have drawn comparisons to Red Grange and Tiger Woods when it comes to growing the WNBA and women's basketball
Souhan: Former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is blind to his own flaws
Former Vikings coach couldn't handle the truth, resulting in his firing — and now the Vikings are in a better spot
Souhan: A dramatic day downtown as Lynx, Twins earn simultaneous clutch victories
The Twins and Lynx played simultaneously a few hundred yards apart and hinted at bigger games to come after the regular season ends.
Souhan: Despite hope for the future, Vikings fans might miss Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter
Already a fanbase that hates to see former players succeed elsewhere, Vikings fans might need to prepare for the worst as Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter could thrive this year.
Souhan: With this roster, Vikings coaches will need to excel for team to win
The Vikings roster, which is due to be finalized Tuesday, isn't bad overall, but playing Sam Darnold at quarterback and a Plan B at cornerback present challenges.
Souhan: Julien's error ends terrible Twins week, but hope remains for postseason
Despite a rough week that featured multiple losses in games the Twins should have won and negative injury news, math indicates not all postseason hope should be lost.
Souhan: Moore Irons, Clark return to Minnesota together on full-circle night
Saturday night was a big moment for the WNBA as Caitlin Clark was back at Target Center and her childhood hero, Maya Moore Irons, had her jersey retired by the Lynx.
Souhan: On an MVP weekend for the Lynx, Collier looks like a fit
The team's current contender for the WNBA's top honor will be surrounded by league royalty past and present for two nights in a row.
Souhan: Top-three finishes are a new way to look at golf history
How differently would we think of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods — and others — if golf featured podiums?
Souhan: Gilmore's addition means Vikings aren't giving up on 2024 season
Despite low expectations entering this season, the signing of defensive back Stephon Gilmore is a sign that Minnesota is preparing to be competitive this year.
Souhan: What does history predict McCarthy's future?
In the wake of J.J. McCarthy's injury, here's a look at how standout QBs spent their first seasons.
If Vikings lose and J.J. McCarthy can't play, will the Wilfs keep Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah?
The contracts of coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are up after the 2025 season. If the team struggles in 2024 and McCarthy isn't healthy enough to significantly develop, their job security might shrink.
Bobby Witt Jr., Royce Lewis make Royals-Twins a special series
At young ages, Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. and the Twins' Royce Lewis have become the hitters on their teams that nobody wants to face with the game on the line.
Souhan: Suni Lee, Cheryl Reeve bookend a Minnesota-flavored Summer Olympics
Minnesotans shined, from beginning to end, along with rest of the U.S. team at the Paris Olympics.
Souhan: Don't expect an NFL start for McCarthy anytime soon
The much-anticipated Vikings rookie quarterback threw two touchdown passes against the Raiders, but he remains a long shot to start a real NFL game.
Souhan: Twins can never stay healthy, and this season is no exception
Injuries are the theme for this year, and also for franchise history. If only the stars could stay healthy!
Athletes get better and better, and Olympics is the proof
That's a lesson learned as Justin Jefferson tries to match Jerry Rice's legacy.
Twins are good enough; forget about a trade
If the Twins' stars can remain healthy, the division is in reach.
Souhan: Bronze is golden for Suni Lee
St. Paul gymnast Suni Lee stuck the landing this week with an Olympic bronze medal in Paris that may surpass the gold she won in Tokyo in her legacy.
Twins can make a penny-wise pitching move
There is a quality reliever still available to improve their 2024 chances.
Souhan: Here's what Twins should do at MLB trade deadline
It's easy to get caught up in the drama and view the trade deadline as a competition, but what teams really need to do is look for deals that make sense.
Souhan: Frazier family's Minnesota boxing pedigree spreads to Olympics
Hailing from the family-run Circle of Discipline gym, Adonis Frazier will coach with Team USA boxing in Paris in search of gold medals and a growing legacy.
Souhan: Twins hitting coaches should get credit for team's turnaround
The Twins now have enough offensive depth to win without their stars, the result of drafting and developing hitting talent and a knack for breaking players out of slumps.
Souhan: Monte Kiffin should be in the Hall of Fame
The onetime Vikings draft pick left behind a legacy as one of the greatest defensive coaches in football history.
Souhan: Here's why the Lynx passed on Angel Reese
With Caitlin Clark in town, this weekend could have seen Target Center reignite a fierce college rivalry. The Lynx decided otherwise.
Souhan: Wolves, Twins building surprising depth
Jaylen Clark could be a sleeper for the Wolves, like Jose Miranda was for Twins
Souhan: Season of surprising performances drives Twins' success
Where would the Twins be without the emerging talents of Jose Miranda, Simeon Woods Richardson, Matt Wallner, Josh Staumont and Brooks Lee contributing to the team's improvement?
Souhan: Vikings' season could depend on positions other than QB
In their effort to rebuild and be competitive, the Vikings may be one top defender away from contending in the NFC North.
Souhan: Is this Aurora's time to win it all?
The women's soccer club is trying to avoid the Minnesota habit of playoff disappointments after coming so close each of the past two seasons.
Souhan: As sporting host, Twin Cities has had its own little run
From Olympic gymnastics to NBA conference finals and more, Minnesota has had a hot streak as host.
Souhan: Biles shows once again that she's the one to beat in Paris
Simone Biles qualified for the Paris Olympics, her third Games, with a dominant performance at Target Center.
Souhan: U's Wiskus misses Olympic team but will remember home trials forever
Minnesota native Shane Wiskus thrilled the Target Center crowd in what he said is "probably my last gymnastics meet of my life" after securing only an alternate spot for the Paris Games.
Souhan: Wheeler-dealer Connelly has made Wolves not just successful but fascinating
Picking up Rob Dillingham without losing a roster player was just another draft for Minnesota's boldest sports boss.
