Recent content from Michael Rand
RandBall: Wolves' offense is broken, but same was true with KAT here
After a blowout loss to Knicks, Edwards bemoaned Wolves' lack of offensive identity. But Minnesota hasn't had a true offensive identity in years.
Podcast: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kirk Cousins and a tale of two comebacks
Host Michael Rand starts with the unsightly mess that happened at Target Center on Thursday in Karl-Anthony Towns' much-anticipated return after a trade just a few months ago. Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand as they dive into the benching of former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
RandBall: A difficult stretch and concerning underlying stat for the Wild
The Wild have lost three of their past four games, including two very lopsided results. How worried should we be that a longer slide is coming?
Podcast: Will the Vikings win the NFC North? + KAT's return to Minnesota
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who have lost three of their last four games, including another lopsided defeat (6-1) on Wednesday against Florida. Plus La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
RandBall: Cousins' fast and terrible fall in Atlanta
Former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins left Minnesota for a long-term contract with the Falcons. On Tuesday, he was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr., creating all sorts of short- and long-term questions.
Podcast: Vikings are in prime position to catch vulnerable Lions
Host Michael Rand starts with the big NFL news from Tuesday that former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has been benched by the Falcons in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Plus Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for three hot takeaways from Monday's win over the Bears as well as a review of the film.
RandBall: Monday was another validating night for Vikings' 'competitive rebuild'
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah used that term to describe the team's approach after he was hired in 2022. Even a skeptic has to admit that so far it has worked, particularly relative to the paths other teams have taken.
Podcast: A Vikings break down, the KAT trade and an excellent gymnastics story
Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' 30-12 win over the Bears on Monday Night Football, which was a grinding affair but ultimately proved satisfying. The Star Tribune's Jeff Day joins Rand to talk through his excellent long profile of Gophers gymnast Mya Hooten.
Randball: Five Monday thoughts after a near-perfect Sunday for Vikings
The Vikings clinched a playoff spot Sunday without even playing. What can they do to win the NFC North?
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on a Vikings opportunity and potential Twins suitor
On Monday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look back at the weekend in sports. The Vikings don't play until Monday night, but two key games Sunday went their way.
RandBall: Mulling Vikings' playoff opponents, rethinking the Darnold question
The Vikings likely will be on the road for the playoffs. What would their path look like, and is it fair to judge QB Sam Darnold on how he navigates the postseason?
Podcast: Vikings preferred playoff opponents + A bad time to watch the Wild
Host Michael Rand's declaration the other day that it was time to start watching the Wild more closely could not have come at a worse time. Plus Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand for a look at the biggest questions, both present and future, facing the team.
RandBall: NFL is considering a change to facemask replay, just in time to NOT help Vikings
Minnesota sports fans just went through this two months ago after the Gophers were hosed at Michigan.
Podcast: A Vikings QB what-if, La Velle E. Neal III and Anthony Edwards' development
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with three converging hypotheticals. What would have happened if Sam Darnold was on the Vikings last season? What might have happened if the Falcons had signed Darnold instead of Kirk Cousins this season? And how might all of this be different if Bill Belichick had become Falcons head coach instead of now taking the North Carolina job?
RandBall: The Twins could have had Juan Soto for just half their franchise
Juan Soto agreed to a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets this week. The Twins were not in on the bidding, but all it would have taken was half of everything they have.
Podcast: Sam Darnold for MVP and Gophers basketball truths (on episode 1,000)
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts off the 1,000th episode of Daily Delivery with a hard truth about the Gophers men's basketball team, which lost 82-67 to Indiana on Monday. Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for their weekly Vikings film review.
RandBall: The pressure on Kirk Cousins in Atlanta is only intensifying
Vikings fans got to celebrate Sunday. The Falcons are left to reckon with their quarterback situation as Kirk Cousins' critics get louder.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on Sam over Kirk and baseball's $765 million problem
Host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse break down the weekend in sports, which of course begins with the Vikings' 42-21 win over Kirk Cousins and the Falcons. By the end, Sam Darnold had five touchdown passes while Cousins had two interceptions. It couldn't have gone much better for anyone wearing purple.
RandBall: 'Thursday Night Football' was ultimate test of how much Vikings fan hate Packers
A Green Bay win over Detroit would have cleared a path for the Vikings to win the NFC North. But a lot of Vikings fans just couldn't bring themselves to root for that outcome.
Podcast: Kirk Cousins' return to Minnesota and big Wolves games at Golden State
Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand from Atlanta, where he is reporting a story on the return of Kirk Cousins on Sunday. Plus Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand from California, where the Wolves are fresh off another impressive win over the Clippers.
RandBall: The most surprisingly good Minnesota pro sports team of 2024 is ... ?
In a market where fans have dealt with a lot of disappointment, 2024 has brought more than its share of pleasant surprises.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on surprising teams and Gophers expectations
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' second consecutive blowout win and third straight standout defensive performance overall, this time a 108-80 victory over the Clippers in Los Angeles. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
RandBall: The Aaron Rodgers documentary is going to be interesting
If you think you've had enough of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the new Netflix documentary 'Enigma' is going to put him front-and-center again.
Podcast: Parallels between Wild and Vikings; Gophers bowl game projections
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who won their fourth straight game, all by one goal, with an overtime victory Tuesday over Vancouver. There are starting to be some striking similarities between the Wild and Vikings. Plus the Gophers women's basketball team is 10-0 while the Wolves are 10-10.
RandBall: The NFL's interception leader is playing QB Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium
If you think this might be about Sam Darnold, you're wrong. It's about former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, whose 13 picks in his first year with the Falcons lead the league. And for good measure, Cousins has the NFL's most fumbles, too.
Podcast: Vikings season hinges on Stephon Gilmore's hamstring
It's a Vikings-heavy show with three different guests, starting with Nick Brady. He was sitting in the stands at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday when the Fox cameras caught him with the perfect expression. Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for hot takeaways and a review of the film from the 23-22 win over Arizona.
RandBall: Meet Nick Brady, the Vikings fan who became a meme during Sunday's game
Vikings fan Nick Brady was caught on Fox cameras with the purest expression of fandom after Aaron Jones dropped a potential touchdown pass. Next thing he knew, his phone was blowing up.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Vikings' comeback and Gophers' rout of Wisconsin
On a jam-packed Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse start with the Vikings' stirring comeback victory over Arizona. To Reusse, what stood out the most was the Cardinals hurting themselves with penalties and coaching down the stretch.
Podcast: Fixing the broken Timberwolves + Ruining the Badgers' football season
Host Michael Rand starts with the latest Timberwolves loss, an overtime setback to Houston. If one more shot had fallen in the final two minutes, we would have been talking about a win. But either way, the same positives and negatives that have existed most of the season would have taken center stage.
RandBall: Vikings' interest in Daniel Jones is reminder that QB plans can change
With most of the Kirk Cousins era providing the exception to the rule, most Vikings fans know that having a good backup plan at quarterback is essential.
Podcast: Will the Vikings land Daniel Jones? + Film review, poetry and more
Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' reported interest in quarterback Daniel Jones, who was recently released by the Giants. Andrew Krammer joins for a weekly film review of the Vikings. Krammer and Rand will look at how everyone except Justin Jefferson had a big day on offense.
RandBall: These aren't the Dayton Triangles — or the same old Vikings
Just about every other incarnation of the Vikings in franchise history would have lost Sunday's game, so it's a tribute to Kevin O'Connell's squad that they didn't.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Vikings' escape and no moral victories
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand on the Daily Delivery podcast for a look back at the weekend in sports. It would have been a complete disaster in Minnesota if not for the Vikings rescuing victory from the clutches of defeat.
RandBall: Can Motzko win a championship?
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, Gophers men's hockey coach Bob Motzko talked about expectations, his personal journey and more.
Podcast: Wolves are broken, Wild are soaring; Bob Motzko joins the show
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who always lose in Toronto but managed to do it in a very disheartening way on Thursday. The Wild, meanwhile, continued their scorching start. They are 9-1-2 on the road after a 5-3 win over Edmonton.
RandBall: In a complicated Twins offseason, where does Correa stand?
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa is arguably their best player and easily their most expensive one. He's frequently injured and a payroll-strapped team is up for sale. It feels like the Twins can't afford to keep Correa, but the same is true of losing him.
Podcast: Who is winning the KAT trade? Should the Twins pursue a Correa trade?
Host Michael Rand starts with the shifting expectations for the Vikings and Sam Darnold. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins for the Daily Delivery debate segment. In focus: Who is winning the Karl-Anthony Towns trade? Should the Twins think about trading Carlos Correa?
RandBall: Are the Vikings going to help get another coach fired Sunday?
Robert Saleh came back from a London loss to the Vikings and was fired. Bears coach Matt Eberflus is on an even hotter seat entering Sunday's game in Chicago.
Podcast: Parker Fox appreciation + Minnesota United, Gophers football analysis
Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers men's basketball team's win over Cleveland State, which was keyed by super-veteran Parker Fox and his 18 points. Plus it's a big playoff game Sunday for Minnesota United.
![]MARLIN LEVISON * mlevison@startribune.com October 9, 2010 - GENERAL INFORMATION: University of Minnesota vs. Wisconsin football. Wisconsin won 41-23.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/KT2AHSI6ZOQU7MUEZ7MJRSNL6Q.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
RandBall: After so much was taken away, it's good to have Tim Brewster back
Several of my favorite subjects have left me recently, but the former Gophers football coach is blissfully back in the news.
Podcast: A Sam Darnold bounceback + a Tim Brewster comeback
Former Gophers football coach Tim Brewster is back in the news and back as a head coach for the first time since being let go in Minnesota in 2010. And Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film and Rand's hot takes.
RandBall: Officiating saved Vikings; game announcers helped nobody
A largely forgettable Vikings victory was notable for two reasons: Several borderline calls went the Vikings' way, and the CBS announcing crew was a disaster.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the charmed Vikings (and why he won't join Bluesky)
Star Tribune columnist joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which starts with another grind-it-out win for the Vikings over a bad AFC South opponent. Minnesota hasn't been playing its best lately, but it hasn't mattered.
![Incoming Twins President Derek Falvey speaks to the media Tuesday.
] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7A6MXGZLTNCPZPGZYU37NJ5TWM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Twins shakeup and Wolves' biggest problem
Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Michael Rand for their Daily Delivery debate segment. They share opinions on the Twins' front office shakeup, disagree on the Vikings' most important player and try to identify the Wolves' No. 1 area of concern.
RandBall: Max Brosmer came a long way to get burritos whenever he wants
The Gophers quarterback believed in himself, and his transfer to the U has led to a winning record this season.
Podcast: After three straight bad losses, what's wrong with Timberwolves?
Host Michael Rand returns from a sick day to talk about not one but two Wolves losses to the Blazers. What exactly is going on with this team? Plus Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer joins the show to talk about his journey to the Big Ten, his belief in himself and what he has learned this season.
RandBall: A lot of NFL teams you don't like are doing quite poorly
Listen, you might not have noticed because the Vikings are 7-2. But a lot of teams you probably don't like are really not having good seasons.
Podcast: Vikings are confident in Sam Darnold. But what if J.J. McCarthy was healthy?
Andrew Krammer joins host Michael Rand for a film review and three hot takeaways, including this from Rand: Would the Vikings be pivoting right now to J.J. McCarthy if the rookie QB was healthy? It's a fascinating question in the wake of two consecutive three-turnover games for Sam Darnold.
RandBall: Cam Bynum's 'Raygun' and Jaguars mascot were memorable Sunday
Sunday's 12-7 Vikings win was a turn-the-page slog in most cases. But two celebrations after key fourth-quarter turnovers for the Vikings were memorable.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on ugly Minnesota losses (and one ugly win)
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the local teams playing down to the competition.
Podcast: The evolution of Anthony Edwards + How the Vikings stack up in 2025
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who keep overcoming slow starts (and overreactions to those slow starts from fans) to win games. And Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins Rand for a midyear look ahead to 2025.
RandBall: Ranking the Vikings' 11 placekickers since Gary Anderson
The Vikings will have a new kicker this week, something that brings a visceral dread to a lot of fans because of the organization's history at the position.
Podcast: A promising start for Gophers + a lineup concern for Timberwolves?
Host Michael Rand looks at the 11 kickers the Vikings have used since Gary Anderson was last their primary kicker in 2002 and ranks them all from worst to best. And Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their Daily Delivery debate segment.
RandBall: Will Max Brosmer's success influence P.J. Fleck's approach to quarterbacks?
Much will be made about the QB matchup when the Gophers face Rutgers on Saturday. A bigger question is how this year's success for Max Brosmer might influence P.J. Fleck's approach to quarterbacks in 2025 and beyond.
Podcast: Can Gophers football make it five straight? + A kicking concern for Vikings
Host Michael Rand starts with the juxtaposition of his social media timeline on Tuesday, which was a lot of election coverage interspersed with the NFL trade deadline in the afternoon and the Wild game at night. Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson joins Rand for a breakdown of the red-hot Gophers.
RandBall: With Naz, Donte and NAW, Wolves have 6th, 7th, 8th Men of the Year
The Timberwolves' bench depth hasn't been tested this year, but their bench quality has been a huge asset. It was on display once again in a comfortable win over Charlotte on Monday.
Podcast: Does KOC prefer Sam Darnold? + A Wolves win to satisfy all fans
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who delivered three quarters of basketball that had to make everyone happy on Monday night. Plus Rand has some hot takes for Andrew Krammer before their film review, the first of which caught Krammer by surprise.
RandBall: As it turns out, Joe Flacco was perfect for the Vikings
Fans wanted the Vikings to get him last year. A lot of us worried he would carve up the Vikings this year. But it all worked out perfectly in the end.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on a Vikings rebound and a Gophers football renaissance
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand, starting of course with the Vikings' comeback win over the Colts. Plus they get into the Gophers football team's fourth straight victory, a surprisingly dominant Wild team, a Loons playoff victory and a middling start for the Timberwolves.
Podcast: Timberwolves and Wild analysis ahead of big games Friday
Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Michael Rand for a look at the Wolves' 2-2 start. They are about where they should be, but familiar problems like rebounding and transition defense need to be corrected. Star Tribune Wild writer Sarah McLellan also joins Rand to talk about one of the hottest teams in Minnesota sports.
RandBall: My favorite play from one of my least favorite World Series
The hustle of Mookie Betts altered the course of the World Series and helped the Dodgers win in five games over the Yankees. But the entire series was a reminder that baseball's financial structure is a farce.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on the fortunes of the Vikings and Gophers
Host Michael Rand starts with the World Series. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their debate segment. Can the Vikings turn their season back around? Does MLS need a different overtime format? And what if two games had gone differently for the Gophers football team?
RandBall: An alternate universe where the Gophers are College Football Playoff contenders
You don't have to squint that hard to see how the Gophers could have been in the picture for the playoff. More than anything, that idea reinforces how the expanded playoff changes things for teams like Minnesota.
Podcast: A Vikings trade, Gophers surge and a persistent Wolves nemesis
Host Michael Rand starts with a huge night of live sports. The Timberwolves still can't beat the Mavericks, the Wild won in Marc-Andre Fleury's farewell game in Pittsburgh and Minnesota United earned a shootout victory in its playoff opener.
RandBall: Vikings' Addison isn't producing. Why?
Jordan Addison had a breakout season as a rookie with 70 catches, including 10 for TDs. His production has stalled in his second year, leading to plenty of questions.
Podcast: Three troubling developments for Vikings; Minnesota United playoff preview
Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Michael Rand to break down some concerning film. What's up with Jordan Addison? Jon Marthaler helps set up Minnesota United's best-of-three MLS playoff series. It could very well come down to penalty kicks against Real Salt Lake.
RandBall: Aaron Rodgers, a heave and a Packers injury were big on Vikings-free Sunday
If you took the Sunday off from mandatory NFL viewing because the Vikings weren't playing, here are three big things that happened.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse has big opinions about the Timberwolves and NFC North
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand. The Wolves, Reusse contends, haven't been very impressive in starting with a 2-1 record. More troubling is head coach Chris Finch sticking with a tight rotation that doesn't include any young players
RandBall: How did they miss that?! Fans outraged over missed call in Vikings game
The Vikings' final desperation drive came to a sudden halt when Sam Darnold was dragged down in the end zone for a safety. His facemask was clearly yanked, but referees missed it -- leading to more frustration from fans.
Podcast: More Vikings frustration, two good wins and a Twins offseason primer
Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' second loss in a row after a 5-0 start, this time 30-20 to the Rams. Phil Miller joins Rand for a breakdown of what should be a busy Twins offseason. The Wolves rallied for a nice win and the Wild kept rolling.
How to experience London, in 52,573 easy steps
The Vikings game in the U.K. was the impetus for a three-day whirlwind walking tour.
RandBall: Even a debunked Matthew Stafford to Vikings trade rumor can create intrigue
Connecting the dots from Matthew Stafford to Kevin O'Connell doesn't take long. Even though a source told the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling there is "zero truth" to the idea that the Vikings are trying to trade for him, it remains a subplot for tonight's Vikings vs. Rams game.
Podcast: Diving into Vikings trade rumors and three big debate topics
As rumors spread that the Vikings were hoping to trade for Rams QB Matthew Stafford, the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling dug into both the viability and the likelihood of such a move. Plus La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for their weekly debate segment.
RandBall: Sam Darnold is at the top of five biggest Minnesota sports questions
The narrative on Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's season is shifting, and Thursday is a big moment for him. Questions about the Wild, Timberwolves and others aren't far behind.
Podcast: Grading the Wolves after a poor opener; Count on the Wild and Vikings?
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand started with a rough first game for the Timberwolves. Gophers football, the Vikings and Wild were also on the menu.
