"A positive takeaway is the continued good play of Saric and Okogie. Okogie continues to impress with his ability to positively impact the game no matter how many minutes he’s given, and it was good to see him do so playing 31 against the Kings. He’s becoming a monster in transition and it’s so much fun to watch. "

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Daily content and conversation, on Twitter and Facebook.

Our three weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Vikings), Wednesday (Wild), and Friday (Timberwolves).

A bad loss to the Suns, rebound against the Kings, panic against Detroit (Bowie reference ftw), Timberwolves playoff hopes, and more. As usual, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland interviews Wolves analyst Beartrap McManus.

Thanks for your support!

You said last week that you figured the Wolves should bounce back against the Suns. They didn't, losing 107-99. What happened?
Honestly, I didn’t watch this one. I DVRed it with every intention of doing so but I saw the final score on twitter and didn’t feel masochistic enough to watch it hungover the next morning. Even Wolves fans have our limits.

Did the following 132-105 walloping of the Kings give you any hope? 
For sure. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back and didn’t play their starters in the second half, but it was still good to see a dominant win back on their home court. 

What the hell happened against the Pistons, where the Wolves allowed 40 points in the fourth quarter before losing in overtime 129-123?
Shitty defense was the main culprit. KAT and Wiggins both had lackluster games and Derrick Rose hero ball down the stretch wasn’t enough to keep up with Detroit. This was another winnable game and a blown opportunity that could really come back to haunt them if they’re still in the playoff race at the end of the season. 

A positive takeaway, though, was the continued good play of Saric and Okogie. Okogie continues to impress with his ability to positively impact the game no matter how many minutes he’s given, and it was good to see him do so playing 31 on Wednesday. He’s becoming a monster in transition and it’s so much fun to watch. 

Which do you think is more "the real Wolves," how they played against the Suns, Kings, or Pistons?
Having not watched the Suns game, I’d say it’s a combination of how we saw them play at home this week. They’re very capable of beating up on undermanned teams and competing with good ones, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more frustrating games like at home vs. Detroit as they still attempt to figure out their identity, particularly offensively at the end of close games.

Is there any reason to think that the Wolves will improve on the road, especially for their difficult upcoming road trip?
The good news is they can’t get much worse. I’m sure they’ll improve on the road but I’m not sure how much. They had decent showings in their losses against Golden State and Portland, but they’ll still need to play much better to win on the road, especially against a team like OKC next week.

What are some things about this Wolves team that gives you hope that they could make the playoffs?
They're capable of playing truly great defense for significant stretches, and that’s something that can win any team games.

Beartrap McManus is an NBA and Timberwolves expert. He has been a life coach for Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland since before time, a consultant for Rambling On since its founding, and Timberwolves analyst beginning in Series Five. He resides with his wife and twelve kids in Hurley, Wisconsin, where his wife owns a popular supper club.

"Not having Dumba leaves a big hole on the team, as they don't have someone with the threatening shot on the back end that he posses. The best thing they can do to make up for his absence is to call up an offensive defenseman or to utilize a fourth forward on the power play."

A route of the Panthers, a tough, physical loss to the Calgary Flames, Matt Dumba and Mikko Koivu injuries, a bad loss to the San Jose Sharks, Parise/Coyle/Nino line, and more are discussed in this edition. Wild analyst Peter Ripka, along with new contributor Jeff Hartfiel,  answer questions from Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland.

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The Wild's best defenseman, Matt Dumba, is out for at least a week with an upper-body injury. How does his absence affect the team? What will they need to do to make up for his absence?
Peter: I wouldn't say best, but if you go by what modern fans of the NHL consider best (offensive ability), then I suppose he is.

With that being said, he leaves a big hole on the team, as they don't have someone with the threatening shot on the back end that he posses. The best thing they can do to make up for his absence is to call up an offensive defenseman or to utilize a fourth forward on the power play.

Jeff: Matt Dumba is a valuable part of this team, no question about it. He isn't perfect by any means. For example, he occasionally turns the puck over at the wrong times, which has costed the Wild.

But with Dumba in the line up it brings a different dimension. He is someone other teams have to account for, and while he is out players like Seeler, Pateryn, and even Brodin need to step up. When one of your main guys is out like a Dumba, everyone needs to elevate there game to help fill the hole until he returns.

The Wild beat the Panthers 5-1 (the Doors score...) last Thursday. Did the Wild play well or are the Panthers just horrible?
Peter: The Panthers aren't horrible, but their defense leaves a lot to be desired. They are either young and don't know what to do or are old and slow, there is no middle ground. The Wild did play well, but I think they exploited a teams poor defense. 

Jeff: It was a little of both. The Wild played a very good game and Florida didn't seem to show up. Any win is a good win no matter who it's against. Florida has plenty of talent, and I can see them hanging around once they get going (and get healthy). Can't take any team for granted no matter where they are in the standings. Go out play your game and leave it all on the ice.

The Parise/Coyle/Nino line has done well in Mikko Koivu's absence. Do you think they should stay together once he returns?
Peter: If this question was ask prior to the Sharks game I would have said no. But after the Sharks game I think it is best to have Mikko centering Zach and Coyle. Nino looked like he didn't know what he was doing a majority of the game.

Jeff: Any time you can get Coyle and Nino going that's a good thing for the team. Having a player like Parise with both could definitely motivate them. Parise's motor is constantly going, and that's what both Coyle and Nino need to be valuable contributors to this team.

Coyle and Nino need to get going for the Wild to go anywhere. And if they can't, they might be on there way out the door. I've heard and seen both there names in trade rumors. I believe they will move Nino first just due the fact the Wild need right handed shots, which is what Coyle brings.

Only so many line combinations you can do to get Nino and Coyle going. I say as long as they are playing good hockey, keep the line together.

A still Mikko-less and Zucker-less Wild narrowly lost to Calgary 2-1. First, with all the verbal jabs and fights, do you imagine these teams having something of a rivalry now? What do you think of the altercations?
Peter: A rivalry between us and a team from Alberta? Is that a joke? I guess it is a semi-better possibility than the fabricated one we had years ago with Vancouver.

Honestly, the altercation took away from the game. With the Flames players going after Dumba in the first period like he had some debt to pay for a legal hockey play because one of their players thought it was smart to skate through the high slot with his head down.

Jeff: Lets start with the altercations. I was definitely expecting some fireworks between them, considering what happened last game was still fresh in there minds. I expected a physical game, but was a little surprised by the amount of fights. Some of it came off as personal, and I believe the Wild wanted to flex there muscle, to show they won't be pushed around and that it's not okay to go after our captain.

As for the rivalry aspect, anything is possible, especially with the way those two games played out. But now they don't play till later in the season. If my memory serves me right, last time we had a rivalry with a Canadian team it was the Canucks, which I believe also started with a cheap shot at Koivu. So it could very well end up being a entertaining rivalry for years to come. 

Jordan Greenway got his fifth goal of the season against the Flames. What do you think of the play of the Greenway/Staal/Granlund line as of late?
Peter: I think it will work in the short term. Unfortunately, Granlund and Staal playing a different kind of game than Greenway. He is a much more cycle-in-the-corner, strong on the puck type player, like Koivu and Parise. As opposed to Staal and Granny who are more finesse players.

Jeff: I am a big fan of Greenway. Since he was brought back up from minors after being sent down for a slow start, he has shown a whole lot more of what he can do, and it isn't just on the score sheet either. It is getting in the dirty areas and getting the puck, something Coyle and Nino should take note of. It is parking himself in front of the net and being a screen, using that big frame of his.

Pairing him with Stall and Granlund seems like a great idea. He has someone like Stall to learn from, and he can definitely learn a lot from Stall, which is great for Greenway. Having Granlund as a facilitator with him is even better. All you need is a little room and Granlund will find you. Having a leader and veteran in Stall and the hands and eyes of Granlund will help bring out his best.

Other than the fights and physicality, how did the Wild play against Calgary?
Peter: They played solid team defense even after losing Dumba after the first. The Flames are one of the best defensive teams and are among the hottest teams period lately. I thought it was a good showing they could build off of... and then the Sharks game happened...

Jeff: The Wild played a very physical game against Calgary and it was up for grabs the whole time. Wasn't a perfectly played game, but it could of been won. You don't realize sometimes how much a player means to your team until they are not in the line up. With Koivu and Zucker both out of the line up for the Flames game, then losing Dumba in the first period, I think the Wild did a pretty good job sticking with Calgary till the end.

The Wild followed their loss to the Flames with a 4-0 loss to the Sharks. Were there any problems out of the ordinary, that is, other than not hustling, not starting well, not finishing opportunities, and shaky goal-tending?
Peter: Like I've said for years, this team needs a bonafide finisher. That was basically the issue. Goaltending wasn't the problem, bad team defense and not finishing were the big keys.

Jeff: They just seemed to be tired and didn't have there legs under them. The Calgary game took a big physical toll on the team and they came out flat and fell behind. You can't fall behind to a team like San Jose, they are too good.

Any other thoughts on the Sharks game or the Wild's current 1-2 skid?
Peter: Really the biggest thing I remember from the Sharks game was their first goal, where Suter seemed to be lost and ended up impeding Dubnyk's attempt at the save.

Jeff: At the end of the day, consistency is the biggest issue with this team. The Wild need to stop with the excuses and come out and execute and play their game. Players need to step up.

Peter Ripka is the original Rambling On podcast co-host and has been a contributor since its inception. He’s currently the Wild analyst, a position he’s held for several years. A Wild and Twins season ticket holder, his writing combines the passion of a fan and the insight of a beat writer. 

“The Dolphins game is not a true measurement of their offensive capabilities. People are overreacting to the win, just like they do when the Vikings play bad and lose.  So it all evens out, then, right?"

Rambling On is your home for Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Check out our daily content, and join the conversation, on Twitter or Facebook.

Our three weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Vikings related), one on Thursday (Minnesota Wild related), and one on Friday (Minnesota Timberwolves related).

DeFilippo fallout, Vikings/Dolphins analysis, Chicago Bears as North champions, the playoff picture, and more in this edition with Vikings analyst Mike Coenen.

Following the Vikings 41-17 victory over the Dolphins, many are feeling justified in their asking for DeFilippo's head. Some are noting that the Dolphins aren't that good, and are terrible on the road. Your thoughts?
The game against the Miami Dolphins was the perfect storm for the Viking offense to play well. There were several factors. The Vikings were coming off two losses and in desperate need of a win to stay in the playoff race. Plus, teams almost always get motivated after a major reshuffling, such as the dismissal of a coach. Players and the other coaches alike start to fear for their jobs.  They get focused and motivated.  Look at the Packers 34-20 win over Atlanta following the firing of Mike McCarthy, only to fall back down to earth this past weekend against Chicago. There’s no doubt that the Viking players and coaches were extra focused and vigilant going into the Dolphin game. 

Additionally, they were playing a Dolphin team coming off a miraculous victory the previous week. Arguably, they were probably not as hungry as they would have been had they been coming off a loss.  More certain, however, is that the Dolphins came into the game with the 30th-ranked defense in the league in regard to yardage allowed, as well as having a couple key players out.  Granted, the Viking offense looked good and got the job done, but they won’t have the benefit of such a perfect storm for the last two games of the season.    

Any other thoughts on the Vikings/Dolphins game?
Not a true measurement of their offensive capabilities. People are overreacting to the win, just like they do when the Vikings play bad and lose.  So it all evens out, then, right?

What more do you need to see to think that the Vikings will be a force in the playoffs?
The Vikings have to win their last two games, and look good doing it, for me to believe they could be a force in the playoffs.

What NFC teams would you most like to play, and most not like to play, in the playoffs if you're the Vikings?
To be honest, there are no playoff teams in the NFC that I can envision the Vikings beating, especially on the road.  

That said, the two weakest teams (as of this week) are the Cowboys and the Rams.  A few weeks ago I would have said the Rams were the best team in the NFC, and maybe the best team in the NFL for that matter, but they have been sputtering the past few weeks.  

They definitely do not want to go into New Orleans, but that would mean they make it to the second round, which is not something they have done since the 2009-10 season when Brett Favre was their quarterback.  

I do think they will get that last wildcard spot, but it will be one-and-done for them.​

Many have been critical of the Bears, and now they're the NFC North Champions. Your thoughts?
A lot of people just did not trust the Bears, considering the fact they were a 5-11 team last year with a quarterback who was pretty shaky as a rookie. Everybody has been waiting for the bottom to fall out. It’s become apparent, however, that they are a solid playoff team.  The acquisition of Khalil Mack really solidified the defense, which subsequently solidified the team itself. The Bears are good enough to get at least one playoff win this season. Not bad for a team coming off a 5-11 season.     

"Going 0-3 on this road trip so far has been a bit discouraging, and obviously every game is going to count if the playoff race in the West is anywhere near as close as it was last year (and it’s looking to be even closer this season). But none of the losses were truly terrible or raised any serious cause for alarm with me. I’m interested to see how they bounce back."

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Daily content and conversation, on Twitter and Facebook.

Our three weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Vikings), Wednesday (Wild), and Friday (Timberwolves).

An 0-3 skid against tough Western Conference opponents, Okogie, Wiggins surging, Rose, and more are discussed this week. As usual, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland interviews Wolves analyst Beartrap McManus.

Thanks for your support!

Since we last spoke, the Wolves have gone 0-3 against challenging Western Conference opponents. We'll get into the individual games, but is there any over-arching themes that you see contributed to their losses? Does losing to good competition concern you about where the team is?
Not really. The Western Conference is loaded and all three losses were against quality teams. They played well against Golden State and the Portland game could’ve gone either way, but they were just outworked in Sacramento, making that the most disappointing loss for me. If they can’t get a win in Phoenix I’ll be worried, but they’ve played pretty well during a tough road trip so far.

After giving Derrick Rose some credit, he has seemed to regress a little. He's getting criticized for taking too many shots. Is that an accurate criticism? Could he be doing more? Is he being used as well as he could be?
Him taking too many shots was an accurate criticism when he was playing well, he just made more of them. He could certainly do more to play within himself and recognize that his physical abilities have diminished. He's best as a facilitator.

Wiggins continues his upswing. Is there anything different fundamentally that you're noticing about the change that could be long-term?
With Wiggins, it’s all about his level of mental engagement. If he starts a game hustling for defensive position, loose balls, and rebounds, and attacks the basket instead of pulling up for dumb, long twos, he usually plays well. He can often affect the game positively when he plays like that, even if he’s not scoring. It’s been nice to see more of that from him as of late, but we’ve seen stretches of inspired play from him before that haven’t been sustained.

With Covington injured, Josh Okogie got more playing time to fill in during the Wolves 113-105 loss in Portland. What did you think of his performance? Of the Wolves performance in that game in general?
Josh played well in his limited minutes and it’s encouraging to see Thibs find ways to get him out there, even if it’s just a result of RoCo’s injury. It’d be great to see him get some more minutes at shooting guard alongside Rose, especially if Tyus Jones continues to play as poorly as he has.

It was another game that the Wolves played well in, coming back to tie it up before a couple really good players hit some tough shots to put it out of reach for them. I would’ve loved to see them get that win, but not a bad performance from them overall.

Although they're dealing with their own issues, it's never terribly surprising to lose to the Golden State Warriors on the road. Other than the Warriors simply being a better team, what happened?
The Wolves played great after digging themselves into an early hole. It’s tough to compete when the other team is regularly scoring three points to your two, and that is largely what it came down to.. 

More concerning, the Wolves defense took a step back in their 141-130 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Your thoughts on that game?
The Wolves have struggled all year at dictating pace and that was the case with this game. The Kings wanted to play fast and they did, and the Wolves offense couldn’t keep up. It could have turned out differently if they’d focused on playing efficient half-court offense instead of trying to run with Sacramento. 

Going 0-3 on this road trip so far has been a bit discouraging and obviously every game is going to count if the playoff race in the West is anywhere near as close as it was last year (and it’s looking to be even closer this season). But none of the losses were truly terrible or raised any serious cause for alarm with me. I’m interested to see how they bounce back with what should be an easy game against the Suns,  a re-match with the Kings at home, and a very winnable game against Detroit after that.

​Beartrap McManus is an NBA and Timberwolves expert. He has been a life coach for Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland since before time, a consultant for Rambling On since its founding, and Timberwolves analyst beginning in Series Five. He resides with his wife and twelve kids in Hurley, Wisconsin, where his wife owns a popular supper club.

"They were aggressive on and off the puck against the Habs, in addition to skating and working hard. The Canadiens were on a bit of a hot streak, so it showed us what this team is capable of. It was also a big bounce back game for Dubnyk. Now he needs to back it up against the Panthers tonight."

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Check out our daily content and conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Our three weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Vikings related), Wednesday (Minnesota Wild related), and Friday (Minnesota Timberwolves related).

The importance of Mikko Koivu, blanked by the Calgary Flames, spanked by the Edmonton Oilers, and a route of the Montreal Canadiens are discussed in this edition. As usual, Wild analyst Peter Ripka answers questions from Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland.

Thanks for your support!

Since we last talked, the Wild have continued their inconsistent ways. They lost 2-0 to the Flames, got killed 7-2 by the Oilers, and killed the Cadiens 7-1. What are your general thoughts on the Wild's play as of late?
I can live with the Flames loss, that was a good game and we just couldn't find a way to finish our chances. In Edmonton, Dubnyk once again showed his struggles, and on the whole they were far from good enough to even be in the same building as the oilers.

Against the Habs on Tuesday they were aggressive on and off the puck, in addition to skating and working hard. The Candiens were on a bit of a hot streak, so it showed us what this team is capable of. It was also a big bounce back game for Dubnyk. Now he needs to back it up against the Panthers tonight.

The Wild were shut out for the first time in Calgary. Bruce Boudreau called it "awful." What happened?
They couldn't bury their chances that they had. They over-skated or just plain missed pucks we normally get. It also didn't help that they lost their Captain early in the 3rd.

Bruce Boudreau rightly said he was 'concerned' after their 7-2 pounding by the Oilers. Did it concern you? Did it make you think anything different about the team? How did things go so wrong?
It was concerning because it was the first of a possible long stretch without their Captain. Also, they didn't play like they wanted to be there. I still think this team has talent, but they need to avoid the letdowns they've had over the last three weeks. And it all starts in goal with Dubnyk.

It doesn't seem like it's very serious, but Mikko Koivu was injured in Calgary. How did it happen? If the durable Koivu ever missed a significant amount of time, what impact would it have on the Wild?
It happened on a very bad, dirty play early in the third, in which Calgary Captain Mark Giordano collided with him. He received a two game suspension for it and also apologized right away to Koivu.

He is our best defensive center and that was shown against the speedy Oilers. It'll make playing team defense even more important without him in the lineup. 

What went right for the Wild in their 7-1 route of the Canadiens?
Simply, they buried their chances. The power play was also outstanding, especially Granlund and Dumba. They ended the game +5 on special teams, going 4-for-4 on the power play and getting a shorty from Coyle. They were also aggressive with and without the puck.

Peter Ripka is the original Rambling On podcast co-host and has been a contributor since its inception. He’s currently the Wild analyst, a position he’s held for several years. A Wild and Twins season ticket holder, his writing combines the passion of a fan and the insight of a beat writer. 

“While the offensive line is, in fact, playing poorly, Kirk Cousins is a quarterback who is playing scared right now.  He knows he doesn't have a lot of time in the pocket, so he is rushing things and his timing is off.  Cousins is a pocket passer who has no pocket to pass from.  He is in constant panic mode. Some quarterbacks thrive in panic mode and are great at ad-libbing, but Cousins is not that kind of quarterback.  He is a slightly more mobile version of Sam Bradford, only slightly less accurate."

Rambling On is your home for Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Check out our daily content, and join the conversation, on Twitter or Facebook.

Our three weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Vikings related), one on Thursday (Minnesota Wild related), and one on Friday (Minnesota Timberwolves related).

DeFilippo as scapegoat, justification of Cousins hatred, the Vikings sputtering offense, a defense of low-scoring games, and more in this edition with Vikings analyst Mike Coenen.

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Perhaps an even bigger story than the Vikings 21-7 loss to the Seahawks, the team fired Offensive Coordinator John DeFilippo. Do you agree with the move? What things that are wrong with the offense are his fault and what aren’t?
I do not agree with the move.  This was simply a case of scapegoating.  

As I’ve been saying from the very beginning, the biggest problem the Vikings have this season is their terrible offensive line.  Many prophets and pundits said very early on this season that the O-line would be the Viking’s weak link, and those predictions have been spot-on.  

Much of the blame for this goes to the person who oversees nearly all player acquisitions, General Manager Rick Spielman.  Spielman made virtually no attempt to improve the offensive line during the off-season, either in the draft or through free agency.  

Instead, he thought it wise to spend way too much money on a second-tier quarterback.  

Some were saying in the off-season that the Vikings should keep Case Keenum and use that money to bring in quality offensive linemen.  Ah, hindsight!  John DeFilippo and Kirk Cousins are taking much of the blame for the Viking’s offensive woes, but in reality Rick Spielman and his neglect of the offensive line is at fault here.

There was lots of Cousins hate on social media during and after the game. It’s getting worse every week. You’ve called him an above average quarterback. Did he play like one yesterday? Were his problems his own, were they circumstantial, or otherwise?
No, Cousins did not have an above-average performance on MNF against the Seahawks.  Was it all his fault?  No.  Was it all the fault of the offensive line?  No.  

While the offensive line is, in fact, playing poorly, Kirk Cousins is a quarterback who is playing scared right now.  He knows he doesn't have a lot of time in the pocket, so he is rushing things and his timing is off.  Cousins is a pocket passer who has no pocket to pass from.  He is in constant panic mode. Some quarterbacks thrive in panic mode and are great at ad-libbing, but Cousins is not that kind of quarterback.  He is a slightly more mobile version of Sam Bradford, only slightly less accurate.  If given the time, both quarterbacks will pick you apart.  If rushed and hurried, they both become sub-par very quickly.  Kirk Cousins has been sub-par the last three games.    

Were the Vikings offensive struggles concerning to you, is the Seattle defense just that good, or is something else true?
The Vikings offensive woes are concerning to anyone who is hoping that they make the playoffs. The Seattle defense looked awfully good, but they were playing against an offense that is not clicking at all right now.  The Viking head coach wants to run, but they have no run blockers. The (former) offensive coordinator wants to pass, but they have no pass blockers.  

Plus, the defense is struggling as a result of the poor offensive play as well.  There are too many three-and-out(s), which increases the amount of time the defense is on the field, and they are wearing down because of it.     

Until late, the game was a low-scoring, defensive affair. What would you say to people who think that those types of games are boring?
The Vikings/Seahawks tilt (21-7), as well as the Sunday night game between the Bears and Rams (15-6), were a breath of fresh air.  The NFL is becoming too much like Arena League football these past few seasons in that it is becoming almost rare for a team to not score on a possession.  There needs to be more balance, which means better defensive play and lower scoring games.  I’ll take  a 21-7 game over a 48-42 game any day.       

​Mike Coenen is a writer, historian, professor, and author from Little Falls, Minnesota. He is the Vikings analyst for Rambling On and is the co-host of the Minnesota Sports Ramble podcast. Since 2016 he has been creating content for Rambling On as sports analyst and podcast co-host.

“Minnesota rallied and gave one of their most impressive defensive performances in some time against the Rockets. They were incredibly disruptive with forcing turnovers and did an excellent job suffocating Houston’s shooters."

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Daily content and conversation, on Twitter and Facebook.

Our three weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Vikings), Wednesday (Wild), and Friday (Timberwolves).

Wiggins' and Towns' improvement, impressive wins against the Rockets and Hornets, Derrick Rose as best NBA sixth man, the Wolves bench, and more are discussed this week. As usual, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland interviews Wolves analyst Beartrap McManus.

Thanks for your support!

You issued your apology to Derrick Rose last week, which I heard he accepted. We know you’ve come around on him, but do you think he deserves the NBA Sixth Man Award this year? Would you consider the Wolves bench one of the best in the NBA?
If Rose is able to stay healthy and produce at the level he has, he should absolutely be a Sixth Man candidate.

As for the Wolves bench, they’re great and certainly one of the best in the league. Okogie and Tony T could be rotation players for just about any team in the league, and I’d imagine they’ll eventually move Tolliver by the end of the season if they can’t find playing time for him. He’s too good to not play, and there have already been rumors of interest from other teams.

Since all the post-Butler Wolves do is win, they’ve gone 2-1 since we last spoke. Their one loss was on Saturday to the Celtics. What happened in that loss? What did you think of all the traveling calls?
It was just a matter of the Celtics playing better. The Wolves dug themselves into a hole in the second, as they allowed their offense to stagnate with a lack of ball movement and too many isolation plays. They did manage to tie it in the fourth, but Boston responded and shut down any momentum they’d gained. There were some pretty egregious calls in that game but I’m not sure it affected the outcome.

After a somewhat shaky performance against the Celtics, the Timberwolves came back with a vengeance in their decisive 103-92 win against the Rockets. What did you take away from that game? Are the Rockets not the team we thought they were at the beginning of the year?
Many expected the Rockets to take a step back from last season after they lost two of their best defenders (Trevor Ariza and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who are both excellent floor spacers as well). The Carmelo Anthony experiment failed as most had predicted, but I don’t think anyone saw them struggling this much. 

The Rockets offense looked like it had made a return to last year’s form for most of the first half in their loss against the Wolves, but Minnesota rallied and gave one of their most impressive defensive performances in some time. They were incredibly disruptive with forcing turnovers and did an excellent job suffocating Houston’s shooters.

Although they were losing late in the game, Towns led the Wolves to a 121-104 trouncing of the Hornets. How impressed were you with Towns’ performance, and that of the rest of the team in the victory?
One of the biggest criticisms of the Wolves in the Butler era was that the offense relied too heavily on isolation ball and Jimmy creating the offense, mostly for himself. His being gone has opened things up for Towns and he seems more than comfortable as the go-to guy down the stretch in close games.

KAT has also seemingly been playing much better and smarter since the Butler trade. He’s using his size effectively in the post, taking it to smaller defenders, and has been killing slow-footed when he puts the ball on the floor from the perimeter. These are tools he’s always had, but Butler’s absence has given him the room and the possessions to play up to his potential.

Andrew Wiggins has been improving a little bit lately. Are you impressed at all? Do you think it’ll be a trend or a mirage?
It’s tough to say with Wiggins, but I’m really not comfortable calling it a trend until he sustains his improved play and effort over a longer period. Either way, it’s encouraging, and I’ll take it.

Beartrap McManus is an NBA and Timberwolves expert. He has been a life coach for Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland since before time, a consultant for Rambling On since its founding, and Timberwolves analyst beginning in Series Five. He resides with his wife and twelve kids in Hurley, Wisconsin, where his wife owns a popular supper club.

"I would put the Wild's playoff probability at 88%. It could be higher if they had more consistent play. The West, and the Central Division specifically, is very tough."

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Check out our daily content and conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Our three weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Vikings related), Wednesday (Minnesota Wild related), and Friday (Minnesota Timberwolves related).

A victory against the Canucks, the Wild's recent slump, bad bounces in Toronto, "outworked" against the Blue Jackets, and the teams playoff chances are discussed in this edition. As usual, Wild analyst Peter Ripka answers questions from Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland.

Thanks for your support!

The Wild beat the Canucks in Vancouver 3-2 last night. Who do we owe that victory to? What thoughts did you have on the game?
That victory was all about special teams and Dubnyk returning to better form. Going 3-for-3 with the man advantage was the biggest key, since they dominated at times at full-strength but didn't convert. 

Before their victory in Vancouver, the Wild had been slumping, having lost three games in a row and five of their last seven. Is this dip in the Central Division, all the way down to fifth, concerning to you? Which Wild team do you think we have, the one that had been winning before or this iteration? 
It isn't concerning to me. I think the team is somewhere in the middle. They stopped doing the little things and got too cute for two of those three losses.  I think this team should be in the 2-4 spot in the central when this season is all said and done.

What happened in the Wilds loss to Toronto? People seem to think that they played pretty well.
The Wild played a really good game against the Leafs. Outside of a few fluky bounces, they deserved to win that game.

Bruce Boudreau said that the Wild were "outworked" in their loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. How was this true? Was this their only problem that game?
They were just slow to every loose puck. They weren't getting pucks deep on dump ins and were getting chased in the defensive zone. You could definitely call that being outworked in coach speech. Dubnyk wasn't as good he needs to be either, and that also contributed.

At this point, what percentage chance do you think there is that the Wild make the playoffs? 
I would put their playoff probability in the upper 80s percent-wise. I think it could be higher if they had more consistent play. The West, and the Central Division specifically, is very tough.

Peter Ripka is the original Rambling On podcast co-host and has been a contributor since its inception. He’s currently the Wild analyst, a position he’s held for several years. A Wild and Twins season ticket holder, his writing combines the passion of a fan and the insight of a beat writer. 

“The problem is not John DiFilippo’s play calling, nor the fact the Vikings aren’t running the ball more. The problem, as I say each week, is that the Vikings have a terrible offensive line. They don’t run the ball more because the offensive is terrible at run blocking.  The Vikings have two good running backs and no good offensive linemen."

Rambling On is your home for Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Check out our daily content, and join the conversation, by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook.

We release three Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs a week, one on Tuesday (Minnesota Vikings related), one on Thursday (Minnesota Wild related), and one on Friday (Minnesota Timberwolves related).

The Patriots simple out-performance of the Vikings, inconsistent Kirk Cousins, play calling and DiFillipo, defensive and kicker woes, a dismal outlook for the Seahawks game and the rest of the season, and more in this weeks Vikings edition.

As usual, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland interviews Vikings analyst Mike Coenen. Sometimes they even go to loggerheads. It's great!

Thanks for reading.

What did you think of the Vikings loss to the Patriots?
Simply, found out what it is like to play against a premier NFL organization prepping itself for a playoff run. The Vikings were out-coached and outplayed. Hell, the Patriots barely broke a sweat.  Not a good sign for Mike Zimmer.  

On paper, the Vikings have better skill players on offense (minus the quarterback position, although Tom Brady is 41 years old!), a better defense, and theoretically should have been playing with more motivation, considering that they are fighting for their playoff lives, while the Pats all but have their division won.  

Nonetheless, the Vikings looked decisively outmatched by an elite, well-oiled, well-coached team the executes with detailed precision play after play.  The Patriots are the team the Vikings hoped to be this season.  No even close.  Maybe next season.  

Cousins has been all over the place: one week he looks great, the next he looks abysmal. Is this what we have with Cousins, and if so, is he worth his contract?
Mike: Actually, Kirk Cousins has been neither great, nor abysmal this season.  Even though I talk about his good numbers and statistics so far this season, he is in reality a slightly above-average quarterback, and he’s played within the parameters of a slightly above-average quarterback.  He’s had good days for a slightly above-average quarterback, and he’s had bad days for a slightly above-average quarterback.  

The reason why he and a lot of other mediocre and below-average quarterbacks actually have pro-bowl and even Hall of Fame caliber numbers is because of all the rule changes over the course of the past thirty years, which has resulted in a very quarterback- and receiver-friendly league whose offensive output continues to go up year after year.  

So, yes, this is what we have in Kirk Cousins, a slightly above-average quarterback who will have some good games and some bad games.  Is he worth the contract?  No.  As I’ve said before, the Vikings knew they were paying huge money for a slightly above-average quarterback.  But it was the price they were willing to pay to replace their slightly below-average quarterback in Case Keenum.  

In hindsight, the Vikings should have kept Keenum and spent that money on offensive linemen.  

Erik: I think Mike and I are basically saying the same thing. My take is that he's inconsistent, one week (or even half) he's great, one week (or even half) he's abysmal. Hence my question about which Cousins is the real one. He was bad against the Bills, the Bears, in the first half of the Packer game at Lambeau, and most of the time in New England. He was great in the second half of the Packer game at Lambeau, against the Lions, against the Eagles, and even in a losing effort to the Rams. 

I'd take a consistently above average quarterback. Cousins is not that. He's an inconsistently bad-to-above-average quarterback.
 
A lot of people are criticizing John DiFilippo for his lack of creative play calling and for not running the ball enough. Do you think that these are big issues? 
The problem is not John DiFilippo’s play calling, nor the fact the Vikings aren’t running the ball more.  The problem, as I say each week, is that the Vikings have a terrible offensive line. They don’t run the ball more because the offensive is terrible at run blocking.  The Vikings have two good running backs and no good offensive linemen.  In the 1992, Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign used the slogan of “it’s the economy, stupid!” to get his economic message out.  The slogan that sums up the Minnesota Viking’s 2018 campaign should be “it’s the offensive line, stupid!”  
 
What, if anything, do you see is wrong with the Vikings defense?
They occasionally show signs of the dominance that they displayed most of last season, but then sometimes they get carved up, like they did this past Sunday against the Patriots. It's like they weren’t even there.  It’s kind of a mystery as to why and how they can be so bad with all the talent they have. 

In 2016, the Viking defense dominated for the first six games, leading to a 6-0 start heading into their bye week. After the break, the Vikings went 2-8, and the terrible play of the defense contributed much to the Viking overall collapse.  To this day it remains a mystery as to what happened to the defense those last ten games.  The same thing is happening this year.
 
Why the hell can’t the Vikings find a consistent kicker?
I’m not a superstitious person, but there has got to be some kind of a hex that gets cast on a kicker the minute they put on a Viking uniform.  There just has to be! 
 
Will the Vikings beat the surging Seahawks in Seattle? If they lose, do you think they’ll still make the playoffs?
I can’t see the Vikings beating the Seahawks on Monday night.  The Seahawks are playing good football right now, not to mention that they are at home. 

I have a gut feeling that some of the Viking players have all but quit on Coach Zimmer, just like some of the Packer players supposedly did with Mike McCarthy in Green Bay.  This is a real thing in today’s NFL, and a problem for the league.  

But no, I don’t expect a Viking victory on Monday.  In fact, I predict that the Seahawks blowout the Vikings and they pack it in after that, maybe winning one more game and failing to make the playoffs. 

Mike Coenen is a writer, historian, professor, and author from Little Falls, Minnesota. He is the Vikings analyst for Rambling On and is the co-host of the Minnesota Sports Ramble podcast. Since 2016 he has been creating content for Rambling On as sports analyst and podcast co-host.