BleedGopher
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Per Souhan:
Three football teams dominate conversations in the Twin Cities: the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Gophers.
The Vikings are 5-1. The Packers are 3-4, having lost consecutive games to the Giants, Jets and Commanders. The Gophers, after being dismantled by Penn State on Saturday, are 4-3, 1-3 in the Big Ten, riding a three-game losing streak and tied for last in the West Division.
There is a position that has played a key role in the relative fates of these three teams, and it's not quarterback. It's one of the most pivotal roles in modern football — No. 1 receiver.
This season, the Gophers are 3-0 when top receiver Chris Autman-Bell plays and 1-3 when he doesn't. It's true that Autman-Bell played in nonconference games against weak opponents. It's also true that he may have produced the Dungy effect in one or two of the Gophers' losses, either making big plays or commanding double teams that opened space for a teammate's approach.
Go Gophers!!
Three football teams dominate conversations in the Twin Cities: the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Gophers.
The Vikings are 5-1. The Packers are 3-4, having lost consecutive games to the Giants, Jets and Commanders. The Gophers, after being dismantled by Penn State on Saturday, are 4-3, 1-3 in the Big Ten, riding a three-game losing streak and tied for last in the West Division.
There is a position that has played a key role in the relative fates of these three teams, and it's not quarterback. It's one of the most pivotal roles in modern football — No. 1 receiver.
This season, the Gophers are 3-0 when top receiver Chris Autman-Bell plays and 1-3 when he doesn't. It's true that Autman-Bell played in nonconference games against weak opponents. It's also true that he may have produced the Dungy effect in one or two of the Gophers' losses, either making big plays or commanding double teams that opened space for a teammate's approach.
One position defines Vikings, Packers, Gophers, and it's not quarterback
The Vikings have a bona fide No. 1 receiver, something the Packers (via free agency) and Gophers (injury) lack.
m.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!