EAGAN, Minn. – The effort of Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy's coverage on Bears star receiver DJ Moore was among Star Tribune writer Mark Craig's five takeaways following the Vikings 19-13 win versus the Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Craig wrote about Murphy locking down Moore in the first half:
Better than his game-clinching interception and game-high three pass defenses was Byron Murphy, Jr.'s, tight coverage of DJ Moore in the end zone on third-and-goal from the 4 early in the second quarter. Justin Fields' primary weakness as a quarterback — not reading defenses quickly enough — was exacerbated by Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores' exotic pressure. Fields wanted to hit Moore in the end zone, bailed quickly because of Murphy's coverage and tried to run. Harrison Phillips and Jordan Hicks closed on him for no gain. The Bears settled for the field goal. Coming off a 230-yard game, Moore had two targets and one 7-yard catch at halftime.
Craig highlighted fullback C.J. Ham in his second point.
It certainly didn't resemble the power of Philadelphia's unstoppable "Brotherly Shove," but the Vikings foray into the trendy "Tush Push" play did get the job done when 250-pound fullback C.J. Ham shoved Cousins 1 yard forward on fourth-and-1 from the Chicago 39 midway through the first quarter. That yard and three more turned what would have been a 57-yard field goal attempt or a punt into a 53-yarder that Greg Joseph made for a 3-0 lead. That's big in a slogfest. Ham had zero touches Sunday, but credit him for one of the team's measly three conversions on 15 cracks at third and fourth down.
Click here to read all five of Craig's points.
Flag Football among 5 sports added to 2028 Olympics
For the first time in the history of the Olympics, flag football is set to make its debut in the 2028 games in Los Angeles.
The Global American Football Family reacted to the confirmation of flag football's inclusion in 2028.
IFAF, the NFL and USA Football — the national governing body of American football in the United States — have joined forces to welcome [Monday's] vote of the IOC Session in Mumbai, India, which will see American football feature on the official program of the Olympic Games for the first time in history when flag football makes its debut appearance in Los Angeles 2028.
Today's decision … comes after IFAF and the NFL formed Vision28 — a unique joint venture and partnership model — which places flag football at the heart of shared sport development goals globally.
Flag football — a short, fast, non-contact and gender-equal format, renowned as the most accessible and inclusive version of American football — is spearheading exceptional worldwide participation growth in American football, especially among women and girls.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement:
"Congratulations to the International Federation of American Football on this landmark achievement for flag football and the global community that loves and plays our game.
"It's a tremendous honor for any athlete to represent their country at the Olympics. We have no doubt that this decision will inspire millions of young people around the world to play this game in the years ahead.The NFL is committed to working together to strengthen flag football's place in the Olympic movement long term, and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey with IFAF, the LA28 Organizing Committee, the International Olympic Committee and USA Football."
