Minnesota
Golden Nuggets: On to Minnesota
![Golden Nuggets: On to Minnesota Golden Nuggets: On to Minnesota](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GCTz3G6O1OxGWvFWS-xgAkQJo1g=/0x0:5820x3047/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25615098/1964058719.jpg)
Kyle Shanahan provides injury updates on McCaffrey, Hufanga, others
“Shanahan did not clarify that timeline, but he did clarify the Achilles part of McCaffrey’s injury. He only told reporters last week that it was a calf/Achilles injury and not just a calf injury as initially stated. It’s Achilles tendinitis, and McCaffrey likely would’ve played in a playoff game in the same situation.
“Definitely I believe that if it was a playoff game he would have played, but when it’s not just the calf, it’s the Achilles,” Shanahan said. “The Achilles is tendinitis, and that stuff comes and goes, and when it is acting up, it’s something you got to be very careful about. Christian is very diligent about that stuff. If it was a playoff game, he made it very clear to me he believed he could go. But when you hear that type of stuff, and it’s not a playoff game, and it’s week one, and especially when you’re dealing with the lower extremities like that, that was a tough decision, but hearing all the words and stuff in the long run, it made it easy.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter intimated McCaffrey could miss Sunday’s game in Minnesota. Something worth thinking about: the 49ers’ next two games are both on turf. Would the 49ers risk McCaffrey at less than 100 percent on turf fields with an Achilles in play? Perhaps, but it wouldn’t be a monumental surprise if he misses the next couple.”
Willis cherishes unbreakable bond with ‘special’ 49ers fan base
“While Willis’ days of suiting up for the Red and Gold are long gone, his connection to the fan base remains strong as ever, with the Faithful never foregoing an opportunity to shower the legendary linebacker with the same undying affection he grew accustomed to during his playing days in the Bay Area.”
49ers’ junk-food-loving Jordan Mason devours Jets in first career start (paywall)
“As a rookie, San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason popped sugar-crusted Life Savers throughout the day and horrified fullback Kyle Juszczyk with some of his other dietary decisions.
Juszczyk, 33, a 12-year veteran who attributes his longevity partly to red-light therapy, stem-cell treatment and clean eating, would nearly hit the roof when Mason would hit the Ruffles for brunch.
“Believe me, I was all over Jordan about his diet early,” Juszczyk said Monday night after the 49ers’ 32-19 win over the Jets. “It wouldn’t even be 10 a.m. and he’d be eating potato chips in meetings. And I’d explain to him, ‘Dude, if you were at home and it’s 9:30 (a.m.), would you be eating potato chips right now?’ Sometimes rookies, they’ve just got to learn on the run.”
49ers minutia minute: Details on Christian McCaffrey; Brock Purdy’s mature game (paywall)
“One of the game’s best matchups pitted Lenoir, a rising young cornerback, against Garrett Wilson, the Jets’ top receiver. Wilson caught four of six passes for 38 yards in those situations. Most of them, however, were difficult grabs with tight coverage from Lenoir, who in the third quarter deflected a pass to Wilson into the air, leading to an interception by Flannigan-Fowles.”
Thompson: Brock Purdy upstages Aaron Rodgers with the veteran poise the 49ers will need (paywall)
“His offensive line had some struggles and rust. And Purdy didn’t have all his weapons clicking. He was facing a unit touted as one of the best in the league, led by the all-world defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. And this was Rodgers’ much-anticipated debut after rupturing his Achilles four snaps into last season’s opener. Also known as the Jets’ Super Bowl. Yeah, this game was set up for Purdy’s demise.
And while he didn’t blow the doors off anyone — 19-for-29 passing, 231 yards — he certainly was the best quarterback on the field. While the run game anchored the attack, a luxury Rodgers certainly could’ve used, Purdy was adept at playing off it.”
49ers rookie Puni shines in ‘awesome’ NFL debut vs. Jets
“Despite earning the praise of one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers, Puni didn’t leave Monday’s contest satisfied, citing there still is plenty to improve on while graciously praising his teammates for the feedback they give that allows him to continue growing as a player.
“I had flashes for sure, I had good moments, but at the same time a lot to clean up,” Puni said. “ You could tell they were throwing some looks, I feel like for me on the D-line, they were trying to get some guys [to] get me out of position a little bit. Definitely a lot of things to learn from, but all the guys do a hell of a job keeping me in the mix and letting me know.”
Puni overcame an incredibly difficult task in his first start, squaring off with a ferocious Jets front four that includes All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and former 49ers first-round pick Javon Kinlaw.
The rookie guard detailed how this trial by fire could help set him up for sustained success as he continues to embark on his first NFL season
“That’s partly why I’m glad it was Monday night and that D-line, especially. Because you got Quinnen Williams and [Javon] Kinlaw,” Puni said. “Those are two real big bodies, so from here on out, there’s not many guys better than Quinnen Williams. So I think it’s great experience for me to kind of start out that way.”
How PFF graded Purdy, 49ers in dominant Week 1 win vs. Jets
“Purdy’s overall grade of 89.6 was the highest of any quarterback in Week 1. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was No. 2 at 88.1. Purdy’s sweet spot is still 10-19 yards downfield, which is where the 49ers signal-caller threw a perfect 7-for-7 for 120 yards.”
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey’s status uncertain vs. Vikings
“After the game, Mason told ESPN’s Lisa Salters in an on-field interview that he found out “maybe Friday night” that he would get his first NFL start. Shanahan said no such decision was made until Monday, when McCaffrey arrived at Levi’s Stadium with his injury “bothering him a little too much where he didn’t feel good about it.” Shanahan added that he didn’t inform Mason he was starting until Monday and suggested that perhaps running backs coach Bobby Turner or another coach told Mason he was starting as a way to “pump him up” earlier in the week.”
PFF’s best and worst graded 49ers players vs. Jets, plus snap counts
“Fred Warner earned the highest grade of the game (92.6), finishing with seven tackles and a forced fumble. It was his highest grade since the Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers during the 2021 season (94.2). Despite missing two tackles, contributing to a low 38.6 tackling grade, Warner excelled in coverage, earning a superb 92.9 coverage grade and allowing just one reception for three yards.
Defensive end Nick Bosa had the second-highest grade of the game at 90.5, his highest mark since Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars last season (93.6). He posted the top pass-rushing grade (87.8) and led in run defense with a 75.1 grade. Bosa earned a game-high five pressures.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward was the highest-graded defensive back, allowing only two receptions for 14 yards on five targets. Newcomer Isaac Yiadom also impressed with a solid 70.3 defensive grade, giving up two receptions for 29 yards on four targets.”
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Minnesota
WNBA Final Score: Lynx 76, Dream 64: McBride’s 12-Point 3rd Quarter Leads Minnesota to Victory
![WNBA Final Score: Lynx 76, Dream 64: McBride’s 12-Point 3rd Quarter Leads Minnesota to Victory WNBA Final Score: Lynx 76, Dream 64: McBride’s 12-Point 3rd Quarter Leads Minnesota to Victory](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mTxVt64LNUbbiWayETY8aidupX8=/0x1013:3815x3010/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25615118/2170583780.jpg)
The Minnesota Lynx traveled from Washington to take on a hungry Atlanta Dream team that is vying for a playoff spot with just a few games left. Rhyne Howard was coming off three straight 30-point games as she looked to upset the Lynx and continue chasing down the Chicago Sky for the final playoff spot. Meanwhile, Minnesota looked to further their playoff positioning and win their fourth straight game.
It was a slow start for both sides, as neither team was able to buy a basket. Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith got a couple buckets before two Dream triples gave them a two-point lead in the first three minutes. During Collier’s slow start, Smith and Courtney Williams picked up the slack to rebound the Lynx to a 13-8 lead heading into the first television timeout. Minnesota held strong the rest of the quarter and were able to keep the lead 20-14 as the buzzer sounded. Smith and Carleton led the way with 6 points each. Bridget Carleton also hit two three pointers in the frame.
A 7-2 run to start the second quarter for the Dream had the Lynx lead down to one just three minutes into the second period. Minnesota consistently held their small lead despite Phee’s struggles. Carleton scored a couple baskets and Myisha Hines-Allen handed out two assists, helping the Lynx gain a five-point lead heading into the final two minutes of the half. As the clock ran down, a buzzer-beating layup by Allisha Gray cut the Lynx lead to just three at halftime. Carleton lead the way with 11 points on 4 of 4 shooting, with Williams using her mid-range game to notch 10 points.
Heading into halftime, the Lynx lead the Dream 41-38.
Bridget Carleton leads Minnesota with a game-high 11 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the field and 3-of-3 shooting from three.
— Lynx PR (@Lynx_PR) September 11, 2024
Atlanta started the third quarter strong with a couple of buckets off of second chance opportunities, taking a 42-41 lead for their first lead since the opening quarter. After the Dream took the lead, McBride answered with a small five-point flurry to stop their run. The game continued to be within one possession until Hines-Allen dished another great backdoor pass to McBride for a layup, then following it up with a steal and fastbreak layup to take a six-point lead with 2:30 left in the third. After this, Minnesota broke out a nine point lead heading into the final frame. McBride took over in the period, scoring 12 points after having just two points in the first half.
Collier, the most recent Western Conference Player of the Week, came out in the fourth quarter looking to close things out as she scored the first two buckets of the quarter. Stifling defense by the Lynx helped them increase their lead to 14 as they held the Dream scoreless for nearly four minutes. Minnesota continued to showoff their dominant defense for the extent of the final quarter and closed the game out with their fourth straight win.
Key Takeaways
Stifling the Stars
Atlanta has a few high profile scorers that they rely on to give them the offense they need to win games. All of Rhyne Howard, Tina Charles and Allisha Gray are capable of putting up big numbers on any given night and can give defenses fits with their scoring prowess. The Lynx knew this and shut them down at every turn. The trio did combine for 44 points but shot a combined 13/48 from the field (27%). The Lynx made it very uncomfortable for all three and it resulted in preventing Howard from continuing her 30 point streak (had reached that mark in her previous 3 games), holding them scoreless for nearly four minutes in the 4th quarter and only allowing 64 points on 30% shooting for the team. The offense is what draws fans to the Lynx but the defense is just as good.
Kayla McBride’s 3rd Quarter
K-Mac has had a quiet few games as of late for the Lynx taking a backseat to some of her teammates and that continued into the first half of this one. But when the third quarter started, she was a completely different player. She scored 12 points and helped Minnesota break out a nine point lead by the end of the period. McBride is a lethal shooter and can put so much pressure on the defense with her ability to shoot the ball. When she is in a zone like she was in the third, watch out.
Passing Clinic
The Lynx have been the best passing team in the league all season. They lead the league in assists per game 23.2 assists per game and assist percentage with 76.8%. Tonight was no different. They dished 24 assists on 32 made baskets but what made this stat pop was looking at it compared to the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta only had 12 assists on 21 made baskets and it was apparent from watching the game that they were playing a lot of iso basketball. Part of what makes the Lynx so difficult to guard is their ability to share the basketball and that was on full display tonight.
Up Next
The Lynx will head home to take on the Chicago Sky on Friday, September 13th at 6:30pm CT at the Target Center. They will look for their fifth win in a row and chase the 30 win mark on the season against a team that just lost one other best players in Angel Reese. The game will be televised on ION.
ICYMI: Canis Hoopus has a room with Playback to stream Lynx and Wolves games for our community! Follow this link and sign up to watch with myself and other fans as we cheer the Lynx to victory.
https://www.playback.tv/canishoopus
Highlights
Minnesota
Sustainable Airline Fuel production inching closer to reality in Minnesota
![Sustainable Airline Fuel production inching closer to reality in Minnesota Sustainable Airline Fuel production inching closer to reality in Minnesota](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/09/10/a7a6c21a-7348-460e-973b-f050f7b6f2f6/thumbnail/1200x630/900e08ee8b020a6c044560c725e3f829/12p-vo-msp-fuel-wcco63qz.jpg?v=631cf5f2b4e8db7f9bc428589402864d)
MINNEAPOLIS — A breakthrough in the fight against climate change is happening in Minnesota.
Last year, Xcel Energy Executive Vice President Brett Carter told WCCO that transportation is the “largest carbon-emitting industry in the country.”
Carter — along with leaders from the airline, science and banking industries — made a goal of operating the first large-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) chain in the United States.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was picked as a SAF Hub due to Minnesota’s “combination of air demand, existing biofuels infrastructure, a strong agricultural economy and strong research assets,” according to Greater MSP CEO Peter Frosch.
SAF is a safe and certified alternative jet fuel that can reduce lifestyle carbon emissions by 80%.
According to Virgin Atlantic, SAF is made from a combination of used cooking oil, non-food crops, solid waste and industrial waste gases. No retrofitting is needed for the fuel to be used in airplanes, and it can travel through existing pipelines.
When the Minnesota SAF Hub was created, partners made a goal for commercial aviation to reach net zero by 2050. Delta Airlines said last year it wanted 10% of its fuel at MSP Airport to be SAF by 2027, and half by 2035.
That’s a feat that doesn’t happen overnight, but leaders on Tuesday were eager to announce several milestones toward making that dream a reality.
One of the highlights includes plans to develop the state’s first SAF blending facility at a refinery in Rosemount that will blend up to 30 million gallons.
Another milestone is the establishment of SAF production with a grant that will convert an existing ethanol fuel facilty to an integrated alcohol-to-jet-fuel facility in Luverne.
The hub is also working to make SAF cost-competitive with pledges from prominent companies like Delta and Bank of America to purchase it. And leaders are working with the University of Minnesota to eventually make it out of next-generation feedstocks.
“Together I think that we’re creating a one-of-a-kind model here in Minnesota. A lot of people around the world are talking about SAF, not too many are doing it,” said Christophe Beck, Ecolab’s chairman and CEO. “Once again, here in Minnesota, we’re making it happen and we’re changing the world for the better.”
With the industry just starting out, there isn’t enough SAF being produced right now to fuel the world’s airline for a single week.
Minnesota
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