SAN FRANCISCO — Draymond Green was going all out after Warriors’ practice on Sunday afternoon. Drills run with assistant coach Jacob Rubin were interrupted by check-ins testing his balance with Rick Celebrini, the director of sports medicine and performance.
Green is questionable to play in the Warriors’ regular season opener against the Phoenix Suns and old teammate Kevin Durant on Tuesday, but he’s made progress in practice. Green missed all five of the preseason games and most of training camp nursing a left ankle sprain sustained the week before camp began. He recently started practicing with the team, doing 3-on-3 work earlier this week and participated in a brief 5-on-5 scrimmage on Sunday.
Green’s presence back in scrimmage was felt.
“It’s good for him and great for us to have him back,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “He adds such a competitive force to our team and his IQ is off the charts, so even having him in practice going through all the drills, the team benefits from his presence.”
Kerr added that Green isn’t in full playing shape and still needs to build his stamina.
“He needs more work, for sure,” he said.
The Warriors could use Green’s defensive savvy as soon as possible; if preseason is any indication, despite the 4-1 record in the exhibition games, the Warriors may struggle to keep the fouls and turnovers — and the poor defense that comes as a result of the frantic turnovers — at a minimum as they learn to work together with Chris Paul in the fold. Kerr attests they don’t have a full grasp of how good they can be on either end without Green in the mix.
“I think at times our shell is great, at times our shell isn’t there,” Green said. “At times when we have certain groups on the floor they are communicating and other groups aren’t quite communicating. Obviously that’s something I can help with on that side of things, making sure everyone is comfortable and that’s something that we have to be better at.”
Green called on Kevon Looney to talk more on defense, saying he’s become a focal point of their defensive scheme and should embrace his high IQ.
“I want to say this publicly because I know he can handle it,” Green said. “He knows every single thing, so it’s going to be important for us to hear his voice more because everyone on the court feels good when they hear the big’s voice.”
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, CP, Haruna Garba has disclosed that the command is investigating the report of an attempted assassination of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
CP Garba disclosed this to THE WHISTLER when contacted for an update on the incident.
THE WHISTLER earlier quoted the Kogi State Command as saying that the alleged attack on the governor occurred on Sunday in the Kwali area of Abuja.
The state government had alleged, “The attackers who were dressed in military uniforms waylaid the governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy.
“It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.”
However, top sources in the Police Force revealed to THE WHISTLER that “There was no attempt on Governor Yahaya Bello’s life”.
The source who did not want to be named as he’s not authorised to speak further revealed the information contained in a SITREP (Situation Report) it received over the situation.
“There was nothing like an assassination. Rather, the information we received was that the Governor’s convoy refused to stop at the Army’s checkpoint stationed at Kwali, and that led to an altercation between the operatives and his security details,” the source said.
When presented with the information, the CP admitted to having been briefed with a similar claim, but said, “The command is investigating, and there is nothing to say at the moment until we have investigated the incident.”
THE WHISTLER has gathered that the probability of the police speaking on the issue is low given that the situation involves the Nigerian Army.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Onyeama Nwachukwu failed as text and phone calls to his phone lines were not acknowledged as of press time.
A frontrunner has reportedly emerged in the San Francisco Giants’ search for their next manager.
Bob Melvin, who just finished his second season leading the Padres, will interview for the job, The Athletic reported, citing anonymous sources who also said the longtime A’s skipper and Bay Area native “instantly becomes the … leading candidate” to replace Gabe Kapler, whom the Giants fired last month.
Melvin, 61, was granted permission by the Padres to interview with an NL West rival, potentially setting him to follow in the footsteps of another manager who fled north from San Diego, Bruce Bochy, whose three World Series rings give some credence to the idea.
A native of Menlo Park who worked with Farhan Zaidi in Oakland and an experienced, highly respected manager, Melvin initially emerged as one of the top potential candidates to succeed Kapler. That speculation was only fueled by reports of a growing rift between Melvin and Padres general manager A.J. Preller.
But at the conclusion of a disappointing 82-80 season, in which they failed to build on their NLCS appearance in year one under Melvin, Preller reaffirmed that both men would be back for 2024. According to The Athletic and multiple other reports, however, the tension between the two had not been alleviated.
Melvin, a three-time manager of the year, would bring instant credibility. He has accumulated a 1,517–1,425 record (.516 winning percentage) over 20 seasons helming the reins of four organizations, more than half of those on the other side of the Bay, where he led the A’s to six playoff appearances in 11 seasons.
Melvin’s is the seventh name to formally surface in San Francisco’s search, but his credentials set him apart.
The Giants have reportedly also received permission to interview Stephen Vogt, a catcher for five years on Melvin’s teams in Oakland, and Jason Varitek, the longtime Red Sox catcher, who would each be first-time managers. They have also met with four internal candidates — bench coach Kai Correa, third base coach Mark Hallberg, assistant coach Alyssa Nakken and special assistant Ron Wotus — with no prior managerial experience.
In what may end Hope Uzodimma’s bid to return as Imo State Governor on November 11, various groups have been mounting pressure on the Supreme Court to quickly determine two pending cases that have been before it for determination for three years.
On Sunday, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, also called on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to uphold its commitment to justice and maintain the scheduled October 31, 2023, date for hearing the two pending suits.
HURIWA, in a strongly worded statement, expressed deep concerns about allegations of undue influence and attempts to shift the date for the hearing, to a later date after the November 11th governorship elections in Imo State.
The Supreme Court had set October 31, 2023, as the date to hear the two separate appeals filed in 2020.
These appeals seek to determine the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 election, an issue that has remained contentious and a source of political instability in Imo State.
There have been reported fears that the APC government has deliberately manipulated the apex court to delay the determination of the suits because it may not favour the party and Uzodimma.
The governor succeeded in his appeal at the apex court almost four years ago and is seeking to return as governor on the platform of the APC in November.
The decision to fix a date for hearing the cases comes after years of uncertainty in the state. But as another governorship election draws closer, pressure has been mounting with calls on the apex court to determine the legibility or otherwise of Uzodimma.
HURIWA on its part revealed it has been actively advocating for a resolution to these pending cases, recognizing their fundamental impact on the state’s political stability.
A statement issued on Sunday by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko explained that, “The two appeals are a direct result of judgments delivered by the Supreme Court in late 2019 and early 2020, which had far-reaching consequences.
“In late 2019, the apex court disqualified Uche Nwosu from contesting the 2019 gubernatorial election. This ruling was based on Nwosu’s double nomination by the APC and the Action Alliance (AA), a move deemed unconstitutional and in violation of electoral laws.
“Subsequently, in early 2020, the Supreme Court removed Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from his position as the elected governor.
“The court declared Hope Uzodimma of the APC as the winner of the 2019 governorship election.
“However, dissatisfaction with how Uzodinma became the APC gubernatorial candidate led to a motion on notice filed by the PDP and Action People’s Party (APP) in 2019.
“They sought the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the judgment that held Nwosu as the APC’s candidate but disqualified him due to dual nominations by APC and AA.
“Another motion on notice was filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Philip Umeadi, SAN, who asked the Supreme Court to interpret the judgment that disqualified Nwosu and to enforce this judgment regarding the APC’s participation in the 2019 Imo governorship election”.
HURIWA emphasised that justice delayed is justice denied, and the people of Imo State deserve a prompt resolution to the ongoing political impasse.
The organisation further stressed that the international community is closely watching Nigeria’s efforts to maintain a credible democratic process, and any perceived irregularities could damage the country’s reputation.
Furthermore, HURIWA urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to resist external pressure and ensure the timely hearing and determination of these crucial cases.
The organisation stressed that the Supreme Court’s commitment to justice is paramount to restoring the confidence of the people of Imo State in the judiciary.
The group also exposed an alleged move by some individuals to influence the Supreme Court into changing the hearing date.
The group revealed that significant amounts of money were being used to manipulate the process, with the apparent aim of delaying the hearing until after the November 11th governorship election, which would render the entire process meaningless.
In their final plea, HURIWA urged the Supreme Court not to bow to external pressure but to ensure the timely hearing and determination of the two pending motions.
This, they argued, is essential to permanently settle the political impasse in Imo State and to maintain the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy in the eyes of the international community.
“It is essential to acknowledge that this matter has been pending for three years, during which the Supreme Court had not taken action to hear the cases.
“Now, as the court finally shows its willingness to address these crucial issues, any deviation from the set date would be a severe blow to the court’s already battered image and credibility.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, especially in matters that have caused significant political instability.
“The people of Imo State and the international community are closely watching the proceedings, and any perceived irregularities could erode trust in the Nigerian judiciary”, HURIWA concluded.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, 48; Saffron Burrows, 51; Jeff Goldblum, 71; Christopher Lloyd, 85.
Happy Birthday: Sensitivity will be an issue if you act in haste. Take your time, plan your actions and focus on self-improvement, and you’ll discover what you need in your life to achieve peace of mind and the happiness you desire. Don’t give in to what others are peddling in hopes of benefiting themselves. A change to your living arrangements will have unanticipated benefits if you are patient. Let things unfold naturally. Your numbers are 5, 11, 19, 28, 33, 44, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Reach out to like-minded people and contribute to a cause that resonates with you. Your connections will give you a unique perspective on what’s available and how to implement changes to improve your quality of life. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put your energy and power into your goals. Consider your options, and adjust your plans or routine to ensure you reach your target. Embrace what’s unconventional instead of following the crowd, and you’ll be in a leadership position. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone will take you by surprise if given the chance. Study what’s unfolding and use your intuition to guide you. Talk to experts before you make questionable purchases. Pursue a path that allows you to use your skills in a manner pleasing to you. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Entertain the people you cherish or plan to do something that touches you emotionally. Take care of unfinished projects that will make your life easier. Don’t try to buy love when the time spent together will significantly impact your relationship. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make a domestic matter a priority, and you’ll find suitable alternatives for anything that isn’t working for you. Consider how your professional and personal lives interact and change your routine to make things functional. A financial opportunity is apparent if you invest in yourself. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look at your options, learn all you can and change what no longer works for you. How you move forward will determine who you choose to spend time with and the skills you choose to hone. Hard work will pay off. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make the most of what you’ve got. Accept the inevitable and pursue a positive path. Discipline and determination will pay off personally and financially. Make decisions based on your needs and let others fend for themselves. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Do your own thing. Follow a path that excites you if you want to be happy. Don’t force others to follow you; offer them the freedom to do as they please. Give yourself the green light to pursue your dreams without guilt. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Consider how you earn your living, what you enjoy doing and if you need to upgrade your skills. Attend a conference or reunion that offers insight into possibilities. Use your knowledge and experience to pinpoint what you want to do next. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Time spent with people you love will offer insight into what to pursue. Research, and you’ll discover what’s possible and how to incorporate what you want into your schedule. A disciplined attitude will help you gain perspective. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Avoid situations subject to your or someone else’s overreaction. Pay attention to detail and finish what you start to avoid criticism. Don’t feel you must change or let someone infringe on your privacy, space or decisions. Live life your way. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You have nothing to lose and everything to gain if you play by the rules and give your best. Think outside the box; you’ll gain respect and outmaneuver anyone trying to compete with you. Trust your intuition regarding money, partnerships and romance. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are persistent, thoughtful and intense. You are patient and complex.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.
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A suspected IPOB ‘subversive criminal’ was weekend killed by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, THE WHISTLER gathered on Sunday.
The operation was led by police operatives serving in Igbo-Eze North Police Division and the Nigerian Police Force Special Forces working with the neighbourhood watch group on October 21, 2023, at about 10.45pm, the state police command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, stated in a release.
He stated that the suspect was killed at Igbele village by Amachala road in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
He added, “One pump action gun loaded with four live cartridges, three expended cartridges, objects suspected to be amulets, and one black (inscribed “Special Constabulary”) and a yellow-coloured beret were recovered from the neutralized member of the outlawed group.”
Ndukwe added that, “The feat is consequent upon the operatives’ swift response to credible information on the wanton criminal activities of the renegades, who, in their numbers, blocked the road and opened fire on them.
“The operatives, however, tactically returned fire at a superior level, leaving many other members of the subversive criminal group escaping with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has charged the operatives to up their game aimed at making the state unhabitable for crimes.
BUTTE VALLEY — Coming off a dominant win over Santa Rosa last weekend in which Butte College put up 52 points, the game script looked a little different on Saturday for the Roadrunners. They were down 24-0 by halftime and never found their rhythm, leading to a 40-12 loss to the American River Beavers.
Although Butte’s first home loss was deflating, the game had a bright spot that took place off the field. For the third straight season, the Roadrunners partnered with Enloe Medical Center to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. Proceeds from t-shirt sales will benefit the Enloe comprehensive cancer fund.
Butte College quarterback Rieger Sayre (2) runs the ball as American River’s Josh Tremain (left) goes in for a sack during the Butte vs. American River football game on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023 at Cowan Stadium in Butte Valley, California. (Ben Mota/All Axis Sports — Contributed)
Dr. Soumya Pai, breast surgeon for Enloe Comprehensive Breast Care, was in attendance for the “I wear pink” game and tossed the coin at half field.
“It is good that we get to meet and interact with the community, not just the players but also the families of the players. It’s an awesome opportunity for both sides,” Pai said.
Breast cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers, according to Pai, and her role is screening mammograms for women. She said the money raised “not only helps with breast care awareness but it also helps provide certain things to our survivors. All these funds help us give out gas cards, prosthesis or sometimes just help patients get to the clinic — it’s very helpful.”
Between the lines, nothing for the Roadrunners was clicking from the opening kickoff. American River scored a field goal on its first possession, and the Roadrunners nearly lost a fumble on the ensuing drive in their own half. Quarterback Rieger Sayre was able to recover the ball after a botched handoff to Christian Vaughn.
Butte College’s Malcolm Dewalt (4) and Aiden Sullivan (0) take down American River running back Avant Jacobs (2) during the Butte vs. American River football game on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023 at Cowan Stadium in Butte Valley, California. (Ben Mota/All Axis Sports — Contributed)
Despite their slow start to the game, in which the Roadrunners faced a 10-point deficit early, punter Gabe Estabrook sparked some life into his teammates and the fans. On a fourth and long, Estabrook took off for a 23-yard run for a first down. The play wasn’t designed for Estabrook to run, but it never looked as if he was going to punt.
Yet, none of the Roadrunners’ best efforts amounted to putting points on the board until the second half. Butte’s first score came halfway through the third quarter. Offensive coordinator Jon Hays was blunt when asked about what went wrong for his team, saying turnovers and crucial penalties hindered chances of closing the gap the Beavers created early on.
“Four turnovers, it’s hard to beat a good team like that. We got to execute the game plan better,” Hays said.
Sayre’s 16-yard throw to Da’Ron Finkley momentarily had the crowd on its feet. But the decision to go for two resulted in an interception at the 2 yard line, and Josh Tremain’s 98-yard return put American River up 33-6. To open up the fourth quarter, Sayre rushed for a 9-yard touchdown to bring the Roadrunners within 21, yet they came up short once more on a two-point conversion attempt.
Butte College tight end Landon Cooper (8) goes down as American River’s Michael Chavez (rear) makes the stop and Butte’s Will Jordan (12) watches on during the Butte vs. American River football game on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023 at Cowan Stadium in Butte Valley, California. (Ben Mota/All Axis Sports — Contributed)
The Roadrunners’ three game win streak ended, but they still have a 5-2 record — and after Saturday’s game, they will have to be even hungrier to bounce back and make a playoff push. In the staff hallways in front of the stadium, one coach made it clear to a few disappointed players walking out of the room what they need to do: Win out.
A short-term memory will be needed by all the players and coaches to achieve that. They can’t dwell on the taste of defeat, and Hays doesn’t expect this group to hang their heads coming into training.
“We get back to the process,” Hays said. “It doesn’t change, win or lose. We’ll meet tomorrow as a staff and then meet with the guys on Monday and get back to work.”
The Roadrunners will look to get back in the win column Saturday, Oct. 28, when they’ll take on Sierra College at 1 p.m. in Rocklin.
The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) has closed down the Al-azhar Academy, Zaria, over alleged beating of a student to death.
It was reported that a Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 student, Marwan Sambo, 19, died after severe beating and corporal punishment by the Principal, Vice Principal of the school for missing classes.
A statement issued by the Director General (DG) of the KSSQAA, Dr Usman Abubakar on Sunday, stated that it had launched a fact-finding mission over the student’s death.
He said their visit to Zaria was to assemble the sequence of events that transpired from the Al-Azhar Academy, where the incident happened, to the victim’s home, to offer condolences and engage with the bereaved family and some school mates of the victim.
Abubakar added that the KSSQAA team visited the Divisional Police Headquarters, Zaria City, where the school principal and the Vice-Principal were being detained.
“The fact-finding team then moved to Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, where the victim was formally confirmed dead.
“Finally, KSSQAA team visited the graveyard where the victim was said to had been put to rest, and a fresh-looking grave was observed,” he said.
He noted that the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, is resolved to ensure conducive learning environment, equity and justice in schools in the state.
Abubakar urged members of the general public to remain calm and law abiding while investigation continued for justice to be served accordingly.
“In the interim, guided by the provisions of its Establishment Act (amended 2015), the KSSQAA has closed down Al-Azhar Academy, Zaria and the school premises remain sealed pending the outcomes of the investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in Kaduna State, had on Saturday, arrested and detained the principal and the vice principal.
The acting Police Public Relations Officer Kaduna, ASP Mansur Hassan, told newsmen in Zaria, that the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, adding that more people would be arrested in connection with the death of the student.
MINNEAPOLIS – One player in the 49ers’ locker room discreetly said he was a bit bummed this past week. He wanted to go undefeated this season. Heck, who didn’t?
Instead, the 49ers fell victim to football’s on-any-given-Sunday axiom in Cleveland. They were unable to complete a last-drive comeback and fell for the first time this season, 19-17 last Sunday to the Browns.
That did not devastate nor demoralize the 49ers (5-1). But that could change Monday night in Minnesota if they lose back-to-back games on the road for the first time since 2018.
The Vikings (2-4) lack star power around quarterback Kirk Cousins and they’re 0-3 at home. If that isn’t inviting enough for the 49ers, maybe a prime-time spotlight will serve as an elixir. Cousins, after all, is 2-10 on Monday nights in his career.
The 49ers won twice under the lights in their 5-0 start: 30-12 over the New York Giants and 42-10 over the Dallas Cowboys, both at Levi’s Stadium.
“When the lights are on, it’s really fun and easy to get your switch flipped,” tight end George Kittle said. “Going back to the Midwest, it’s going to be a fun time. To hear that ‘Skol’ chant real loud, it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere, against a very strong offense, and a defense that is pressuring more than anybody in the NFL.”
Here are five ways the 49ers can snap a six-game losing streak in Minnesota that traces back to 1994, their last Super Bowl-winning season:
A.P. Photo
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles away from Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
1. BLITZ OR NO BLITZ
No defense is blitzing more than the Vikings, on over 60 percent of their pass snaps. That is a daunting assignment for a 49ers’ offensive line that might have to change its starting unit for the first time this season; left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is doubtful, so Jaylon Moore figures to make his sixth start in three years.
Purdy will be on alert regardless. Part of his instant success have been his counterattacks to the blitz, from his first significant action last December against Miami to the Giants’ 85-percent blitz rate in Week 3. Here’s the catch: the Vikings don’t just blitz, but they cause further chaos with the illusion of sending extra pass rushers.
“Obviously, they love to bring the whole house and all the zero looks that they’ve got,” Purdy said, “And then (they’re) able to bluff out of that and stuff. So, they do a really good job with it. On film, it may look like, ‘Oh man, there’s some space and stuff,’ but they do a good job with bracketing stuff and sort of just anticipating what teams are going to try to do.”
Seemingly each week has pitted the 49ers against a marquee pass rusher, and this game’s is Danielle Hunter, whose eight sacks are tied for the NFL lead with the Steelers’ T.J. Watt. The Vikings aren’t all that imposing, however, and Marcus Davenport just went on Injured reserve.
Minnesota produced five sacks in each of their wins this season, 21-13 at Carolina and 19-13 last Sunday at Chicago. Linebacker Jordan Hicks led the last win with a 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown, 10 tackles and an interception. Six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith has three sacks.
San Francisco 49ers’ Jordan Mason (24) celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 42-10. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
2. RE-RUN TIME
The 49ers offense still clouts the NFL’s third-best rushing attack (148.3 yards per game) but mystery surrounds whether Christian McCaffrey will play or how much and effective he’d be. He’s questionable with an oblique injury that kept him out of the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss at Cleveland.
McCaffrey has led the NFL in rushing through each week of this season, and he’s averaging 5 yards per carry (110 carries, 553 yards, seven touchdowns). His 23 receptions are the 49ers’ second-most behind Brandon Aiyuk’s 25.
Deebo Samuel is not an option to fill in as a rusher. A CT scan revealed a fractured shoulder, and he is out through at least the Week 9 bye.
Thus, behind McCaffrey are Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and Ty Davis-Price.
Mitchell’s Sept. 28 knee injury kept him out two games and opened the door for second-year back Jordan Mason to prove more than a closing-time act. Mason is averaging 5.6 yards per carry (21 carries, 117 yards) and he’s scored in each of the past two games. Mitchell, the 2021 49ers’ leading rusher as a rookie, has just 49 yards on 18 carries this season, and three catches for two yards.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw (57) in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
3. STOP VIKINGS RUN
A strong run defense is the 49ers’ hallmark of their playoff runs. Last Sunday was not a playoff-caliber run defense. The 49ers, without linebacker Dre Greenlaw, allowed the Browns to churn out 160 yards on 34 carries. Greenlaw is expected to return from his hamstring injury.
“They’re going to attack us on the perimeter this week. We know that,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said. “We’ve got to make sure that we set edges and we’ve got guys over the top. Let’s run to the football.”
The Vikings released four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook in June, and this might be the game they turn more to Rams’ reject Cam Akers. Otherwise, Alexander Mattison scare the 49ers, who haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher the past 33 games? “Mattison, at times, you blink, he looks like Cook, the way he runs the ball,” Wilks said. “So they’re going to do a great job in really trying to establish the run, and then quickly do what they do best, which is putting the ball in the air.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 20: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers talks to Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings after a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 17-7. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
4. CONTAIN COUSINS
The Vikings have the NFL’s third-most prolific passing attack, and Kirk Cousins leads the league with completions, attempts and touchdowns, though his 14 scoring strikes are tied with Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa. Star receiver Justin Jefferson is on Injured Reserve (hamstring), but rookie speedster Jordan Addison has four touchdown catches. Left guard Ezra Cleveland is out, so Dalton Risner will start in his place.
Instead of down-field bombs, the 49ers pass defense will be on alert for the underneath routes, as part of their bend-don’t-break approach.
“We know we’re going to get screens. That’s what they do,” Wilks added. “So that’s all been a point of emphasis, just really guys making plays when given the opportunity.”
The Vikings’ minus-7 turnover ratio is tied for the NFL’s third-worst mark. They’ve lost a NFL-high nine fumbles, including at least one in each game except for their Oct. 1 win at Carolina. Cousins accounts for four of those lost fumbles, and he’s been intercepted four times.
The 49ers are a NFL-best plus-eight in the takeaway/turnover department; their defense has 10 interceptions but just one fumble recovery, and their offense has just three turnovers. Another reflection of those turnover discrepancies is each team’s average time of possession: the 49ers clock in at 32:46 (fourth best) and the Vikings are at 26:15 (NFL worst).
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 11: Minnesota Vikings’ Anthony Harris (41) and Eric Kendricks (54) break up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (85) in the first quarter of their NFC divisional playoff game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
5. TIGHT END MATCHUP
T.J. Hockenson has 36 receptions, but his only two touchdowns came in one game. George Kittle, his 49ers’ counterpart, has half as many catches, and all three of his catches came in one game. Both are Iowa products, both train together in the offseason, and both could be major factors this game.
“I’m selling his secrets to our DBs at a low rate. I’m kidding,” Kittle said. “But I love everything about T.J. and I really respect his game, how he plays it.
“He’s in an offense, while they’re missing Justin Jefferson, T.J. is a very formidable threat that’s getting fed the ball a lot,” Kittle added. “If I had him on my fantasy team, I’d probably start him this week, but he’s going against our defense and I’m giving them tips to slow him down, so I have a better National Tight Ends Day.”
It is the fourth year of that so-called holiday (originated by former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s quip to Kittle), and it’s intended to fall on the fourth Sunday every October. Rather than be offended at playing on a Monday night, Kittle realized “I celebrate it every single day, so it’s OK with me.”
Kittle is coming off the lowest receiving output of his career, having made just a 1-yard catch. Two weeks earlier, he had only a 9-yard catch against Arizona. Sandwiched between those games was his career-high three-touchdown show (on three total receptions) in the 42-10 blowout of Dallas. “George has had to help out with protection, and he’s done such a good job of doing that role,” Purdy said. “…We still have a whole basically second half of the season coming up where it’s like, man, George can definitely get involved.”
After the presidential election petition tribunal recently ruled that electronic transmission of results was not mandatory provision of the Electoral Act, as amended in 2022, the Senate has called for amendment of the electoral act to remove ambiguity in it.
Although the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) had advertised the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) as key components of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2023 general election, the electoral umpire would after the polls deny that the Electoral Act makes electronic transmission of results to the IReV portal compulsory.
The main opposition candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), had based their petitions calling for cancellation of the polls on INEC’s failure to transmit results to the IReV portal in real time, among others.
INEC was accused of technically manipulating the presidential election results in favour of the winner, President Bola Tinubu, by failing to conduct the election in accordance with the Electoral Act, among other accusations.
The Nigerian Senate now wants the Electoral Act 2022 amended to ensure mandatory transmission of election results.
The upper legislative chamber is also calling for diaspora voting in future elections and unbundling of INEC for efficiency.
This was contained in the communique issued by the Senate at the end of a two-day retreat organised for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
It read in part, “INEC should be unbundled to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in the preparation and conduct of elections.
“Relating to the use of technology in elections, there is the need to remove the ambiguity evident in Section 64 of the EA22.
“There is also the need to make electronic transmission of results mandatory from the next general election in 2027.
“Uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation should also be mandatory.
“INEC should introduce diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad, such as military, paramilitary, and other security personnel abroad, embassy staff, and other citizens.
“Relating to political parties, the Electoral Act should stipulate sanctions for failure to submit the register of party members not later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions which the political parties have observed in the breach in the 2023 elections without penalty.”
Meanwhile, former chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, who also spoke at the event, alleged that the 2023 polls were manipulated.
Jega spoke on the topic “Electoral Reform and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Review of 2022 Electoral Act (areas for further legislative actions).”
“We have seen, in 2023 elections, the damaging effect of how people in the corridors of power get their client/partisan nominees appointed, without being thoroughly screened, and then they are influenced to compromise the integrity of elections,” he said.
Jega also argued that electronic transmission of election results from polling units should be made compulsory.
He argued that all election cases should be resolved by the courts before the swearing-in of the winners.
Jega added, “Review the process of appointments into INEC, specifically to divest/minimise the involvement of the president in the appointment of Chairman and National Commissioners of INEC, to free the commission from the damaging negative perception of “he who pays the piper dictates the tune.”
“The applicants/nominees for these appointments should be subjected to public scrutiny with regards to knowledge, skills, good character, and non-partisanship. Guidelines should be provided for submitting petitions against any nominee during this process.”
