SPECIAL DELIVERY: Vikings pass defense, red zone offense fails them in loss to Eagles

Host Michael Rand starts with Tuesday's news that Carson Wentz will start a fifth straight game for the Vikings on Thursday against the Chargers. It's not really what anyone wants, but it probably is the right thing. 11:00: Randy Johnson joins Rand for a Gophers football breakdown. They dismantled Nebraska. Can they do the same at Iowa? 28:00: Minnesota United has a big opportunity.

Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins host Michael Rand to preview Minnesota's season. Which players are candidates for regression and progression? Where do the Wolves stack up in the loaded West? We'll answer those questions and more.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's win at the New York Rangers on Monday, which helped them get closer to their identity than many previous games. Plus the World Series is set and the Twins have identified more managerial candidates. 9:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the Vikings' film from Sunday's loss to the Eagles. 30:00: Vikings poetry reveals how fans are getting antsy to see J.J. McCarthy again.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, with most of their focus on two very different football games. The Vikings lost 28-22 to the Eagles. They again lost the turnover battle (2-0) and again never led. There were a lot of issues, and now Minnesota has just three more days to prepare before playing the Chargers. Meanwhile, P.J. Fleck's Gophers were about as dominant as they have been during his tenure in dismantling Nebraska. The Gophers are 5-2 now and have legitimate aspirations for a good bowl game. Plus a look ahead to the Wolves season that starts Wednesday.

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for an extended Daily Delivery debate.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the question of J.J. McCarthy vs. Carson Wentz, which will intensify this week. McCarthy is back at practice. Wentz has started the last three games. Both are talking to the media on Wednesday, but a starter hasn't been named for Sunday's game against the Eagles. It's a lot like old times. Plus the Wild has suddenly figured out its power play, but now they can't score 5-on-5? 11:00: Star Tribune Gophers writer Randy Johnson checks in on the 4-2 football team, which is more than a touchdown underdog against Nebraska at home Friday. Plus the men's hockey team has a huge series at North Dakota. 28:00: A listener wants more Gophers volleyball coverage, the Twins have managerial interviews set and it's National Pug Day.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with an important win for the Wild fueled by their power play and young goalie. Plus a dissection of how Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell watches football. 16:00: Jon Marthaler joins Rand to break down what's at stake for Minnesota United in this weekend's final regular season game. 33:00: Nebraska is a big favorite against the Gophers.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. It's a football-heavy show starting with the Gophers, who made clutch plays but also struggled in many moments in a 27-20 Homecoming win over Purdue. P.J. Fleck's team is still searching for an identity, as are the Vikings. Plus Chip gives an update on an ex-Gophers QB with a son who is a rising star.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's 5-0 win over St. Louis in Thursday's opener. The best sign from the game was Ryan Hartman scoring twice because he is a good indicator of Minnesota's success. 6:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins the show to talk about the Twins' managerial search, the Vikings' QB dilemma and big-picture Wild optimism. 28:00: Listener questions about J.J. McCarthy, MLB replay, pro vs. college coaches and big spending by MLB owners.