Minnesota Sports Briefs: Vikings look inward after bad loss

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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier says Monday's 45-7 loss at Green Bay is causing his coaching staff to do some self-reflection.

The defeat was the second this season to a divisional foe in a large margin, as Chicago beat Minnesota last month. Frazier says the staff is searching for ways to narrow the gap between the Bears and Packers and his team. Frazier also says the staff must begin to put its sole focus on formulating a winning gameplan for Sunday's home game against the Raiders. The game kicks off at noon. Minnesota did not practice yesterday, and will hit the practice field today.

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Various media reports indicate the Minnesota Twins are on the verge of announcing the signing of middle infielder Jamey Carroll, a free agent from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 38-year-old Carroll reportedly will sign a two-year contract to play shortstop for Minnesota. Carroll played in 146 games last season, hit no home runs, and drove in 19 runs total. He did hit .290 last season and .291 the season before.

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Two players from the defending national championship Minnesota-Duluth men's hockey team have been chosen as WCHA Players of the Week. Bulldog senior forward Jack Connolly of Duluth is the Offensive Player of the Week, while his teammate Kenny Reiter, a goalie from Pittsburgh is the league's Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week. UMD swept Alaska-Anchorage last week. Brainerd native Josh Archibald, of Nebraska-Omaha, is the WCHA Rookie of the Week for his performance in the Huskies' three-point weekend against Bemidji State in Archibald's home town.

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Hamline freshman standout Nick Widing of Somerset has been named the MIAC men's hockey Athlete of the Week after helping his team to a 4-and-0 start to the season. Gustavus Adolphus senior forward Mollie Carroll of Eagan is the MIAC women's hockey Athlete of the Week after helping the nationally-ranked Gusties to a 4-and-oh start.

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