Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The best seasons for players on offense for the Minnesota Vikings

Many players who have been a part of the of the Minnesota Vikings offense through the years have had spectacular statistical seasons. Since, for the average fan, it is difficult to measure how good a season a lineman has had, here we take a look at the "skill" positions on offense. Statistics, honors such as being named to the Pro Bowl, and the team's overall success during the season were considered. Also, since some players, such as Chuck Foreman, have had a number of great seasons, this article includes only one season for a player.

Here are the top ten:

10) Tommy Kramer, QB, 1981: The second-best quarterback in Vikings' history completed 322 passes in 593 attempts for 3,912 yards, and tossed 26 touchdowns, his career high.

9) Anthony Carter, WR, 1988: A.C. caught 72 balls for 1,225 yards, both career highs, for a 17 yard per catch average. He scored 6 touchdowns. 


8) Ahmad Rashad, WR, 1979: Catching 80 balls for 1,156 yards and 9 touchdowns, all career highs, Rashad was named to the Pro Bowl.  

7) Sammy White, WR, 1976:
One of the few rookies ever to start for coach Bud Grant, White had 51 receptions for 906 yards, a 17.8 yard per catch average, and scored 10 touchdowns on his way to the Pro Bowl.

6) Fran Tarkenton, QB, 1975: Named the NFL's Most Valuable Player during this season, Tarkenton completed 273 passes in 475 attempts, a 64.2% completion rate. He threw for 2,994 yards and 25 touchdowns, and scored two rushing touchdowns as well.

5) Randy Moss, WR, 2003: With 111 receptions for 1,632 yards, both career highs, Moss averaged 14.7 yards per catch and scored 17 touchdowns while being selected to the Pro Bowl.

4) Cris Carter, WR, 1995: The Vikings' all-time best receiver caught 122 passes for 1,371 yards and 17 touchdowns, all career highs. This season included one of his nine Pro Bowls. 


3) Adrian Peterson, RB, 2012: On 348 carries Peterson ran through, over, around, and past defenders on his way to 2,097 yards, second best in NFL history. Peterson averaged an amazing 6.0 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns. He also had 40 receptions and another score while being named to the Pro Bowl and unanimous first team All-Pro. 

2) Bill Brown, RB, 1964: Rushing for a career high 866 yards on 226 carries Brown scored 7 touchdowns on the ground while being named to the Pro Bowl. He also caught 48 passes for 703 yards, a 14.6 yard average, pretty good for a running back, as well as taking 9 in for scores, giving him 16 total touchdowns in a 14 game season.  

1) Chuck Foreman, RB, 1975: Scoring 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,070 yards on 280 carries, Foreman also caught 73 passes for 691 yards and another 9 scores, giving him 22 total touchdowns in a 14 game season. He was named first team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.




source for statistics: www.pro-football-reference.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Who were the most over-rated Minnesota Vikings of all time?

Sometimes coaches and general managers draft or trade for players who they think will put their team "over the top" and lead them to a Super Bowl. It doesn't always work out that way though. Here are some of the Vikings who were not worth the high draft pick or the trade that brought them to Minnesota.


10) Warren Moon, QB: Another one of Dennis Green's silly decisions, bringing in a washed up quarterback and the end of his career, in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Didn't work out, as Moon's three years in Minnesota resulted in a big nothing.

9) E.J Henderson, LB: Started a lot of games for the Vikings but never really lived up to the hype that accompanied him coming out of college. Was basically an average linebacker, and never dominated opponents.

8) Randall Cunningham, QB: Only had a great year in 1998 because he was surrounded by other outstanding players on offense, and had coach Brian Billick calling the plays. Choked in the team's NFC championship game, and there's no way he should have been kept on for the 1999 season over QB Brad Johnson.

7) Darrin Nelson, RB: A much heralded first round pick in 1982, Nelson did not become a standout running back the team had envisioned. He never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season and wasn't very explosive, averaging only 8.8 yards per reception, 8.0 yards per punt return, and 22.4 yards on kick returns. The Vikings passed up Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen to take Nelson. Big mistake.

6) Mark Mullaney, DE: Although he played in 151 games and started 97 in his 12 years with the team, Mullaney didn't seem to learn much from playing behind great ends Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. He never came close to being even an average pass rusher, let alone one that was worth a first round selection. A symbol of the Vikes' mediocrity from 1979 through the mid-1980's.


5) James White, DT: Although a first round draft pick, White didn't exactly turn out to be the next Alan Page. Started 61 games for Bud Grant during his eight years with the team. Not sure why Grant cut Page, thus making White the regular RDT; Bud must have been an optimist. White didn't even make Les Steckel's 1984 mess of team, being waived at the end of training camp.

4) David Palmer, WR: Before the start of each season coach Dennis Green would rave about "his" 1994 second round pick Palmer. What did Palmer produce in his seven year career? A mere 9.9 yard average on punt returns, only 22.6 yards on kickoffs, and no more than 26 receptions in a season, with a career average of 8.6 yards per catch. Whee!

3) Duante Culpepper, QB: Culpepper only had two good years (2000 & 2004) but was still named to many "50 Greatest Vikings of All Time" lists. Why? He was mediocre most of the time and hardly worthy of a first round draft pick. He's just another one of Denny Green's "guys" who never panned out.

2) Bryant McKinnie, OT: Why was this guy named to some Greatest Vikings of All-Time lists? McKinnie was reliable but was never a standout. The team has had other offensive tackles who were much better players.

1) Herschel Walker, RB: Obviously wasn't worth what the Vikings gave up for him. Never even rushed for a thousand yards once in his three years with the team. What a disaster.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The 10 best teams/seasons in Minnesota Viking history

The Minnesota Vikings have had some dominating teams in their 54 year history. Let's take a look at the top ten seasons for the purple and gold.

Honorable mention:

1992: A 11-5 record and a trip to the playoffs.

1968: A 8-6 record and the team's first playoff appearance.

1989:
While reaching the playoffs with a 10-6 record, the defense ranked number 1 in the NFL, giving up the least amount of yards of the 28 teams.

1977: While not a dominant team like in previous seasons the 1977 version finished with a 9-5 record and did make it all the way to the NFC championship game.

1986: Interestingly, while this team did not make make the playoffs with a 9-7 record they scored 398 points, the most in franchise history up until that point. The defense gave up 273 points, good for 5th in the NFL, and ranked 4th in takeaway/giveaway ratio.

The Top 10:

10) 2009:
The Vikings rode Brett Favre's magic all the way to the NFC championship game, before losing excruciatingly to the Saints.

9) 1988: Although losing in the playoffs this team had a potent offense, scoring 406 points, good for 4th in the league. The defense was outstanding, coming in second in the NFL with 233 points allowed, first in yardage allowed, and first in takeaway/giveaway ratio.

8) 1971: An amazing defense allowed only 139 points, the second least amount in team history. A 11-3 season ended with a playoff loss.

7) 1974: The team compiled a 10-4 record en route to to its third Super Bowl appearance, and ranked in the top 3 in the NFL in several offensive and defensive categories.

6) 1970: This team steamrolled opponents with a 12-2 regular season record before losing in the playoffs. The offense was third in the NFL in points scored, and the defense was incredible coming in first the NFL in points and yards allowed and 4th in giveaway/takeaway ratio.

5) 1998: A dream season that ended with a nightmare. A 15-1 record and 556 points scored - the second most by any team in NFL history - couldn't stop an overtime loss in the NFC championship game.
 

4) 1976: The Vikes' last Super Bowl season, the team's veterans still dominated opponents and finished with an 11-2-1 record.

3) 1973: A 12-2 regular season ended with a Super Bowl loss. This team was well balanced, with a potent offense and strong defense.

2) 1975: The best Vikings team to not reach the Super Bowl, this squad sent 9 players to the Pro Bowl. A 12-2 record in the regular season and rankings in the top 3 in the NFL in most offensive and defensive categories makes this the second best team ever.

1) 1969: A Super Bowl loss doesn't discount this team from being the best in franchise history. They scored 379 points, which led the NFL. The defense allowed allowed a mere 133 points, which also led the NFL and is tops in team history - and second in NFL history. In addition, the defense allowed the least amount of yards in the NFL that year, was 3rd in takeaway/giveaway ratio, and won games by an average of 17.6 points. Two great playoff wins over the Rams and the Browns cement the 1969 team as the best in Vikings history.

Monday, November 17, 2014

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

New baseball book for middle grade readers: The Perfect Game
THE PERFECT GAME is a novel for middle grade readers. It is about a twelve year old boy’s roller coaster experience while playing one season of organized baseball.
It is available in Kindle at Amazon for 99 cents, as well as at Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

Click here for details: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Game-Christopher-J-ebook/dp/B007R8G6AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfect+game+christopher+j

Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.

Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.

Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.

Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.

Friday, November 14, 2014

The best Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings history

Because of the hybrid nature of the position, the tight end's role in any given offense depends on the tactical preferences and philosophy of the team's coaches. In some systems, the tight end will act as a sixth offensive lineman, rarely going out for passes. Other systems use the tight end primarily as a receiver, taking advantage of the tight end's size to create mismatches in the defensive secondary. The Vikings have had a number of tight ends who have contributed to their teams' success through the years; here are the six best:

6) John Beasley: In his six years with the team from 1967-1973 Beasley played in 75 games, starting 48, and was the starting tight end on Minnesota’s 1969 championship team. He averaged 10.8 yards on 115 receptions, while scoring 12 touchdowns.

5) Joe Senser: A promising career cut short by a knee injury, Senser played in 49 games, starting 26, from 1980-1984, and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1981 season, when he caught 79 passes for 1,004 yards, a 12.7 average, and 8 touchdowns. His career totals are 165 receptions with an 11.0 average and 16 touchdowns.
  
4) Visanthe Shiancoe:In the five years from 2007-2011 Shiancoe played in 80 games, starting 66. He caught 208 passes for a 11.7 yard per reception average and 24 touchdowns.

3) Jim Kleinsasser:Doing the dirty work as a blocker at tight end, Kleinsasser played in 181 games, starting 130, during 13 seasons with the team. He caught 192 balls for 8.8 yards average and scored 6 touchdowns.

2) Stu Voigt: Voigt was a steady tight end during his 11 years and 131 games, 80 starts, with the team. Contributing during the team's Super Bowl seasons in the mid-'70's, he caught 177 passes with a 10.8 average per catch and 17 touchdowns.

1) Steve Jordan: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Jordan was a consistent and durable tight end, appearing in 176 games and starting 149 in 13 seasons. He had 498 receptions, a 12.7 average yards per catch, and scored 28 touchdowns.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

The best Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings history

Because of the hybrid nature of the position, the tight end's role in any given offense depends on the tactical preferences and philosophy of the team's coaches. In some systems, the tight end will  act as a sixth offensive lineman, rarely going out for passes. Other systems use the tight end primarily as a receiver, taking advantage of the tight end's size to create mismatches in the defensive secondary. The Vikings have had a number of tight ends who have contributed to their teams' success through the years; here are the six best:
 

6) John Beasley: In his six years with the team from 1967-1973 Beasley played in 75 games, starting 48, and was the starting tight end on Minnesota’s 1969 championship team. He averaged 10.8 yards on 115 receptions, while scoring 12 touchdowns.

 
5) Joe Senser: A promising career cut short by a knee injury, Senser played in 49 games, starting 26, from 1980-1984, and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1981 season, when he caught 79 passes for 1,004 yards, a 12.7 average, and 8 touchdowns. His career totals are 165 receptions with an 11.0 average and 16 touchdowns.

 
4) Visanthe Shiancoe: In the five years from 2007-2011 Shiancoe played in 80 games, starting 66. He caught 208 passes for a 11.7 yard per reception average and 24 touchdowns.
 

3) Jim Kleinsasser: Doing the dirty work as a blocker at tight end, Kleinsasser played in 181 games, starting 130, during 13 seasons with the team. He caught 192 balls for 8.8 yards average and scored 6 touchdowns.
 

2) Stu Voigt: Voigt was a steady tight end during his 11 years and 131 games, 80 starts, with the team. Contributing during the team's Super Bowl seasons in the mid-'70's, he caught 177 passes with a 10.8 average per catch and 17 touchdowns.
 

1) Steve Jordan: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Jordan was a consistent and durable tight end, appearing in 176 games and starting 149 in 13 seasons. He had 498 receptions, a 12.7 average yards per catch, and scored 28 touchdowns.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The best offensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have had some pretty good blockers manning the offensive tackle position through the years. Here is a look at the top players in team history at the position:

7) Korey Stringer - Playing in 93 games and starting 91 from 1995-2000, Stringer was slected to one Pro Bowl while at right tackle.

6) Todd Steussie - Starting all 111 games at left tackle from 1994-2000, Steussie was named to two Pro Bowls.

5) Steve Riley - A first round pick in 1974, Riley started 121 games at left tackle during his 11 year career, protecting the blind side of quarterbacks Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer.

4) Gary Zimmerman - Named to three Pro Bowls in his seven years with the Vikings Zimmerman held down left tackle for 108 consecutive games during the late '80's and early 90's.

3) Tim Irwin - During his 13 years with the team he played in 188 games, starting 181 at right tackle. Standing at 6-7, he also blocked a few extra points and field goals while on the special teams unit.

2) Grady Alderman - Holding down left tackle on offense for 13 years - 1961-1973 - Alderman played in 193 games, starting 174, and was selected to the Pro Bowl six times.

1) Ron Yary - Selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in his 14 years with the Vikings, Yary played in 199 games and started 180 at right offensive tackle. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.




source for statistics: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

How about a Detroit Lions - Cleveland Browns Super Bowl?
We’re ten weeks into the NFL season and some teams already are looking toward next year. Still, parity in the NFL has resulted in most teams reaching the Super Bowl at least one time. The Jacksonville Jaguars, in existence since 1995, have yet to make it. Nor have the Houston Texans, but they’ve been around for only 10 years.

On the other hand, two established franchises still have never been to a Super Bowl. The Detroit Lions formed in 1930 and the Cleveland Browns in 1946. Neither have been to a Super Bowl. The last NFL championship for the Browns was in 1964, just before the first Super Bowl. The Lions? A NFL title in in 1957. Since the Super Bowl began? Merely one appearance in the NFC championship game, in 1991. Whew.

Management of these two clubs need to put some extra effort into making their teams competitive. Manage your salary cap better, sign some quality free agents, don’t get cute in the college draft. Some teams may not have won a Super Bowl yet, but at least they’re contenders during most seasons. It must be tough to be a fan of a non-competitive team, sticking with them year after year. I give you all a lot of credit.

As of this writing both the Lions and Browns are in first place in their respective divisions, so here’s hoping they both find success for the rest of 2013 and are able to make the playoffs. They are certainly capable of putting a winning team on the field come January. Their fans deserve no less.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Jets quarterback Michael Vick a pussy, can't take a hit


Jets quarterback Michael Vick is a pussy, complaining about a couple of hits he took from the Pittsburgh Steelers defence during Sunday's game.

Here's a guy who tortured and killed innocent dogs with his bare hands, and never expressed any remorse for it, and now he's complaining about a couple of hard licks during a football game? What a wuss. This guy is a total loser. Not to mention a crappy quarterback. Hey Vick, stop being such a pussy. You're an animal yourself for what you did to the dogs, so how can you be crying about getting hit in a pro football game...

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Vikings' Zimmer a much better head coach than pinhead Childress

The Vikings may have a mediocre 4-5 record at this point, but fans have reason to be optimistic.  Great players make great coaches - but on the other hand lousy coaches can screw up a good team.

Mike Zimmer seems to know what he's doing in his first year, and first opportunity, as a head coach.  Minnesota's defense is much better now than it was in the past few years. Part of that is because of the addition of several new players, but it is mainly because of Zimmer's scheme and style of coaching.

On offense the Vikings have struggled, but having to start a rookie quarterback due to an injury to a veteran quarterback hasn't helped. Nor has the absence of running back Adrian Peterson and tight end Kyle Rudolph. Still, Teddy Bridgewater has played reasonably well for a rookie, and again Zimmer's style will help.

Even with a few misses in the last few games, Zimmer said he believes Bridgewater is good at throwing the deep ball. In fact, he said the Vikings could open it up a little more often.

Zimmer was quoted as saying, "Even if you don’t hit them, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, what’s the difference between just missing the 50-yard shot or you gain one yard? Second-and-9 or second-and-10, same deal. There’s a lot of strategy involved in some of those things we’re doing.”


This is quite different from former Vikings head coach Brad Childress, who may have been the worst head coach in the team's history. Childress believed that throwing a long ball that no one has a chance to catch does no good. He referred to his schemes as a "kick-ass" offense - but the only asses the Vikings kicked when Childress was in charge were their own.

Vikings owners the Wilfs made a big mistake when they hired Childress, but they seem to have made a good decision in hiring Mike Zimmer.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The best defensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history

A defensive tackle in pro football may be called upon to fill several different roles, including holding the point of attack and stopping the run, or penetrating a certain gap between offensive linemen to break up a play in the opponent's backfield. A defensive tackle is an important pass rusher as well, since inside pressure may help to free the defensive ends or blitzing linebackers in their pass rush.

The Vikings have had a number of outstanding tackles during their seasons when they fielded dominant defenses. Here are the top seven at the position in franchise history:

7) Doug Sutherland: Sutherland played in 138 games during his 10 years with the Vikings, starting 90. He plugged the middle of the defensive line at left tackle during the mid 1970's when the team had highly rated defenses.

6) Keith Millard: Selected All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl twice, Millard was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1989 when he recorded 18 sacks. Millard was a key piece of the team's outstanding defenses in the late '80's, appearing in 75 games during his six years with the Vikes.

5) Kevin Williams:
A six time Pro Bowl selection, Williams started all 171 games he appeared in during 11 seasons with the Vikings. He ranks eighth with 60 QB sacks,  knocked down 66 passes, forced 8 fumbles, and recovered 13, returning two for touchdowns. Williams has also intercepted 5 passes, bring back two for scores.

4) Henry Thomas: Selected to two Pro Bowls while appearing in 118 games and starting 117 in eight seasons, Thomas ranks sixth in tackles-for-loss with 62. He is eleventh with 56 sacks, forced 12 fumbles, and recovered 8, returning two for touchdowns. He also had two interceptions and notched a safety.

3) Gary Larsen: A member of one of the best front fours in NFL history,  Larsen  was a crucial part of the team’s dominant defenses in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. He played in 135 games, starting 107, in 10 seasons for the Vikings. He recorded 37 sacks, recovered 10 fumbles, and was named to two Pro Bowls.

2) John Randle: A standout defensive tackle who played in 176 games and started 150, Randle was named to six Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Vikings. He recovered 9 fumbles, ranks third in forced fumbles with 25, and is third in QB sacks with 114. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010.

1) Alan Page: A defensive tackle who changed the game in the late 1960's and early 1970's, Page was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1971. Selected to the Pro Bowl nine times in his 12 years with the Vikings, he played in 160 games and started 157. He is fourth in team history with 108.5 sacks, fourth with 18 fumble recoveries, third with 77 tackles-for-loss, and second with 28 forced fumbles. Page was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1988.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

NFL protecting its Golden Boy Griffin

Based on the calls made by the refs during Sunday's game, the NFL is doing its best to protect its Golden Boy, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin. A few questionable roughing calls against the Minnesota Vikings' defense means the NFL badly wants Griffin to succeed, as a successful black quarterback is important to marketing the game. Let's be honest though, what's the point if he can't be successful on his own?  He's certainly way better than Michael Vick ever was, or is. I'm not sure why the league would want or need to protect him. Guys get injured in football even when they don't get hit, so why worry about it? Just let him, and the defense, play the game.

The best defensive ends in Minnesota Vikings history

NFL defensive ends have varied responsibilities on the field; they have to contain runners with the ball to the inside - no one should get to their outside. They must be able to shed blockers to get to the ball and make tackles behind the line, as well as shut down screen passes. Most importantly they have to pressure quarterbacks on passing plays, either sacking them for a loss or hurrying them into throwing an incompletion or interception.

Some of the Vikings' defensive ends have been the best in NFL history. Here are the top five:

5) Doug Martin: A former first round pick, Martin started and ended his career with the team on controversial notes, but was a pretty good player on the field during the early and mid-1980's. He played in 126 games, starting 94, and his 60.5 sacks rank seventh in team history.

4) Jared Allen:
Named to the Pro Bowl four times in his six years with the team, Allen's 88.5 sacks place him sixth in team history. He also intercepted 4 passes, forced 16 fumbles, recovered 9, and registered 4 safeties while starting all 96 games he appeared in at right end.

3) Chris Doleman: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Doleman played in 154 games, starting 142, in 10 seasons with the Vikings. He leads the team with 33 forced fumbles, fifth in sacks with 96.5, sixth in fumble recoveries with 16, and seventh in tackles-for-loss with 60. He also intercepted five passes, scored two touchdowns, and recorded two safeties.

2) Jim Marshall: Starting all 270 games in which he played as a Viking at right defensive end from 1961-1979, Marshall is second in team history with 127 QB sacks, first with 29 fumble recoveries, and fourth in tackle-for-loss with 74. A two time Pro Bowl selection, he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

1) Carl Eller: The team's all-time leader in QB sacks with 130, Eller was selected to six Pro Bowls. He ranks second in tackles-for-loss with 87, second in fumble recoveries with 23, and seventh in forced fumbles with 15. He also blocked 15 kicks. Eller played in 209 games, fourth in team history, and started 201 from 1964-1978. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2004, an honor that was long overdue. Eller is the best defensive end in Vikings' history as well as one of the NFL's all time bests.



source for statistics: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/