The best 20 victories in Minnesota Vikings history:
20) November 9, 1969: A 51-3 pounding of the Cleveland Browns, a top team in the NFL that year.
19) October 18, 1970: A 54-13 pummeling of the Dallas Cowboys, who later went on to win the conference.
18) November 26, 1998: The 46-36 final makes this game seem closer than it was. The Vikings demolished the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving to establish themselves as one of the best teams of the 1998 season.
17) September 27, 2009: A 27-24 win over the San Francisco 49’ers on the game’s final play, a pass from Brett Favre to Greg Lewis.
16) September 18, 1985: The Vikes scored 14 points in the last 3 minutes to win 28-21 against the San Francisco 49’ers.
15) October 4, 1992: Down 20-0 in the 4th quarter, the Vikes rally to beat the Chicago Bears 21-20.
14) December 29, 1974: A close playoff victory, 14-10, against the Los Angeles Rams.
13) January 3, 1988: A 44-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs.
12) November 26, 1987: A 44-38 win in overtime, on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys.
11) January 17, 2010: Dismantling the Dallas Cowboys 34-3, the Vikings advance to the NFC championship game.
10) December 26, 1976: A 24-13 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game sends the Vikings to their fourth Super Bowl.
9) December 4, 1977: Losing 24-7 in the 4th quarter, the Vikes come back to win 28-27 against the San Francisco 49’ers.
8) January 11, 1988: A 36-24 win against the San Francisco 49’ers propels the Vikings to the NFC championship.
7) October 11, 1981: The Vikes recover an onside kick, then win 33-31 on a field goal in the game’s final minute against the San Diego Chargers.
6) December 22, 1973: A second half comeback gives the team a 27-20 victory over the Washington Redskins in the divisional playoffs.
5) October 5, 1998: With both teams undefeated at 4-0 entering this Monday night contest, the Vikings destroy the Green Bay Packers 37-24.
4) January 4, 1970: A 27-7 win over the Cleveland Browns in the last NFL championship game sends the Vikings to their first Super Bowl.
3) December 30, 1973: The Vikings dominate the Dallas Cowboys in a 27-10 victory in the NFC championship game.
2) December 14, 1980: Losing 23-9 in the 4th quarter, the Vikings rally and beat the Cleveland Browns 29-23 on the game’s final play, a pass from Tommy Kramer to Ahmad Rashad, that gives the team the NFC central division championship.
1) December 27, 1969: A second half comeback results in a 23-20 Vikings playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams, sending the team to the NFL championship. The game featured big plays from QB Joe Kapp, DT Alan Page, and DE Carl Eller.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
ALL-TIME BEST MINNESOTA VIKINGS BY POSITION
ALL
TIME VIKINGS
FIRST
TEAM OFFENSE
QB – Fran Tarkenton
RB – Chuck Foreman
C – Mick Tinglehoff
G – Randall McDaniel
G – Ed White
T – Ron Yary
T – Grady Alderman
TE – Steve Jordan
WR – Cris Carter
WR – Anthony Carter
WR – Randy Moss
K – Fred Cox
FIRST
TEAM DEFENSE
MLB – Jeff Siemon
OLB – Matt Blair
OLB – Roy Winston
E – Carl Eller
E – Jim Marshall
T – Alan Page
T – John Randle
CB – Bobby Bryant
CB – Carl Lee
S – Paul Krause
S – Joey Browner
P – Greg Coleman
SECOND
TEAM OFFENSE
QB – Tommy Kramer
RB – Adrian Peterson
RB – Bill Brown
C – Matt Birk
G – Milt Sunde
G – Steve Hutchinson
T – Tim Irwin
T – Gary Zimmerman
TE – Stu Voight
WR – Sammy White
WR – Ahmad Rashad
K – Ryan Longwell
SECOND
TEAM DEFENSE
MLB – Scott Studwell
OLB – Wally Hilgenberg
OLB – Ed McDaniel
E – Chris Doleman
E – Jared Allen
T – Gary Larsen
T – Kevin Williams
CB – Antoine Winfield
CB – Ed Sharockman
S – Karl Kassulke
S – Harrison Smith
P – Chris Kluwe
THIRD
TEAM OFFENSE
QB – Joe Kapp
RB – Dave Osborn
RB – Robert Smith
C – Jeff Christy
G – David Dixon
G – Charles Goodrum
T – Steve Riley
T – Todd Steussie
TE – Kyle Rudolph
WR – John Gilliam
WR – Gene Washington
K – Fuad Reveiz
MLB – Lonnie Warwick
OLB – Fred McNeil
OLB – Chad Greenway
E – Doug Martin
E – Everson Griffen
T – Henry Thomas
T – Keith Millard
CB – Nate Wright
CB – Xavier Rhodes
S – Robert Griffith
S – Jeff Wright
P – Mitch Berger
Friday, January 19, 2018
The best Safeties in Minnesota Vikings history
The best Safeties in Minnesota Vikings history
A safety is the last line of defense; they cover the pass and
stop the run. In the years the Minnesota Vikings have had strong defenses, they
have had one or two good players at the position. Here are the top ten safeties in franchise history:
10) Kurt Knoff: In four years from 1979-1982 Knoff played in 51 games, starting 43. He intercepted 10 passes, returning one for a touchdown.
10) Kurt Knoff: In four years from 1979-1982 Knoff played in 51 games, starting 43. He intercepted 10 passes, returning one for a touchdown.
9) Darren Sharper: Named to two Pro Bowls in his
four years with the team from 2005-2008, Sharper started all 62 games he played
in. He picked off 18 balls, returning 3 for scores, broke up 38 passes,
recovered three fumbles, and forced two.
8) Tommy Hannon: A hard hitter who played in 117 games and started 103 in his eight year career from 1977-1984, Hannon ranks tenth in team history with 11 fumble recoveries. He also intercepted 15 passes and returned one for a touchdown.
7) Orlando Thomas: Fourth in team history with 65 passes defensed, in his seven year Viking career Thomas intercepted 22 passes, returning two for touchdowns. He also forced six fumbles and recovered 10 while playing in 98 games, starting 87, from 1995-2001.
6) Jeff Wright: Wright was a solid player and part of the team's top defenses during a seven year career from 1971-1977, playing in 83 games and starting 54. He intercepted 12 passes and recovered 9 fumbles.
5) Robert Griffith: Named to one Pro Bowl in his eight years with the team from 1994-2001, Griffith played in 119 games, starting 88 for winning Viking teams in the mid to late 1990's. He picked off 17 passes, forced seven fumbles, recovered two, recorded 7.5 QB sacks, and defensed 56 passes.
8) Tommy Hannon: A hard hitter who played in 117 games and started 103 in his eight year career from 1977-1984, Hannon ranks tenth in team history with 11 fumble recoveries. He also intercepted 15 passes and returned one for a touchdown.
7) Orlando Thomas: Fourth in team history with 65 passes defensed, in his seven year Viking career Thomas intercepted 22 passes, returning two for touchdowns. He also forced six fumbles and recovered 10 while playing in 98 games, starting 87, from 1995-2001.
6) Jeff Wright: Wright was a solid player and part of the team's top defenses during a seven year career from 1971-1977, playing in 83 games and starting 54. He intercepted 12 passes and recovered 9 fumbles.
5) Robert Griffith: Named to one Pro Bowl in his eight years with the team from 1994-2001, Griffith played in 119 games, starting 88 for winning Viking teams in the mid to late 1990's. He picked off 17 passes, forced seven fumbles, recovered two, recorded 7.5 QB sacks, and defensed 56 passes.
4) Harrison Smith: Named to four Pro Bowls and one All Pro team in seven seasons
from 2012-2018, Smith has played in 99 games, starting 98. He has intercepted
20 passes, returning four for touchdowns, knocked down 45 balls, forced four
fumbles and recovered six, and has recorded 12 QB sacks, which is first
all-time among Viking defensive backs.
3) Karl Kassulke: A key player on the team's outstanding defenses in the late '60's and early '70's, Kassulke played in 131 games at safety from 1963-1972, starting 121, intercepting 19 passes. Selected to one Pro Bowl, he had 9 fumble recoveries and his 8 sacks are third among defensive backs.
2) Joey Browner: Selected to the Pro Bowl as a safety six times in his nine seasons from 1983-1991, Browner played in 145 games, starting 117. He is fifth in forced fumbles with 18, fifth in fumble recoveries with 17, fourth in interceptions with 37, and third in passes defensed with 76. He also recorded 9.5 QB sacks, second among Viking defensive backs, and scored 4 touchdowns.
1) Paul Krause: The NFL's record holder for interceptions with 81, Krause is the Vikings leader in that category with 53 picks, returning two of those for touchdowns. He also recovered 11 fumbles, bringing back two for scores, and knocked down 54 passes, ninth in team history. In 12 years with the team from 1968-1979 he played in 172 games, starting 146, and was selected to six Pro Bowls. Krause was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
3) Karl Kassulke: A key player on the team's outstanding defenses in the late '60's and early '70's, Kassulke played in 131 games at safety from 1963-1972, starting 121, intercepting 19 passes. Selected to one Pro Bowl, he had 9 fumble recoveries and his 8 sacks are third among defensive backs.
2) Joey Browner: Selected to the Pro Bowl as a safety six times in his nine seasons from 1983-1991, Browner played in 145 games, starting 117. He is fifth in forced fumbles with 18, fifth in fumble recoveries with 17, fourth in interceptions with 37, and third in passes defensed with 76. He also recorded 9.5 QB sacks, second among Viking defensive backs, and scored 4 touchdowns.
1) Paul Krause: The NFL's record holder for interceptions with 81, Krause is the Vikings leader in that category with 53 picks, returning two of those for touchdowns. He also recovered 11 fumbles, bringing back two for scores, and knocked down 54 passes, ninth in team history. In 12 years with the team from 1968-1979 he played in 172 games, starting 146, and was selected to six Pro Bowls. Krause was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
The best cornerbacks in Minnesota Viking history
The best cornerbacks in Minnesota Viking history
With rules regarding the passing game changing
through the years in the NFL, favoring offensive players to a great degree, the
position of cornerback may have become the most difficult position to play in
pro football. Cornerbacks have to cover wide receivers, who are often the best
athletes on the field. They also have to be sure tacklers. The Vikings have had
some good corners who were important parts of dominant defenses; here are the
top ten in franchise history.
10) Cedric Griffin: In six years from 2006-2011 Griffin played in 80 games, starting 70, and intercepted eight passes. He knocked down 50 balls, forced 14 fumbles, and recovered 3.
9) Willie Teal: Teal played in 80 games and started 61 in
seven years with Minnesota from 1980-1986. He intercepted 15 passes, returning
one for a touchdown, and recovered 5 fumbles. 10) Cedric Griffin: In six years from 2006-2011 Griffin played in 80 games, starting 70, and intercepted eight passes. He knocked down 50 balls, forced 14 fumbles, and recovered 3.
8) Earsell Mackbee: In five seasons with the Vikings from 1965-1969 Mackbee played in 66 games, starting 56, including the team's dominant 1969 season. He picked off 15 passes, taking one back for a touchdown, and recovered 4 fumbles.
7) Audray McMillian: In five years with the team from 1989-1993 McMillian played in 79 games, starting 43, and was selected to one Pro Bowl. He intercepted 19 passes and returned three for scores.
6) Xavier Rhodes: In five seasons from 2013-2017 Rhodes has been named to two Pro
Bowls, while playing in 75 games, starting 68. Teams rarely throw in his
direction; he has intercepted 9 passes, returning one for a score, has defensed
59 balls, and has forced two fumbles.
5) Nate Wright: A steady cornerback during the mid-1970's when the team led the league each year in many defensive categories, Wright played in 129 games in his ten years with the team from 1971-1980 and ranks fifth in Viking history with 31 interceptions.
4) Ed Sharockman: A consistent defensive back on Minnesota's great defenses of the late '60's and early '70's, Sharockman played in 142 games, starting 121, during his 12 years with Minnesota from 1961-1972. He ranks third with 40 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns, and also recovered 9 fumbles.
3)
Antoine Winfield: Selected to three Pro Bowls during his nine
years with the Vikings from 2004-2012, he played in 119 games, starting 115. Of
Winfield's 21 interceptions two have been returned for touchdowns. He defensed
73 passes, which is fourth in team history, recorded 6.5 QB sacks, forced 11
fumbles and recovered 9, returning two of those for touchdowns as well.5) Nate Wright: A steady cornerback during the mid-1970's when the team led the league each year in many defensive categories, Wright played in 129 games in his ten years with the team from 1971-1980 and ranks fifth in Viking history with 31 interceptions.
4) Ed Sharockman: A consistent defensive back on Minnesota's great defenses of the late '60's and early '70's, Sharockman played in 142 games, starting 121, during his 12 years with Minnesota from 1961-1972. He ranks third with 40 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns, and also recovered 9 fumbles.
2) Carl Lee: Selected three times to the Pro Bowl, Lee played in 169 games, starting 144, during 11 seasons with the team from 1983-1993. A key player at cornerback on Minnesota's great defenses in the late 1980's, he is the Vikings all-time leader in passes defensed with 128, recovered 6 fumbles, and is sixth with 29 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
1) Bobby Bryant: A playmaker at cornerback, Bryant was selected to two Pro Bowls in 13 seasons, playing in 161 games and starting 121 from 1968-1980. He is second in team history with 51 interceptions and second in passes defensed with 77. He also recovered 14 fumbles and scored four touchdowns, in addition to coming up with a number of big plays in playoff games during the 1970's.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history
The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history
The Vikings have had some outstanding linebackers who played important roles in the team's dominant defenses through the years; here are the eleven best.
11) Mike Merriweather: Starting each of the 63 games he appeared in from 1989-92, Merriweather registered 10 sacks and intercepted 7 passes, returning two for touchdowns. He also recovered 7 fumbles, taking one back for a score. Remembered for blocking a punt in an overtime game against the Rams that bounced out of the end zone for a safety, winning the game for the Vikes.
10) Jack Del Rio: Selected to one Pro Bowl in four seasons, Del Rio started all 57 games he played in from 1992-95. He intercepted 10 passes, returning one for a touchdown; recorded 7.5 QB sacks; forced three fumbles, and recovered five.
9) Chad Greenway: A two time Pro Bowl selection, Greenway played in 156 games, starting 144, in a ten year career with Minnesota from 2007-2016. He recorded 18 quarterback sacks, forced 8 fumbles and recovered 11, and intercepted 11 passes, returning two for touchdowns.
8) Lonnie Warwick: Warwick played in 92 games and started 75 from 1965-1972. The middle linebacker in a defense that dominated opponents, he intercepted 12 passes, recorded 7.5 sacks and recovered 6 fumbles in his eight year career with the Vikes.
7) Fred McNeil: Playing in 167 games and starting 122 at outside linebacker during his 12 years with the team from 1974-1985, McNeil recovered 16 fumbles, intercepted 7 passes, and recorded 13 quarterback sacks.
6) Ed McDaniel: The team leader in tackles for loss with 90.5, he ranks second among Viking linebackers with 20.5 sacks. McDaniel is also sixth on the team with 17 forced fumbles. He has 5 fumble recoveries, intercepted 4 passes and was named to the Pro Bowl once during his nine seasons and 125 games, 109 starts, from 1992-2001 with the Vikings.
5) Wally Hilgenberg: A tough outside linebacker on the Vikings' great defenses of the late 60's and throughout the 70's, Hilgenberg played in 158 games, starting 118, in 12 seasons from 1968-1979. He recovered 13 fumbles, recorded 8 sacks, picked off 8 passes and scored two touchdowns.
4) Roy Winston: In 15 seasons from 1962-1976 Winston played in 191 games, starting 158 at outside linebacker on dominant Viking defenses in the late '60's and early '70's. A playmaker, he had 16 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries, third and fourth among linebackers, and 12 interceptions, second among linebackers, and scored 3 touchdowns. He also is fifth all-time with 68 tackles-for-loss.
3) Scott Studwell: Fifth in team history with 201 games played, Studwell started 161 at middle linebacker and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his 14 year career from 1977-1990. He forced 12 fumbles, recovered 15, intercepted 11 passes, and had 9 QB sacks. He ranks ninth with 46 tackles-for-loss.
2) Jeff Siemon: A key player as the middle linebacker on the team's top defenses in the mid-1970's, Siemon played in 156 games, starting 123, and was selected to four Pro Bowls during his eleven year career with the Vikings from 1972-1982. He is ninth in team history with 14 forced fumbles; he recovered 11, had 6 QB sacks, and 11 interceptions.
1) Matt Blair: Selected to six Pro Bowls in his 12 seasons from 1974-1985, Blair played in 160 games, starting 130. He is first among Minnesota linebackers, and fourth and third in team history, with 19 forced fumbles and 20 fumble recoveries. He is also tenth on the team in tackles-for-loss with 44. His 23 sacks and 16 interceptions are first among Vikings linebackers. He also blocked 20 kicks in his career. Blair is the best linebacker in Minnesota's history.
The Best Defensive Ends in Minnesota Vikings history
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 ten:
Some of the Vikings' defensive ends have been the best in NFL history. Here are the top ten:
10)
Neil Elshire: From 1981-1986 Elshire
appeared in 63 games, starting 27, and registered 19 QB sacks in six seasons,
with a high of 9.5 in 1983.
9)
Ray Edwards: In five seasons from
2006-2010 Edwards played in 72 games, starting 58, and recorded 29.5 sacks,
with 8.5 coming in 2009.
8)
Al Noga: Scoring two touchdowns
on one interception and three fumble recoveries, Noga had 29.5 QB sacks in five
years from 1988-1992, with 11.5 in 1989. He played in 73 games, starting 56.
7)
Brian Robison: In eleven seasons from
2007-2017 Robison has played in 173 games, starting 103. He has registered 60
QB sacks, forced 13 fumbles, and recovered 8.
6)
Everson Griffen: Named to three Pro
Bowls in eight seasons from 2010-2017, Griffen has played in 121 games,
starting 63. He has 61 sacks, forced 9 fumbles and recovered 6, returning one
for a TD, and also intercepted one pass, running it in for a score.
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 in ten seasons from 1980-1989. He played in 126 games, starting 94, and recorded 60.5 sacks and 7 fumble recoveries.
4) Jared Allen: Named to the Pro Bowl four times in his six years with the team from 2008-2013, 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 from 1985-1993 and 1999. He leads the team with 33 forced fumbles, is 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.
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 in ten seasons from 1980-1989. He played in 126 games, starting 94, and recorded 60.5 sacks and 7 fumble recoveries.
4) Jared Allen: Named to the Pro Bowl four times in his six years with the team from 2008-2013, 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 from 1985-1993 and 1999. He leads the team with 33 forced fumbles, is 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.
The best defensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history
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 ten at the position in franchise history:
The Vikings have had a number of outstanding tackles during their seasons when they fielded dominant defenses. Here are the top ten at the position in franchise history:
10)
Paul Dickson: In ten years with the
Vikings from 1961-1970 Dickson played in 129 games, starting 81. He registered
29 QB sacks and recovered three fumbles.
9)
Pat Williams: Named to three Pro
Bowls in six years with Minnesota from 2005-2010, Williams started all 93 games
he played in, forcing five fumbles, recovering four, with 7.5 sacks.
8)
Linval Joseph: Starting all 60 games
he has played in during four seasons, Joseph has recorded 11 sacks, forced four
fumbles and recovered one, and has been named to one Pro Bowl.
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.
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) 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.
4) 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 also intercepted 5 passes, bring back two for scores.
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.
4) 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 also intercepted 5 passes, bring back two for scores.
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.
Friday, January 12, 2018
The best offensive tackles in Minnesota Vikings history
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:
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.
The best Offensive Guards in Minnesota Vikings history
The best
Offensive Guards in Minnesota Vikings history
Guards on NFL
offensive lines are often overlooked but play key roles in a team's offense.
They have to block quick defensive players trying to get to the quarterback on
passing plays as well as move big defensive tackles out of the way on running
plays. The Vikings have had some steady players at the position in franchise
history.
10) Chris Liwienski: Played in 94
games and started 74 in seven seasons from 1998-2005.
9) Terry Tausch: In seven years
from 1982-1988 played in 81 games, starting 68.
8) Jim Hough: Played in 111 games and started 75 from 1978-86. Bud Grant said
Hough should have been selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1983 season.
7) Wes Hamilton: From 1976-84 Hamilton played in 116 games, starting 92. He blocked for QB's Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer and led the way for RB's Chuck Foreman and Ted Brown.
6) Charles Goodrum: Playing in 95 games and starting 72 from 1973-79, Goodrum opened holes for Foreman and protected Tarkenton during the team's dominant seasons.
5) Steve Hutchinson: Named to four Pro Bowls during his six years with the team from 2006-11, Hutchinson started all 89 games that he played in during his tenure with the Vikings.
4) David Dixon: Dixon played in 152 games during eleven seasons for the Vikings. He started 134 of those games at right guard, clearing the way for runners such as Robert Smith, Leroy Hoard, and Michael Bennett.
3) Milt Sunde: A former 20th round pick, Sunde played in 147 games at left guard and right guard, starting 106, including the team's dominant season in 1969.
7) Wes Hamilton: From 1976-84 Hamilton played in 116 games, starting 92. He blocked for QB's Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer and led the way for RB's Chuck Foreman and Ted Brown.
6) Charles Goodrum: Playing in 95 games and starting 72 from 1973-79, Goodrum opened holes for Foreman and protected Tarkenton during the team's dominant seasons.
5) Steve Hutchinson: Named to four Pro Bowls during his six years with the team from 2006-11, Hutchinson started all 89 games that he played in during his tenure with the Vikings.
4) David Dixon: Dixon played in 152 games during eleven seasons for the Vikings. He started 134 of those games at right guard, clearing the way for runners such as Robert Smith, Leroy Hoard, and Michael Bennett.
3) Milt Sunde: A former 20th round pick, Sunde played in 147 games at left guard and right guard, starting 106, including the team's dominant season in 1969.
2) Ed White: Selected to three Pro Bowls in his eight years with the team,
White played in 122 games and started 94 at guard during the team's dominant
run in the early and mid-1970's.
1) Randall
McDaniel: Selected to the Pro Bowl a record 12 times
in his 12 years with the Vikings, he played in 190 games, starting 188 at left
guard. McDaniel was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
The best Centers in Minnesota Vikings history
The best Centers in Minnesota Vikings history
The importance of the Center in NFL offenses
cannot be overlooked. They have to block quick defensive players trying to get
to the quarterback on passing plays as well as move big defensive tackles out
of the way on running plays. The Vikings have had some steady players at the
position in franchise history.
5) Dennis Swilley: While skipping the 1984 season, Swilley was good enough to play in 139 and start 101 games at center during his ten years, 1977-1987, with the team.
4) Kirk Lowdermilk: Playing in 114 and starting 86 games in eight
years from 1985-1992, Lowdermilk manned the position during some outstanding
seasons for Vikings’ offenses.5) Dennis Swilley: While skipping the 1984 season, Swilley was good enough to play in 139 and start 101 games at center during his ten years, 1977-1987, with the team.
3) Jeff Christy: A former practice squad player, Christy played
in 101 started 92 games at center during seven seasons from 1993-1999, and was
named to two Pro Bowls.
2) Matt Birk: In his ten year Viking career Birk played in
146 and started 123 games at the pivot from 1998-2008, earning six Pro Bowl
nods while snapping the ball at center.
1) Mick Tingelhoff: A six time Pro Bowl selection, Tingelhoff
started every Viking game at center from 1962 through 1977, 240 consecutive
games in all. He anchored the Vikings offensive line during all of their
championship seasons and was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2015.
The best Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings history
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 seven best:
7) 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.
6) 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.
5) 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.
4) 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.
3) Kyle Rudolph: In seven years Rudolph has played in 96 games,
starting 88, and was named to one Pro Bowl. He has caught 322 passes with a 9.8
yard average and 37 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.
The best Wide Receivers in Minnesota Vikings history
The best Wide Receivers in Minnesota Vikings history
10) Percy Harvin: While better known
as a kick returner, Harvin played 54 games at wide receiver in four seasons
from 2009-2012, catching 280 balls for a 11.8 average and 20 touchdowns.
9) Hassan Jones: In seven seasons
from 1986-1992 Jones played in 100 games, catching 222 passes for a 16.8 yards
per catch average and 24 touchdowns.
8) Jake Reed: Reed played in 134 games and started 83
during his 10 years with the team, 1991-1999, and 2001. His 413 catches rank
fourth in team history, and his 33 touchdown receptions are good for sixth.
7) Gene Washington: Playing in 81 games in his six seasons with the
Vikings from 1967-1972, Washington was named to the Pro Bowl twice and was the
team's top receiver in the 1969 championship season, scoring 9 touchdowns and
averaging 21.1 yards per catch.
6) John Gilliam: Named to the Pro Bowl after each of his four
seasons with the team from 1972-1975, while playing in 56 games, Gilliam's 20
yard average-per-reception is by far highest among Viking players with at least
100 catches. He scored 27 touchdowns.
5) Ahmad Rashad: Selected to four Pro Bowls in his seven years
with the team from 1976-1982, Rashad had 400 receptions and scored 34
touchdowns in 98 games. He was part of one of the most memorable plays in NFL
history, catching a touchdown pass on the game's last play against the Browns
in 1980.
4) Sammy White: A two time Pro Bowler, White played in 128 games, starting 118, from 1976-1985, averaging 16.3 yards per catch. His 50 touchdown receptions are fourth in team history.
4) Sammy White: A two time Pro Bowler, White played in 128 games, starting 118, from 1976-1985, averaging 16.3 yards per catch. His 50 touchdown receptions are fourth in team history.
3) Randy Moss: A five time Pro Bowl selection during his seven
seasons and 113 games, 101 starts, with
Minnesota from 1998-2003 and 2010, Moss is second in team history in a number
of receiving categories, including 587 receptions, 9,316 yards, and 92
touchdowns.
2) Anthony Carter: A dynamic game-changing receiver, Carter
averaged 16 yards per catch and is third in team history with 478 receptions,
7,636 yards and 52 touchdowns. Selected to the Pro Bowl three times, he played
in 133 games and started 125 in his nine years with the team from 1985-1993.
1) Cris Carter: Selected to 8 consecutive Pro Bowls in his 12
years with the team from 1990-2001, Carter played in 188 games, starting 177.
He holds most Viking receiving records, including 1,004 receptions, 12,383
yards, and 110 touchdowns. He ranks fourth all-time in NFL history in
receptions and touchdown catches, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2013.
The best running backs in Minnesota Vikings history
The best running backs in Minnesota Vikings history
The Vikings have had several great running
backs through the years, although the position has not seen as many strong
players as other positions through the years. Here are the ten best in
franchise history.
10) Alfred Anderson: Anderson was a decent role player for the Vikings from 1984-1991, rushing for 2,374 yards in 108 games during eight seasons with the team.
9) Terry Allen: While
only on the team’s active roster for 47 games in three seasons from 1991-1994,
Allen ran for over 1,000 yards in two of those years, with 2,795 total
rushing yards and 72 receptions.10) Alfred Anderson: Anderson was a decent role player for the Vikings from 1984-1991, rushing for 2,374 yards in 108 games during eight seasons with the team.
8) Chester Taylor: In
four years and 61 games from 2006-2009, Taylor rushed for over 1,000 yards
once. He totaled 2,797 yards on the ground and caught 160 passes out of the
backfield.
7) Tommy Mason: The Vikings’ first-ever draft pick, Mason played in 70 games in seven seasons from 1961-66, and is eighth in team history with 3,252 rushing yards. He was selected to three Pro Bowls.
6) Ted Brown: Brown played in 106 games during his eight
year career with Minnesota from 1979-1986, ranking fifth on the team's rushing
list with 4,546 yards and seventh in scoring with 53 touchdowns.
5) Dave Osborn: A tough runner and reliable receiver out of the
backfield, Osborn's 4,320 rushing yards rank sixth in team history. He was
named to one Pro Bowl during his 11 years and 137 games with the team from
1965-1975.
4) Robert Smith: A two time Pro Bowl selection, Smith played in
98 games during his eight seasons with the team from 1993-2000, rushing for
6,818 yards, second in team history.
3) Adrian Peterson: In ten seasons and 123 games, Peterson holds
the Viking record in rushing yards with 11,747 and is first in rushing
touchdowns with 97. A seven time Pro Bowl selection.
2) Bill Brown: A tough runner, he is in fourth place in
rushing yards with 5,757 and second with 52 touchdowns on the ground. He added
286 receptions and another 23 TD's as a receiver out of the backfield. Brown
played in 180 games during 13 seasons from 1962-1974 and was selected four
times to the Pro Bowl.
1) Chuck Foreman: An exceptional runner and receiver who could
turn around a game, Foreman was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and to one
All-Pro team in his seven seasons and 93 games in Minnesota from 1973-1979. He is
third in team history with 5,887 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns, and caught
336 passes for another 23 scores.
The Most Over-Rated Minnesota Vikings of All Time
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Ranking the head coaches in Minnesota Vikings history
Ranking the head coaches in Minnesota Vikings history
With Mike Zimmer now the 9th head coach in the Minnesota Vikings' 58 year history, let's take a look at his predecessors who have led Purple Gang in the past.
How do they rank, from best to worst?
1) Bud Grant – 1967-1983, 1985 - An easy choice for the top spot, Grant served the most games as the Vikings’ head coach, from 1967-1985. His 1994 Hall of Fame induction was long overdue; he deserved to be enshrined within two years of his retirement in 1986. Grant’s regular season record of 158-96-5 and winning percentage of .622 ranks 13th all-time among NFL head coaches, ahead of Joe Gibbs, Hank Stram, and Mike Ditka. Grant’s teams won the NFC Central Division 11 times in his 18 years. He once stated, “Offense sells tickets but defense wins ballgames,” and his defenses were often ranked first in the league from 1968-1977, giving up the least points and yardage of any team. Grant’s 10-12 post-season record isn’t great, and the obvious blemish on his credentials is the Vikes’ four Super Bowl losses. Joe Kapp, quarterback of the 1969 team, stated that Grant didn’t have the team well-prepared to face the Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. There was also the release of Alan Page in 1978, with Page going on to have three more outstanding years with the Bears. Grant did benefit from some of former general manager Jim Finks’ excellent draft choices (outstanding players such as Carl Eller, Ron Yary, and Chuck Foreman, among others). Still, Grant pulled it all together and the team won games, often dominating their opponents. Successful players loved playing for Bud.
2) Mike Zimmer - 2014 - present - In five years at the helm Zimmer has a 47-32-1 record for a .594 winning percentage. He has done a good job so far, showing that he is a good judge of talent, and has put players in situations where they can succeed (unlike Dennis Green and Brad Childress, among others). A former defensive coordinator, his schemes and gameplans so far have worked extremely well. In 2017 Minnesota's defense ranked first in the NFL, allowing the fewest points and the least amount of yards. The Vikings made it to the playoffs in 2015 and 2017, and will be a top team in the NFC for a while.
2) Mike Zimmer - 2014 - present - In five years at the helm Zimmer has a 47-32-1 record for a .594 winning percentage. He has done a good job so far, showing that he is a good judge of talent, and has put players in situations where they can succeed (unlike Dennis Green and Brad Childress, among others). A former defensive coordinator, his schemes and gameplans so far have worked extremely well. In 2017 Minnesota's defense ranked first in the NFL, allowing the fewest points and the least amount of yards. The Vikings made it to the playoffs in 2015 and 2017, and will be a top team in the NFC for a while.
3) Jerry Burns – 1986 - 1991 - Grant’s longtime offensive coordinator, sometimes credited with creating the “West Coast offense,” Burns’ record of 52-43 and .547 winning percentage land him in the third spot. Burns worked from 1986-1991, with a 3-3 post-season record. The 1987 team destroyed the Saints and 49’ers in the playoffs before Darrin Nelson’s dropped pass in the NFC championship game against the Redskins ended the Vikes’ season. That was as close to the Super Bowl as the Vikes and been in ten years, and as close as they would get for another eleven. The 1988 team dominated during the season with 9 players being selected to the Pro Bowl, before losing to the 49’ers in the playoffs. Burns was sometimes criticized for being hands-off, not wearing a head-set and delegating too much authority to his assistant coaches, like offensive coordinator Bob Schnelker – but come on Burnsie, even I knew when the offense lined up a certain way that there was going to be a “shotgun draw” running play. (Ironically Schnelker, while a player, scored the Vikings first touchdown on a pass from Fran Tarkenton in 1961). Unfortunately Burns was also stuck with the results of owner/general manager Mike Lynn’s ridiculous Herschel Walker trade, and also should have been named head coach when Grant first retired in 1983 (another dumb move by Lynn, who instead named Les Steckel head coach). Most Vikings liked playing for Burnsie, and his teams’ success can’t be ignored.
4) Dennis Green – 1992 - 2001 - Most fans, even his critics, would place Green behind Grant in the number two slot on this list. His 97-62 regular season record, a .610 winning percentage, is certainly impressive. His first season in 1992 saw the Vikings improve to an 11-5 record, which is definitely an accomplishment, considering the shambles the team had been in at the end of 1991. I started to dislike Dennis in 1993 when he dumped offensive coordinator Jack Burns and made his pal Brian Billick coordinator. As the years went on Green surrounded himself with his cronies as assistant coaches, a couple of which were roundly criticized by players as unqualified (see defensive backs coach Richard Solomon). While his teams were playoff contenders every year, Green could hardly be considered a smart judge of talent. Even though he bragged about his “projects” they never amounted to much (offensive lineman Bernard Daffney, defensive end James Harris, among others) and this whole “coach’em up” concept is something I think can be silly and also annoys me about coaches in general. Who knows why, but Green didn’t get along with All-Pro guard Randall McDaniel, which is another thing I don’t get about coaches who never played professionally. If the guy is a great player…what’s your problem? Green dumped quarterbacks Rich Gannon and Brad Johnson, who both went on to have outstanding careers and won Super Bowls with Oakland and Tampa Bay, respectively. Instead Green chose to go with journeyman Sean Salisbury, washed up Jim McMahon, and choker Randall Cunningham as his quarterbacks at various points. (There’s no way Cunningham was going to repeat his 1998 performance in 1999). His drafting of defensive end Demetrius Underwood in the first round in 1999 was absurd, and not being aware of the late Korey Stringer’s physical condition in training camp in 2001 is inexcusable. While he didn’t miss the kick or make any of the stupid plays that cost the Vikings the NFC championship game against the Falcons after the 1998 season, “taking a knee” with the league’s best offense on the field with time left on the clock before halftime is unbelievable. Losing that game…all these years later, it’s still too much to think about.
5) Mike Tice – 2001 - 2005 - Tice did a decent job with the players he had, posting a 32-33 record and .492 winning percentage with a 1-1 playoff record that included a huge win against the Packers in 2004. Although he did make some questionable decisions in terms of player personnel, he probably would have gotten better with experience if he had stayed on the job. While maybe he wasn’t the right fit for the Vikings at the time, Tice seemed to be open with the media, and also reminded fans to “enjoy the season.” He seemed pretty organized and I think he’d make a good head coach somewhere, even though former Vikes punter Mitch Berger reportedly referred to him as a “meathead” and he was implicated in a ticket scalping scam that cost him a $100,000 fine.
6) Norm Van Brocklin – 1961- 1966 - The first Vikings coach, his 29-51-4 record and .363 winning percentage don’t impress. Didn’t seem to be much of a judge of talent. Especially since he had a good quarterback in Fran Tarkenton but didn’t utilize him in the right way, or maybe just refused to. I’m assuming Van Brocklin’s in the Hall of Fame based on his career as a NFL quarterback in the 1950’s. Can’t be for anything he did with the Vikings, since he did nothing.
6) Norm Van Brocklin – 1961- 1966 - The first Vikings coach, his 29-51-4 record and .363 winning percentage don’t impress. Didn’t seem to be much of a judge of talent. Especially since he had a good quarterback in Fran Tarkenton but didn’t utilize him in the right way, or maybe just refused to. I’m assuming Van Brocklin’s in the Hall of Fame based on his career as a NFL quarterback in the 1950’s. Can’t be for anything he did with the Vikings, since he did nothing.
7) Leslie Frazier – 2010 - 2013 - It doesn't seem like Frazier was in charge for three and a half seasons; it also feels like his 22-31-1 won-loss record and .398 winning percentage should have been better. Unfortunately he came into a chaotic situation, had little talent on the roster, and had a number of key players get injured during each season. Frazier seemed to delegate too much authority to coordinators who were conservative play callers.
8) Brad Childress – 2006 - 2010 - Most fans might place Childress fourth on this list, after Grant, Green, and Zimmer. To me he doesn’t deserve to be ranked any higher, only lower. His 39-35 record and .527 winning percentage is misleading. The only reason the Vikings won a lot of games in 2009 is because Brett Favre had a great season. I knew the Vikes were in trouble when a few weeks after Childress was hired in 2006 I read in an interview that he’d rather draft a quarterback from a smaller school, “knock the edges off, and then in a few years you’ve got something.” Good grief. These coaches and their projects. It’s ridiculous. Childress was not a keen judge of talent; a lot of the players he had a hand in drafting or signing were not very good. Just look at the mess the team is in at the end of the 2011 season. He referred to the offense he designed as a “kick-ass offense” but it was usually more like the Vikings kicking themselves in the ass. I should probably blame the Wilfs, the owners who hired Childress in the first place. They brought him in to “clean things up and restore order” after the Love Boat scandal and other shenanigans going on the clubhouse, but in the end there was more turmoil and chaos with Childress in charge (see the Randy Moss trade/release and loss of a draft pick). In an interview former quarterback Gus Frerotte stated that Childress absolutely refused to allow his quarterbacks to call an audible at the line of scrimmage; Frerotte noted that now, as a high school coach, he even lets his quarterbacks call audibles. The thing that bothers me a lot though is the 12th man on the field fiasco at the end of the NFC championship game against the Saints after the 2009 season. Yes, the coaches don’t miss the blocks and tackles, fumble the ball, throw the interceptions, or miss calls like the referees do. But the penalty for having 12 men on the field…12 men on the field? That was just too much. How could that happen? Not to mention, you’ve got 23 assistant coaches helping you…and there’s 12 guys on the field? That is still unreal to me. To Childress’ credit, he did take responsibility for that disaster at a press conference in the days following the game. Oh well. So close to going to the Super Bowl, and yet another missed opportunity. In retrospect, the Wilfs could have went after Sean Payton or Mike McCarthy – both of whom became head coaches in 2006 as well and later went on to win Super Bowls with the Saints and Packers, respectively. Nice.
8) Brad Childress – 2006 - 2010 - Most fans might place Childress fourth on this list, after Grant, Green, and Zimmer. To me he doesn’t deserve to be ranked any higher, only lower. His 39-35 record and .527 winning percentage is misleading. The only reason the Vikings won a lot of games in 2009 is because Brett Favre had a great season. I knew the Vikes were in trouble when a few weeks after Childress was hired in 2006 I read in an interview that he’d rather draft a quarterback from a smaller school, “knock the edges off, and then in a few years you’ve got something.” Good grief. These coaches and their projects. It’s ridiculous. Childress was not a keen judge of talent; a lot of the players he had a hand in drafting or signing were not very good. Just look at the mess the team is in at the end of the 2011 season. He referred to the offense he designed as a “kick-ass offense” but it was usually more like the Vikings kicking themselves in the ass. I should probably blame the Wilfs, the owners who hired Childress in the first place. They brought him in to “clean things up and restore order” after the Love Boat scandal and other shenanigans going on the clubhouse, but in the end there was more turmoil and chaos with Childress in charge (see the Randy Moss trade/release and loss of a draft pick). In an interview former quarterback Gus Frerotte stated that Childress absolutely refused to allow his quarterbacks to call an audible at the line of scrimmage; Frerotte noted that now, as a high school coach, he even lets his quarterbacks call audibles. The thing that bothers me a lot though is the 12th man on the field fiasco at the end of the NFC championship game against the Saints after the 2009 season. Yes, the coaches don’t miss the blocks and tackles, fumble the ball, throw the interceptions, or miss calls like the referees do. But the penalty for having 12 men on the field…12 men on the field? That was just too much. How could that happen? Not to mention, you’ve got 23 assistant coaches helping you…and there’s 12 guys on the field? That is still unreal to me. To Childress’ credit, he did take responsibility for that disaster at a press conference in the days following the game. Oh well. So close to going to the Super Bowl, and yet another missed opportunity. In retrospect, the Wilfs could have went after Sean Payton or Mike McCarthy – both of whom became head coaches in 2006 as well and later went on to win Super Bowls with the Saints and Packers, respectively. Nice.
9) Les Steckel – 1984 - probably the only worse season than 2011 in the Vikings history is 1984. Steckel’s old-school coaching methods turned off players from the start. Yelling like a marine drill sergeant didn’t work with professional football players. Players were worn out before midseason from all the hitting in training camp and practices. Steckel also made many questionable player personnel decisions, starting guys who wouldn’t have made other teams’ rosters. His 3-13 record included the Vikings being completely blown out on the field in some games. Les gained some measure of redemption in an odd way the following year in 1985. After being fired as the Vikings head man he became receivers coach for the New England Patriots – and went with them to Super Bowl XX. Seems like everyone gets a chance to go to the Super Bowl, except for the Vikings.
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