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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The best late round draft picks in Minnesota Vikings history

The Vikings have selected some great players in later rounds of the NFL Draft during their 51 years in the league. You don't have to be a first round draft pick to have a great career in the NFL, and these Viking players, some of whom played their entire careers with Minnesota, prove that talent can be found anywhere.

10) Terry Allen, RB, round 9, 1991: Allen rushed for over one thousand yards twice in his three years with the Vikings, and totaled 8,614 yards on the ground in a ten year career with five teams.

9) Brad Johnson, QB, round 9, 1992: Johnson played seven seasons with the Vikes; he made the Pro Bowl with the Redskins and the Buccaneers, also winning the Super Bowl with Tampa in 2002. Dumb Dennis Green and ya-hoo owner Red McCombs made the mistake of trading Johnson for draft picks after the 1998 season and instead held on to washed-up choke artist QB Randall Cunningham (who played in a mere six games the following season before being unceremoniously dumped onto the scrap heap).

8) Jeff Wright, S, round 15, 1971: Wright was a solid safety on the Vikings great defenses and Super Bowl teams from 1973-1977.

7) Milt Sunde, G, round 20, 1964: Sunde played in 147 games, starting 106, in his 11 year Viking career, contributing to the top Viking offenses in several championship years.

6) Stu Voight, TE, round 10, 1970: Voight was a steady tight end during his 11 years and 131 games with the team, contributing during the team's Super Bowl seasons in the mid-'70's.

5) Dave Osborn, RB, round 13, 1965: 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 with the team.

4) Matt Birk, C, round 6, 1998: Birk played in 146 games and started 123 from 1998-2008, earning six Pro Bowl nods while snapping the ball at center.

3) Steve Jordan, TE, round 7, 1982: 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 and scored 28 touchdowns.

2) Carl Lee, CB, round 7, 1983: Selected three times to the Pro Bowl, Lee played in 169 games, starting 144, during 11 seasons with the team. A key player at cornerback on the team's great defenses in the late 1980's, he is the 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) Scott Studwell, MLB, round 9, 1977: Fifth in team history with 201 games played, Studwell started 161 at middle linebacker and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice. He forced 12 fumbles, recovered 16, intercepted 11 passes, had 9 QB sacks, and ranks ninth with 46 tackles-for-loss. Studwell is the best late round draft pick in Vikings history.

The worst first round draft picks in Minnesota Viking history

The Minnesota Vikings have wasted a number of first round draft picks in their 53 year history on players who never lived up expectations or contributed next to nothing to the team. Here are the ten most wasted picks that, in some cases, set the franchise back years. It's hard to believe that scouts and coaches spend so much time and energy on the draft, yet can make such bad decisions when selecting players.

10) Mark Mullaney, DE, 1975: 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.

9) James White, DT, 1976: 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.

8) Randy Holloway, DE, 1978: Another end, like Mullaney, who never amounted to much as a pass rusher or even as an average defensive lineman. Started only 31 games in his 7 years with the team and was unceremoniously dumped by Les Steckel (which isn't saying much) in the middle of the 3-13 fiasco that was the 1984 season.

7) Derrick Alexander, DE, 1995: Dennis Green was never much of a talent evaluator, and Alexander was one of his mistakes. Played only four seasons and made zero impact. Hardly worth being the 14th selection in the draft overall.

6) Gerald Robinson, DE, 1986: One of those hybrid DE/OLB types that rarely seem to pan out, Robinson, like Alexander, was the 14th overall pick in the first round. He didn't even make it through two years with the team, dumped by the Vikings after the fourth game in his second season in 1987. Not one the Vikes' scouting staff can be proud of.

5) D.J. Dozier, RB, 1987: The team hasn't had a lot of luck picking 14th in the first round. Dozier barely played in his four years with the team. His career high in rushing yardage was 257 yards in his first season, which apparently didn't impress Jerry Burns and the front office...the Vikes thought so highly of Dozier that they went out and traded away a ton of draft picks in 1989 - for RB Herschel Walker.

4) Erasmus James, DE, 2004: James started 12 games in his three seasons with the team, contributing nothing. An example of how so-called draft experts can build up a player based solely on potential - James didn't produce much in college and was often injured. Way too much of a risk to be taken in the first round. Whoever wanted to pick James should have been fired.

3) Troy Williamson, WR, 2005: Another player picked because of potential, Williamson sums up the mediocrity of the mid-2000's Vikings teams. Didn't do much in college, but was a player scouts thought could be "coached up," which almost never works. Was on the team for only three seasons, but dropped so many easy passes when he did play it's a wonder how he was drafted at all, let alone in the first round.

2) Leo Hayden, RB, 1971: Hayden's career with the team lasted one season. He appeared in seven games, with zero rushing attempts. Yikes. Was on the Cardinals' roster the next two years but barely played. Hard to believe there's a worse first round pick than this one.

1) Dimitrius Underwood, DE, 2000: Didn't even make it out of training camp. Left the team after one day and then was cut before the season started due to psychological issues. Since the Vikings had two first round picks that year, Dennis Green tried to sweep his mistake under the rug, saying it was just a "bonus pick." Uh-huh. Typical doubletalk by Green, who was a lousy evaluator of talent. Underwood had red flags coming out of college, but Green chose to ignore them. Let's hope the Vikings don't have any more misses as big as this one.

Minnesota Vikings' offensive line not getting it done

One area the Vikings front office could have spent more time on during the offseason was the offensive line. Having players who are just "serviceable" on the line is not going to result in a team winning in the playoffs.

While season ending injuries to center John Sullivan and tackle Phil Loadholt, were not expected, the team could have tried to sign a couple of veteran free agents as backups. Instead they have had to rely on a fourth round draft choice who only played two years in college at offensive tackle in T.J. Clemmings.  They also are relying on a player who never played guard before in Mike Harris, and journeyman Joe Berger at center.  The idea of moving Brandon Fusco to left guard has not helped, as he has had difficulty making the switch. Left tackle Matt Kalil, a former first round draft pick, has been merely average during his four year career.

Unfortunately, putting all of this together has resulted in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater being unnecessarily pressured and sacked.  It's tough for any quarterback to read defenses and pass the ball accurately, let alone one who is in only his second year in the NFL.

The Vikings may still make the playoffs at this point, but they probably won't get very far if they do, primarily because of the below average offensive line.  This offseason they ought to make it a priority, by trying to sign several of the best available free agents and spending their draft picks in the first and second rounds on offensive linemen - preferably those who have played four years at a major college.
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The 10 best teams/seasons in Minnesota Viking history

The Minnesota Vikings have had some dominating teams in their 51 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.

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.