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 coach Zimmer looking through rose-colored glasses

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has always been one to say it like it is, and I've appreciated him for that in the past year and a half.  However, last week he told reporters that he had no concerns at all about the offensive line.

That may be the first time I've heard him glossing over a real issue. With center John Sullivan out for at least two months and tackle Phil Loadholt out for the season, this means that journeyman Joe Berger will play at center and rookie fourth round draft pick T.J. Clemmings playing right tackle in place of the injured Phil Loadholt, not being concerned doesn't sound genuine. These situations, along with guard Brandon Fusco playing on the left side of the line for the first time in his career after three years on the right side, and Mike Harris, a tackle for his entire career, playing right guard for the first time, really would give any coach cause for concern.  Sullivan and Loadholt were average players to begin with, so their replacements are undoubtedly a step down.

The offensive line may be the most important group on a football team. You have to protect your quarterback when he's passing and open holes for your running backs.  Switching players around and having rookies fill in is risky.

Hopefully the Vikings' opponents this season won't have stellar defensive lines, otherwise this team might be looking at another losing season.

The best individual seasons for Minnesota Vikings' defensive players

It can be difficult to measure a defensive player's season statistically, since a variety of factors can affect the numbers of a lineman, linebacker or defensive back. Also, some stats such as sacks were recorded by teams but not recognized as official by the NFL. So for this article available statistics, honors such as being named to the Pro Bowl, and the team's overall success during the season were considered. Since some players have had more than a few outstanding seasons, only one season has been included for each player.

10) Bobby Bryant, CB, 1973: A key player on a Vikings defense that dominated opponents, Bryant led the unit with 7 pass interceptions, returning them for 105 yards and one touchdown, plus returning another pick for a score in the NFC championship game that sealed a win against the Cowboys.

9) John Randle, DT, 1997: Constantly disrupting opponents, Randle's play helped shut down offense's running games and harassed quarterbacks. He led the NFL with 15.5 sacks, which was also his career high. Randle also forced two fumbles and recovered two while being named to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.

8) Carl Lee, CB, 1988: Part of one of the best defensive units in franchise history, Lee intercepted 8 passes, returning them for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He was named first team All-Pro and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

7) Paul Krause, S, 1975: The NFL's career leader in interceptions, Krause picked off a career high 10 passes, returning them 201 yards for the NFL's number one ranked defense in 1975. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.

6) Jim Marshall, DE, 1969: Selected to the Pro Bowl as part of one of the best defenses in NFL history that shut down the run and hurried quarterbacks, Marshall registered 14 sacks in 14 games. He also recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass.

5) Jared Allen, DE, 2011: The Vikings single season leader in sacks with 22, Allen also forced 4 fumbles, recovered 4, intercepted a pass and recorded a safety. What is most impressive is that he reached these numbers without a strong supporting cast around him, unlike most of the others on this list. Named first team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.

4) Keith Millard, DT, 1989: Named the NFL's defensive player of year for this season, Millard stuffed the run and sacked the quarterback 18 times, to go along with an interception and fumble recovery. Among his many postseason honors was a selection to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.

3) Chris Doleman, DE, 1989: A major piece of the Vikings strong defenses in the late 1980's, Doleman recorded 21 sacks from his right end position. He also forced 5 fumbles and recovered another 5 balls. Selected to the Pro Bowl and named first team All-Pro.

2) Carl Eller, DE, 1969: Eller had a number of great seasons for the Vikings so it's difficult to select one. He recorded double digit sack numbers five years in a row from 1973-1977; and in 1977 he had 86 total tackles and 17 sacks - his career high - in a 14 game season, plus three more in the NFC championship game against the Cowboys. But 1969 may have been his most dominant season. He had 15 sacks and was part of a defense that allowed only 133 total points. Eller was named to eight post-season first-team all star teams, including the Pro Bowl and All-Pro.

1) Alan Page, DT, 1971: Like Eller, it's difficult to pick any one best season for Page. In 1971 he became the first defensive player to win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. To date only one other defender has won the MVP award - Lawrence Taylor. In 1969 Page was part of one of the best defenses in NFL history, pressuring quarterbacks and making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. In 1970 he recorded 10.5 sacks and recovered 6 fumbles; in 1974 he had 146 total tackles, impressive for an interior lineman, plus 13 sacks. In 1975 he also registered 13 sacks and forced 7 fumbles, the Vikings' single season record. In 1976 he recorded 19 sacks in a 14 game season to go along with 121 total tackles. So we'll go with his MVP season as his best.

sources for statistics: http://min.scout.com/
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

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.

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.

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.

The 10 best teams/seasons in Minnesota Viking history

The Minnesota Vikings have had some dominating teams in their 53 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) 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.

5) 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.

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.

Congratulations to Former Vikings Defensive End Chris Doleman, Although Jim Marshall Also Deserves to Be in the Hall of Fame

Congratulations to former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman on his recent election into the NFL Hall of Fame. However, there's another Viking end who deserved to be enshrined in Canton before Doleman - and before John Randle as well, who was another great defensive lineman for the Vikings in the 1990's.

Jim Marshall manned right defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings from 1961 through 1979, starting 270 consecutive games, plus 19 post-season games. A two time Pro Bowl selection, Marshall was a member of the Vikings' Purple People Eaters, the front four that led a dominant defense from 1968-1977. Two of the group's players, Alan Page and Carl Eller, are already in the Hall of Fame. Marshall is the Vikings' record holder in fumble recoveries with 29. He is second in team history with 127 quarterback sacks, and fourth in tackles for loss with 74.

The Vikings went to four Super Bowls during Marshall's career. How many Super Bowls did the Vikings reach during Doleman's ten years with the team? Zero.

It's way past time to stop holding the Vikings' Super Bowl losses against great players like Marshall. He had an outstanding career and contributed to winning teams. Based on his accomplishments he deserves to be a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. Wake up, voters!

An NFL training camp practice battle to watch: Minnesota Vikings' OT Matt Kalil vs. DE Jared Allen

The Minnesota Vikings' first round draft pick, offensive tackle Matt Kalil, is entering the NFL as the top-ranked lineman from the 2012 draft. It will be interesting to see how he fares in practice against All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen, the league leader in quarterback sacks with 22 last season.

Before the draft some scouts believed USC's Kalil was close to perfect as a blocker, and one of the most complete offensive tackles to come out of college since Tony Boselli - also from USC - who was the second player selected in the 1995 draft by Jacksonville.

Once the helmets and pads go on in July, the rookie will be tested by one of the best pass rushers - and all around ends - in the game today. Allen will undoubtedly make Kalil look less than perfect during training camp practices. But if Kalil can just hold his own against Allen, Vikings fans will have hope that the rookie will be able stand up against most opponents in the regular season.

The Kalil-Allen matchup will probably be reminiscent of practice battles in past years between Vikings' linemen. In the 1990's offensive guard Randall McDaniel and defensive tackle John Randle went head to head, and in the 1970's offensive tackle Ron Yary and defensive end Carl Eller lined up against each other.

All four of those players are now in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Vikings fans are hoping that Kalil and Allen will play up to the same high standards. If they do, Minnesota will be on its way to improving last season's 3-13 record. And, the future will look bright with Kalil at the key position of left offensive tackle. Last year's number one draft pick, quarterback Christian Ponder, won't have to worry as much knowing that his blind side is protected.



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