Green Bay Packers All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings travel to Green Bay this weekend for tomorrow’s big game against the Packers. The Packers have a long, often glorious, NFL history. They have the most NFL titles (13). Four of those titles are of the Super Bowl variety. On the eve of the big game, here’s a team of some of the best players in Packers franchise history. 

Offense

Quarterback

Bart Starr

Running Back

Johnny Blood

Fullback

Clarke Hinkle

Wide Receivers

Don Hutson

Sterling Sharpe

Tight End

Ron Kramer

Offensive Tackles

Forrest Gregg

Cal Hubbard

Offensive Guards

Mike Michalske

Jerry Kramer

Center

Jim Ringo

Defense

Defensive Ends

Reggie White

Willie Davis

Defensive Tackles

Henry Jordan

Kenny Clark 

Linebackers

Dave Robinson

RayNitschke

Clay Matthews

Cornerbacks

Herb Adderley

Charles Woodson

Safeties

Willie Wood

LeRoy Butler

Special Teams

Kicker 

Ryan Longwell

Punter

Craig Hentrich 

Kick Returner

Travis Williams

The First Big Game

The University of  California and Stanford take the field Saturday for the 128th playing of the Big Game. The Battle for the Axe. Cal is seeking to keep it. Stanford is trying to get it back. They can't have it. 

The Big Game is one of the great rivalries in college football. It's two games behind Oregon-Oregon State as the most played rivalry in the west and the 13th most played rivalry in the nation. Cal and Stanford started their football rivalry on March 19, 1892. The Big Game name didn't land on the game until the one that was played in 1900.

The very first football game played on the Berkeley campus was in 1881. That's when the class of '81 challenged the class of '80. The class of '80 prevailed in a game that more closely resembled rugby than the game that most considered American Football. This game sparked an interest in the sport and games with teams outside the campus. From 1882-85, Cal played a game that resembled English rugby against various club teams from San Francisco. They were 8-1-2 in these games. It was a fine time but everything changed when Oscar Shafter Howard appeared on the scene. A Californian, he played football at Harvard and graduated in 1885. When he returned to the west coast he brought American Football with him. He sold Cal on the sport and volunteered to coach them and any rugby club in San Francisco who would convert to this new game. What followed was the birth of American Football on the west coast.

Over the next six seasons Cal's football team posted a 20-4-1 record against club team competition. It's all that they had. Stanford decided to change that. Leland Stanford Jr. University was established in 1891. Some Stanford students were interested in starting a football team immediately. In that first fall term those students approached John R. Whittemore seeking his help in organizing a team. Whittemore had attended school in the east and played at Washington. He agreed to help and became the playing coach and captain of Stanford's first football team.

Cal got wind of Stanford's little football team and issued a challenge to meet on Thanksgiving Day for a game. Whittemore knew that there was no way that he could get the Stanford team ready in time and declined the challenge but left the door open for a game in the spring. When the progress of his team met his approval, Whittemore looked to arrange the game. Cal eagerly agreed and a game was scheduled for March 19, 1892 on the Haight Street grounds in San Francisco.

One of the most frequently told stories of the first Big Game was that of Stanford's team manager Herbert C. Hoover. Future President of the United States Herbert C. Hoover. When both teams showed up for the game neither team showed up with a football. The fault for this little issue has always been placed on Hoover. While placing the blame of this significant snafu on a future President might make the story a little more interesting it's not entirely accurate. Why isn't Cal manager Herbert Lang blamed? Or the official, Jack Sherrard? Or anyone from either team? Anyway, there was still the problem of no football. David Goulcher, the owner of a sporting goods store in downtown San Francisco, volunteered to remedy the problem. He set off on horseback and returned with a ball an hour later. The first Big Game kicked off at 4:11 p.m.

Here are the lineups for that first game in this long series.

California
Walter H. Henry, left end
John H. White, left tackle
Newton Wachhorst, left guard
J.C. Pierce, center
Alfred Dubbers, right guard
Henry Hay, right tackle
Arthur H. Mau, right end
Raymond H. Sherman, left half
George H. Foulkes, right half-captain
Guy R. Kennedy, quarterback
Loren E. Hunt, fullback

Stanford
Charles H. Hogg, left end
Ellsworth L. Rich, left tackle
Stewart D. Briggs, left guard
Arthur H. Barnhisel, center
Charles C. Adams, right guard
Claude S. Downing, right tackle
Milton D. Grosh, right end
John R. Whittemore, left half-captain
Paul M. Downing, right half
Thomas K. Code, quarterback
Carl C. Clemans, fullback

Stanford was apparently a real quick study in this new game of football. Or Whittemore was an excellent teacher. It was probably a little bit of both. Cal had been playing this game for about six years. Stanford had been playing it for a few months. Stanford won the first Big Game 14-10.

The second Big Game was also played in 1892. December 17, 1892. That game ended in a 10-10 tie. Those two games kicked off 133 years of football fun.

It would be a lot more fun if Cal could even the all-time series. It currently stands at 65-51-11 in Stanford's favor. That has to change. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Semifinalists

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s nine-person Seniors “Blue-Ribbon Committee” has whittled the list of Senior candidates for the Class of 2026 from 34 to nine semifinalists. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Semifinalists

Ken Anderson

Roger Craig

Henry Ellard

L.C. Greenwood

Joe Jacoby

Eddie Meador

Stanley Morgan

Steve Tasker

Otis Taylor

I wish that it was a mystery as to how the semifinalist list doesn’t include Lavvie Dilweg and Al Wistert. It’s the same reason the list of 34 didn’t include Verne Lewellen. The committee has closed the Hall of Fame doors on any player that played the bulk of their career before 1950. Dilweg, Wistert, and Lewellen should’ve earned a bust in Canton decades ago. Rather than correct that mistake, the voters continue to make it. Wistert’s continued omission would be like the voters taking a pass on Lane Johnson five years after his retirement and continue passing on him for decades. Perhaps forever. Wistert and Johnson were the best offensive linemen of their respective eras. Both helped guide their team, same team, to two NFL titles. Unlike Johnson, Wistert was also one of the league’s best defensive linemen. How does a Hall of Fame voter ignore such a player? Imagine Lane Johnson waiting his entire life for that Hall call. It feels impossible. That was Wistert’s post-career life. Any Hall voter that shuts the door on decades of NFL history shouldn’t be a Hall voter.

This should be about the nine players that are semifinalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class. To be honest, it’s difficult to look at the list without seeing the players that aren’t on it. Of the nine semifinalists, Otis Taylor stands out. There was a time when I often had to confirm that he wasn’t in the Canton. Maybe I’d mix him up with Charley Taylor. Who knows? Perhaps it was the way he helped take apart the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV but I always thought Otis Taylor was one of the best receivers of his era. He’s probably my #1 of the nine semifinalists. 

If I had to make a guess as to who the committee might select as the three finalists, I’d have to go with the players that played most recently. Isn’t that what they do?

Henry Ellard

Steve Tasker

Roger Craig 

For me, I guess the following are my picks for the finalists.

Ken Anderson

Eddie Meador

Otis Taylor

As a Vikings fan, my hopes are fading fast for Jim Marshall and Chuck Foreman one day making it to Canton. Of the two, I’ve always felt that Foreman is most deserving. During his peak years, he was the most versatile running back in the league. There were a couple years in which he was arguably the league’s best back. If his peak years were a bit longer, he’d have that bust. Foreman’s peak years were Hall of Fame worthy. 

The finalists will be revealed in early December. 

Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Picks

I try to avoid Minnesota Vikings draft thoughts in the middle of a season. While this season hasn’t gone as hoped, or dreamed, it’s far from over. At 4-6 and looking up at all three division rivals, there’s about zero room for further stumbles. The Vikings website recently posted the team’s 2026 current draft picks. Due to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s willingness to trade, it’s often difficult to keep track of the Vikings draft picks. Even in the middle of the season, it was interesting to see the current draft pick status.

Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Picks

First Round

Second Round

Third Round

Fifth Round (from Eagles in the 2025 Sam Howell trade)

Sixth Round (from Colts in the 2025 Mekhi Blackmon trade)

Seventh Round

Seventh Round (from Texans in the 2024 Cam Akers trade)

Seventh Round (from Panthers in the 2025 Adam Thielen trade)

The Vikings currently hold eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. By comparison, the team entered the 2025 NFL Draft with four draft picks (1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th). 

The picks in 2026 will be further supplemented by at least one compensatory pick. There was a time when it looked the Vikings could receive as many as three compensatory picks. That’s faded a bit with the playing time of some players. Daniel Jones winning the quarterback job of the Colts initially put a pick in the Vikings pocket. Apparently, Eric Wilson’s playing time in Minnesota has canceled out that pick. Not being a compensatory pick specialist, this is puzzling to me. Jones has a $14 million contract. Wilson has a $2.6 million contract. Jones has been a revelation as the Colts starter. Wilson has been terrific as a rotational/situational linebacker. Contract and pay, there’s nothing about Wilson’s pay and play that should cancel out Jones. It’s a mystery. With that apparent cancellation, the Vikings are down to a single additional pick. They will get the first compensatory pick at the end of the third round for losing Sam Darnold. That added pick will give the Vikings nine picks and fill the current fourth-round hole in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Now, back to the 2025 NFL season. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 11 Superlatives

After a loss, it can be difficult to pick players of the game. The Minnesota Vikings lost to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. In 50 seconds, a 17-16 win flipped to a 19-17 loss. It was a very disappointing final 50 seconds. Here are some of the players that did good things in a frustrating loss. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

Jordan Mason, RB

Aaron Jones Sr.:

16 carries 

70 yards

Jordan Mason

6 carries

45 yards

1 TD

The Vikings ran the ball well. They would’ve run the ball even better if the passing efficiency was where it should be. The receivers were routinely wide open. Through misfires and drops, the passing game did not complement the efficient running. 

Defensive Players of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Dallas Turner, OLB

The Vikings defense played well. A couple turnovers would’ve been nice. The defense was highlighted by a pass rush that had Caleb Williams on the run for the entire game. Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner were the only pass rushers that got Williams on the ground. Each did so once. With Jonathan Greenard out, the Vikings needed Turner to step up. He did. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Myles Price, Returner

Other than last week against the Baltimore Ravens, Myles Price has been a revelation this season. His 43-yard, fourth quarter punt return against the Bears ignited the Vikings and led to the team’s first touchdown.  Before this season is done, Price is going to take a return to the end zone. Hopefully, much more than one. 

Vikings - Bears

The Minnesota Vikings won their first game against the Chicago Bears with some fourth quarter heroics. For about a minute, it looked like the second game against the Bears would be won in repeat fashion. In the end, the Bears won on a last-second field goal, 19-17. 

With 50 second to play, J.J. McCarthy hit Jordan Addison for a 15-yard touchdown. The big play put the Vikings up 17-16. Unfortunately, there was still 50 seconds and the Bears only needed a field goal to win. Instead of the Vikings defense sealing the win, returner Devin Duvernay immediately put the Bears in field goal position with a 56-yard return. In eight seconds, the Vikings and their fans went from ecstatic to crushed. After three runs to drain the remaining time, Cairo Santos kicked the 48-yard game-winning field goal. 

Before this Week 11 game, I thought that the Vikings had no room for stumbles. At 4-5, with eight games to play, 12-5 was possible. That’s a playoff record. Instead of starting a run, the Vikings stumbled against the Bears. Now, at 4-6, 11-6 is still possible. That should be a playoff-deserving record. Anything less, who knows? Thanks to a stumble-filled game against the Bears, the Vikings really have no room for stumbles moving forward. 

The Vikings defense played well enough to win against the Bears. About the only thing missing from the defense was a turnover or two. If the Bears offense was as generous with the ball as the Vikings offense, this is probably an easy win. The slippery nature of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was the difference in the game. So many times, he was in the grasp of Dallas Turner, Jalen Redmond, and the rest of the pass rushers. Even safety Jay Ward had a couple opportunities to get the Bears elusive quarterback on the ground. So many times, Williams spun out of those grasps and scrambled for yards, or threw the ball out of bounds. He only completed 50% of his passes. Most of his 16 misses were throws into the stands to avoid big losses. The Vikings had Williams on the run all game. They just needed to get him to the ground and could not. He might be the most slippery quarterback in the league. 

If the Vikings offense came close to the play of the defense, we’re talking about another division win. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will get most of the blame. There were boos from the stands. It’s an unfortunate thing as no one player is to blame. Fan and pundits always want one person to blame when things don’t go well. Football is a team game. It’s rarely one person. McCarthy probably had as many passes dropped as misfires. Jordan Addison dropped a deep throw that could’ve been a big, early touchdown. There were drops that could’ve/should’ve been first downs and drives continued. Instead, Ryan Wright punted six times. That’s too many punts. Two other possessions ended in McCarthy interceptions. That’s too many interceptions. The Vikings were real lucky there wasn’t a third interception. Both Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason ran well. Like Williams, McCarthy completed only 16 of 32 attempts. Unlike Williams, most of McCarthy’s incompletions were thrown to wide open receivers. The opportunities were there for an easy win. The Vikings didn’t take advantage of those opportunities. 

If they are to reach the playoffs, the Vikings must get out of their own way. J.J. McCarthy must play better but it isn’t all on the young quarterback. The entire offense must play better. The defense just has to keep doing what they’ve been doing since the Detroit Lions game. A couple takeaways per game would be nice. That’s about the only thing the defense hasn’t done in recent weeks. The offense must stop the self-inflicted mistakes. Next up is a trip to Lambeau and the Green Bay Packers. There’s no more room for stumbles. The Vikings must get their shit together and they must do it now. 

My Time All - Time Chicago Bears Team

I picked an All-Time Chicago Bears Team in advance of the season’s first Minnesota Vikings-Chicago Bears game in Week 1. Here’s a different look at a Bears All - Time team in advance of the season’s second Vikings-Bears game tomorrow. It’s a team made up of some of the best Bears players during my time as a Vikings fan. With two Super Bowl appearances and one memorable win, Chicago has had some fine teams and great players. 

Offense

Quarterback

Jim McMahon

Running Back

Walter Payton

Fullback

Roland Harper

Wide Receivers

Brandon Marshall

Alshon Jeffery

Tight End

Greg Olsen

Tackles

Jimbo Covert

James Williams

Guards

Mark Bortz

Tom Thayer

Center

Jay Hilgenberg

Defense

Defensive Ends

Richard Dent

Khalil Mack

Defensive Tackles

Dan Hampton

Steve McMichael 

Linebackers

Lance Briggs

Mike Singletary

Brian Urlacher

Cornerbacks

Charles Tillman

Donnell Woolford

Safeties

Gary Fencik

Dave Duerson

Special Teams

Kicker

Robbie Gould

Punter

Brad Maynard

Returner

Devin Hester

Minnesota Vikings Injured List

The first half of the Minnesota Vikings 2025 was heavily peppered with injuries. Several of those injuries ripped apart the offensive line that was crafted during the offseason was one of the biggest reasons for optimism for the season. The Vikings were forced to go to a third-team player at several positions for games and during games. The number of offensive line combinations used through the first nine games has gone beyond counting. The projected five starters have yet to play a single snap together. Right guard Will Fries is the only starter that has played in every game. The offensive line was the team’s most significant injury issue. It wasn’t the only one. Offensively, the Vikings have been without their starting quarterback, starting running back, and their 1b tight end due to injuries. Forming any sort of continuity was impossible. The offense really needed to play snaps together because of the newness of so many players. The injuries prevented that. The Vikings offense was finally getting the snaps together in Weeks 9 and 10 that they should’ve had in Weeks 1 and 2. Defensively, linebacker Blake Cashman and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel were the only players that missed multiple games. If one was to pick the players the Vikings defense could least afford to miss, Cashman and Van Ginkel would be high on that list. Anyway, injuries will always be an unfortunate part of football. It’s a rough game and seasons are often won by the teams that best handle those injuries. Hopefully, the Vikings are through the worst of it. The past couple of weeks has been the most healthy the team has been since May. Here’s a look at the Vikings injured list in advance of Sunday’s big game with the Chicago Bears. 

Wednesday

Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Full Practice

Jonathan Greenard, OLB (Shoulder) - Did Not Practice

Will Fries, G (Calf) - Limited Practice

Aaron Jones Sr., RB (Shoulder/Toe) Limited Practice

Ryan Kelly, C (Concussion) - Limited Practice

Joshua Metellus, S (Foot) - Limited Practice

Josh Oliver, TE (Foot) - Limited Practice

Andrew Van Ginkel (Neck) - Limited Practice

Theo Jackson, S (Concussion) - Full Practice

J.J. McCarthy, QB (Hand) - Limited Practice

Justin Skule, T (Shoulder) - Limited Practice

Harrison Smith, S (Rest-No Injury) - Limited Practice

Thursday

Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Did Not Practice

Jonathan Greenard, OLB (Shoulder) - Did Not Practice

Will Fries, G (Calf) - Limited Practice

Aaron Jones Sr., RB (Shoulder/Toe) Limited Practice

Ryan Kelly, C (Concussion) - Limited Practice

Joshua Metellus, S (Foot) - Limited Practice

Josh Oliver, TE (Foot) - Limited Practice

Andrew Van Ginkel (Neck) - Limited Practice

Theo Jackson, S (Concussion) - Full Practice

J.J. McCarthy, QB (Hand) - Full Practice

Justin Skule, T (Shoulder) - Full Practice

Harrison Smith, S (Rest-No Injury) - Not on Report

The number of players on the injured list is still well-populated. That should be expected as it’s Week 11. Last week, the Baltimore Ravens had ZERO players on their injury report in advance of their game against the Vikings. How often does that happen on a Week 10 injury report? The most concerning injury on the Vikings current list is outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard. The hope here is that he’s getting treatment and rest for his injured shoulder and that he could play if it was a game day. I suppose we’ll find out today. He’s a difference-maker and will be missed if he’s not on the field against the Bears. 

With the exception of Ryan Kelly, I’m hoping/expecting that all those listed as limited throughout the week will be good to go for the game. Kelly is coming back from his second concussion of the season. He and the Vikings will surely use extreme caution with his return to the field. 

The Vikings are getting healthy. Now, they must stay healthy. It’s time to finally play together. 

Throwback Thursday: Red Grange’s Football Tour

Through its first five years, the National Football League was a shaky and questionable business. The most popular sports in the 1920s were baseball, boxing, college football, and horse racing. Some folks probably sprinkled in tennis and golf before they considered paying attention to professional football. Joe Carr, George Halas, Curly Lambeau, Chris O’Brien, Carl Storck, and the rest of the league’s leaders were scraping, scratching, doing everything they could to gain notice and traction with the media and public. Enter Harold “Red” Grange. 

The 1920s introduced the nation to sports celebrities. Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Bobby Jones, Helen Wills, Lou Gehrig, Man o’ War, and Bill Tilden thrilled a public that finally had some spare time. In his three years at Illinois, Red Grange joined those sports celebrities. People flocked to the stadium to see him live and to theaters to see his highlights. The NFL needed him. They needed him bad. 1925 was 11 years before the first NFL Draft. Every potential professional football player was essentially a free agent. In an attempt to gain a bit of respect and credibility with the public, the NFL had established a policy of no tampering with college football players that still had remaining eligibility. Grange’s last football game as an innocent University of Illinois student-athlete was at Ohio State on November 21, 1925. A day later, he was sitting on the sidelines at Cubs Park for the Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers game. He was watching his new teammates shut out the Packers 21-0. Four days later, he played for the Bears against the Chicago Cardinals on Thanksgiving. 120 hours after his final college football game, Red Grange played in his first NFL game. Perhaps he wasn’t so innocent. 

If the general public wasn’t so thrilled to see Red Grange play professional football, they might’ve been suspicious as to how Grange signed with the Bears in only a matter of hours. The reality was that it had been in the works for weeks, maybe months. All of that and all that was to come was crafted by Grange’s agent. A theater owner named C.C. Pyle had an expansive plan for Grange, the Bears, and himself. C.C. Pyle was a piece of work but this story isn’t really about him. This story is about the ridiculous football marathon that kicked off soon after Grange joined the Bears. 

It’s really no stretch to say that the addition of Red Grange to the roster of the Chicago Bears and the NFL put player, team, and league on a whole other trajectory. All three needed each other. All three looked to profit from the new union. What happened after Grange joined the Bears could never happen today. It shouldn’t have happened in 1925. Grange and his new teammates played a lot of football. 

Most of the following is taken from Chris Willis’ excellent and incredibly thorough Red Grange: The Life and Legacy of the NFL’s First Superstar.

Red Grange’s Football Tour:

After playing in his final eight-game season for the University of Illinois, Grange played in the final two games of the Chicago Bears 1925 schedule:

11/26/25: Chicago Cardinals

11/29/25: Columbus Tigers

That was just the beginning. With Grange on the team, George Halas and the Bears went on a tour. It was a barnstorming tour with two parts. Here’s the first part.

Wednesday, December 2, at St. Louis All-Stars

Saturday, December 5, at Frankford Yellow Jackets (NFL game)

Sunday, December 6, at New York Giants (NFL game)

Tuesday, December 8, at Washington All-Stars

Wednesday, December 9, Providence Steam Roller (NFL game)

Thursday, December 10, Pittsburgh All-Stars

Saturday, December 12, Detroit Panthers (NFL game)

Sunday, December 13, New York Giants (NFL game)

Over 11 days, Grange and the Bears played eight games. At one point in the tour, they played six games in eight days. It was an insane schedule. The Bears had 20 players on their roster for these games. In those days, players played offense, defense, and special teams. Much to the disappointment of the fans in the stands, Grange did not play every minute of every game. The highlight of the tour was the December 6 game in New York. Attendance for the game was estimated between 65,000 and 70,000. Those were unimagined numbers for the NFL. The Bears won that game, 19-7. The crowd was thrilled when Grange returned an interception for a score to clinch the win. A frequently told story from this tour is from the stop in Washington D.C. Grange and Halas met President Calvin Coolidge at the White House. Illinois senator William McKinley made the introductions. “Mr. President, this is George Halas and Red Grange with the Chicago Bears.” President Coolidge responded by saying, “Young men, I’m very happy to meet you. I always did like animal acts.” 

During the Pittsburgh game, Grange injured his left arm while throwing a block on an interception return. It would impact his play for the final two games of this part of the tour. 

After a week of rest, Grange and the Bears continued their tour. The second part of the tour hit the south and west. 

Friday, December 25, 1925, at Coral Gables (FL) All-Stars

Friday, January 1, 1926, at Tampa (FL) Cardinals

Saturday, January 2, 1926, at Jacksonville (FL) All-Stars

Sunday, January 10, 1926, at New Orleans All-Southerns

Saturday, January 16, 1026, at Los Angeles Tigers

Sunday, January 17, 1926, at San Diego California All-Stars

Sunday, January 24, 1926, at San Francisco Tigers

Saturday, January 30, 1926, at Portland All-Stars

Sunday, January 31, 1926, at Seattle Washington All-Stars

Again, four days after completing an eight-game college football season, Red Grange played in his first NFL game for the Chicago Bears. Over two months, from 11/26/25 to 1/31/26, Grange and the Bears played 19 football games. Several of those games were on zero days rest. This was the 60-minute era. Players didn’t have the luxury of sitting and resting while the defense, offense, or special teams took the field. It was a 60-minute grind. It was a grind that Grange and the Bears did over and over again for two months. The only real break over those two months was the 12 days between the two parts of the barnstorming tour. At least it was a little time for Grange to rest his injured arm. The first part of the tour was mostly against NFL teams. The second part was mostly against “all-star” lineups. Those “all-star” teams might’ve been a little short on “stars” but they weren’t always a bunch of slappies. Stanford great and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Ernie Nevers played in the Florida games. University of Washington All-American George “Wildcat” Wilson played in the west coast games. 

Red Grange collected $125,000 for his first season as a professional football player. That was an unfathomable amount for the time. C.C. Pyle did alright for himself as well. In some respects, this initial business relationship had George Halas working for Grange and Pyle. Halas didn’t see as much take-home cash as his partners but he saw enough to keep his young team afloat during very difficult times. More important than profits for Halas and the NFL was the attention ignited by Grange and the insane barnstorming tour. Not every game was a sellout but every game brought much-needed attention to professional football. Some historians and pundits have said that Grange saved the NFL. I wouldn’t go that far but it was the first big step in the right direction for professional football. 

Flea Flicker Mid - Season All - Pro Team

Here’s a look at some of the NFL’s best players of the first half of the 2025 season.

Flea Flicker Mid - Season All - Pro Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Matthew Stafford, Quarterback

Running Back

Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Fullback

Reggie Gilliam, Buffalo Bills

Receivers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Tight End

Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

Left Tackle

Garrett Bolles, Denver Broncos

Left Guard

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

Center 

Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Right Guard

Will Fries, Minnesota Vikings

Right Tackle

Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Defense

Edge Rushers

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings

Defensive Tackles

Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans

Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Linebackers 

Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings

Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

Cornerbacks

Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles

Isaiah Rodgers, Minnesota Vikings

Safeties

Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Special Teams

Kicker

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings

Punter

Jordan Stout, Baltimore Ravens

Long Snapper

Andrew Depoala, Minnesota Vikings

Kick Returner

Myles Price, Minnesota Vikings

Punt Returner

Marcus Jones, New England Patriots

Special Teamer

Dane Belton, New York Giants

Minnesota Vikings Week 10 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings were far too generous in their 27-19 Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Too many penalties. Too many turnovers. Too many self-inflicted errors. It’s always tough to pick Players of the Game when that game is a loss. It’s here a stab at doing so.

Offensive Player of the Game

Jalen Nailor, WR

With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones Sr., and Jordan Mason, Jalen Nailor is down the list of offensive concerns for opposing defenses. Nicknamed “Speedy,” Nailor can hurt a defense and he hurt the Ravens on multiple occasions. There’s a scenario that wasn’t far from happening in which Nailor was the hero in this game. 

5 catches

124 yards

1 TD 

His 10-yard touchdown brought the Vikings to within a single score with 3:23 to play. His 62-yard catch and run on the first possession set up an early 7-0 lead. 

The Vikings could’ve won this game and Nailor was a big reason for that. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

It is so great to finally have Andrew Van Ginkel on the field again. This was his second game back from the concussion/neck issues that kept him out of nearly all of the first seven games. His impact on the Vikings has been transformative the past two weeks. He didn’t have any game-breaking plays but his deflection of a Lamar Jackson pass with just two minutes to play gave the Vikings a chance at the end. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

This superlative could go to Will Reichard every week. If it weren’t for camera wires, there’s a chance he’d be perfect on the season. Even with those questionable misses, there’s no other kicker in the league that I’d want kicking for the Vikings. 

Vikings - Ravens

Too often, the Minnesota Vikings were a greater obstacle to a win than the Baltimore Ravens. In the end, the Ravens had a 27-19 victory. 

8 pre-snap penalties!

Those eight procedural penalties were perhaps the biggest reason for the loss. It really wasn’t the 40 yards lost as a result of those mistakes. It was the self-inflicted nature of them. A first-and-10 was suddenly first-and-15. It’s a tough deal. The Vikings kept putting themselves in passing situations before they even took a snap. That was a big reason for the 42-18 pass-run disparity. When they weren’t letting penalties dictate their play selection, the Vikings ran the ball well. They averaged 6.7 yards per carry. They had 120 rush yards for the game. Scrambles by quarterback J.J. McCarthy accounted for 48 of those yards but running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason averaged 5.5 yards per carry. The two combined for 13 carries. That was the problem. Those pre-snap penalties forced the Vikings more than they probably intended. Instead of dictating the play of the game, they had it dictated to them. None of it had anything to do with what the Ravens did.

13 total penalties

102 yards lost

Those are ridiculous numbers. 

Three turnovers

More ridiculous numbers. More self-harm.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw two interceptions. After he threw each pass, Justin Jefferson was knocked/nudged to the ground. The contact on both was more incidental than interference. McCarthy was giving Jefferson contested catch opportunities. That’s usually a winning situation for the Vikings. Not this time. The Ravens got a gift interception and it happened twice. The third turnover was a Myles Price fumble on a kick return. He also fumbled on his next return opportunity but thankfully the Vikings recovered. The lost fumble was particularly painful as the Ravens were immediately gifted outstanding field position. They only had to travel 23 yards for their first touchdown of the game. In total, the Ravens scored 13 points off of the Vikings three turnovers. That’s nearly half of their 27 points. 

Despite their generosity throughout the game, the Vikings still had the opportunity to tie the game on their final possession. That was actually quite remarkable. Plucky offense, when they weren’t torpedoing themselves, and solid defense were the reasons the game was still within reach at the end.

Plucky offense. Solid defense. It doesn’t really matter as it’s still a loss. This game was littered with far too many self-inflicted mistakes. The Vikings gave this one away. There’s really no way around that. The Vikings are 4-5. With only eight games remaining, there’s little room for further stumbles. The remaining eight games start next week with a home game against the Chicago Bears. 

Flea Flicker Week 10 Predictions

It’s November. It’s Week 10. Here’s a guess at the games.

Byes: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs

Baltimore Ravens @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

With four losses through eight games, the Vikings must go on a run. This week would be a great time to start that run.

Atlanta Falcons @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

An ever greedy NFL sent this game to Berlin. The Colts rebound from last week’s loss with a win over the wildly unpredictable Falcons.

New York Giants @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Giants

A rematch of the 1934 NFL title game. Like that game, the Giants stun the Bears. 

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Bills

The Bills roll.

Cleveland Browns @ New York Jets

Pick: Tie

The teams have combined for three wins. The Browns are winless on the road. The Jets are winless at home. I’m not sure either team can win this game.

New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers

The Patriots win steak ends at six games. 

New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Panthers

After stunning the Packers, the Panthers should beat the Saints.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

Pick: Jaguars

Somehow, the Jaguars have managed to win enough to be right behind the Colts in the AFC South.

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

The Seahawks edge the pesky Cardinals.

Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Rams

It’s insane scheduling to have the Rams and 49ers play both of their games by Week 10. The Rams get avenge their earlier loss to the 49ers.

Detroit Lions @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Lions

The Lions are probably extra frisky after getting their ass kicked by the Vikings. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

Chargers roll.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Eagles

The Packers are on a losing streak. 

Baltimore Ravens All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Baltimore Ravens tomorrow. The history of the Ravens has always bothered me. They aren’t the nearly 30-year old expansion team that they are considered to be. They are the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens have a direct connection to the Browns great past. The current Cleveland Browns do not. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed have a more direct connection to Otto Graham and Jim Brown than Joe Thomas and Myles Garrett do. Anyway, on the eve of the Vikings-Ravens game, here’s a look at some of the great players in the hacked-up history of the Baltimore Ravens. 

Offense

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson

Running Back

Jamal Lewis 

Fullback

Vonta Leach

Wide Receivers

Derrick Mason

Anquan Boldin

Tight End

Mark Andrews 

Offensive Tackles

Jonathan Ogden

Ronnie Stanley

Offensive Guards

Marshal Yanda

Ben Grubbs

Center

Tyler Linderbaum

Defense

Defensive Ends

Michael McCrary 

Rob Burnett

Defensive Tackles

Haloti Ngata

Tony Siragusa 

Linebackers

Terrell Suggs

Ray Lewis

Bart Scott

Peter Boulware

Cornerbacks

Chris McCalister

Marlon Humphrey

Safeties

Ed Reed

Rod Woodson

Special Teams

Kicker

Justin Tucker

Punter

Sam Koch

Kick Returner

Jacoby Jones

Punt Returner

Jermaine Lewis

Minnesota Vikings Injured List

It’s no surprise that the Minnesota Vikings played their best, most complete game of the season last week against the Detroit Lions. The team is finally getting healthy. They finally had their quarterback and starting offensive tackles on a full week of practice and available for the entire game. That was a first for the season. They finally had Andrew Van Ginkel on the field for the defense. As much as any player, he puts the versatility in the Vikings versatile defense. He hadn’t played a full game since Week 1. Despite being healthier than they’ve been all season, the Vikings are still navigating some injury issues and they’ll be without a few players against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Here’s a look at this week’s Vikings injured list.

Wednesday

Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Full Practice

C.J. Ham, FB (Hand) - Limited Practice

Jeff Okudah, CB (Concussion) - Did Not Practice

Josh Oliver, TE (Foot) - Did Not Practice

Aaron Jones Sr., RB (Shoulder/Toe) - Did Not Practice

Theo Jackson, S (Concussion) - Did Not Practice

Jalen Redmond, DL (Shin) - Limited Practice

Will Fries, G (Calf) - Limited Practice

Harrison Smith, S (Rest-No Injury) - Did Not Practice

Josh Metellus, S (Foot) - Limited Practice

Thursday

Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Did Not Practice

C.J. Ham, FB (Hand) - Limited Practice

Jeff Okudah, CB (Concussion) - Did Not Practice

Josh Oliver, TE (Foot) - Did Not Practice

Aaron Jones Sr., RB (Shoulder/Toe) - Limited Practice

Theo Jackson, S (Concussion) - Limited Practice

Jalen Redmond, DL (Shin) - Limited Practice

Will Fries, G (Calf) - Full Practice

Harrison Smith, S (Rest-No Injury) - Full Practice

Josh Metellus, S (Foot) - Full Practice

The Vikings bad injury news is expected injury news. Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver will likely be out another week. With this being his second concussion of the season, Okudah’s situation is particularly concerning. It really goes without saying, team and player must be careful moving forward. His uncertain availability for the season is probably part of the reason former Los Angeles Chargers corner Asante Samuel Jr. is visiting the Vikings today. Oliver will be severely missed as long as he’s out. Hopefully, his return is soon. Oliver does so much for the offense. The good injury news is the increased practice activity through the week of Aaron Jones Sr., Theo Jackson, Will Fries, and Josh Metellus. 

On the other side of the field, the Baltimore Ravens have ZERO players on their injury report. How often does that happen on a Week 10 injury report? 

Cornerback Help?

The NFL’s Trade Deadline came and went on Tuesday. If they had any opportunities to supplement the roster through trade, the Minnesota Vikings opted not to do so. It really wasn’t a surprise. More than adding players to the roster, they needed players on the roster to get healthy. It’s been that way since Week 1. The Vikings were as healthy for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions as they’ve been all season. It showed on the field. 

If the Vikings did any poking around for trade possibilities, the position they might’ve been looking at was cornerback. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers have been reliable as the starters. When available, Jeff Okudah is #3 when the Vikings have three corners on the field. Unfortunately, he’s dealing with his second concussion of the season. His availability moving forward is an unknown. Dwight McGlothern is the only other cornerback on the active roster. Four corners is very light. The Vikings do have three cornerbacks on the practice squad:

Fabian Moreau

Zemaiah Vaughn

Tyrek Funderburk

Against the Lions, Fabian Moreau was activated with Jeff Okudah out with the concussion. Perhaps due to his experience, Moreau was on the field over Dwight McGlothern. With three corners, it was Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and Moreau on the field. Even with Okudah available, the Vikings could probably use, or at least consider adding, another cornerback. An intriguing one might be available. 

Asante Samuel Jr. was one of the top free agent cornerbacks last offseason. The former second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers had been a solid starter for the team for four years. He might not have been the difference-making star that he was drafted to be but he’s talented and clearly has admirers around the league. He was a wanted player in free agency. There was one significant problem to him finding a new home. He needed spinal fusion surgery. His offseason free agency was over before it started. He had the surgery in the spring and was cleared to play this week. Teams are lining up to visit with him. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Samuel started a week-long tour of NFL teams yesterday:

11/5 - Carolina Panthers

11/6 - Green Bay Packers

11/7 - Minnesota Vikings

11/10 - San Francisco 49ers

11/11 - Chicago Bears

11/12 - Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s likely the bulk of each visit will be a thorough medical evaluation. Asante Samuel Jr. has been an intriguing football player since his Florida State days. That’s why he was a second round pick. While he might not have played to his potential with the Chargers, he remains an intriguing football player. If he’s 100% healthy and ready to play, I believe that he’d be an excellent addition for the Vikings. His availability is the question. It’s a spinal fusion surgery. A surgery on the spine! That sounds scary but maybe it only sounds scary. Maybe it’s such a routine deal that the player is ready to go as soon as he’s recovered from the procedure. 

Personally, I’d like to see more of Dwight McGlothern. The fact that Fabian Moreau was activated from the practice squad and received opportunities ahead of him probably reveals where McGlothern is in his development. If the Vikings decision-makers see Asante Samuel Jr. as a strong addition, I’m fine with it. No matter how little the Vikings use three corners, or how much they use three safeties, they need a solid third corner. Jeff Okudah’s second concussion makes his availability for the rest of the season an unknown. If Samuel is good to go soon, he’ll have a role with the Vikings. If he plays to his potential, he could have a role for a while. 

Trade Deadline

The NFL has long hoped for an active trade deadline. In-season deals have always been difficult in football. It’s a tough task to acclimate on the fly a new player into a new team. Despite that little issue, the NFL trade deadline activity has increased in recent years and the suits at 345 Park Avenue are happy for it. 

Here’s a look at deadline dealing trend.

NFL Trade Tracker (2015-24)

2015: 3

2016: 5

2017: 8

2018: 8

2019: 14

2020: 13

2021: 12

2022: 18

2023: 14

2024: 18

NFL Deadline Day (2015-24)

2015: 1

2016: 2

2017: 5

2018: 5

2019: 4

2020: 6

2021: 5

2022: 11

2023: 8

2024: 9

This year met the recent trend. From October to the eve of deadline day, the following players were traded:

Joe Flacco: Cleveland Browns to Cincinnati Bengals

Alohi Gilman: Los Angeles Chargers to Baltimore Ravens

Odafe Oweh: Baltimore Ravens to Los Angeles Chargers

Tyson Campbell: Jacksonville Jaguars to Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome: Cleveland Browns to Jacksonville Jaguars

Roger McCreary: Tennessee Titans to Los Angeles Rams

Kyler Dugger: New England Patriots to Pittsburgh Steelers

Keion White: New England Patriots to San Francisco 49ers

John Metchie III: Philadelphia Eagles to New York Jets

Michael Carter II: New York Jets to Philadelphia Eagles

Jaire Alexander: Baltimore Ravens to Philadelphia Eagles

Jaelan Phillips: Miami Dolphins to Philadelphia Eagles

Dre’Mont Jones: Tennessee Titans to Baltimore Ravens

13 players moved to new teams. Deadline Day brought even more change:

Logan Wilson: Cincinnati Bengals to Dallas Cowboys

Jakobi Meyers: Las Vegas Raiders to Jacksonville Jaguars

Sauce Gardner: New York Jets to Indianapolis Colts

Adonai Mitchell: Indianapolis Colts to New York Jets

Rashid Shaheed: New Orleans Saints to Seattle Seahawks

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka: Cleveland Browns to Chicago Bears

Quinnen Williams: New York Jets to Dallas Cowboys

Mazi Smith: Dallas Cowboys to New York Jets

Trevor Penning: New Orleans Saints to Los Angeles Chargers

Ja’Sir Taylor: Los Angeles Chargers to New York Jets

In total, 23 players moved to new teams. 

The blockbusters of the bunch were easily the two trades made by the New York Jets. Aaron Glenn may have taken the Jets head coaching job last offseason partly due to young defensive stalwarts Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. A defensive coach surely likes having a couple difference-makers on that side of the ball. The Jets sent both players to different teams yesterday. Gardner is 25 and a top-3 corner in the league. Those are hard to find. Williams is a little older at 27 but is one of the better defensive tackles in the league. The Jets had a fire sale on defense. The two deals brought a nice haul of draft picks. The Jets received a first-round pick in each of the next two drafts for Gardner. They also added receiver Adonai Mitchell in the deal. The Jets received a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick in 2027 for Williams. They also added defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the deal. That’s a nice haul of three first-round picks and a second-round pick for two proven defensive stars. I like the trades more for the Colts and Cowboys than the Jets. The draft is where you build NFL teams and the Jets scored big with the selections of Gardner and Williams. They were building-blocks. Now, both are building blocks for other teams. Nice. Maybe the Jets score on a couple of the incoming draft picks. We’ll know in about five years if any of the players selected with those picks can match the play of Gardner and Williams. Glenn might have a new job by then. 

As for the Minnesota Vikings, for the first time in the Kwesi-Adofo Mensah-Kevin O’Connell regime, the team did not make an in-season trade. It’s likely they made calls around the league inquiring on the availability and cost of cornerbacks. Obviously, nothing came of those calls. The Vikings needed players to get healthy much more than the addition of a new player or two.

The NFL now returns their focus to the games. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 9 Superlatives

In a complete team performance, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions in Week 9. It was such a team performance, that it’s impossible to select single players of the game. So, I’ll go with the players that returned to the field for this big game. 

Offensive Players of the Game

J.J. McCarthy, QB

Christian Darrisaw, OT

Brian O’Neill, OT

The Vikings offense looked a whole lot different with their starting offensive tackles. A jacked-up schedule with a couple international games and a short week have made it difficult to get Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill on the field at the same time. Both are navigating recovery and maintenance of knee injuries. With a variety of logistics due to scheduling, it’s been difficult. The Vikings need Darrisaw and O’Neill on the field. 

It’s also different having the starting quarterback on the field. J.J. McCarthy’s play against the Lions is the baseline I hoped he bring to this season. He had some brilliant moments. He also had some throws he’d like back. He’ll learn from that. He’s a gamer. He’s the quarterback the Vikings have been looking for since Fran Tarkenton retired following the 1978 season. With the way he played on Sunday as his floor, the Vikings will be in the division chase with J.J. McCarthy on the field. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Prior to Sunday, Andrew Van Ginkel had only played in the season-opener against the Chicago Bears and a handful of plays against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. Through seven games, a neck injury had kept him off the field nearly all of those games. He’s been missed. He’s a versatile, problem-solver for the Vikings defense. The strength of the defense is its versatility and it’s versatile because of Van Ginkel. His presence against the Lions rejuvenated everyone. It was great to see #43 finally back on the field. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Myles Price, Returner

Levi Drake Rodriguez, DL

Myles Price set the offense up nicely on their first possession with a 61-yard return. The officials took away an even better return at the end of the third quarter. Price returned a kick for a 99-yard touchdown return. The officials took it away with a very suspect holding call. He’s going to get one this season that isn’t called back.

The play of the game might be the fourth quarter field goal block by Levi Drake Rodriguez. With 6:29 to play, the Lions were looking to cut the Vikings lead to four with a 45-yard field goal. Instead Rodriguez got a hand on the kick and Isaiah Rodgers returned it 41 yards to the Lions 26-yard line. It was a significant momentum flip. In a game decided by three points, it also provided the winning margin. 

Vikings - Lions

The Minnesota Vikings, the entire Minnesota Vikings team - offense, defense, and special teams - finally beat the Detroit Lions, 27-24. The Vikings hadn’t beaten the Lions since the 2022 season, five consecutive losses. They hadn’t won in Detroit since 2020. The much-needed win was made possible by the return of some much-needed, injured players. 

Welcome back:

J.J. McCarthy

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

Andrew Van Ginkel

For the first time this season, the Vikings fielded the team that made me so optimistic about this season. The offense isn’t the Vikings offense without tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. The defense isn’t the Vikings defense without outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Then there’s J.J. McCarthy. He left some plays out there. He threw a few high to wide open receivers. Despite those plays, he was very, very good. If this game against the Lions is his baseline, and I believe it is, the Vikings have their quarterback of the present and many years to come. If McCarthy can continue this sort of play, the Vikings will be a factor in the division and conference chase this season. The Lions are one of the favorites and the Vikings out-physicaled, out-fought, and beat them. 

The Vikings got healthy at the right time as the Vikings needed this game. 

Perhaps it’s a recency bias but this feels like the biggest Vikings win in years. Perhaps it’s their recent difficulties with the Lions. Perhaps it’s the pain of the last couple games. Dan Campbell, Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, especially Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and a defense peppered with dirty players have routinely gotten better of the Vikings since that long ago win in 2022. Josh Metellus’s game-sealing interception of Goff feels so damn long ago. This win brings exhilaration and relief. I can finally breathe. 

The McCarthy-led offense wasn’t explosive. It was just football. Good football. The Vikings offense was competitive on nearly every possession. They had just two three-and-outs. I was actually surprised there were even two. Their worst possession was at the end of the first quarter and start of the second. The game book will show that the Vikings ran three plays for -3 yards. T.J. Hockenson dropped a short, underneath third down pass that he might’ve taken for a first down. The second three-and-out followed the Myles Price kick return touchdown that was taken away by a ridiculous holding call. At worst, Tavierre Thomas had a pinch of a Lions jersey. The offense didn’t seem ready to take the field after celebrating what should’ve been a special teams touchdown. Fortunately, those possessions were outliers. They felt like the only instances all game the offense wasn’t ready to cut through the Lions defense and their legion of dirty players. The Vikings offense gained 258 total yards. That’s not a lot. It was an important 258 yards. Especially the final 16 yards. At the two-minute warning, the Lions had cut the Vikings lead to three points, 27-24, on a touchdown toss to Jameson Williams. The game felt in the balance for the first time since the first quarter. With the Lions holding all three timeouts, the Vikings had to convert a first down. This is a thing they haven’t often done in recent years. Too often, the Vikings have had to sweat out close wins rather than calmly closing them. On third-and-five, with 1:41 to play, head coach Kevin O’Connell let his young quarterback decide the game. McCarthy threw a beauty to Jalen Nailor for 16 yards. That first down toss allowed McCarthy to seal the win with three kneel-downs.

The difference in the game can be seen the team’s respective rushing performance. 

Vikings:

29 carries

142 yards

4.9 yards/carry

Lions:

20 carries

65 yards

3.3 yards/carry

The Lions have a versatile offense. They can hurt a defense in many ways. It’s their run game with the dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery that sets up the versatility. Gibbs has been a particularly difficult player for the Vikings defense. Yesterday, he wasn’t. 

Jahmyr Gibbs:

9 carries

25 yards

2.8 yards/carry

David Montgomery:

11 carries

40 yards

3.6 yards/carry

1 TD

Aaron Jones Sr. carried the Vikings run game initially.

9 carries

78 yards

8.7 yards/carry

Unfortunately, he left the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. It was Jordan Mason’s game after that. He wasn’t as explosive as Jones but he consistently gained tough yards. 

10 carries

36 yards

3.6 yards/carry

It would’ve been nice to see him punch it into the end zone from a yard out with just over four minutes to play. That probably would’ve sealed the game and made for an even more comfortable final moments. Instead, he was stopped short on first down and O’Connell opted for a McCarthy pass on second down and a McCarthy option attempt on third down. From my comfy couch, I preferred Mason runs on second and third. Scoring was the most important thing and the Vikings settled for the short Will Reichard to provide the winning points. 

Offense, defense, and special teams. The Vikings defeated the Lions in all phases of the game. In Detroit. 

Next up for the Minnesota Vikings, a home date with the Baltimore Ravens.

 

Flea Flicker Week 9 Predictions

It’s Week 9! Here are some guesses at the games. 

Byes: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Vikings

Of course, it’s the Vikings

Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

Picking against the Bears is easy.

Carolina Panthers @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Panthers

Go Panthers!

Los Angeles Chargers @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Chargers

The Chargers cruise against a Titans team already looking at next year. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots

Pick: Falcons

The Falcons are probably the league’s most unpredictable team. The good Falcons show up for the Patriots. 

San Francisco 49ers @ New York Giants

Pick: 49ers

Without the Giants heart, Cam Skattebo, on the field, the 49ers find a way.

Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Colts

I keep expecting the surging Colts to come back to reality. That won’t happen against the Steelers.

Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

Sean Payton sucks. 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Jaguars

Pete Carroll sucks.

New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

Rams roll.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Chiefs

Don’t the Bills beat the Chiefs in the regular season but lose in the playoffs? The Chiefs take this regular season game.

Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Seahawks

The Commanders were the surprise team of 2024. 2025 hasn’t been their season.

Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cardinals

The Cowboys fade continues. 

Detroit Lions All - Time Team

For most of my football-following days, the Detroit Lions have been a mere road bump on the NFL schedule. They weren’t very good. They had some nice moments with Barry Sanders making defenses look silly. They had some competitive days when Matthew Stafford was throwing the ball for them. They had Calvin Johnson. Billy Sims. Decades of frustration make their recent ascent feel like an anomaly. All those years of poor teams and frustrations make it hard to believe that the Lions were once a dominant team. They really were. The brilliant Dutch Clark led them to their first NFL title in 1935. They were a force in the 1950s with three more titles. They were once a great and fun team. On the eve of their big game against the Minnesota Vikings, here are some of best players in the complicated history of the Detroit Lions. 

Detroit Lions All - Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Bobby Layne

Running Back

Barry Sanders

Fullback

Ace Gutowsky

Tailback

Dutch Clark

Dutch Clark must be on all Detroit Lions All-Time Team.

Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson

Herman Moore

Tight End

Charlie Sanders

Tackles

Lou Creekmur

Lomas Brown

Guards

Ox Emerson

Dick Stanfel

Center

Alex Wojciechowicz

Defense

Defensive Ends

Al Baker

Robert Porcher

Defensive Tackles

Alex Karras

Roger Brown

Linebackers

Chris Spielman

Joe Schmidt

Wayne Walker

Cornerbacks

Dick “Night Train” Lane

Lem Barney

Safeties

Jack Christiansen

Yale Lary

Special Teams

Kicker

Jason Hanson

Punter

Yale Lary

Kick Returner

Mel Gray

Punt Returner

Jack Christiansen