New York Giants All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings visit the New York Giants today. The Giants joined the NFL in 1925. Only the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers have competed in the league longer. Over their 100 years in the league, the Giants have seen some success. They won their first NFL title in 1927. Their second title came in a stunning upset of the undefeated Bears in the 1934 NFL Championship game. They won their third title in 1938. Fourteen years in the NFL and three titles. Even when the Giants weren’t winning that final game over those early years, they were routinely in competition for it. It took until 1956 for the Giants to finally win their fourth title. That win kicked off what many consider the team’s “Glory Days.” From 1956-63, they played in six NFL Championship games. Unfortunately for the Giants, they won only that first game in 1956. After their loss in the 1963 NFL Championship game, the Giants entered into the “Dark Days” of the team’s history. It lasted for nearly 25 years. Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Lawrence Taylor, a brutal defense, and a solid offense brought about a resurgence. The Giants won their first Super Bowl in 1986. Their second followed in 1990. Their third and fourth came when the Eli Manning-led teams shocked the powerful New England Patriots in 2007 and 2011. With eight NFL titles, the Giants trail only the Green Bay Packers (13) and Chicago Bears (9). Here are some of the best players in the long, successful history of the New York Giants.

New York Giants All-Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Eli Manning

Running Back

Frank Gifford

Fullback

Ken Strong

Ends

Ray Flaherty

Red Badgro

Tight End

Mark Bavaro 

Tackles

Roosevelt Brown

Jumbo Elliott

Guards

Chris Snee

Shaun O’Hara

Center

Mel Hein

Defense

Defensive Ends

Michael Strahan

Andy Robustelli

Defensive Tackles

Rosey Grier

Leonard Marshall

Linebackers

Lawrence Taylor

Sam Huff

Harry Carson

Cornerbacks

Erich Barnes

Dick Lynch

Safeties

Emlen Tunnell

Jimmy Patton

Special Teams

Kicker

Ken Strong

Punter

Dave Jennings

Returner

Dave Meggett

Flea Flicker Week 16 Predictions

Saturday games mark the final weeks of an NFL season. This week’s schedule has a couple Saturday games. IHere are some guesses at the Week 16 games.

Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants

Pick: Vikings

Preseason, I expected the Vikings to be wrapping up the NFC North title about this time. The season didn’t play out that way. The Vikings complete their late season romp through the NFC East with a demolition of the Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Eagles

Based on their play last season, the league was probably drooling over this late season, Saturday matchup. Instead, it’s an inconsistent Eagles team against a Commanders team that’s packed in the season. 

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Packers

The Eagles-Commanders game failed to meet expectations. This one probably exceeded them. A half game separates the NFC North leaders.

Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Bills

The Bills roll.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Chargers

The Eagles could end the Cowboys playoff dream today before they play tomorrow.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Chiefs

No Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs eliminated from the playoffs. This feels like a strange dream.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals roll over the Quinn Ewers-led Dolphins. Quinn Ewers! He wasn’t even the best quarterback on his Texas team. 

New York Jets @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Saints

The Saints are on a winning streak. Half of their four wins have come the last two weeks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Buccaneers

At 7-7, the Buccaneers and Panthers are the cream of the NFC South. 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Jaguars

The Jaguars end the Broncos 11-game win streak. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Falcons

Kirk Cousins leads the plucky Falcons past the flailing Cardinals.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Lions

Aaron Rodgers sucks.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

The surging Texans should have zero problems with the Raiders.

New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Patriots

The Patriots rebound from last week’s loss to the Bills.

San Francisco 49ers @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers continue to navigate well through an injury-ravaged season. 

Minnesota Vikings 51-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings placed outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard and safety Joshua Metellus on injured reserve. The move ended the season for both players. It’s a fairly safe assumption that both would’ve found a way to play if the playoffs were still a possibility. They’ve been playing through their respective shoulder injuries for weeks. Still, it’s a disappointing development as both players are so much fun to watch. Both are team captains, team leaders, and outstanding football players. They will be missed in the final three games. Ending their seasons will allow both to have the surgery they need now rather than a month, at least, from now. If there’s the slightest bit of a good in the absence of Greenard and Metellus on the field, it’s the opportunity for Dallas Turner and Jay Ward. In his second year, Turner has played his way into a decent number of snaps even when Greenard was available. Now, Turner will have an even bigger role. That should be fun. In his third season, Ward has earned some defensive snaps. His role was mostly special teams-centric in his first two years. His safety-corner versatility has always been a curiosity. Over the next three weeks, he will get the opportunity to show if he’s ready for a bigger role. 

The moves to injured of Jonathan Greenard and Joshua Metellus reduces the Vikings roster to 51 players. It’s possible that the two openings will be filled by players that currently have their 21-day window open for return from injured reserve. Running back Ty Chandler had been on injured reserve since the early weeks of the season. Tight end Gavin Bartholomew had been on injured reserve since training camp. If Chandler and Bartholomew are activated that would give the Vikings roster a giant 28:22 ratio of offense:defense. That’s unlikely. With only three games and no playoffs, who knows? 

Here’s the Minnesota Vikings 51-Man Roster in advance of their big Week 16 game against the New York Giants. 

2025 Minnesota Vikings 51-Man Roster

Offense (26)

Quarterbacks (3)

J.J. McCarthy

Max Brosmer

John Wolford

Running Backs (4)

Aaron Glenn

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

CJ Ham - FB

Receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Tight Ends (4)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Sims

Ben Yurosek

Offensive Line (10)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Walter Rouse

Blake Brandel

Michael Jurgens

Joe Huber

Defense (22)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Elijah Williams

Outside Linebackers (5)

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Tyler Batty

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Inside Linebackers (4)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Austin Keys

Cornerbacks (3)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Fabian Moreau

Safeties (4)

Harrison Smith

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

Practice Squad (16)

Henry Byrd, G

Joaquin Davis, WR

Caleb Etienne, T

Dontae Fleming, WR

Tyrek Funderburk, CB

Kahlef Hailassie, S

Jonathan Harris, DL

Jeshaun Jones, WR

Vershon Lee, G

Dwight McGlothern, CB

Gabriel Murphy, OLB

Bryson Nesbit, TE

Josh Ross, LB

Taki Taimani, DL

Sione Takitaki, LB

Zemaiah Vaughn, CB

Reserve/International

Max Pincher

Reserve/Injured

Zeke Correll, C

Jonathan Greenard, OLB

Joshua Metellus, S

Rondale Moore, WR

Matt Nelson, OL

Jeff Okudah, CB

Carson Wentz, QB

Reserve/Injured;Designated for Return

Ty Chandler, RB

Gavin Bartholomew, TE

Throwback Thursday: December 17, 1978

This Flicker was originally posted on February 26, 2015. And several times since. 

The NFL's slate of games for December 17, 1978 looked like this:

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles
San Diego Chargers @ Houston Oilers
Kansas City Chiefs @ Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Rams
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Colts
Atlanta Falcons @ St. Louis Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings @ Oakland Raiders

11 games. The Colts were still in Baltimore. The Cardinals were in St. Louis. Jim Hart had a terrific game in the Cardinals 42-21 win over the Falcons. NFL teams played 16 regular season games for the first time in 1978. This was the 16th week of the season. December 17, 1978 was also the first time that I attended an NFL game. I was at the last one on the list. Minnesota Vikings @ Oakland Raiders. As an itty bitty Vikings fan this was a momentous day. Despite the 27-20 loss. And the rain. It was glorious. I was able to see nearly all of my childhood heroes. Bud Grant, Fran Tarkenton, Jim Marshall, Chuck Foreman, Ahmad Rashad, Matt Blair, Paul Krause, Carl Eller, Ron Yary, Wally Hilgenberg, Bobby Bryant, Jeff Siemon, Sammy White. It was a damn shame that the Vikings felt compelled to release Alan Page earlier in the season. A damn, painful shame. It was an even greater shame when the Chicago Bears signed Page to their roster. The absence of Page from the Vikings roster hurt the day but didn't ruin it. This was the last regular season of Tarkenton's career. Tingelhoff too. Eller played his last regular season game for the Vikings. He played one more year for the Seahawks. This was also the last game of John Madden's coaching career.

From a purely football perspective the game was terrible. There was some rain. There was a lot of slipping. It seemed like the Vikings slipped more than the Raiders. Through mistakes of their own, the Vikings quickly spotted the Raiders a 21-0 lead. Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler didn't even play in the second half. Tarkenton threw five interceptions. The Vikings had seven turnovers in all. A fourth quarter comeback made it closer than the game really was. The Vikings actually had a chance to tie the game at the end but the officials refused to let them have a fifth down. It's odd how they try to avoid allowing fifth downs. Despite the loss, the Vikings still made the playoffs when the Packers lost to the Rams. The whole day was a dream. Still is.

The Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings played in Super Bowl XI. That game didn't go the Vikings way either. Despite four Super Bowl losses the Vikings had been one of the best teams in the league for about a decade. Same with the Raiders. Unlike the Vikings, they had a Super Bowl win as proof of their football success. This game, and this season, was the beginning of the end of the Vikings dominant run. It was also the end of the Raiders run under Madden. Unlike the Vikings, the Raiders quickly rose again under new coach Tom Flores.

Twelve members of the 1978 Oakland Raiders have been inducted into the Pro Football of Fame:

Al Davis
John Madden

Tom Flores

Ken Stabler
Gene Upshaw
Art Shell
Dave Casper
Fred Biletnikoff
Cliff Branch

Ted Hendricks
Willie Brown
Ray Guy

Six members of the 1978 Minnesota Vikings have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Bud Grant
Fran Tarkenton
Ron Yary
Mick Tingelhoff
Carl Eller
Paul Krause

-Alan Page was released during the 1978 season

I recently watched a recording of this memorable game. It felt like I was there all over again. Without the rain. George Allen and Jim Brown were teamed with Vin Scully to broadcast the game. That puts the Pro Football Hall of Fame count in the Oakland Coliseum that day at 20. A very respectable showing.

Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders on December 17, 1978 was one of those events and one of those days that stands out in a life. There was a dream quality to it even while it was happening. Every moment was longer. Everything was brighter. It was a cloudy, rainy day that neither looked nor felt like one. A kid should have dozens, hundreds of great days in all of their days as a kid. This day was one of those days that's so much better than the rest. The best day. It was a day when a kid saw nearly all of his heroes. As a fan of a team that played their games half of a country away I only knew them as little figures on a TV screen. That day, they were finally real. So real. For months before the game I slept with the tickets under my pillow. The day couldn't arrive soon enough. I didn't care that Christmas was a week away. This game was the only Christmas that I would ever need. NFL history will show December 17 as a slate of 11 games. For this little Vikings fan, it was so much more. Still is.

Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad Addition

The Minnesota Vikings signed rookie offensive tackle Caleb Etienne to the practice squad. With only 15 players on the practice squad, there was room for an additional player. With the weekly uncertainty of Christian Darrisaw’s availability, there was a need for some additional offensive line help. Sometimes the team simply needs an extra player at a particular position for practices. Seeing as there are only three games left in the 2025 season, the addition of Etienne is more for the future than the present. Anyone thinking that this signing is an indication that Darrisaw is done for the season isn’t really thinking at all. There’s a greater chance that international player Max Pircher sees the field than Etienne. 

If for no other reason, Caleb Etienne is an intriguing addition for his size. 6’7” 330 lbs. He immediately becomes the largest player on the Vikings roster. Undrafted out of Brigham Young University, Etienne was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals in May. He was released at final cutdowns and has been waiting for the call that finally arrived this week. If he shows well in the week’s final practices, he could be a prime candidate for a Futures Contract in January. 

With the signing of Caleb Etienne, the Minnesota Vikings squad has a full 16 players. 

Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad

Practice Squad (16)

Henry Byrd, G

Joaquin Davis, WR

Caleb Etienne, T

Dontae Fleming, WR

Tyrek Funderburk, CB

Kahlef Hailassie, S

Jonathan Harris, DL

Jeshaun Jones, WR

Vershon Lee, G

Dwight McGlothern, CB

Gabriel Murphy, OLB

Bryson Nesbit, TE

Josh Ross, LB

Taki Taimani, DL

Sione Takitaki, LB

Zemaiah Vaughn, CB

With outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard now done for the season, one of the above might be heading to the active roster. Position-wise, Gabriel Murphy would seem to be the obvious choice. Despite that, I’m going with Dwight McGlothern. With only three corners on the active roster, he’s been a frequent game-day call-up. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 15 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night. It was beautiful. Beating the Cowboys is always beautiful. Here are some of the players that made the big win possible. 

Offensive Players of the Game

J.J. McCarthy, QB

It’s gotta be the quarterback. This is the sort of play I expected in Week 1. That was always an optimistic expectation. These things can take a while. Last week against the Washington Commanders and this week against the Dallas Cowboys were his best games. He looked comfortable and both games were great steps in the right direction. 

Jalen Nailor, WR

Jalen Nailor scored two touchdowns against the Cowboys. He also hauled in a big 23-yard catch on 4th-and-three late in the third quarter. That led to C.J. Ham’s touchdown run and a lead the Vikings would not lose.  

Defensive Players of the Game

Jonathan Greenard, OLB

It’s so much fun watching Jonathan Greenard rush the quarterback. His effort on every play is remarkable. The sacks haven’t come like they did last year but his rush is as effective. He was in on two sacks for a total of one against the Cowboys. 

I’m certainly biased but the pass rush trio of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner is the league’s best in the league. 

Harrison Smith, S

I don’t think any Vikings defender frustrated Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense more than Harrison Smith. It’s unfortunate that Smith is probably going to come out of this game thinking about the interception he dropped. He was all over the field. I might be misremembering things but it feels like he’s blitzed more in the past two weeks than any other time with Brian Flores coordinating the defense. He’s been effective and it’s been fun to see.

Special Teams Players of the Game

Ryan Wright, P

Andrew DePaola, LS

Will Reichard, K

The talented and musical trio have been outstanding all season. Ryan Wright has been the Vikings punter for four seasons. He was very good as a rookie. He struggled in his second and third seasons. So much so that it looked like he needed to be replaced. Somehow, he kept his job. It’s a good thing as he’s been great all season. He had two field-flipping punts against the Cowboys. The first was 65 yards and downed at the three-yard line. The second was 47 yards and went out of bounds at the 10-yard line. In his second season, Will Reichard has become the league’s best kicker. Most consider Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey the league’s best kicker. They shared the field Sunday night. Aubrey missed two of six kicks. Reichard was perfect as he’s been all season when camera wires haven’t gotten in the way. His 53-yarder with just over a minute to play iced the game. Long snapper Andrew DePaola rounds out the trio. He’s the best in the league. 

Vikings - Cowboys

The Minnesota Vikings have a troublesome history with the Dallas Cowboys. That’s why wins are so delightful. Last night, the Vikings defeated the Cowboys in Dallas 34-26. It was delightful. 

For the first time this season, the Vikings have won consecutive games. Unfortunately, it happened on the day they were eliminated from the playoffs. It’s no surprise the win last week against the Washington Commanders and this win against the Dallas Cowboys were the best games of quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s first season. Last night didn’t start well for the young quarterback. His first throw was tipped and intercepted. It took the Cowboys 10 plays and a successful fake field goal to move the ball 35 yards for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead. The Vikings responded to that early mistake with a punt. It was a terrific punt (65 yards) but it was a disappointing response to that quick score. After that, the Cowboys defense couldn’t slow the Vikings offense. With scores on six of seven possessions, the McCarthy-led offense took over the game. 

The Cowboys have a potent offense. It’s one of the league’s best. The Cowboys gained 423 yards against the Vikings. That’s a decent chunk and nearly 100 more yards than the Vikings gained. While the explosive Cowboys offense did move the ball, the Vikings defense bent but rarely broke. Thanks to that tipped interception, the Cowboys scored that early touchdown on a short field (with the help of a successful fake field goal attempt). They scored their second touchdown eight seconds into the second quarter. After that, the Cowboys never again put the ball in the end zone. The Vikings defense forced the Cowboys offense to rely on field goals. Brandon Aubrey made four of his six field goal attempts. Those twelve points weren’t enough to keep up with a Vikings offense that kept scoring. 

Seeing the Vikings win is fun. Seeing the Vikings beat the Cowboys in Dallas is especially fun. The Vikings played well. An offensive line missing left tackle Christian Darrisaw from the start and right takle Brian O’Neill at the end was solid throughout against a strong defensive front. J.J. McCarthy was never sacked. While the Vikings got some important runs, the run game averaged a poor 2.8 yards/attempt. That needs to be better. It forced McCarthy to make some big throws. He did. The Vikings defense was stout but there are still too many missed tackles. Overall, the Vikings played well against an explosive team that had to win. The Vikings had nothing but pride to play for as they were eliminated from the playoffs earlier in the day. The Cowboys had been rolling and had to continue rolling if they wanted the playoffs. The Vikings outplayed the Cowboys. The frustrating thing is that this the Vikings team I expected/hoped to see in Week 1. For that reason, this season has been frustrating. Every season that doesn’t include the playoffs is. This Vikings team has the talent to contend in the playoffs but it took until Week 15 to finally see consecutive wins. However, if the Vikings come out of this season with J.J. McCarthy solidly in place as the team’s quarterback, it won’t be a lost season. He’s now 4-4 in the games he’s started. He had some fine moments peppered in his first six games. He was solid against the Detroit Lions in Week 9. He was very good and looked comfortable last week against the Commanders and last night against the Cowboys. He has three more games to build on his recent strong play. He also must get the ball to Justin Jefferson. 

Next up: @ New York Giants. That’s bad news for the Giants. 

Flea Flicker Week 15 Predictions

There are only four games remaining in the season! How can that be? It’s Week 15. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Minnesota Vikings @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings continue their march to an improbable playoff spot. The Cowboys are the next team in their way.

Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Bears

The Bears get a break after their battle with the Packers.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens need to finish the season on a run if they want the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs are desperate. With Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes running the team, the Chiefs have never been desperate during the regular season.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots

Pick: Bills

The Bills get a Patriots team fresh off of a late bye. If the Bills have division title hopes, a win over the division leaders is a must. 

Washington Commanders @ New York Giants

Pick: Giants

After getting shut out by the mighty Vikings, the Commanders are probably ready to pack in this season.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

Rematch of Super Bowl XV. Different result. 

New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

Jaguars roll.

Arizona Cardinals @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans 

Texans roll.

Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Packers

The Broncos 10-game winning streak finally comes to an end. In a season with a lot of posers, the Broncos might be the biggest poser of all. 

Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

This is the Game of the Week. This game probably should’ve been swapped for the Vikings-Cowboys as the day’s prime time game. 

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Panthers

After stunning the Buccaneers last week, the Saints return to reality against the Panthers.

Tennessee Titans @ San Francisco 49ers 

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers, fresh off their late bye, should find a way to beat up on the Titans. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

About a month ago, this game looked like a banger. After three one-score losses and losing quarterback Daniel Jones for the season, the Colts are limping through the season’s final month. 

Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Dolphins

The Steelers are definitely posers. 

Dallas Cowboys All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings play the Cowboys in Dallas tomorrow night. In my early days as a Vikings fan, these teams were annual contenders for the Super Bowl. From 1969-78, one of the two teams represented the NFL/NFC in all but one of the 10 Super Bowls. It was an annual two-team race to the big game. There was a rivalry. Drew Pearson’s push off in the 1975 playoffs only added to it. The Cowboys are a year older than the Vikings and have had a strong history. They won a couple Super Bowls in the 1970s and another three in the 1990s. Their latter titles created a mini-dynasty. On the eve of the big game, here are some of the best players in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. 

All - Time Dallas Cowboys Team

Offense

Quarterback

Roger Staubach

Running Back

Emmitt Smith

Fullback

Don Perkins

Wide Receivers

Michael Irvin

Drew Pearson

Tight End

Jason Witten

Offensive Tackles

Tyron Smith

Rayfield Wright

Offensive Guards

Larry Allen

Zack Martin

Center

Travis Frederick

Defense

Defensive Ends

Ed “Too Tall” Jones

Harvey Martin

Defensive Tackles

Bob Lilly

Randy White

Linebackers

DeMarcus Ware

Chuck Howley

Micah Parsons

Cornerbacks

Deion Sanders

Mel Renfro

Safety 

Cliff Harris

Darren Woodson

Special Teams

Kicker

Dan Bailey

Punter

Mat McBriar

Returner

Bob Hayes

Minnesota Vikings Injured List

The Minnesota Vikings have dealt with a lot of injuries this season. Most teams have. It’s football. Many of the Vikings injuries have been focused on the offensive line. That hard-hit position group is a significant reason for the disappointing 5-8 record. With four games to play, the Vikings are finally somewhat healthy. Last week against the Washington Commanders was the first time this season the five starting offensive linemen started and finished the game. Right guard Will Fries is the only offensive lineman to play every game. In advance of their Week 15 Sunday Night game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Vikings are as healthy as they’ve been all season but they aren’t free from injuries. In Week 15, no team is. Here’s a look at this week’s injured list. 

Wednesday

Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Did Not Practice

Jordan Addison, WR (Achilles) - Limited Practice

T.J. Hockenson, TE (Shin) - Did Not Practice

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

Joshua Metellus, S (Shoulder) - Limited Practice

Ty Chandler*, RB (Knee) - Full Practice

Donovan Jackson, G (Ankle) - Limited Practice

Theo Jackson, S (Neck) - Limited Practice

Levi Drake Rodriguez (Neck) - Limited Practice

Jonathan Allen (Rest) - Limited Practice

Javon Hargrave (Rest) - Limited Practice

Justin Jefferson (Rest) - Limited Practice

Ryan Kelly (Rest) - Limited Practice

Brian O’Neill (Rest) - Limited Practice

Harrison Smith (Rest) - Limited Practice

Thursday

Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Did Not Practice

Jordan Addison, WR (Achilles) - Limited Practice

T.J. Hockenson, TE (Shin) - Limited Practice

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

Joshua Metellus, S (Shoulder) - Limited Practice

Ty Chandler*, RB (Knee) - Full Practice

Donovan Jackson, G (Ankle) - Full Practice

Theo Jackson, S (Neck) - Full Practice

Levi Drake Rodriguez (Neck) - Full Practice

Jonathan Allen (Rest) - Full Practice

Javon Hargrave (Rest) - Full Practice

Justin Jefferson (Rest) - Full Practice

Ryan Kelly (Rest) - Full Practice

Brian O’Neill (Rest) - Full Practice

Harrison Smith (Rest) - Full Practice

*-Ty Chandler is currently within his 21-day practice window as he works his way back from a stint on injured reserve. 

Christian Darrisaw is clearly the concern of the injured list. All season, the Vikings and Darrisaw have carefully managed his return from last season’s knee injury. His weekly routine has been to practice Wednesday and rest Thursday. The fact that he didn’t practice either day is concerning. He was removed early from the Commanders game last week but that seemed to be because the game was well in hand. The hope here is that it’s simply because it’s the final quarter of the season and he received an extended rest this week. As for the four players that were limited in both practices, Jordan Addison is the most curious. Hopefully, the team is just being careful. 

The Vikings need Christian Darrisaw on the field. We should find out more about his situation today during Kevin O’Connell’s press conference. Better be good news. 

Minnesota Vikings All - Time Underrated Team

Watching Minnesota Vikings defenders Jalen Redmond and Eric Wilson play well beyond their undrafted origins got me thinking about some of the underrated players in franchise history. This is an all-time Minnesota Vikings team made up of players that might not receive the attention that they deserve for the great career that they had. All-time teams are always a very subjective thing. This one has another layer of subjectivity to it. Just as not everyone will agree whether a player is an All-Timer, not everyone will agree whether a player’s career was underrated. 

Minnesota Vikings All - Time Underrated Team

Offense 

Quarterback

Tommy Kramer 

Tommy Kramer was great. If injuries hadn’t popped up throughout his career, he wouldn’t be on this team.

Running Back

Tommy Mason

Tommy Mason was much more than the first pick in franchise history. Injuries cut his career short. In his six years in Minnesota, Mason was named All-Pro once and went to three Pro Bowls. When I first visited the Vikings Museum at TCO, I was surprised and thrilled to find a Tommy Mason exhibit. I was surprised because I felt that history had forgotten him and thrilled because it hadn’t. 

Fullback

Rick Fenney

In today’s NFL, fullbacks are always underrated. Rick Fenney was the last Vikings fullback that got more than the token carry. 

Receivers

John Gilliam

Jake Reed

The Vikings have been blessed with a load of terrific receivers. John Gilliam was one of the league’s most explosive playmakers during the early 1970s. He made such an impact on the Vikings offense that he really has no business being on this list. I just feel like he’s been lost in the team’s strong receiver history. Jake Reed had four consecutive 1000-yard seasons. Unfortunately, he played with Cris Carter and lost his starting job to Randy Moss. 

Tight End

Joe Senser

A knee injury ended Joe Senser’s career before it really got started. Seven touchdowns as a rookie. 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns in his second season. Senser was on the verge of joining the league’s first wave of great tight ends. Kellen Winslow, Ozzie Newsome, Dave Casper. Senser was in their league. Then he was suddenly and sadly done. 

Offensive Tackles

Grady Alderman

Tim Irwin

Both were named 50 Greatest Vikings. Grady Alderman was recently inducted in the Pro Football Researchers Association’s Hall of Very Good. Neither was really underrated but each played a chunk of their career in the shadow of the best tackles in Vikings franchise history. Ron Yary and Gary Zimmerman.

Guards

Milt Sunde

David Dixon

Like fullbacks, guards are often underrated by the position they play. Unless you’re Randall McDaniel or Steve Hutchinson. Milt Sunde and David Dixon weren’t McDaniel or Hutchinson but they were fine football players. 

Center

Dennis Swilley

It isn’t the equal of receivers and defensive line but the Vikings have an excellent center tradition. It helps that Mick Tingelhoff played about 100 years. Dennis Swilley had the unfortunate task of replacing Tingelhoff. A team can’t have a strong tradition at a position with a single player. In that sense, Swilley started the Vikings excellent center tradition. 

Defense

Defensive Ends

Doug Martin

Brian Robison

Doug Martin was the best of the players tasked with replacing the Purple People Eaters. He had two seasons of more than 10 sacks and two seasons of nine sacks. His 11.5 sacks in nine games during the strike-shortened 1982 season led the league. Brian Robison was much more than a fan-favorite. He might’ve received more attention league-wide if he didn’t play all of his career opposite Jared Allen and then Everson Griffen. 

Defensive Tackles

Henry Thomas

Keith Millard

Henry Thomas and Keith Millard aren’t underrated. They just happened to play for a franchise that had Alan Page and John Randle. Thomas and Millard have Hall of Fame arguments. Both deserve to have their cases heard. Millard would already be in Canton if injuries hadn’t whittled away at his career. 

Linebackers

Ed McDaniel

Lonnie Warwick

Ben Leber

All three were fun football players. Ed McDaniel was the best player on his Vikings defense not named John Randle. Lonnie Warwick played middle linebacker during the great era of Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, and Joe Schmidt. Ben Leber simply made big plays. 

Cornerbacks

Bobby Bryant

Nate Wright

Bobby Bryant and Nate Wright were the cornerbacks of my youth. I love them.

Safeties

Karl Kassulke

Tom Hannon

Karl Kassulke’s physicality was an excellent compliment to Paul Krause’s finesse. Kassulke’s football career ended with a motorcycle accident on this way to the Vikings 1973 training camp. The accident left him paralyzed. Tom Hannon had the unfortunate task of replacing Krause at the back of the Vikings defense. He was good but he followed the league’s all-time interception leader. 

Special Teams

Kicker

Ryan Longwell

Ryan Longwell was one of the league’s most reliable kickers for nearly all of his 16 seasons. Six of those were in Minnesota. The Vikings have a history of kicking atrocities. The six Longwell years were bright years. 

Punter

Bobby Walden

Bobby Walden is better known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His first four seasons were in Minnesota. He led the league in yards/punt as a rookie. 

Punt Returner

Leo Lewis

Leo Lewis was a fun football player. He didn’t have the football in his hands often. When he did, it felt like something fun was about to happen. 

Kick Returner

Eddie Payton

Walter Payton’s older brother might’ve found his way to Minnesota because of what he did as a returner for the Detroit Lions. He returned a kick and a punt for touchdowns against the Vikings in 1977. He kept the Lions in a game that they had no business being in. Perhaps due to memories of that game, the Vikings signed him three years later. He led the league in kick return yards in 1980 and had a 99-yard kick return touchdown in 1981. 

Ranking Cal Football Coaches

The University of California (Cal) hired Tosh Lupoi as their 35th head football coach. He follows Justin Wilcox and interim head coach Nick Rolovich. As a Bay Area native, former Cal player, and assistant coach, Lupoi is coming home. His return has generated a great deal of excitement in the program. That excitement was starting to build with the hiring last spring of former Cal player Ron Rivera to run the football program. With Berkeley being Berkeley, there’s often “lowered” expectations for the “big-time” sports. After all, it’s a high-end academic institution first. Cal is routinely ranked as the best public school in the universe. It’s better than the private school posers as well. The expectations don’t have to be “lowered” in Berkeley. It hasn’t always been “lowered.” Cal had a football dynasty. The Golden Bears were the best football team in the land with four consecutive national titles. There aren’t many powerhouse programs that can claim that. It was over hundred years ago but it happened. The football program has always helped make the campus the unique place that it is. Right now, thanks to the returns of Ron Rivera and Tosh Lupoi there’s a lot of excitement surrounding Cal and its football program. Here’s a look at some of the best coaches in Cal’s 170 history of football.

Ranking Cal’s Football Coaches

1.   Andy Smith (1916-25)

      .799 winning percentage

      4 national titles (1920, 1921, 1922, 1923)

2.   Pappy Waldorf (1947-56)

      .670 winning percentage

3.   Stub Allison (1935-44)

      .556 winning percentage

      1 national title (1937)

4.   Jeff Tedford (2002-12)

      .590 winning percentage 

5.   Bruce Snyder (1987-91)

      .544 winning percentage 

6.   Garrett Cochran (1898-99)

      .868 winning percentage 

7.   Nibs Price (1926-30)

      .606 winning percentage 

8.   Mike White (1972-77)

      .538 winning percentage 

9.   James Whipple (1902-03)

      .882 winning percentage 

10. Pudge Heffelfinger (1893)

      .786 winning percentage

Any conversation on great coaches in college football history must include Andy Smith. From 1920-24, Smith’s “Wonder Teams” went undefeated, going 44 wins, 0 losses, and 4 ties. It was an absolutely ridiculous run of football success. Cal has seen nothing like it since or before. College football has seen nothing like it. His incredible success built Memorial Stadium. Andy Smith could only be slowed by death as his sudden passing to pneumonia in 1925 stunned Cal and college football. 

Pappy Waldorf’s strong run as Cal’s football coach didn’t reach the national success of Andy Smith but it approached it. For the past 65 years, reaching the Rose Bowl has been a rarity for Cal. Waldorf coached the Golden Bears to three straight Rose Bowls from 1948-50. They were undefeated in each of those seasons but lost in each of the Rose Bowls. It was unfortunate as Cal was either leading or tied until the fourth quarter in all three games. 

Bruce Snyder in the 1990s and Jeff Tedford in the 2000s have been the only coaches to bring some national football notoriety to Berkeley since Pappy Waldorf. Snyder and Tedford coached Cal to Top 10 rankings. 

I included Pudge Heffelfinger and his single season coaching Cal for the simple reason that he’s the first confirmed professional football player. He was paid by the Allegheny Athletic Association for a game against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club in 1892. A year later, he was in Berkeley coaching Cal. 

Hopefully, Tosh Lupoi earns a place on this list in the coming years. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 14 Superlatives

Winning is so much better than losing. The Minnesota Vikings shut out the Washington Commanders on Sunday, 31-0. After four frustrating weeks, Vikings football was fun again. Here are some of the players that made the shutout and the fun possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

J.J. McCarthy, QB

After a season of criticism and questions, J.J. McCarthy came out and played terrific against the Commanders. He was steady and efficient. 

16 completions

23 attempts

163 yards

3 TDs

129.2 rating

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said last week that he was going to simplify things for his young quarterback. A lot has been made of that. I believe that O’Connell simply instructed McCarthy to simply play football. Make it fun again. Emphasize decision-making rather than technical intricacies. Whatever those instructions were, McCarthy handled them. It worked. Now, he must improve on it. 

Honorable Mentions:

The Tight Ends

Josh Oliver:

2 catches

24 yards

2 TDs (18, 6)

T.J. Hockenson

2 catches

12 yards

1 TD (2)

Defensive Players of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Harrison Smith, S

Javon Hargrave, DL

In reality, every defensive player is player of the game. It takes an entire defense to shut out an NFL offense. I singled out Andrew Van Ginkel, Harrison Smith, and Javon Hargrave because each had one of the three turnovers. One of the many issues that have contributed to each of the Vikings eight losses has been the absence of turnovers. The ball simply hasn’t bounced their way. On Sunday, the ball bounced their way. Each of the three players secured the ball when it came their way. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Will Reichard has been automatic all season. He was perfect again on all five of his kick attempts against the Commanders. Four extra points and a 45-yard field goal.

Vikings - Commanders

The Minnesota Vikings rebounded from a troubling four-game losing streak with a 31-0 beat-down of the Washington Commanders. Last week, the Vikings were shut out, 26-0, by the Seattle Seahawks. This week, the Vikings were on the other side of a shut out. It’s fun to be on this side of those games.

The difference in this game was the Vikings didn’t do anything to hurt themselves. Whether it’s penalties or mind-numbing turnovers, in all of their eight losses, the Vikings have done something, or a series of somethings, to eliminate any possibility of winning. Football works that way. All sports work that way. Against the Commanders, the Vikings got out of their own way. With only three penalties, they played a clean game. They didn’t put themselves in long-yardage situations. They had zero turnovers. They didn’t make any of the mistakes that have simply wrecked this season. It was refreshing. So refreshing. Makes me wish that the Vikings could spin back the clock and start the season this way. 

This game can probably be summed up by events that closed the first quarter and opened the second quarter. The Commanders responded to the Vikings game-opening touchdown drive with a long, time-consuming drive of their own. That drive took the Commanders to a first-and-goal on the four-yard line. From there:

2-yard run

Incompletion

Incompletion

Incompletion

The Vikings defense held on fourth down and gave the offense the ball on the Commanders two-yard line. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy guided the offense on a 19-play, 98-yard, 12-minute drive. It was the Vikings longest drive, in distance and time, in decades. Five third downs were converted on the long drive. Four of those were third-and-six or longer. The fifth, a third-and-one, was an eight-yard touchdown run by Jordan Mason. It was an impressive sequence of plays. After yielding nearly the entire field, the Vikings defense found their footing and didn’t allow the Commanders into their end zone. The Vikings offense simply and steadily drove down the field. There was still over 35 minutes to play but it felt like the Commanders were beaten after Mason powered into the end zone and the Vikings held a14-0 lead. 

For 13 weeks, J.J. McCarthy has been relentlessly questioned and criticized. Last week, Vikings head coach stated that he was going to simplify things. I don’t think that it was so much a simplification of the offense as it was a simplification of the demands on McCarthy. The Vikings young quarterback was given the opportunity to simply go out and play football. Do what he’s done since he was an itty-bitty quarterback. Just play. It worked. Vikings offensive football looked fun again. It helped that there was no self-harm the entire game. The result of simply playing football was a nice, smooth 31-0 win. 

It can’t be emphasized enough. The Vikings finally did nothing to hurt themselves. J.J. McCarthy was steady and efficient. 

J.J. McCarthy:

16 completions

23 attempts

163 yards

3 TDs

129.2 rating

The Vikings ran the ball well.

Aaron Jones Sr.

14 carries

76 yards

Jordan Mason

11 carries

52 yards

1 TD (8 yards)

No turnovers! No Turnovers! No Turnovers!

The defense was dominant. A shut out is dominant. 

3 Takeaways! 3 Takeaways! 3 Takeaways!

+3 turnover margin has been a frequent occurrence for a Brian Flores-led Vikings defense. Other than the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s been a rarity this season. After the goal line stand that put a stop to the Commanders strong first drive, the Vikings defense was a wall, a greedy wall. Some of the tackling still needs to improve. Other than that, the Vikings defense broke the will of the Commanders offense. 

At 5-8, the playoffs are a dim hope with only four games to play. It’s possible but a load of things have to break the Vikings way. There hasn’t been much of that this season. Despite all of the issues, the Vikings can still end the season with a winning record. That could be the long-term goal. The short-term goal, as always, is to go 1-0 each week. This Commanders game was a nice step in the right direction of establishing J.J. McCarthy as the long-term, franchise quarterback. Just keep progressing. It would also be nice to see Justin Jefferson get his next 1000-yard season. Next up is the Dallas Cowboys.

Flea Flicker Week 14 Predictions

It’s Week 14. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Byes: New England Patriots, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers

It’s insane to have teams waiting until Week 14 for their bye. 

Washington Commanders @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings march to a winning record starts here!

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Falcons

Despite their shutout of the Vikings last week, the Seahawks did not impress.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Bills have to start playing like the team they think they are. 

Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Browns

This game looks like a scorcher.

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets

Pick: Dolphins

Coin flip.

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Pick: Buccaneers 

The Buccaneers roll.

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Colts

After consecutive losses, the Colts must get back on track.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

This has been one of my favorite rivalries since the 2000s. With Aaron Rodgers on the Steelers, now there’s zero interest.

Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Broncos

The Broncos might be the least impressive 10-2 team in league history. They should still handle the Raiders. They might even beat them by more than three points. 

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Packers

Like the Seahawks and Broncos, the Bears are another team that isn’t as impressive as their record. 

Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Rams

The Rams must rebound from their stunning loss to the Panthers.

Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs continue their fight for a playoff spot. It’s been a while since that was in doubt in Week 14. 

Philadelphia Eagles @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

Both teams look like contenders. Too often they don’t play like contenders. Right now, the Eagles look less right than the Chargers. 

Boston Braves/Boston Redskins/Washington Redskins/Washington Commanders All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Washington Commanders tomorrow. The Commanders have a long, often troubling, sometimes successful history. The team carried a wildly racist name for most of its history. The suspect name should never have been a surprise as original team owner George Preston Marshall was a wildly racist individual. On the field, Washington has had some great teams with great players. They won NFL titles in 1937 and 1942 and Super Bowls in 1982, 1987, 1991. They had a knack for winning Super Bowls during seasons with work stoppages (1982 and 1987). On the eve of their big game with the Vikings, here’s a look at some of the best players in the 90+ year history of the Boston Braves/Boston Redskins/Washington Redskins/Washington Commanders. 

Offense

Quarterback

Sammy Baugh

Halfback

Cliff Battles

Fullback

John Riggins

Wide Receivers

Bobby Mitchell

Charley Taylor

Art Monk

Tight End

Jerry Smith

Offensive Tackles

Trent Williams

Turk Edwards

Offensive Guards

Dick Stanfel

Russ Grimm

Center

Len Hauss

Defense

Defensive Ends

Dexter Manley

Charles Mann

Defensive Tackles

Diron Talbert

Jonathan Allen

Linebackers

Chris Hanburger

London Fletcher

Chuck Drazenovich

Cornerbacks

Darrell Green

Champ Bailey

Safeties

Ken Houston

Sean Taylor

Special Teams

Kicker

Mark Mosley

Punter

Sammy Baugh

Returner

Brian Mitchell

Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominees

The NFL released the nominees for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award recognizing the outstanding off-field work of the league’s players has become one of the most prestigious. It should be. The unfortunate thing about this award is that all 32 players are deserving of receiving it. Not only that, there are many more players on each of the 32 teams that are equally deserving. There are so many players doing amazing things to make their community and this world a better place. Here are the 32 nominees starting with the player that is, of course, most deserving.

Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominees

Minnesota Vikings: C.J. Ham

Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Beachum

Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell Jr.

Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry

Buffalo Bills: Dion Dawkins

Carolina Panthers: Austin Corbett

Chicago Bears: D.J. Moore

Cincinnati Bengals: Ted Karras

Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit

Dallas Cowboys: Solomon Thomas

Denver Broncos: Garrett Bolles

Detroit Lions: DJ Reader

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love

Houston Texans: Azeez Al-Shaair 

Indianapolis Colts: Kenny Moore II

Jacksonville Jaguars: Logan Cooke

Kansas City Chiefs: Travis Kelce

Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby

Los Angeles Chargers: Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams

Miami Dolphins: Bradley Chubb

New England Patriots: Hunter Henry

New Orleans Saints: Demario Davis

New York Giants: Bobby Okereke

New York Jets: Quincy Williams

Philadelphia Eagles Jordan Mailata

Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith

San Francisco 49ers: Curtis Robinson

Seattle Seahawks: Julian Love

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield

Tennessee Titans: Jeffery Simmons

Washington Commanders: Bobby Wagner

Congratulations to all of the Nominees. Especially C.J. Ham. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists

The Coach, Contributor, and Senior Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 have been determined. The focus on the more recent candidates continues. Sadly, as expected. 

Coach: 

Bill Belichick

Contributor:

Robert Kraft

Senior:

Ken Anderson

Roger Craig

L.C. Greenwood

The easiest discussion, if there even was one, had to be on Bill Belichick. He’s arguably the best coach in league history and should be fitted for a Gold Jacket as soon as he’s eligible. That’s now. I suppose the only hesitation was the possibility of a return to NFL sidelines. It’s unfortunate that Buddy Parker’s wait continues but Belichick deserves immediate induction.

As for the Contributor Finalist, there’s issues. Ralph Hay is one of the league’s founders. He called and hosted the meeting that started the National Football League. His Canton Bulldogs won NFL titles in 1922 and 1923. He should’ve been in one of the first few Hall of Fame classes. His induction certainly should precede that of Robert Kraft. Clark Shaugnessy also had a greater impact on the National Football League than Kraft. Bucko Kilroy as well. I don’t understand this rush to induct owners that merely ride the success of the people they hired. 

The problem that I have with the Senior Finalists is more involved. The refusal to consider deserving candidates that played before 1950 is simply idiotic. It shames the purpose of the Hall of Fame. Verne Lewellen, Lavvie Dilweg, Ox Emerson, and Al Wistert should’ve been inducted in the 1960s or 1970s. Fifty years later, they are still waiting. I just don’t get it. Voters that have shut the door on such players should not be voters. Lewellen is arguably the most deserving of the four and he didn’t even make it past the cut to 52. Neither did Emerson. That’s insane. Dilweg and Wistert didn’t make it to the semi-finalist stage. Maybe the Hall voters that have apparently shut the door on those that suited up before 1950 need to have those players described in today’s terms. Much like Marshall Faulk, Verne Lewellen was a versatile, touchdown-scoring machine. Faulk won one title. Lewellen won three. Lavvie Dilweg not being in Canton would be like Travis Kelce not making it about five years after he retired. And then waiting another half century. Can anyone imagine Kelce still waiting for that Hall call decades after he passed? The Green Bay Packers won three consecutive titles from 1929-31. The team was one of the league’s first dynasties. Johnny Blood McNally, Cal Hubbard, Mike Michalske, and, of course, Curly Lambeau are the only Hall of Famers from those teams. One can argue that Lewellen and Dilweg were as integral to that remarkable success as any of their teammates. The 1930s Detroit Lions had one of the most productive ground games in the history of the league. As the Portsmouth Spartans, they played for the title in 1932. After moving to Detroit and becoming the Lions, they won a title in 1935. Ox Emerson paved the way for that ground game and the team’s success. His Hall omission can be compared to a player like Alan Faneca still waiting. Al Wistert’s long wait might be the most stunning of all. He was one of the finest offensive AND defensive linemen of his era. Like Lewellen and Dilweg, Wistert was also an integral part of a dynasty. His Philadelphia Eagles team went to three consecutive championship games from 1947-49, winning in 1948 and 1949. His Hall omission can be compared to players like Chris Jones AND Lane Johnson waiting 20 years and being kicked to the Senior pool. Both still waiting 75 years after their last snap. Can anyone imagine Jones and Johnson waiting more than a single year for their Hall call? Anyone with a proper understanding of league history should easily see the greatness and impact of Verne Lewellen, Lavvie Dilweg, Ox Emerson, and Al Wistert. All four had Hall of Fame careers. All four have been waiting since the Pro Football Hall of Fame opened in 1963. None even made it to this year’s Semi-finalist stage. Again. That’s just absurd. What is this “Blue Ribbon” Senior Committee even doing when they meet? 

The Nine Senior Finalists:

Ken Anderson

Roger Craig

L.C. Greenwood

Henry Ellard

Joe Jacoby

Eddie Meador

Stanley Morgan

Steve Tasker

Otis Taylor

While I would’ve liked to see Otis Taylor among the finalists, I really have no problem with Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood being selected from the nine semi-finalists. My problem is with the continued ignorance of the league’s past. Recognizing the league’s past is the stated purpose of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It’s sad that the 1970s seem to be as far back as this group of voters are willing to go. I suppose it’s fitting since most fans and many national pundits see the National Football League as starting with Super Bowl I. 

Minnesota Vikings 53 - Man Roster

Nothing about this Minnesota Vikings season has gone as hoped. John Wolford being the third quarterback on the team’s depth chart is proof of that. John Wolford! It appears fun for local and national pundits to rage about the Vikings quarterback situation but that’s simply a lazy take. It’s always about the quarterback. If a team has offensive issues, it’s always the quarterback. There’s no doubt that the quarterback play has been lousy but it’s an offense-wide issue. How can an offense perform at its best when no one knows who is playing on the offensive line from game-to-game. Hell, for the Vikings this season there’s been offensive line uncertainty from play-to-play. Much of the preseason optimism was due to the rebuilt offensive line. The five starters have yet to play an entire game together. The frustrations this season are fast approaching the sad heights of the 2010 season. 

Anyway, the Vikings host the Washington Commanders this Sunday. When the schedule came out in the spring, this game was probably circled by many as one with significant playoff implications. Instead, the two teams enter the game with a combined seven wins. In advance of the big game, here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings current 53-man roster. John Wolford!

This current roster has 54 players. Cornerback Dwight McGlothern and quarterback John Wolford were elevated from the practice squad to the active roster in advance of last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. One of those players, at least one of those players, has probably gone back to the practice squad. John Wolford!

2025 Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

Offense (26)

Quarterbacks (3)

J.J. McCarthy

Max Brosmer

John Wolford

Running Backs (4)

Aaron Glenn

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

CJ Ham - FB

Receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Tight Ends (4)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Sims

Ben Yurosek

Offensive Line (10)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Walter Rouse

Blake Brandel

Michael Jurgens

Joe Huber

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Elijah Williams

Outside Linebackers (6)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Tyler Batty

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Inside Linebackers (4)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Austin Keys

Cornerbacks (4)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Fabian Moreau

Dwight McGlothern

Safeties (5)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

Practice Squad (12)

Henry Byrd, G

Dontae Fleming, WR

Tyrek Funderburk, CB

Jonathan Harris, DL

Jeshaun Jones, WR

Corey Kiner, RB

Vershon Lee, G

Gabriel Murphy, OLB

Bryson Nesbit, TE

Taki Taimani, DL

Sione Takitaki, LB

Zemaiah Vaughn, CB

Reserve/International

Max Pincher

Reserve/Injured

Ty Chandler, RB

Zeke Correll, C

Aaron Jones, Sr., RB

Rondale Moore, WR

Matt Nelson, OL

Carson Wentz, QB

Reserve/Physically Unable To Perform

Gavin Bartholomew, TE

Minnesota Vikings Week 13 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings are riding a four-game losing streak. Their most recent loss was a sad 26-0 shutout at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. The loss screams “no superlatives.” The Vikings were shutout for the first time since 2007. Superlative regular, kicker Will Reichard stepped on the field once. For the second half kickoff. While the Vikings offense was terrible, the Vikings defense was fantastic. Despite a few, scattered tackling issues, the entire group was outstanding. They all get this week’s only superlative. One defensive player deserves extra attention.

Vikings Player of the Game

Dallas Turner, OLB

5 tackles

4 assists

2 sacks

2 tackles for loss

1 forced fumble

Impatient folks were calling Dallas Turner a bust after a rookie season playing behind excellent  OLBs Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Turner received added snaps early in the season when Van Ginkel was injured and more recently when Greenard was injured. Now, Turner is receiving more snaps simply on merit. He’s been outstanding. It’s really no surprise that as his play ascends so does that of the Vikings defense. 

Vikings - Seahawks

It didn’t seem possible but the Minnesota Vikings season dropped even deeper in the dumpster with a 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Vikings hadn’t been shut out since 2007. With the way the offense is playing, it feels like the next one could come before this season is finally done.

There was some optimism built through the week for the first start of undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer. With starter J.J. McCarthy out with a concussion and Carson Wentz done for the year, the rookie was next. Despite having one fewer year in the league than McCarthy, Brosmer is two years older. Since being signed after going undrafted, Brosmer has shown to be a quick study of the Vikings offense and looked advanced in preseason work. Perhaps the pre-game optimism was simply hope, desperate hope. Any young quarterback, especially an undrafted, rookie quarterback, needs everything around him to be right. With left guard Donovan Jackson ruled out for the game on Friday and left tackle Christian Darrisaw declared inactive on Sunday, things weren’t right around Brosmer against the Seahawks. It showed early and it showed throughout the game.

Vikings first five possessions:

5 plays, 7 yards - punt

4 plays, 21 yards - punt

3 plays, 2 yards - punt

4 plays, 18 yards - punt

The only good thing about the start of the game was the play of the Vikings defense. Sam Darnold and the Seahawks offense did little throughout the game. They managed a field goal on their first possession of the second quarter. It turned out that was the only score the Seahawks would need. That wasn’t known early in the second quarter. The Vikings offense followed the big field goal with another punt. Then the defense forced their first turnover in nearly a month. Dallas Turner sacked Darnold and forced a fumble. Jalen Redmond recovered at the Seahawks 13-yard line. Just when the game looked like it was about to turn the Vikings way, it turned the other way.

Last week, the Vikings were in a tight, tense, defensive-heavy game against the Green Bay Packers. Just when that game felt like it might flip the Vikings way, a mind-numbing mistake handed the Packers a gift touchdown. The game sadly drifted away after that moment. Yesterday, the Vikings had a glorious scoring opportunity on the Seahawks 13-yard line. On 4th-and-1 from the four-yard line, head coach Kevin O’Connell opted to put the ball in Max Brosmer’s hands. Pressured by DeMarcus Lawrence, Brosmer underhanded the ball right to linebacker Ernest Jones IV. What followed was an easy 85-yard stroll to the end zone and a 10-0 lead. 

10-0 with about three minutes to play in the first half and this game felt like it was done. An excellent effort by the Vikings defense couldn’t cover for another four turnovers by the offense. 

The Vikings offense was terrible. One might even say that they were worse than terrible. The defense was terrific. Of course, everyone wants to point the finger at a single person to blame for a loss like this, a shut out loss like this. The offense was clearly the problem in this game and in recent games. When the offense isn’t working, it’s always the quarterback or the coach/play-caller. I wish that Kevin O’Connell had called a run on that fourth-and-one. I believed at the time, and certain now, that Jordan Mason up the middle had a much better chance of success than Max Brosmer passing for a yard. If Mason is stuffed, the Seahawks get the ball at their own five and the game is still 3-0. That “bad” call wasn’t the biggest of the offense’s problems in this game, and recent games. In my opinion, the biggest problem throughout this fast-becoming really sad season has been the merry-go-round offensive line. Every game has been a different group. Hell, sometimes it feels like every play is a different group. One of the biggest reasons for optimism this season was the rebuilt offensive line. The group of five put together in the offseason started their first game together last week against the Packers. The Vikings starting offensive line didn’t start a game together until Week 12. Week 12! That group lasted just over a half. There has been zero consistency on the offensive line. Zero consistency in who’s out there. Zero consistency in play. Yesterday, with an undrafted rookie quarterback under center, the Vikings could not run the ball. With Brosmer often running for his life, they could not pass the ball. Game announcers Joe Davis and Greg Olson proclaimed that the offense probably wouldn’t look any better if J.J. McCarthy was playing. I have my doubts about that but also question whether any quarterback would be proficient behind a line that can’t run block or protect. 

Because it’s the only good thing about this game, the Vikings defense deserves praise. More praise than they’re certainly going to get after a shutout loss. Perhaps reaching for talking-points in a game mostly over in the third quarter, Joe Davis and Greg Olson talked of the Seahawks place among the best in the league. The duo said the team had no weakness. I was a little surprised by this as the Seahawks offense really did nothing against the Vikings defense. Sam Darnold was running for his life throughout the game. He completed under 54% of his 26 passes for 128 yards. If you can ignore the interceptions, Max Brosmer had as many yards and a much better completion percentage. Jaxon Smith-Njigba came into the game seriously challenging the 2,000-yard barrier. He finished this game with two catches for 23 yards. 17 of those yards came on a late screen probably called just to get him off of a one-catch for six yards game. For the game, the Seahawks averaged only 3.5 yards per play. That was just a bit better the 3.2 yards per play of the Vikings offense. Which offense was broken yesterday? The Vikings defense had quite the hold on the Seahawks offense. 

I seriously hoped that I’d never again face a Vikings season as frustrating as the 1984 and 2010 seasons. The 2025 Vikings are very much heading in that direction. After the past four weeks, it’s a little shocking that a winning season is still mathematically possible. With five games to play, there’s an opportunity to flip this shit. The Washington Commanders are next.