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.