Minnesota Vikings Week 16 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings edged the New York Gaints on Sunday by the score of 16-13. The win was highlighted by an excellent performance from the defense. The offense did just enough. The offense would’ve done more than just enough if quarterback J.J. McCarthy hadn’t left the game at the end of the first half with a hand injury. He was playing well before the play that ultimately ended his day. Here are some of the players that made the win possible. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Justin Jefferson got more of an opportunity against the Gaints than he’s had for weeks.

6 catches

85 yards

A couple of his catches were of the spectacular variety. If J.J. McCarthy hadn’t left the game with a hand injury, it’s likely that Jefferson finishes well over 100 yards. 

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

Aaron Jones Sr. didn’t break 100 yards either but every one of his 85 rushing yards felt so important. While fighting through a couple injuries, he had a clutch game.

Defensive Players of the Game

All of Them

Granted, this was the Giants offense but the Vikings defense dominated. The Giants got a few too many yards rushing early in the game but the proper corrections were made. The Giants offense could do nothing. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart looked lost for four quarters.

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Will Reichard takes Special Teams Player of the Game again. He was perfect on all four of his kicks. Perfect again. Will “The Thrill” has been outstanding all season. He kicked three field goals and an extra point against the Giants. 

Vikings - Giants

In a game between two teams eliminated from the playoffs, the Minnesota Vikings did enough to defeat the New York Giants, 16-13. Two developments defined this game. First, the Vikings defense dominated the Giants offense. Second, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy left the game with a hand injury at the end of the first half. With the way the defense was playing, this would’ve been a breezy win if McCarthy had been able to play four quarters. He didn’t and the Vikings had to kinda fight to win at the end. 

The Vikings defense had Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart rattled throughout the game. He was sacked five times and threw for only 33 yards. The only time the Giants had any offensive success it was running the ball. They often gashed the Vikings defense early in the game. Eventually, the defense got it together and corralled the troublesome runs. The Giants did manage 128 yards on the ground. More than half of that total came on their first two possessions. When the ball was in Dart’s hands, the Giants offense was doomed. The most effective offensive plays may have been the roughing the quarterback calls on Harrison Smith in the first quarter and Eric Wilson in the fourth quarter. Both came on third down and handed the Giants an extra set of downs. Both hits were of the unfortunate and unintentional variety. They’re were hits without malicious intent. Smith and Wilson just happened to be about the same height as Dart and met him facemask to facemask. By rule, they were penalties. They were also the most impactful plays for the Giants offense. 

J.J. McCarthy leaving the game with a right hand injury was disappointing. He was playing well. The Vikings first drive would’ve ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass if Jordan Addison had held onto the football in the end zone. Addison had the ball but couldn’t complete the catch. Instead of seven points, the Vikings had to settle for a field goal. On the second possession, McCarthy had a drive going until a pass went through Jalen Nailor’s hands and into those of Paulson Adebo for an interception. The third possession ended with a short field goal. On the fourth possession, McCarthy turned Byron Murphy Jr.’s interception into a 12-yard touchdown run. With three of his four opportunities ending in points, it felt like McCarthy was just getting started. The Vikings defense had the Giants offense on the ropes and McCarthy and the offense was starting to take advantage. Then came the play that ended the young quarterback’s day. 

With under a minute to play in the first half, the Vikings defense forced. a punt and the offense had the ball on their own 35-yard line. Aaron Jones Sr. ran for six yards and it looked like the Vikings were content to run out the half. With 17 seconds to play, McCarthy took the snap in shotgun and looked to be setting up a screen. I’m not sure why the Vikings would run so much time and then run a play meant to gain some yardage. Anyway, a screen is usually a safe play. It wasn’t this time. Edge rusher Brian Burns ran unblocked through McCarthy and separated him from the ball. Safety Tyler Nubin scooped up the loose ball and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown. The only Giants touchdown on the day was scored by the defense. It was scored on a play that probably never should’ve been run. It’s easy to say that now. It was also McCarthy’s last play of the game. The hand injury that ended his day probably came on earlier possession when McCarthy smacked his hand on a Giants helmet after throwing the ball. The hit by Burns probably didn’t help. The good news following the game was that X-rays were negative. Hopefully, his season is not done. 

Max Brosmer played the second half. He played much better than he did a few weeks ago against the Seattle Seahawks. It’s a low bar but it was good to see the undrafted rookie take advantage of a second opportunity. The Giants managed to tie the game at 13-13 with 11 minutes to play. Brosmer responded by guiding the offense to the game-winning field goal. The best play of the drive, and the best play of his young career, was his 21-yard deep out throw to Justin Jefferson on 3rd-and-17. Brosmer came through when his team needed it to win the game. 

Aaron Jones Sr. has had several fine moments in his nearly two years with the Vikings. His running against the Giants may have been his best. It was certainly his most clutch performance. At least twice, he left the game with injury concerns. He kept coming back and he kept making big plays. It was a terrific and much-needed performance by Jones.

The Vikings have a short week as they are hosting the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. The playoffs are no longer a possibility but it would be a sweet Christmas if the Vikings can ruin the playoff hopes of the Lions. 

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.