My Time All -Time Green Bay Packers Team

In advance of Minnesota Vikings games I’ve been selecting All-Time teams of that week’s opponent. The Vikings play division foes twice. To avoid doing something that I’ve already done here’s something different. This is an All-Time Green Bay Packers team made up of players that played during my time as a Vikings fan. 

Offense

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers

Running Back

Ahman Green

Fullback

William Henderson

Wide Receivers

Sterling Sharpe

James Lofton

Davante Adams

Tight End

Paul Coffman

Offensive Tackles

David Bakhtiari

Bryan Bulaga 

Offensive Guards

Gale Gillingham

Josh Sitton

Center

Frank Winters

Defense

Defensive Ends

Reggie White

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila

Defensive Tackles

Mike Daniels

Kenny Clark

Linebackers

Clay Matthews

Johnny Holland

Fred Carr

Cornerbacks

Charles Woodson

Jaire Alexander

Safeties

LeRoy Butler

Nick Collins

Special Teams

Kicker 

Ryan Longwell

Punter

Craig Hentrich 

Kick Returner

Randall Cobb

Minnesota Vikings Roster

The Minnesota Vikings have recently made the usual late season roster tweaks. An 18-week NFL season is a rough thing. Injuries and the moves to deal with them are inevitable. Offensive tackle Blake Brandel, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard, and tight end Ben Ellefson have recently been added to the injured reserve list. Running back Ty Chandler has come off of it. Tight end Irv Smith, Jr. is inching his way toward a return to the field. The thoughts of combining Smith with T.J. Hockenson in the Vikings offense are very happy ones. The Vikings have nine players on injured reserve. That’s a light number compared to a lot of teams. It feels like most of the team’s injuries have come in recent weeks. 

In his first season as the Vikings general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has used an interesting resource to supplement the roster. He’s plucked four players from the practice squad of other teams.

Khyiris Tonga, DT - Atlanta Falcons

Theo Jackson, S - Tennessee Titans

Benton Whitley, OLB - Kansas City Chiefs

Kalon Barnes, CB - Miami Dolphins

Khyiris Tonga is the jewel of the four. He’d been making an impact in the scattered snaps that he’d receive each game. His play and injuries increased those snaps and the Vikings defense has been better for it. Theo Jackson has provided safety depth and special teams play. Kalon Barnes was added after cornerbacks Cam Dantzler, Sr., Andrew Booth, Jr., and Akayleb Evans were added to the injured reserve list. 

The 31 practice squads of other teams is an interesting resource for players. In some respects, it might be a better resource than street free agents. Practice squads are filled with young players that have been working with their teams since the spring. They haven’t been sitting at home waiting for a phone call. Prior to Adofo-Mensah’s practice squad raids, the last time I can remember the Vikings using this resource was when offensive tackle Rashod Hill was plucked from the practice squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. That worked out well. Tonga looks like he could be a keeper. 

Speaking of the practice squad, former first-round pick and brief savior of the Arizona Cardinals, Josh Rosen is now with the Vikings. After losing Kyler Murray for the season, the Cardinals needed some quarterback depth. They plucked David Blough from the Vikings practice squad. That left the Vikings needing a third quarterback. That led them to Rosen. The Cardinals traded up to the 10th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft to select Rosen. He was supposed to be the team’s franchise quarterback. That lasted a single season as the team reversed course about nine months later. Head coach Steve Wilks was fired after a single season. Kliff Kingsbury was hired. The Cardinals selected Murray with the first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Rosen was traded to the Dolphins. Then it was on to Tampa Bay. Then Atlanta. Then San Francisco. Then Cleveland. Now Minnesota. There was a time when Josh Rosen was “the guy.” He was a quarterback prodigy. His football future was hot, Hot, HOT. Now, it’s teetering on an edge. Some might say that he’s already fallen off of it and his football career is over. Who knows? He’s an interesting choice for a third quarterback. Maybe Kevin O’Connell, Chris O’Hara, and Jerrod Johnson can find the talent that once had the recruiting world falling over themselves trying to get a piece of Rosen. 

Here’s a look at the Vikings by position after the recent roster tweaks. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

Offense (24)

Quarterback (2)

Kirk Cousins

Nick Mullens

Running Back (4)

Dalvin Cook

Alexander Mattison

Kene Nwangwu

Ty Chandler 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson

Adam Thielen

K.J. Osborn

Jalen Reagor

Jalen Nailor

Tight End (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse

Tackle (4)

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

Oli Udoh

Vederian Lowe

Guard (3)

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Chris Reed

Center (2)

Garrett Bradbury

Austin Schlottman

Defense (27)

Defensive Line (6)

Harrison Phillips

Dalvin Tomlinson

Ross Blacklock

James Lynch

Khyiris Tonga

Esezi Otomewo 

Outside Linebacker (5)

Danielle Hunter

Za’Darius Smith

D.J. Wonnum

Patrick Jones II

Luiji Vilain

Inside Linebacker (5)

Eric Kendricks

Jordan Hicks

Brian Asamoah II

Troy Dye

William Kwenkeu

Cornerback (6)

Patrick Peterson

Cam Dantzler, Sr.

Chandon Sullivan

Duke Shelley

Kris Boyd

Kalon Barnes

Safety (4)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Special Teams (3)

Kicker

Greg Joseph

Punter

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper

Nick DePaola

***

Practice Squad

Dan Chisena, WR

Ryan Connelly, LB

Sheldon Day, DL

Myles Dorn, S

Chris Garrett, OLB

Tay Gowan, CB

Kyle Hinton, OG

Trishton Jackson, WR

Bryant Koback, RB

Parry Nickerson, CB

James O’Shaugnessy, TE

Blake Proehl, WR

Josh Rosen, QB

T.J. Smith, DL

Josh Sokol, C

Benton Whitley, OLB

Injured Reserve/Designated for Return

Irv Smith, Jr., CB

Injured Reserve

Andrew Booth, Jr., CB

Blake Brandel, OT

Jonathan Bullard, DL

Lewis Cine, S

Ben Ellefson, TE

Akayleb Evans, CB

Thomas Hennigan, WR

Olabisi Johnson, WR

Kenny Willekes, DE

Throwback Thursday: Minnesota Vikings All - Time Rookie Team

The first draft of Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has provided modest production this season. Injuries have been a big reason for that as first-round safety Lewis Cine, second-round corner Andrew Booth Jr., and fourth-round corner Akayleb Evans are currently on injured reserve. This year’s draft did provide an immediate starter in second-round guard Ed Ingram. Third-round linebacker Brian Asamoah is getting more snaps and made his first impressive, impact play on Sunday against the New York Giants. He needs to be on the field more and quite possibly enters his second season as a starter. Injuries and solid play has earned fifth-round defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo more playing time. The best rookie this season has been undrafted punter Ryan Wright. While the Vikings haven’t gotten a lot of immediate production from their 2022 rookies, I like the career potential of the young players. The defensive backs just have to get healthy. The entire draft class in on the roster. Here are some of the rookies that made the greatest impact in the franchise history of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Quarterback
Fran Tarkenton-1961

Fran Tarkenton got his rookie season rolling early when he led the Vikings to a win over the Chicago Bears in the first game in franchise history. He's in the Hall of Fame and an easy choice here. Christian Ponder and Teddy Bridgewater are the only other quarterbacks to play significant roles as rookies. So, Tarkenton easily takes it.

Running backs
Adrian Peterson-2007
Chuck Foreman-1973

Easy choices. Each took home rookie of the year awards. Each was an immediate difference-maker.

Receivers
Randy Moss-1998
Justin Jefferson-2020

Randy Moss and Justin Jefferson each had one of the best rookie receiver seasons in NFL history. Randy Moss scored an NFL rookie record 17 touchdowns. Jefferson’s 1,400 receiving yards is topped only by the 1,473 yards posted by Bill Groman in the first season of the AFL. Randy Moss was an easy choice for rookie of the year. Justin Jefferson should’ve been. Jefferson’s great rookie season topped that of 1976 Rookie of the Year Sammy White and 1963 Rookie of the Year Paul Flatley. The Vikings have a nice history of rookie receivers. 

Tight end
Joe Senser-1980

Joe Senser's 4-year career was way too short but it started well. 42 catches and 7 TDs.

Tackles
Gary Zimmerman-1986
Korey Stringer-1995

Ron Yary would've made this team at right tackle if it wasn't for Bud Grant's "rookies aren't ready to start" philosophy. Gary Zimmerman was great. So was Korey Stringer. His life and career ended way too soon. In a little way, his being on this team helps keep his spirit alive. Zimmerman played two seasons in the USFL before he became an NFL rookie so he was a "seasoned" rookie. Matt Kalil made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2012 but I’m going with Zimmerman at left tackle on this team. 

Guards
Randall McDaniel-1988
Ed Ingram-2022

Randall McDaniel is an automatic choice. Ed Ingram has had a rough rookie season. From stepping on his quarterback’s right foot multiple to some blocking whiffs, he’s had many low moments. He’s also shown some potential. From violent blocks to helping linemates, he’s made scattered plays that show potential. He gets the nod on this team because Marcus Johnson didn’t set a high bar in 2005. Ed White would probably get the nod if Bud Grant started rookies.

Center 
Mick Tingelhoff-1962

Mick Tingelhoff started every game in his 17-year Hall of Fame career. That streak started with his rookie season.

Defensive ends
Carl Eller-1964
Kevin Williams-2003

Carl Eller is an easy choice. Kevin Williams played his rookie season at defensive end and collected 10.5 sacks. He went on to a dominant, All-Decade career on the interior the next season. 

Defensive tackles
Alan Page-1967
Keith Millard-1985

Alan Page is an automatic choice. Even Bud Grant couldn't keep Page on the bench as a rookie. Keith Millard was an immediate force in the middle of the Vikings line. 11 sacks as a rookie. Like Gary Zimmerman, Millard wasn't a raw NFL rookie after a short stint in the USFL.

Linebackers
Anthony Barr-2014
Eric Kendricks-2015
Matt Blair-1974

Anthony Barr was an impact playmaker from his rookie season. Eric Kendricks edges out Jeff Siemon. It took about a month for Kendricks to force his way into the starting lineup. With each game he gets better at this job. Matt Blair played his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and became a defensive cornerstone.

Cornerbacks
DeWayne Washington-1994
Cameron Dantzler-2020

DeWayne Washington was an impact starter as a rookie. He was an impact starter all four of his years in Minnesota. I will never understand how the Vikings let him leave town in free agency. Rookie cornerbacks don’t jump right into a Mike Zimmer defense. It takes a while for them to learn the nuances of the techniques and schemes. Cameron Dantzler was forced to learn on the run. Injuries kept him from starting every game. When he was on the field, he was good, at times he was very good. 

Safeties

Joey Browner-1983
Harrison Smith-2012

Joey Browner and Harrison Smith are two of the best safeties in Vikings franchise history. Browner gets the nod despite not starting a single game at safety as a rookie. He was a dynamo on special teams. Smith was a defensive force from the start.

Kicker
Blair Walsh

Blair Walsh's best season was his first season. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

Punter
Ryan Wright-2022

Perhaps there’s a recency bias but Ryan Wright’s great rookie season edges Bobby Walden’s great rookie season in 1964.

Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson-2013

Cordarrelle Patterson edges Percy Harvin. Patterson was All-Pro as a rookie and has been the league’s best kick returner ever since. 

NFL’s Top QB - Pass Catcher Combos

Due to it’s absurdity, I’ve recently been seeing a lot of this graphic on the Socials.

Maurice Jones-Drew’s Top 10 QB-Pass Catcher Combos in ‘22

1.   Joe Burrow & J’Marr Chase

2.   Josh Allen & Stefon Diggs

3.   Matthew Stafford & Cooper Kupp

4.   Derek Carr & Davante Adams

5.   Patrick Mahomes & Travis Kelce

6.   Tom Brady & Mike Evans

7.   Dak Prescott & CeeDee Lamb

8.   Justin Herbert & Keenan Allen

9.   Kyler Murray & DeAndre Hopkins

10. Jameis Winston & Michael Thomas

Maurice Jones-Drew obviously crafted this ridiculous ranking before the start of the 2022 season. How else can you justify placing the combo of Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas anywhere on this list? Even with the benefit of 16 weeks of action and the injuries from that action, this ranking doesn’t feel right. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are too low. Tom Brady and Mike Evans are too high. Brady-Evans isn’t even the best combo on the Buccaneers. 

The most obvious problem with his ranking is the absence of Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. Even before this season, Cousins-Jefferson was an easy Top-10 combo and arguably deserving of Top-5 status. Through 16 weeks, Cousins-Jefferson are the #1 combo. And it isn’t close. 

Jones-Drew was clearly on board with the fresh combo of Derek Carr and Davante Adams. After whiffing on the Cousins-Jefferson combo, it’s not surprising that he whiffed on the potential of the fresh combo of Tua Tagavailoa-Tyreek Hill. Through 16 weeks, the Cousins-Jefferson and Tagavailoa-Hill combos are statistically the best in the league. Another fresh combo that Jones-Drew dismissed is the terrific combo of Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown. 

Here’s a more accurate (perhaps a bit biased) ranking of the league’s best QB-Pass Catcher Combos:

1.   Kirk Cousins & Justin Jefferson

2.   Patrick Mahomes & Travis Kelce

3.   Tua Tagavailoa & Tyreek Hill

4.   Joe Burrow & J’Marr Chase

5.   Josh Allen & Stefon Diggs

6.   Jalen Hurts & A.J. Brown

7.   Derek Carr & Davante Adams

8.   Tua Tagavailoa & Jaylen Waddle

9.   Dak Prescott & CeeDee Lamb

10. Jared Goff & Amon-Ra St. Brown

Half of those top combos weren’t even on the preseason ranking of Maurice Jones-Drew. Sure, this ranking takes advantage of 16 weeks of evidence. It’s easy to criticize his rankings from this perspective  but omitting Cousins-Jefferson, even if the omission was made before the season, is just stupid. I blame Jones-Drew’s UCLA education. 

Flea Flicker Week 16 Power Rankings

Here’s a look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after 16 weeks of football. 

1.   Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)

2.   Minnesota Vikings (12-3)

3.   Buffalo Bills (12-3)

4.   Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)

5.   San Francisco 49ers (11-4)

6.   Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)

7.   Dallas Cowboys (11-4)

8.   Baltimore Ravens (10-5)

9.   Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)

10. Miami Dolphins (8-7)

11. New York Giants (8-6-1)

12. Washington Commanders (7-7-1)

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8)

14. Detroit Lions (7-8)

15. Tennessee Titans (7-8)

16. New England Patriots (7-8)

17. New York Jets (7-8)

18. Seattle Seahawks (7-8)

19. Green Bay Packers (7-8)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)

22. Las Vegas Raiders (7-8)

23. Carolina Panthers (6-9)

24. New Orleans Saints (6-9)

25. Cleveland Browns (6-9)

26. Atlanta Falcons (5-10)

27. Arizona Cardinals (4-11)

28. Los Angeles Rams (5-10)

29. Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1)

30. Chicago Bears (3-12)

31. Denver Broncos (5-10)

32. Houston Texans (2-12-1)

Until next week. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 16 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings pulled out another heart-stopper against the New York Giants. 27-24. The difference in this heart-stopper was a 61-yard field goal as time expired. Last week, it was a 33-point comeback. This week, it was a 61-yard field goal. There’s never a dull moment in Minnesota. Here are some of the players that made the Vikings 12th win possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

It’s Justin Jefferson. Again.

12 catches, 133 yards, 1 TD

Other than his touchdown and the two huge plays on the game-winning drive, this game felt fairly pedestrian for Jefferson. Pedestrian for him is still impactful. When the Vikings needed him most, Jefferson made the plays that made this win possible. 

T.J. Hockenson’s terrific game must be mentioned. 

13 catches, 109 yards, 2 TDs

Defensive Player of the Game

Danielle Hunter, OLB

7 tackles, 2 sacks

The Vikings defense gave up a bunch of yards (445) to a fairly limited offense. Their play felt better than the stats because of the two turnovers and fairly consistent pass rush. That pass rush was paced by Danielle Hunter. He’s picking up his game when the Vikings needed it most. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Greg Joseph, K

Greg Joseph gets the nod for his 61-yard game-winner. 61 yards! It was his second game-winner in as many weeks. 61 yards! 

Joseph also made his three extra point attempts and an itty bitty 40-yard field goal. 

Special mention to Josh Metellus for his game-turning punt block. 

Vikings - Giants

Another week. Another heart-pounding ending. This Minnesota Vikings team and this Minnesota Vikings season is going to be end of me. But it’s been fun. Winning is fun. 

Under white-out conditions, the Vikings edged the New York Giants by the score of 27-24. Greg Joseph’s last-second, 61-yard field goal was the difference. 61 yards! Last week it was a 33-point comeback. This week it was a 61-yard field goal. 

It was the Vikings 12th win of the season. It was the 11th win by a single score. 

Throughout his career, Kirk Cousins has received a great deal of criticism. I can’t recall a quarterback ever having his game scrutinized quite like the media and fans scrutinize his. Prime Time games, big games, clutch moments. He’s always under someone’s microscope. This year, he’s been brilliant in clutch moments. The Vikings wouldn’t be 11-0 in single-score games without his clutch play. Some of those moments have come in big and Prime Time games. 

Cousins vs the Giants:

34/48, 299 yards, and 3 TDs

The Vikings also wouldn’t be sitting at 12-3 without the incredible Justin Jefferson. The big plays on the drive that ended in Joseph’s 61-yard game-winner were his. On 3rd-and-nine, Jefferson caught a 16-yarder. On third-and-11, his catch and run gained 17 yards. On a clutch, game-winning 33-yard drive he caught two passes for 33 yards. For the game, Jefferson had 12 catches for 133 yards and a 17-yard touchdown. 

The 12 catches bumped his season total to 123. That tops Cris Carter’s franchise record. His 133 yards bumped his season total to 1,756 yards. That tops Randy Moss’s franchise record. That’s elite company. Jefferson’s next target is Calvin Johnson’s league receiving yardage record of 1,964 yards. 

Jefferson is fun. He’s incredible. He’s a complete receiver. So damn much fun. The Vikings and their fans are so lucky to have him.

Back to the game.

15 games in and the Vikings are still looking for their first complete game. That wasn’t a bad thing to say during the first half of the season. It’s an unfortunate thing to say after 15 games. The offense had too many unproductive possessions yesterday. Granted, the Giants have a very good defense. The Vikings offense has too many playmakers to have a series of unproductive possessions. Against any defense. The Vikings defense, again, gave up a lot of yards (445). Despite all those yards, it felt like the defense played better. Perhaps it was the two takeaways (1 fumble, 1 interception) and the pressure on Daniel Jones (3 sacks, felt like more). The Vikings special teams made several game-changing plays. The highlights being a blocked punt and the 61-yard, game-winning field goal. What a great thing it would be if this Vikings team could put together a complete game. If they could do that, a Super Bowl is possible. Gimme that!

T.J. Hockenson responded to being selected to his second Pro Bowl with his best game in his short time with the Vikings.

13 catches, 109 yards, and two TDs (12, 15)

Jefferson and Hockenson might be the Vikings most impactful pass catchers but the offense is at it’s best when the touches are more evenly spread across the team. Cousins completed 34 passes. 25 went to Jefferson and Hockenson. That’s too top heavy. K.J. Osborn needs more than three catches. Adam Thielen needs more than one catch. Dalvin Cook needs more than 14 carries and three catches. 

It was another heart-stopping win. The Vikings are getting real good at closing out one-score wins. Hopefully, that will serve them well in the pressure cooker of the playoffs. The Vikings close the season with two road games against division foes. The Green Bay Packers are up first and then it’s the Chicago Bears in Week 18. For now, the Vikings are 12-3 and home for Christmas.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Flea Flicker Week 16 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 16 games. 

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings secure Win #12. Hopefully, it’s less suspenseful than Win #11.

Buffalo Bills @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Bills

Bills should roll.

New Orleans Saints @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Saints

It’s so easy to pick against the Browns.

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

The Titans need a win. If the last couple weeks are any indication, beating the one-win Texans won’t be easy. 

Seattle Seahawks @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs aren’t rolling over teams. I’d like to see them roll over the Seahawks.

Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots

Pick: Bengals

After a somewhat slow start to the season, the Bengals have won seven straight. 

Detroit Lions @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Lions

The Panthers have been frisky but the Lions are steaming to the end of their season.

Atlanta Falcons @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

With or without Lamar Jackson, the Ravens must win this game.

Washington Commanders @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Commanders

Just a hunch.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

Another hunch.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Steelers

This one won’t require an Immaculate Reception.

Green Bay Packers @ Miami Dolphins 

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins need a win. The Packers need another loss. I’m hoping that they hit double-digit losses. 

Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

This was probably considered a premier game back in the spring. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers close out a less than dreamy slate of Christmas Day games. 

The six teams playing on Christmas Day combine for a 32-52 record. At 8-6, only the Dolphins have a winning record. Three of the six teams are 4-10. None of those teams is currently playing with their high-profile starting quarterback. Even when those quarterbacks were playing, they weren’t lighting things up for their teams. 

Los Angeles Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Chargers

Can the Colts recover from losing a 33-point halftime lead. 

All - Time New York Giants Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the New York Giants on Christmas Eve. As the NFL’s fourth-oldest team, the Giants have a long history. With eight titles, it’s a mostly strong history. On the eve of tomorrow’s big game, here are some of the best players in the history of the New York Giants.

Offense

Quarterback

Charlie Conerly

Running Back

Frank Gifford

Fullback

Ken Strong

Wide Receivers

Del Shofner

Odell Beckham Jr.

Tight End

Mark Bavaro 

Offensive Tackles

Roosevelt Brown

Al Blozis

Offensive Guards

William Roberts

Chris Snee

                               

Center

Mel Hein

Defense

Defensive Ends

Andy Robustelli

Michael Strahan

Defensive Tackles

Arnie Weinmeister

Rosey Grier

Linebackers

Lawrence Taylor

Harry Carson

Sam Huff

Cornerbacks

Dick Lynch

Erich Barnes

Safeties

Emlen Tunnell

Jimmy Patton

Special Teams

Kicker 

Lawrence Tynes

Punter

Sean Landeta

Kick Returner

Emlen Tunnell

Punt Returner

Dave Meggett

Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowlers

The NFC and AFC Pro Bowl rosters were revealed last night. The Minnesota Vikings are one of six teams to have five or more players earn a roster spot. 

The Vikings Pro Bowlers:

Kirk Cousins, QB

Justin Jefferson, QR

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Za’Darius Smith, OLB

Andrew DePaola, LS

Appearances:

Cousins: 4th 

Jefferson: 3rd

Hockenson: 2nd

Smith: 3rd

DePaola: first

In his third season, Jefferson is a Pro Bowler for the third time. DePaola earned his first Pro Bowl at the age of 35. 

Hockenson makes the team having played half the season with the Detroit Lions and the better half with the Vikings. 

The Pro Bowl is a fine honor but Jefferson has the honor in proper perspective. 

“Hopefully I don’t get to go and we’re in the Super Bowl.”

The Vikings five selections are behind the Philadelphia Eagles (8), Dallas Cowboys (7), Kansas City Chiefs (7), Baltimore Ravens (6), and San Francisco 49ers (6).

Of course, there are some snubbed Vikings players. Every team has them. The Vikings biggest snub is left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Trent Williams of the San Francisco 49ers and Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles are traditional picks. It would take a remarkable season to budge either of them. Darrisaw had one. Missing about 3.75 games was an obstacle. His great play when he was on the field should’ve edged Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Darrisaw will have multiple Pro Bowls in his future but this should’ve been his first one. 

Not nearly the snub of Darrisaw but safety Harrison Smith, corner Patrick Peterson, and right tackle Brian O’Neill have played and continue to play at a Pro Bowl level. 

For the first time that I can recall, the Pro Bowl alternates were revealed. The Vikings had a few.

1st Alternates:

Dalvin Cook, RB

C.J. Ham, FB

Danielle Hunter, OLB

Kene Nwangwu, KR

2nd Alternates:

Christian Darrisaw, LT

Harrison Smith, S

Garrett Bradbury, C

3rd Alternates:

Eric Kendricks, LB

Kris Boyd, ST

No Peterson?!? I’d take his play this season over Pro Bowl corners not named Darius Slay. 

This year’s Pro Bowl will be very different. There will no longer be a lackluster, semi-tackle football game. That sad game will be replaced by a flag football game. Fun. The festivities will also include a variety of athletic competitions. 

Congratulations to the Vikings Pro Bowlers. Hopefully, they will be playing in a bigger game. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 15 Superlatives

On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings had the greatest comeback in NFL history. Down 33-0 at halftime, the Vikings somehow won 39-36 with a 40-yard field goal in overtime. It was insane. It was incredible. Everything that pulled them out of that 33-point hole was beautiful. Everything that put them in that 33-point hole was horrible. Here are those that made the beautiful stuff happen.

Offensive Player of the Game

The Offense. All of them.

Some of the beautiful stats:

Kirk Cousins: 34/54, 460 yards, 4 TDs

-Cousins threw for over 400 yards in the second half and overtime

Dalvin Cook: 17 carries, 95 yards

                        4 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD (64 yards)

K.J. Osborn: 10 catches, 157 yards, 1 TD

Justin Jefferson: 12 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD

Adam Thielen: 3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD

If a single player had to be picked for this great honor, K.J. Osborn had a fantastic game. His third quarter 63-yard catch and run ignited the Vikings furious comeback. 

Defensive Player of the Game

The Defense. All of them. 

The Vikings defense held the Colts to a single field goal in the second half and overtime. The incredible comeback does not happen if the defense didn’t get stops. 

The first half wasn’t pretty but the defense did hold the Colts to four field goals on terrific scoring opportunities. Twice the Colts had the ball inside the Vikings five-yard line and settled for field goals. Thanks to failed fourth-down attempts, the Colts twice gained possession around the Vikings 30-yard line. On both occasions, the Colts settled for field goals. If not for first half defensive stands, the halftime deficit was 33 points and not 40+. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Greg Joseph, K

Overall, it was a rough game for the Vikings special teams units. Greg Joseph gets the nod for making all of his kicks. Every kick was needed. Four extra points and the game-winning field goal in overtime. If Joseph had missed on any of the kicks, this incredible comeback win does not happen. 

Flea Flicker Week 15 Power Rankings

Here’s a look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after 15 weeks of football. 

1.   Philadelphia Eagles (13-1)

2.   Minnesota Vikings (11-3)

3.   Buffalo Bills (11-3)

4.   Kansas City Chiefs (11-3)

5.   San Francisco 49ers (10-4)

6.   Cincinnati Bengals (10-4)

7.   Dallas Cowboys (10-4)

8.   Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

9.   Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

10. Miami Dolphins (8-6)

11. Detroit Lions (7-7)

12. Tennessee Titans (7-7)

13. New England Patriots (7-7)

14. New York Jets (7-7)

15. Seattle Seahawks (7-7)

16. New York Giants (8-5-1)

17. Washington Commanders (7-6-1)

18. Green Bay Packers (6-8)

19. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8)

21. Las Vegas Raiders (6-8)

22. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8)

23. Cleveland Browns (6-8)

24. New Orleans Saints (5-9)

25. Atlanta Falcons (5-9)

26. Carolina Panthers (5-9)

27. Arizona Cardinals (4-10)

28. Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1)

29. Chicago Bears (3-11)

30. Los Angeles Rams (4-10)

31. Denver Broncos (4-10)

32. Houston Texans (1-12-1)

Until next week.

This Team

There’s rarely been a dull moment with the 2022 Minnesota Vikings. At 11-3, there’s been a lot of great moments. The wins have been thrilling, too thrilling. 10 of the wins have been by one score. The 11th win? That was the first one against the Green Bay Packers. No matter the margin, a win against the Packers is always thrilling. It’s been 14 weeks since the Vikings have won a game by more than a single score. A long time. Seven times this season, Kirk Cousins has guided the Vikings offense to a game-winning score in the fourth quarter. None was more thrilling than Saturday’s wild comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts. 

Down 33-0 at the half. Impossible. 

Since 1930, teams were 1,548-1-1 when leading by 30 or more points. 

Since Saturday, teams are 0-1 when leading by 30 or more points.

This Vikings team is different. 

It’d just be nice to see more of the second half against the Colts and less of the first half. In the first half of this crazy game, the Vikings were in the Christmas spirit. They were very giving. 

The Vikings gave the Colts:

-a blocked punt touchdown

-two failed fourth down attempts from about their own 30-yard line

-a pick-6

The Vikings giving ways gave the Colts a breezy 20 points. Of the 36 points that the Colts scored in the game, only seven were scored by their offense. 

The Vikings just had to get out of their own way. In the second half, they did. They scored 14 points in the third quarter, 22 points in the fourth quarter, three points in overtime. The Vikings offense scored 39 points after halftime. The defense gave up three points. 

This team. 

More often than not, the 2022 Minnesota Vikings does what it has to do to win games. Is that a problem? It is for my health but winning games is all that matters. The Vikings are winning games. 

Perhaps the best thing that this Vikings team is doing is that they aren’t letting bad things derail them. I started thinking about this during the game against the Washington Commanders. It was after the play in which a rogue official took out Camryn Bynum while he was trying to defend a deep pass. An NFL official tackled a player. I’d never seen anything like it. The official kept Bynum from a sure interception and allowed a Commanders touchdown. The Vikings responded by this strange play by not letting it bother them. They went and won the game. Against the Colts, nothing went the Vikings way in the first half. A few things didn’t go their way in the second half. The officiating was horrible. Two defensive touchdowns (one in each half) were taken from them. A big Jalen Reagor punt return was wiped away by a phantom facemask penalty. A lot of things have to go right to successfully come back from a 33-point deficit. Not everything went right for the Vikings. There was the horrible officiating. There was their own mistakes. They went three-and-out on their first possession of the second half. Cousins threw an interception. They turned the ball over on downs. They didn’t even take advantage of their lone takeaway.  The Vikings needed five touchdowns in the second half. Somehow, they did it despite having four empty possessions. The Vikings did not let their mistakes or the ridiculous officiating stop them from erasing a 33-point deficit. Incredible. If nothing else, this Vikings team is resilient. Very resilient. 

The Minnesota Vikings are NFC North Champions. If they are to do anything in the playoffs, they must do what they have not done in any of their 11 wins. They must get out of their own way. They’ve yet to play a complete game. It’s ok to be saying that during the first month of the season. It’s December. They better have found those complete games in January. And February. 

This team. 

 

Vikings - Colts

Well, that was something you don’t often see. 

About a month ago, the Minnesota Vikings pulled out a thrilling, come-from-behind win over the Buffalo Bills. The Vikings were done about a half dozen times until they won the game. Yesterday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts was even more impossible. Down 33-0 at the half, the Vikings won 39-36.

It was the greatest comeback in the history of the National Football League. With a miraculous second half, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North title. 

NFC North Champions.

Like the Bills game, this insane game should be appreciated rather than dissected. The first half must be tossed. The second half must be treasured, enjoyed, and remembered. Always remembered. It was impossible. It was incredible. 

The Vikings needed five touchdowns. That was the halftime goal. They had to get five touchdowns. The Vikings got five second half touchdowns. And the game-winning field goal in overtime. 

When a team is down 33-0 at the half, the game is over. It should be over. Any huge comeback needs a defensive score, a special teams score, a recovered onside kick or two. At least, I always thought that. The Vikings got none of those. Actually, they did get a defensive score but the officials robbed them of that. Somehow, the Vikings scored five second half touchdowns while punting twice, throwing an interception, and turning the ball over on downs. How does a team score 36 second half points and still have four empty possessions? I watched it happen and I still have no idea. 

The Vikings touchdown drives:

7 plays, 88 yards

8 plays, 75 yards

6 plays, 61 yards

5 plays, 50 yards

1 play, 64 yards

The Vikings had one quick touchdown. Dalvin Cook took a screen pass on a thrilling, inspiring, 64-yard journey. The best starting position was midfield. The five drives averaged just under 68 yards. The Vikings were smart with time. At 3:40, the second touchdown drive was the most time consuming. Cook took 13 seconds to run, dodge, crash those 64 yards. The other three drives were in the two minute range. 

The Vikings didn’t do the usual things to overcome a 33-point deficit but they did what they had to do. They were resilient. They were smart. 

But, the Vikings have to stop doing the things that put them in that 33-point hole. It’s way too late in the season to be making so many crucial mistakes. Hey, maybe they got all those mistakes out of the way and they’ll play clean football through January and into February. Wouldn’t that be nice? 

Most of the attention for this insane comeback is on the five touchdowns scored in regulation and the game-winning field goal in overtime. The focus is always on the offense. This comeback does not happen if the Vikings defense hadn’t held the Colts to a single field goal in the second half and overtime. 

At halftime, Patrick Peterson told the offense, “get the five touchdowns, we’ll get the stops.” Offense, defense, and even special teams did what they had to do in the second half and overtime. 

This game was insane, incredible, impossible, and will be remembered.

The Minnesota Vikings are NFC North Champions! Now, they must make it mean something. 

SKOL!

Flea Flicker Week 15 Predictions

Here are guesses at the Week 15 games. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

Vikings wrap up the NFC North.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Ravens

Original Browns vs Expansion Browns. 

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Dolphins continue their fade.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles continue their roll through a breezy schedule. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Saints

It’s tough to pick these NFC South teams. Just going with the home team.

Detroit Lions @ New York Jets

Pick: Jets

The current media darling falls to an earlier media darling. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Panthers

The Panthers are kinda frisky. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

Last week, the Cowboys nearly lost to the Texans. This week, the Cowboys lose to the Jaguars as they look toward the Eagles. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans

Pick Chiefs

The Chiefs roll.

Arizona Cardinals @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Cardinals

Someone has to win this game.

New England Patriots @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Patriots

The media will only see Bill Belichick vs Josh McDaniels.

Tennessee Titans @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

Two teams headed in opposite directions.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Bengals

Another two teams headed in opposite directions.

New York Giants @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Commanders

Just going with the home team.

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Packers

I imagine that this game looked pretty great when the schedule was released. 

All - Time Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts tomorrow with an opportunity to wrap up the NFC North. The Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts have a great and fun NFL history. Johnny Unitas, Jim Parker, Gino Marchetti, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Dwight Freeney. So many great, fun players. So many great, fun teams. It would’ve been an even better history if the team hadn’t moved to Indianapolis. The Colts will always be more associated with Baltimore for me. On the eve of their big game with the Vikings, here’s a look at some of the best players in the great, fun history of the Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts. 

Offense

Quarterback

Johnny Unitas

Running Back

Lenny Moore

Fullback

Alan Ameche

Wide Receivers

Raymond Berry

Marvin Harrison

Tight End

John Mackey

Offensive Tackles

Jim Parker

Bob Vogel

Offensive Guards

Jim Parker

Quenton Nelson

                               

Center

Jeff Saturday

Defense

Defensive Ends

Gino Marchetti

Dwight Freeney

Defensive Tackles

Art Donovan

Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb

Linebackers

Shaquille Leonard

Mike Curtis

Bill Pellington

Cornerbacks

Bobby Boyd

Milt Davis

Safeties

Bob Sanders

Rick Volk

Special Teams

Kicker 

Adam Vinatieri

Punter

Pat McAfee

Kick Returner

Terrence Wilkins

Punt Returner

Clarence Verdin

Minnesota Vikings Roster Tweaks

The Minnesota Vikings played the first half of the season fairly injury-free. It was nice. Those nice days have changed a bit over the past month. Injuries forced the Minnesota Vikings to make some tweaks to their roster this week. For the past 3.75 games, Blake Brandel had been playing in place of Christian Darrisaw (out with a concussion) at left tackle. Brandel suffered a torn MCL in his right knee at the end of Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions. He was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Fortunately, Darrisaw is expected to return to the field for Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Oli Udoh will step up as the team’s swing tackle. Injuries have forced the cornerback position opposite Patrick Peterson into a revolving door. Cam Dantzler Sr., Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., and Duke Shelley have started or taken snaps this season. Evans and Booth are on injured reserve. After a month on injured reserve, Dantzler was activated for the Lions game. Shelley took some snaps in the game as Dantzler shook off rust and eased into a full-time workload. The position is still uncertain as Dantzler has missed practice time this week with an illness. The precarious cornerback position forced the Vikings to look outside the organization for help. Yesterday, rookie Kalon Barnes was plucked from the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins. He took Brandel’s spot on the roster. After a four-year college career at Baylor, Barnes was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He was released at the end of training camp and signed by the Dolphins to their practice squad. Barnes opened some evaluation eyes with a blazing 4.23 40 at the Scouting Combine. That sort of speed is a very elite trait. Moving from cozy Miami to frigid Minnesota will be a shock. This week will be his first on a 53-man roster. 

The Vikings cornerback group now looks something like this:

Patrick Peterson

Cam Dantzler Sr.

Chandon Sullivan

Duke Shelley

Kris Boyd

Kalon Barnes

Practice Squad:

Tay Gowan

Parry Nickerson

That isn’t the group that the team envisioned back in August. Injuries will always change football plans. Hopefully, Dantzler can get through the illness that’s kept him out of practice. The Vikings will need him on Saturday. I expect game day elevations for Tay Gowan and possibly Parry Nickerson. 

Another roster tweak:

Rookie linebacker William Kwenkeu has spent the season on the Vikings practice squad. He’s been a game day elevation a couple times. Yesterday, he was promoted to the 53-man roster. He took the roster spot that opened up when defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard was placed on injured reserve. 

Compared to several teams around the league, the Vikings recent run of injuries is more nuisance than problem. It didn’t feel that way against the Lions as the absence of safety Harrison Smith, left tackle Christian Darrisaw, and center Garrett Bradbury created so damn many problems. The defense looked lost without their leader. The offensive line was a mess without their best player (Darrisaw) and leader (Bradbury). Injuries are inevitable in football. The teams that best avoid those injuries are often the teams standing at the end. Here’s hoping that the Vikings recent injury nuisance is the worst of it. Here’s hoping that any future roster tweaks are due to players getting healthy. Not injured. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 14 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings failed in their attempt to wrap up the NFC North in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions. The Vikings offense mostly played well. The defense mostly didn’t. It was a frustrating loss as it came against a beatable division foe. Here are some of the players that played well in the third loss of the season.

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Kirk Cousins, QB

Justin Jefferson is an easy choice as his 223 receiving yards were a personal and franchise record. The Lions had no answer. Jefferson pretty much did anything he wanted. 

Kirk Cousins must be included as he was terrific behind an offensive line missing two starters and a run game that did nothing. 

Cousins’ stats:

31/41 

425 yards

2 TDs

An unstoppable Justin Jefferson was on the receiving end of 11 of those completions. Cousins nicely spread the other 20 completed passes around to T.J. Hockenson, Adam Thielen, and K.J. Osborn.

Defensive Player of the Game

No player on defense stood out against the Lions. The defense has to be better, much better, if the Vikings are to have any success in the playoffs. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Ryan Wright, P

Ryan Wright punted three times for 159 yards. 53 yards/punt. Unfortunately the Lions returned one of those punts 35 yards. 

Like the defense, it wasn’t a great game for the Vikings special teams. But Wright did boot the ball well. 

 

Flea Flicker Week 14 Power Rankings

Here’s a look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after 14 weeks of football. 

1.   Philadelphia Eagles (12-1)

2.   Minnesota Vikings (10-3)

3.   Buffalo Bills (10-3)

4.   Kansas City Chiefs (10-3)

5.   Dallas Cowboys (10-3)

6.   San Francisco 49ers (9-4)

7.   Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)

8.   Baltimore Ravens (9-4)

9.   Los Angeles Chargers (7-6)

10. Miami Dolphins (8-5)

11. Tennessee Titans (7-6)

12. New England Patriots (7-6)

13. New York Jets (7-6)

14. Seattle Seahawks (7-6)

15. New York Giants (7-5-1)

16. Washington Commanders (7-5-1)

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7)

18. Detroit Lions (6-7)

19. Green Bay Packers (5-8)

20. Las Vegas Raiders (5-8)

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-8)

22. Atlanta Falcons (5-8)

23. Cleveland Browns (5-8)

24. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8)

25. New Orleans Saints (4-9)

26. Carolina Panthers (5-8)

27. Arizona Cardinals (4-9)

28. Indianapolis Colts (4-8-1)

29. Chicago Bears (3-10)

30. Los Angeles Rams (4-9)

31. Denver Broncos (3-10)

32. Houston Texans (1-11-1)

Until next week.

Vikings - Lions

The Minnesota Vikings failed to wrap up the NFC North in Detroit. The Lions did good things more consistently and won 34-23. 

I believe that there was way too much talk in and around the Vikings about a “shirt and hat game.” Each time I heard a player or talking head use that damn term, I cringed a bit. I wish that there was more focus on the Lions than any sort of postgame celebration. Anyway, the Lions outplayed the Vikings in all three phases. 

The turning point in the game probably came with about a minute to play in the first half. Down 14-7, the Vikings had first-and-goal on the Lions three-yard line. Instead of just pounding the ball into the end zone and making tying the score, the Vikings tried to get cute. It looked like the intention was a little pop pass from Dalvin Cook to Johnny Mundt. Perhaps the call was right as Mundt was open and Cook had the opportunity. The execution was terrible. Cook bobbled and then dropped the ball. The Lions recovered. Seven important points just disappeared. 

The Vikings played the game without left tackle Christian Darrisaw, center Garrett Bradbury, and safety Harrison Smith. Darrisaw has missed the past 3.75 games since Micah Parsons head-butted him out of the lineup. While his absence has been significant, the offense has managed to play around it. Losing center, and line leader Bradbury was a little much. The run game did nothing. 22 yards on 17 carries. Smith’s absence, by far, hurt the most. The Lions first three scores took advantage of that absence. Jameson Williams’ 41-yard, uncontested score that opened the scoring doesn’t happen if Smith is at the back of the defense. D.J. Chark’s 48-yard score doesn’t happen if Smith is on the field. A lot of the Lions offensive success doesn’t happen if Smith is on the field. The Lions had a lot of offensive success. 464 yards. Jared Goff peppered the Vikings defense with passes to nine receivers. He even completed a pass to right tackle Penei Sewell. It was a completion that iced the game for the Lions. The Vikings defense was terrible. Getting Smith back will cure some of the problems seen yesterday but there won’t be much playoff fun if some changes aren’t made. Better pass rush, better tackling, better coverage. Coaches, players, everybody on the defensive side of the ball has to be better. 

Announcers Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma turned the game into a very pro-Lions telecast. It had the feel of one of those preseason games with the home team announcers. I wouldn’t be disappointed if I never again hear Vilma call a game.

It’s a disappointing loss. At least it wasn’t a brutal, ugly loss like those to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. It was an unfortunate loss as great games by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson were wasted. 

Kirk Cousins:

31/41 for 425 yards and two touchdowns.

Justin Jefferson:

11 catches for 223 yards.

Jefferson’s 223 yards are a personal and franchise record. It looked like he could’ve/should’ve had 32 more yards and a 71-yard score. The officials ruled that he’d stepped out of bounds after gaining 39 yards. It didn’t look like he stepped out of bounds. There were a few occasions in which it looked like the officials were watching a different game. 

Thanks in part to Jefferson’s greatness, Cousins dealt with a limited offensive line against a varied pass rush. Jefferson wasn’t the lone productive Vikings receiver. Adam Thielen, T.J. Hockenson, and K.J. Osborn made plays. Thielen and Osborn scored touchdowns. The Lions took away the run game but the pass game worked. It just needed to work a little more often. 

This was one of Cousins’ best games. It’s a damn shame that was wasted with little else working. 

It’s a frustrating loss. The Lions are a pain. They are annoying when they are losing consistently. They are even more annoying when they’re pretty good as they are now. 

Next Saturday, the Vikings will again attempt to wrap up the NFC North. This time the attempt will come at home against the Indianapolis Colts. 

Flea Flicker Week 14 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 14 games. 

Byes: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings wrap up the NFC North.

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Bills at home are too much for the Jets.

Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals are way too much for the feckless Browns.

Houston Texans @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

With the way the Cowboys are running up scores and stats, the battle for Texas isn’t much of a battle.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

The Titans rebound.

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Pick: Giants

Just a hunch.

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens find a way.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs roll.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Buccaneers

Brock Purdy can’t keep up with Tom Brady.

Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Panthers

The Panthers stun the Seahawks.

Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins take care of the southern leg of their California trip.

New England Patriots @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Patriots

The Patriots rebound from a couple tough losses. 

My-Time All-Time Detroit Lions Team

In advance of Minnesota Vikings games I’ve been selecting All-Time teams of that week’s opponent. The Vikings play division foes twice. To avoid doing something I’ve already done here’s something different. This is an All-Time Detroit Lions team made up of players that played during my time as a Vikings fan. 

Offense

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford

Running Back

Barry Sanders

Fullback

Dexter Bussey

Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson

Herman Moore

Tight End

Charlie Sanders

Offensive Tackles

Lomas Brown

Rocky Freitas

Offensive Guards

Rob Sims

Bob Kowalkowski

Center

Frank Ragnow

Defense

Defensive Ends

Al “Bubba” Baker

Robert Porcher

Defensive Tackles

Doug English

Ndamukong Suh

Linebackers

Mike Cofer

Chris Spielman

DeAndre Levy

Cornerbacks

Lem Barney

Darius Slay

Safeties

Bennie Blades

Glover Quinn

Special Teams

Kicker 

Matt Prater

Punter

Sam Martin

Kick Returner

Mel Gray

Minnesota Vikings Receiving Leaders

Justin Jefferson’s immediate assault on receiving standards and Adam Thielen’s continued, steady play has me thinking about the career receiving leaders in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. Pro Football Reference is the perfect site for such things. 

Minnesota Vikings Receiving Leaders

Receptions

Rank	Player	Receptions
1	Cris Carter	1004
2	Randy Moss	587
3	Adam Thielen	520
4	Steve Jordan	498
5	Anthony Carter	478
6	Kyle Rudolph	453
7	Jake Reed	413
8	Ahmad Rashad	400
9	Sammy White	393
10	Stefon Diggs	365
11	Ted Brown	339
12	Chuck Foreman	336
13	Rickey Young	292
14	Justin Jefferson	284
15	Bill Brown	284
16	Percy Harvin	280
17	Darrin Nelson	251
18	Adrian Peterson	241
19	Hassan Jones	222
20	Dalvin Cook	210

The surprise of the Vikings career receptions leaders might be fullback Bill Brown at #15. He looked and played the part of the classic 1960’s NFL fullback. Those players didn’t catch passes. A Vikings fullback did. Vikings backs have always caught passes in my time as a fan of the team. That can be seen in the number of running backs in the top 20:

Ted Brown

Chuck Foreman

Rickey Young

Bill Brown

Darrin Nelson

Adrian Peterson

Dalvin Cook

I was a little surprised that Ted Brown leads Chuck Foreman. That lead is only three receptions but I would’ve guessed that Foreman was ahead by at least a dozen. 

Yards

Rank	Player	Yards
1	Cris Carter	12383
2	Randy Moss	9316
3	Anthony Carter	7636
4	Adam Thielen	6546
5	Jake Reed	6433
6	Sammy White	6400
7	Steve Jordan	6307
8	Ahmad Rashad	5489
9	Stefon Diggs	4623
10	Kyle Rudolph	4488
11	Justin Jefferson	4293
12	Hassan Jones	3733
13	Percy Harvin	3302
14	John Gilliam	3297
15	Paul Flatley	3222
16	Bill Brown	3177
17	Gene Washington	3087
18	Chuck Foreman	3057
19	Leo Lewis	2924
20	Ted Brown	2850

This is where Justin Jefferson’s ridiculous start to his career really pops. With five games to play this season, it’s likely that he exits his third season in the league at #9 on the Vikings career receiving yardage list. At his current pace, Jefferson will probably trail only Cris Carter and Randy Moss after only five seasons. 

The Vikings have a strong receiver tradition. When thinking about the receivers that have crafted that tradition, John Gilliam is often an afterthought. In his four seasons in Minnesota (1972-75), he caught 47, 42, 26, and 50 passes. Compared to today’s standards, at best, those are modest numbers. He made each catch count as he averaged 20 yards per reception. He made the Pro Bowl all four seasons. Gilliam was one of the league’s best deep threats during his era and he is a significant part of the Vikings great receiver tradition. 

Touchdowns

Rank	Player	Touchdowns
1	Cris Carter	110
2	Randy Moss	92
3	Anthony Carter	52
4	Adam Thielen	52
5	Sammy White	50
6	Kyle Rudolph	48
7	Ahmad Rashad	34
8	Jake Reed	33
9	Stefon Diggs	30
10	Steve Jordan	28
11	John Gilliam	27
12	Hassan Jones	24
13	Visanthe Shiancoe	24
14	Justin Jefferson	23
15	Bill Brown	23
16	Gene Washington	23
17	Chuck Foreman	23
18	Percy Harvin	20
19	Jerry Reichow	19
20	Sidney Rice	18

This is where Justin Jefferson’s ridiculous start doesn’t pop. By comparison, Randy Moss had 43 touchdowns in his first three seasons. Jefferson currently has about half that total. A reason for that difference is Moss often caught passes as he was running away from defenders. A lot of Jefferson’s downfield catches are contested catches. Jefferson’s touchdown catches should increase as the Vikings offense hopefully becomes more consistent. 

Visanthe Shiancoe makes an appearance on a Vikings career receiving list!

So does Jerry Reichow.

Anthony Carter should be in the Vikings Ring of Honor. His playoff run in 1987 is the stuff of legend. He was great. #5 in receptions, #3 in yards, #3 in touchdowns. Only Hall of Famers Cris Carter and Randy Moss put up better numbers.