Vikings - Packers

The Minnesota Vikings held on to defeat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The final score was 31-29. It shouldn’t have been that close. While more nerve-wracking at the end than it needed to be, the Vikings were in control from start to finish. They started the game by doing just about everything right. They jumped out to a 28-0 lead. It was a terrific start. Perhaps too terrific. It felt like the Vikings switched from “take it to ‘em” to “hold ‘em at bay.” Who knows? The Packers are a good team. If given the opportunity, they were bound to get out their own way. The Vikings, and the officials, gave them several opportunities. Fortunately, enough plays were made at the end to preserve the win. 

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spent the game correcting the mistakes of the officials. He challenged and won three of their mistakes. Three challenges! That doesn’t happen often. The officials also gave the Packers safety Xavier McKinney an interception that he never actually caught inbounds. He was still bobbling the ball when he hit the white of the sideline. It wasn’t an interception. How the official’s didn’t rule it as such on the obligatory turnover review is a mystery. The official’s gaff took Vikings points off the board. It was 2nd &1 from the Packers 20-yard line. I say a touchdown was taken away. I’m always an optimist. 35-7 with about 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter would’ve been nearing hopeless territory for the Packers. At the very least, a field goal was taken off the board. Even 31-7 would’ve been a tough climb. Instead, the officials gave the Packers an interception that McKinney never caught and a little bit of hope. The Packers received a lot of breaks as they climbed from that 28-0 hole. They needed every one of them. 

Going into this game, one of my biggest concerns was the spongy Lambeau turf. In each of the past two seasons, a Vikings player suffered a popped Achilles. It was Brian O’Neill in 2022 and Kirk Cousins in 2023. Despite being an optimist, I was seriously worried about the possibility of a third. I’m so thankful that the Vikings are leaving Green Bay apparently healthy. And with a win.

The Vikings gave the Packers a tremendously generous gift just before the half. With 39 seconds on the clock, the Vikings were up 28-0 and cruising into the break. This tremendously generous gift started being wrapped several plays earlier when receiver/punt returner Brandon Powell was injured. That put Jalen Nailor on the field to return this punt. He either misjudged the ball’s flight or lost it in the sun. Whatever happened, he muffed the punt and gave the ball to the Packers at the 3-yard line. A meltdown by Packers coach Matt LaFleur made it a little more challenging than it should’ve been but the Packers accepted the tremendously generous gift and took the touchdown. What should’ve been a 28-0 halftime lead was now 28-7. The Packers had some life and momentum. If the Vikings hadn’t given this tremendously generous gift, I don’t think the Packers get close to making this a one-score game. 

It’s a win. It’s a win against the Packers. 

Welcome back Jordan Addison.

After missing the last two games with an ankle injury suffered in the first game, Addison returned to the lineup against the Packers. He was a very welcome addition. 

3 catches 

72 yards

1 touchdown (29 yards)

1 run 

7 yards

1 touchdown

Four touches and two touchdowns. It was an excellent and much-needed return to the field. Jalen Nailor had filled in well the past two weeks and will continue to be a significant contributor. Addison is a different sort of difference-maker. He’d be the #1 receiver on several teams across the league. The Vikings excellent and efficient start to the season was mostly done without Addison and entirely without tight end T.J. Hockenson. It’s way too easy to get overly excited about the possibilities of this Vikings offense when all the team’s playmakers are on the field. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jalen Nailor. Oh my. 

Speaking of Jefferson, he was great. As always.

6 catches

85 yards

1 touchdown (14 yards)

His touchdown and key, second half sideline catch were of the spectacular variety. 

Speaking of Aaron Jones, he was great as well. 

22 carries 

93 yards

4 catches

46 yards

It’s fun having Jones on this side of the rivalry. 

Other than the interception that shouldn’t have been, Sam Darnold was solid. Again. It was his best statistical game of the season.

20/28

275 yards

3 touchdowns

Darnold leads the league with 11 touchdown tosses. 

I’m not sure if Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores switched things up to protect a 28-0 lead but it sure looked like the Vikings spent the entire second half in a bend-but-don’t-break prevent defense. There was room all over the intermediate part of the field and in front of the deep defenders for the Packers fleet of receivers to freely roam. There were holes seemingly everywhere. The Vikings defense didn’t look anything like the fluid, flexible, and aggressive group that was such a problem for the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Houston Texans. Jordan Love is a terrific quarterback. Even on a balky knee, his arm is still intact. After throwing the ball 54 times, that arm might be a little sore this morning. I don’t think the Packers wanted to have him throw 54 times but the score forced it. The Vikings defense did force two late turnovers. Without those, this game might have ended with the Packers winning. 

I’m not sure what is the greater story. The Vikings taking apart the Packers in the first half. Or, the Vikings withstanding the officials and a plucky comeback in the second half. The Packers are a good team. LaFleur is an excellent coach. They weren’t going to stay down for an entire game in Lambeau. The Vikings never panicked. They made the plays in the second half that they had to make to preserve the big lead that they built in the first half. It was a great win. It was a great win against the Packers. 

The Vikings are 4-0. Next up, is a long trip to London and a supposed home game against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Flea Flicker Week 4 Predictions

It’s Week 4. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Vikings

I’m really just hoping that the Vikings leave that spongy Lambeau turf healthy. Losing a player to a popped Achilles each of the last two seasons has me nervous about that damn surface. 

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Falcons

During the Drew Brees - Matt Ryan years, this one of the most entertaining rivalries in the league. Can Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins rekindle that rivalry spark.

Los Angeles Rams @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Rams

The Bears continue to struggle.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

The Steelers finally lose a game.

Denver Broncos @ New York Jets

Pick: Jets

Who to pick? Aaron Rodgers and Sean Payton are perhaps the too most annoying personalities in the league. The Jets are the better team.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Eagles

I’m not sure what to think about either team. I have a bit more confidence in the Eagles. 

Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals finally get a win.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

This game matchup was one of the best games of last season. The Jaguars are flustered. The Texans are probably properly motivated after last week’s dismantling by the Vikings. Unless the Jaguars pull it together, the Texans should roll in this one. 

Washington Commanders @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Cardinals

The Cardinals have had one-score losses to two of the league’s supposed elites (Bills and Lions). They find a way to win this one at home. 

New England Patriots @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

After disappointing road losses to the Vikings and Rams, there’s no way the 49ers lose to the Patriots at home. Right?

Cleveland Browns @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Browns

I don’t really want to pick either team.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs roll. If Justin Herbert plays well on his balky ankle, it could be a contested roll. 

Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

The Bills are rolling. The Ravens find a way.

Once again, the league is jamming two games onto Monday night. Only one is remotely interesting. 

Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Titans

I have no faith in the Titans. I have even less in the Dolphins.

Seattle Seahawks @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Seahawks

In their two wins, the Lions were lucky to squeak past the Rams and Cardinals. They aren’t so lucky against the Seahawks. 

Green Bay Packers All - Time Team

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

Offense

Quarterback

Bart Starr

Running Back

Johnny Blood

Fullback

Clarke Hinkle

Wide Receivers

Don Hutson

Sterling Sharpe

Tight End

Ron Kramer

Offensive Tackles

Forrest Gregg

Cal Hubbard

Offensive Guards

Mike Michalske

Jerry Kramer

Center

Jim Ringo

Defense

Defensive Ends

Reggie White

Willie Davis

Defensive Tackles

Henry Jordan

Kenny Clark 

Linebackers

Dave Robinson

RayNitschke

Clay Matthews

Cornerbacks

Herb Adderley

Charles Woodson

Safeties

Willie Wood

LeRoy Butler

Special Teams

Kicker 

Ryan Longwell

Punter

Craig Hentrich 

Kick Returner

Travis Williams

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Free Agents

The Minnesota Vikings are two days away from a division showdown with the Green Bay Packers. It’s one of the biggest games of the year. It’s one of the biggest games of any year. Perhaps as an attempt at distraction from the big game, I was thinking about the Vikings future. In particular, I was thinking about the players scheduled to be free agents after this season. 

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Free Agents

Sam Darnold, QB

Camryn Bynum, S

Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Stephon Gilmore, CB

Aaron Jones, RB

Shaquill Griffin, CB

Jerry Tillery, DT

Dalton Risner, G

Jonathan Bullard, DT

Nick Mullens, QB

Johnny Mundt, TE

Brandon Powell, WR

David Quessenberry, OT

Dan Feeney, G

Jihad Ward, OLB

Trent Sherfield Sr., WR

Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB

Patrick Jones II, OLB

Fabian Moreau, CB

Jordan Kunaszyk, LB

Brett Rypien, QB

Nick Muse, TE

Trishton Jackson, WR

Theo Jackson, S

Ryan Wright, P

Jalen Redmond, DT

It always starts with the quarterback. Through three games, Sam Darnold has been terrific. He’s played so well that media and fans have wondered if the Vikings plans at the position will be altered after the season. J.J. McCarthy was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to be the team’s quarterback of the future, maybe even the present. Through OTA’s and training camp, he was progressing well. He was progressing so well that head coach Kevin O’Connell and the team’s decision-makers were re-thinking their well-thought schedule for their young quarterback. It all came to a screeching stop when McCarthy’s rookie season ended before it started with a torn meniscus and the surgery that fixed it. It was supposed to be Sam Darnold’s year anyway. It was definitely Sam Darnold’s year now. After saying goodbye to Kirk Cousins, signing Darnold, and drafting McCarthy, the Vikings had a quarterback, and team, plan for the next several seasons and hopefully next decade-plus. This will be J.J. McCarthy’s team. And that starts next season. Even if Darnold leads this intriguing Vikings team to a Super Bowl victory, the keys to the team will be handed to McCarthy. No matter how unfair that might seem, I believe that Darnold has known and accepted that fact since the beginning. This year is and will be his audition for the rest of the league. He’s a very talented quarterback. He always has been. He’s just never been in a situation that gives him the opportunity to show it. It’s only three games but I’m enjoying this ride with Sam Darnold. 

As for the rest of the projected free agents, a few are on a one-year ride. That starts with cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin. I like the duo but they are one-year rentals. Aaron Jones is another that I thought might be one-year rental. It’s only taken a few months for me to think that maybe the relationship might continue for another year, or two. Ty Chandler is ready to be RB1 so I doubt it happens. I just really like Jones. He’s been an excellent addition. 

I believe the Vikings have one pending free agent that must be re-signed. 

Camryn Bynum

Camryn Bynum has emerged as a cornerstone player. I hate the thought of Harrison Smith not being on the roster but I expect this to be the final season of his great career. Without Harrison Smith, the Vikings need Joshua Metellus AND Bynum at the back of the defense. I expect the Vikings to re-sign Bynum. In fact, I demand it. It wouldn’t surprise if a signing comes during the season. More likely, it comes after the season and before free agency. If they can’t come to an agreement, I would expect the Vikings to dust off the franchise tag.

After Bynum, there are a few players I’d like to see the Vikings re-sign.

Patrick Jones II

Byron Murphy Jr.

Theo Jackson

Jerry Tillery

Jonathan Bullard

Jihad Ward

With his excellent start to the season, Patrick Jones II is real close to becoming a must re-sign. 

Byron Murphy Jr. is young enough and has played well enough. I imagine that he has a role moving forward. I’m so curious to see the team’s plans for the cornerback position. I know that the tragic loss of Khyree Jackson was a tremendous blow to those plans. Mekhi Blackmon’s season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp was another blow. He’ll be back but missing a season of development and experience is a little plan-altering. Murphy has established a unique inside-outside role in Brian Flores’ defense. Right now, if Murphy returns, the Vikings top cornerbacks would appear to be Blackmon, Murphy, and Dwight McGlothern. I like the potential of the trio but only Murphy is proven. 

Theo Jackson is probably closer to a must re-sign. Especially if this is Smith’s final season. 

In my opinion, entering the season, the Vikings defensive line was the defensive position group with the most questions. Harrison Phillips is a very good football player. His recent re-signing is an indication the team agrees with that assessment. Through three games, the solid play of Phillips, Jerry Tillery, and Jonathan Bullard have answered many of the questions about the group. An explosive, offense-wrecking interior defensive lineman is one of the Vikings greatest needs. Tillery and Bullard are playing well and would be quality re-signings. 

The Vikings brought in several defensive additions this past offseason. All have made significant contributions. One of the most intriguing has been Jihad Ward. I wasn’t sure what to think of him when he was initially signed. He added unique size to the Vikings outside linebacker group. Still, I wasn’t sure if he’d make it out of training camp. Through three games, he’s impressed. 

As with most things like this, I’m glad that the actual decisions aren’t mine. I always want to keep more players than the Vikings can afford.

Now, back to thoughts on the big Vikings-Packers game. Skol!

Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor

During halftime of Sunday’s game, former cornerback Bobby Bryant took his much-deserved place in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor. He had a long Ring of Honor wait. He wrapped up his great 13-year playing career after the 1980 season. He wasn’t one of the headliners of the great Vikings defenses from the late 1960s and through much of the 1970s. Some younger fans might not even know much about him. He was #20 in all the old films. The skinny, mustachioed fella. From 1969-73 in particular, the Vikings defenses were some of the best the league has ever seen. Everyone knew and knows the Purple People Eaters, the defensive line that included Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen. That front line got most of the attention, but not all of it. A little was spared for all-time interception leader and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Paul Krause. The punishing linebacker trio of Roy Winston, Lonnie Warwick, and Wally Hilgenberg and hard-hitting safety Karl Kassulke rounded out the great defense when Bryant entered the starting lineup at right cornerback in 1969. Originally selected in the seventh round of the 1967 NFL Draft, he endured a slow start to his NFL career. After a knee injury during his rookie preseason, the Vikings placed him on the team’s taxi squad (something similar to today’s practice squad). To stay football-ready, Bryant spent his rookie season with the Des Moines Warriors of the minor Professional Football League of America. He earned a spot on the Vikings roster and appeared in all 14 games in 1968. With two interceptions, he showed a glimpse of the big-play ability that would highlight his career. In 1969, he claimed the starting position that he’d hold for the next 12 years. That season, the defense and a rugged offense led by scrappy quarterback Joe Kapp drove the Vikings to their first Super Bowl. Bryant was a defensive mainstay until his retirement after the 1980 season. His career is highlighted by 51 interceptions. That ranks second in team history to Krause’s 53. His four career interception return TDs is tied with Harrison Smith for the franchise record. He was named to the Pro Bowl after the 1975 and 1976 seasons. If postseason accolades included playoff performances, Bryant would have had handfuls of Pro Bowls and All-Pros. He was a big play machine in the playoffs. In the 1973 NFC Championship against the Dallas Cowboys, Bryant intercepted Roger Staubach at the two-yard line to keep the Cowboys out of the end zone. His fourth quarter, 63-yard pick-six iced the 27-10 win. In the 1976 NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams, he turned what should’ve been an early 3-0 Rams lead into a 7-0 Vikings lead. After a goal-line stand forced the Rams to attempt a short field goal, Nate Allen blocked the field goal attempt and Bryant scooped up the bounding ball and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown. I can still see that play as if it happened today. The Rams never seemed to recover from that 10-point swing. Bryant added two interceptions in the game. His three big plays were instrumental in the 24-13 Vikings win. There were loads of stars on those great Vikings teams. It was easy to overlook the skinny cornerback. There was no overlooking his out-sized number of big plays. Those big plays and his steady play put him in a spiffy purple jacket. He’s the first cornerback to receive the team’s top career honor. It’s very much deserved. 

Bobby Bryant is the 28th member of the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor. 

Fran Tarkenton, QB (1998)

Alan Page, DT (1998)

Jim Finks, GM (1998)

Bud Grant, Coach (1998)

Paul Krause, S (1998)

Fred Zamberletti, Trainer (1998)

Jim Marshall, DE (1999)

Ron Yary, OT (2001)

Korey Stringer, OT (2001)

Mick Tingelhoff, C (2001)

Carl Eller, DE (2002)

Cris Carter, WR (2003)

Bill Brown, RB (2004)

Jerry Burns, Coach (2005)

Randalll McDaniel, G (2006)

Chuck Foreman, RB (2007)

John Randle, DT (2008)

Scott Studwell, LB (2009)

Chris Doleman, DE (2011)

Matt Blair, LB (2012)

Joey Browner, S (2013)

Randy Moss, WR (2017)

Ahmad Rashad, WR (2017)

Dennis Green, Coach (2018)

Steve Jordan, TE (2019)

Kevin Williams, DT (2021)

Jared Allen, DE (2022)

Bobby Bryant, CB (2024)

There’s a somewhat questionable process to honors such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame and this Ring of Honor. Once the induction ceremony and congratulations fade, the inevitable question is asked. “Who’s next?” We all have our favorites and there are so many great Vikings players deserving of being next. One thing that we must keep in mind is that just because a particular player didn’t get tapped for the honor this year, next year, or the year after, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t deserving. All 28 members of the Vikings Ring of Honor are deserving. There are dozens of former Vikings that should/will join them. Each decade brings more. It doesn’t feel possible to induct all of them. I suppose that keeps it a very selective and prestigious honor. Due to my passion for football’s past, I always start with those that have been waiting the longest when considering honors like this. Until the Vikings make it to their next Super Bowl, the franchise’s “glory days” are the years from 1969-76. This is why I feel that Bryant was a great pick to be this year’s “next.” There are a few more players from that era that are still waiting. 

Grady Alderman

Ed White

Gene Washington

John Gilliam

Jeff Siemon

Sammy White

Grady Alderman was the Vikings left tackle from 1961-73. While left tackle wasn’t the distinctive position in the 1960s that it is today, Alderman’s steady presence on the left side put the great Ron Yary on the right side when he took the field in 1969. Alderman was a Pro Bowl regular during the 1960s, earning the honor from 1963-67 and 1969. He was 2nd-team All-Pro in 1965 and 1969. He and Jim Marshall are the only players that were lineup constants every year of the franchise’s first decade. 

As a Cal grad and one-time Cal offensive line coach, Ed White is a personal favorite. He was a defensive lineman in college so his transition to the NFL was significant. From 1970-73, he played next to Alderman. From 1975-77, he and Yary formed a tremendous right-side for the Vikings. Unfortunately, White was traded to the San Diego Chargers after the 1977 season. He was still in his prime as his eight strong years there were enough to convince Dan Fouts that he should get Hall of Fame consideration. If not for that trade, White might already be in the Vikings Ring of Honor. 

Gene Washington and John Gilliam are underrated members of the Vikings great receiver tradition. Washington’s career is something of a puzzle. Just as he was ascending, Pro Bowls in 1969 and 1970, he started to fade. I know that injuries played a big role but it felt like there was more to it. During his four years in Minnesota, Gilliam may have been the league’s best deep threat. From 1972-74, he averaged a ridiculous 21.9 yards/catch. He also played a significant role in my evolution as a Vikings and football fan. His departure after the 1975 season was shocking. As a naive kid, I didn’t think that a player’s time with a team was a temporary thing. 

I’ve always been fond of receivers. It’s the position I played. It’s the position that easily draws my attention. John Gilliam was my introduction. Sammy White and Ahmad Rashad were my weekly tutorial. White was an immediate favorite as he was outstanding as a rookie. As a big-play threat, he reminded me of Gilliam. White’s only Pro Bowls came during his first two seasons. Rashad eventually got most of the receiving attention but White’s first six years were strong.  

If anyone can handle the torture, watch/re-watch Super Bowl XI. Through the pain of that game, you’ll watch Jeff Siemon make what feels like every tackle. With four Pro Bowls, he was hardly an unknown. It just feels like his career has been somewhat forgotten over the years. With Scott Studwell and Eric Kendricks, he’s one of the best middle linebackers in franchise history. With those four Pro Bowls, Siemon is the most decorated. 

Those are six players from the Vikings “glory days” that I believe are deserving of Ring of Honor consideration. 

If I were to pick a top 10 to answer the “who’s next” question, it might look something like this.

Grady Alderman

Ed White

Tommy Kramer

Anthony Carter

Gary Zimmerman

Keith Millard

Carl Lee

Antoine Winfield

Steve Hutchinson

Chad Greenway

While Grady Alderman is listed #1, due mostly to his long wait, the order is more chronological than a ranking. 

Tommy Kramer revealed yesterday that he’s been diagnosed with dementia. His doctor’s believe that he has anywhere from 2-10 years. Kramer was an often brilliant and always fun quarterback during his 13-year career with the Vikings. He was drafted in the first round of the 1977 NFL Draft as the heir to Fran Tarkenton. From his ridiculous comeback against the San Francisco to the “Miracle at the Met” to the best years of the up-and-down 1980s, Kramer was the quarterback and “hero” for many Vikings fans. To further cement the love between “Two-Minute Tommy” and Vikings fans, Kramer has spent the past few years connecting with seemingly everyone. Those that loved him as a player love him more now. Those that weren’t around to see him play have fallen for him. His great and fun play during his 13 years with the Vikings is deserving of the Ring of Honor. His current situation might make him the best answer to the question of “Who’s next?” 

“We’re not here for a long time. We’re here for a good time.”

    - Tommy Kramer

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coaches

The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0. 3-0, with consecutive wins over league heavyweights San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans. The steady and efficient play of the Vikings offense and quarterback Sam Darnold has gotten a lot of deserved attention. The fun, active, flexible, and fierce defense coordinated by Brian Flores and manned by a legion of morphing, football-smart players has gotten even more attention. All offseason, as the Vikings decision-makers added defensive players that fit Flores’ dream defense, I became more, and more excited about the possibilities. I could not wait to see this defense on the field. Three games is a very small sample size. There are still 14, hopefully 17, games to play. Through three games, the Vikings defense has been so fun to watch. 

Again, Flores and the players have gotten the attention. It’s much deserved attention. I just want to give some credit to the rest of the defensive coaches. These are the coaches that teach and get the players ready for game day. 

Assistant Head Coach/Outside Linebackers: Mike Pettine

Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones

Defensive Line: Marcus Dixon

Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill

Inside Linebackers: Mike Siravo

Assistant Inside Linebackers: Thad Bogardus

Safeties: Michael Hutchings

Defensive Assistant: Imarjaye Albury

Quality Control: Lance Bennett

The work that these coaches do during the offseason, training camp, in-season, and game day is a huge reason for the play on the field. 

The hope here is that Brian Flores coordinates the Vikings defense forever. He deserves another shot at leading a team. I just hope that he loves Minnesota, this team, and this job to happily stay forever. Instead of thinking about the unknown of the offseason, I should focus on the fun of this season. In doing that, I want to thank the defensive coaches that are doing so many great things that we don’t really see. 

Same goes for the offensive coaches. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 3 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings dismantled a very talented Houston Texans in Week 3. 34-7 was the score and it wasn’t that close. As with the first two wins, the third win was very much a team win. As in those wins, it doesn’t feel right to single out individual players. Despite that, here are some of the players that played a big role in moving the Vikings to 3-0. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Sam Darnold, QB

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

As with Week 1, I’m going with the quarterback/running back duo. The Vikings dismantled and frustrated the Texans with an incredibly efficient offense. 

Darnold’s numbers:

17/28

181 yards

4 TDs (6,8,4,2)

No interceptions

When former Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter went low with a hit on Darnold’s knees, a collective hush came over the US Bank crowd. The concern for the quarterback was clear. The cheer that erupted when he returned to the game after missing a play was proof that Sam Darnold has won over the Vikings fans. It took him less than three games to accomplish it. 

Jones’ numbers:

19 carries

102 yards

5 catches 

46 yards

1 TD (8)

Aaron Jones Sr. was terrific. The Vikings have done so much right in winning their first three games. One of the most important is a productive run game. For the first time in Kevin O’Connell’s two-plus years with the team, the Vikings are running the ball well. Jones is a big reason for that. His addition has been huge.

Defensive Player of the Game

Jonathan Greenard, OLB

The coaching of the defensive coaches and the play of the defensive players has been so much fun to watch. No offense to a very efficient and effective offense, the Vikings defense has probably been the biggest reason of the 3-0 start. It’s a team defense. It was a dominating team defense against the Texans. It doesn’t feel right to single out one defensive player. I will single out Jonathan Greenard for his play against his former team. 

3 sacks

4 tackles

3 tackles for loss

Greenard was a game-long menace. It was tough to lose Danielle Hunter this past offseason. He’ll always be one of my favorite Vikings players. Greenard is a much better fit in Brian Flores’ defense. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

Will Reichard, K

This one’s easy. Will Reichard has yet to miss a kick this season. He’s perfect on 10 extra point attempts. He’s perfect on five field goal attempts. He’s only been close to missing on one of the 15 attempts. That was his 58-yarder against the Texans. It doinked off the right upright and still got through. For the first time since the Ryan Longwell years, I don’t fear Vikings kick attempts. 

Vikings - Texans

For the second consecutive week, the Minnesota Vikings chopped down one of the best teams in the league. Last week, it was the San Francisco 49ers. This week, it was the Houston Texans.

The Vikings had the Texans flustered from start to finish as they cruised to a 34-7 win.

Universally acclaimed by league “experts” as one of the worst teams in the league before the season, the Vikings have been one of the best teams in the league. It’s only been three weeks. There’s a whole lot of football to be played. 14 more games, to be exact. The 3-0 start is promising. So promising. With tight end T.J. Hockenson and receiver Jordan Addison rehabbing injuries, the Vikings were without two of the top four offensive playmakers the last two weeks. Both have been missed but the offense has just kept doing what needs to be done. 23 points against the 49ers. 34 against the Texans. Next man up. 

Quarterback Sam Darnold continued his efficient season. 

Against the Texans:

17/28

181 yards

4 TDs (6,8,4,2)

Through three games, Darnold has thrown eight touchdowns. He’s averaged 219 yards. He’s only thrown two interceptions. He’s avoided the bushel of mistakes that had become a staple of his early years in the league. He’s been efficient. He’s guided the offense. He’s moved the chains. He leads the league in touchdown passes.

Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the league. Even when he’s not catching the ball, he tilts the field toward others. He set the tone early against the Texans with the opening touchdown. He was rarely contained in the first half. 

6 catches 

81 yards 

1 TD (6)

That was his production in the first half. It remained his production for the game. Jefferson was only targeted twice in the second half. Both on short throws to convert third downs. Darnold was off on both throws and Jefferson couldn’t haul in the throws. If he had, the margin of victory would’ve been more than 27. 

Aaron Jones Sr. was terrific.

19 carries

102 yards

5 catches 

46 yards

1 TD (8)

It was his first 100-yard rushing game with the Vikings. There’s sure to be many more. 

Jalen Nailor has now caught a touchdown in each game. So has Jefferson. 

For a game in which they scored 34 points, the Vikings had modest offensive production. To get to 34 points an NFL offensive is usually within sight of 400 yards. Against the Texans, the Vikings offense gained 274 yards (156 passing, 118 rushing). Of their ten possessions, they went three-and-out twice. One was frustratingly littered with procedural penalties. Six of the possessions ended in scores. The Vikings offense was efficient. The only way they could’ve gotten within sight of 400 yards was if the field was longer than 100 yards. They played well with the lead. After the two quick touchdowns that opened the game, the outcome never felt in doubt. 

Brian Flores and the Vikings Defense

As much as I like the strong start by Sam Darnold and the efficient offense, the Vikings strong start to the season starts with the scheming of Brian Flores and the defensive coaches and the play of every defensive player that steps on the field. This defense is so much fun. It isn’t fun at all for the quarterbacks and offensive playcallers that face it. It’s very much a team thing but Jonathan Greenard must be singled out for his performance against his former teammates. 

3 sacks

4 tackles

3 tackles for loss

Greenard was routinely in the Texans backfield causing chaos. 

Led by C.J. Stroud and a fleet of talented receivers, the Texans have one of the most potent offenses in the league. They managed a single touchdown against Flores’ defenders. The Vikings spent the offseason signing and drafting defensive players that fit this scheme. Through three games, the scheme and the play have been beautiful to watch. The optimist in me feels that it’s just getting started. 

The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0. Two of the wins have come against two of the league’s elite teams. The 49ers are the defending NFC champs. Many expect them to defend that title. The Texans are considered by most to be a Super Bowl contender. The Vikings defeated both. They defeated both convincingly. 

Next up is a trip to Green Bay and a division battle with the Packers. The Vikings have lost a player to a torn Achilles on the spongy Lambeau turf each of the last two seasons. Brian O’Neill in 2023 and Kirk Cousins last year. The Vikings must come out of Green Bay healthy and with a win. 

Flea Flicker Week 3 Predictions

It’s Week 3. Here are some guesses at the games.

Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Texans came into the season considered a contender. The Vikings are starting to emerge as one. 

New York Giants @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Browns

Both teams have issues. With last week’s win over the Jaguars, the Browns appear closer to resolving some of them.

Green Bay Packers @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

If any team knows current Packers starting quarterback Malik Willis, it’s the Titans.

Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

Caleb Williams continues to struggle. Anthony Richardson gets it together.

Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Eagles

The Saints fall back to earth. 

Los Angeles Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Steelers

I think it’s a surprise that both teams are undefeated. The home team takes this battle of unbeatens. 

Denver Broncos @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers

The Broncos won’t win many games this season. I don’t think this will be one of them.

Carolina Panthers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Raiders

The Raiders just beat the Ravens. They surely can’t lose to the Panthers.

Miami Dolphins @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: 

Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens can’t possibly lose three straight games.

San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers roll over the injury-depleted Rams.

Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Cardinals

The Cardinals stun the Lions.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Chiefs

The Falcons showed life last week. That new-found life isn’t enough for the Chiefs.

For Week 3, the league jammed two games onto Monday night.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Jaguars finally win a game.

Washington Commanders @ Cincinnati Bengals 

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals finally win a game. 

Houston Texans All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Houston Texans tomorrow. The Texans are the youngest team in the National Football League. They entered the league as an expansion team in 2002. As such, it took them about a decade to get any traction. The Texans won the AFC South six times in the 2010s. They never advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs. With the hiring of head coach DeMeco Ryans and the drafting of quarterback C.J. Stroud, it feels like the Texans are on an upward trajectory. On the eve of the Vikings big game with the Texans, here’s a Houston Texans All - Time Team.

Houston Texans All - Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

C.J. Stroud

Running Back

Arian Foster

Fullback

Vonta Leach

Wide Receivers

Andre Johnson

DeAndre Hopkins

Tight End

Owen Daniels

Tackles

Duane Brown

Laremy Tunsil

Guards

Wade Smith

Brandon Brooks

Center

Chris Myers

Defense

Defensive Ends

J.J. Watt

Mario Williams

Defensive Tackles

Vince Wilfork

Linebackers

Jadeveon Clowney

DeMeco Ryans

Brian Cushing

Whitney Mercilus

Cornerbacks

Jonathan Joseph

Donta Robinson

Safeties

Glover Quin

Andre Hal

Special Teams

Kicker

Kris Brown

Punter

Shane Lechler

Kick Returner

Andre Davis

Punt Returner

Jacoby Jones

More Minnesota Vikings Roster Tweaks

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings tweaked their roster by swapping out offensive tackles on the practice squad. Marcellus Johnson was signed. Ricky Lee III was released after nearly a month with the team. On Wednesday, an injury necessitated another roster tweak. 

During his weekly press conference, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that backup tight end Nick Muse suffered a small fracture in his hand early in Sunday’s fantastic win over the San Francisco 49ers. If the injury happened early in the game, that means he recovered the onside kick that sealed the win with a fractured hand. O’Connell said that Muse could play “but it would require him to wear a big old cast on his hand and have the thing wrapped.” The team’s decision-makers decided it best that Muse allow the hand to heal over the next few weeks. He was placed on short-term injured reserve. That will keep him out for at least the next four weeks. With T.J. Hockenson already out for at least another two weeks, and probably four, Muse’s absence will leave the Vikings with only two tight ends on the active roster, Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt. N’Keal Harry and Robert Tonyan are on the practice squad so the position is far from depleted. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Harry and/or Tonyan are active for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. 

To take Muse’s place on the active roster, running back Myles Gaskin was elevated from the practice squad. That move was easy to predict as Gaskin has been a game day elevation for both games this season. Since the roster reduction to 53, Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler have been the only running backs on the active roster. That light running back group resulted in Gaskin’s weekly elevations. Now, the Vikings don’t have to do that. Now, they’ll have to do that with the tight end group. 

The elevation of Myles Gaskin to the active roster opened a spot on the practice squad. The Vikings filled that spot with linebacker Max Tooley. Conveniently, Tooley spent the offseason and training camp with Sunday’s opponent. After playing six years at BYU and not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, he signed with the Houston Texans. He played in all four of the team’s preseason games. In those games, he totaled 10 tackles (nine on defense and one on special teams), a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble. 

Get that hand healed, Nick Muse. Welcome to Minnesota, Max Tooley. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Nominees

The modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 have been announced. Among the 167 former players are 16 players in their first year of eligibility. 

Eli Manning

Marshawn Lynch

Darren Sproles

Demaryius Thomas

Vernon Davis

Delanie Walker

Travis Frederick 

Ryan Kalil

Joe Staley

Marshall Yanda

Terrell Suggs

Luke Kuechly

Antoine Bethea

Aqib Talib

Earl Thomas

Adam Vinatieri

Simply for the position he plays and the two Super Bowls he won, Eli Manning grabs attention. Manning, Marshawn Lynch, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri are the headliners of the first-year eligibles.

10 finalists from last year’s vote are also among the 167 nominees.

Jared Allen

Fred Taylor

Torry Holt

Reggie Wayne

Antonio Gates

Willie Anderson

Jahri Evans

Eric Allen

Rodney Harrison

Darren Woodson

Here are the 167 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

Quarterbacks

Marc Bulger

Randall Cunningham

Jake Delhomme

Doug Flutie

Rich Gannon

Jeff Garcia

Donovan McNabb

Eli Manning

Steve McNair

Tony Romo

Running Backs

Shaun Alexander

Terry Allen

Jamal Anderson

Tiki Barber

Larry Centers

Jamaal Charles

Stephen Davis

Corey Dillon

Warrick Dunn

Charlie Garner

Eddie George

Priest Holmes

Steven Jackson

Chris Johnson

Thomas Jones

John Kuhn

Vonta Leach

Dorsey Levens

Jamal Lewis

Marshawn Lynch

Eric Metcalf

Glyn Milburn

Lorenzo Neal

Clinton Portis

Tony Richardson

Robert Smith

Darren Sporles

Fred Taylor

Chris Warren

Ricky Watters

Ricky Williams

Wide Receivers

Anquan Boldin

Donald Driver

Antonio Freeman

Irving Fryar

Torry Holt

Joe Horn

Chad Johnson

Brandon Marshall

Derrick Mason

Herman Moore

Mushin Muhammad

Jordy Nelson

Andre Rison

Jimmy Smith

Rod Smith

Steve Smith Sr.

Demaryius Thomas

Hines Ward

Reggie Wayne

Wes Welker

Roddy White

Tight Ends

Ben Coates

Vernon Davis

Antonio Gates

Jeremy Shockey

Delanie Walker

Wesley Walls

Offensive Linemen

Willie Anderson

Bruce Armstrong

Matt Birk

Lomas Brown

Ruben Brown

Jahri Evans

Travis Frederick

Jordan Gross

Ryan Kalil

Lincoln Kennedy

Olin Kreutz

T.J. Lang

Nick Mangold

Logan Mankins

Tom Nalen

Jeff Saturday

Mark Schlereth

Josh Sitton

Chris Snee

Joe Staley

Dave Szott

Brian Waters

Richmond Webb

Erik Williams

Steve Wisniewski

Marshall Yanda

Defensive Linemen

Jared Allen

John Abraham

La’Roi Glover

Casey Hampton

Robert Mathis

Chester McGlockton

Haloti Ngata

Simeon Rice

Clyde Simmons

Justin Smith

Neil Smith

Henry Thomas

Justin Tuck

Ted Washington

Vince Wilfork

Jamal Williams

Kevin Williams

Pat Williams

Linebackers

Jessie Armstead

Brendon Ayanbadejo

Cornelius Bennett

Lance Briggs

Keith Brooking

NaVorro Bowman

Tedy Bruschi

Donnie Edwards

James Farrior

London Fletcher

James Harrison

Luke Kuechly

Willie McGinest

Ken Norton Jr.

Julian Peterson

Bill Romanowski

Takeo Spikes

Terrell Suggs

Mike Vrabel

Lee Woodall

Defensive Backs

Eric Allen

Eric Berry

Antoine Bethea

Dre’ Bly

Kam Chancellor

Nick Collins

Antonio Chromartie

DeAngelo Hall

Rodney Harrison

Eugene Robinson

Samari Rolle

Allen Rossum

Bob Sanders

Aqib Talib

Earl Thomas

Charles Tillman

Troy Vincent

Darren Woodson

Punters/Kickers

David Akers

Gary Anderson

Darren Bennett

Jason Elam

Jeff Feagles

Jason Hanson

John Kasay

Sean Landeta

Shane Lechler

Pat McAfee

Brian Moorman

Matt Stover

Matt Turk

Mike Vanderjagt

Adam Vinatieri

Special Teams

Josh Cribbs

Brian Mitchell

The next step in the process to the Class of 2025 comes in mid-October. A specially selected screening committee of 11 will reduce the 167 nominees to 50. That list of candidates will then be forwarded to the Hall’s 50-member board of selectors. The list will then be reduced to 25 later this fall and then to 15 finalists. Those finalists will be discussed in January, with as many as five elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. 

At each step of this annual process, I can’t stop myself from coming up with my own Class. I always start with the first-year eligibles and then look at the returning finalists. In my opinion, Luke Kuechly and Marshall Yanda are the only first-year eligibles that could/should immediately make it to Canton. Simply because of the position they played, I can’t help but compare Kuechly’s Hall case to that of Patrick Willis. Both were the best off-ball linebackers in the league throughout their career. I thought that Willis was deserving of first-year consideration. The voters absolutely did not. He had to wait a few years. Will Kuechly have a similar wait? With these voters, who knows? Perhaps, voters knocked Willis for his eight-year career. Kuechly also had an eight-year career. While I believe that Kuechly and Yanda are the most deserving of first-year induction, I believe the voters will seriously consider Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, and Adam Vinatieri as well.

As for the returning finalists, I’m starting with Jared Allen. It’s his time. It should’ve been last year but the voters, for some reason, allowed Dwight Freeney to leapfrog him. If the same nonsense happens this year with Robert Mathis or Suggs, I might storm the Hall. After Allen, Antonio Gates feels automatic. It also feels like a good year to whittle away at the receiver logjam. I really like Steve Smith Sr but Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne have been waiting longer. 

My 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

Luke Kuechly

Jared Allen

Antonio Gates

Torry Holt

Willie Anderson

If that’s the Class, I’ll be in Canton in August. 

Practice Squad Tackle Swap

The Minnesota Vikings swapped out offensive tackles on their practice squad. 

In: Marcellus Johnson

Out: Ricky Lee III

Marcellus Johnson played at Eastern Michigan from 2018-22. He finished his collegiate career at Missouri in 2023. As an undrafted free agent, Johnson originally signed with the New York Giants after the 2024 NFL Draft. After roster cutdowns, Johnson signed to the Giants practice squad. He released last week. 

Ricky Lee III signed to the Vikings practice squad on August 29. He and running back Zavier Scott were the only practice squad members that didn’t go through training camp with the Vikings. 

NFL practice squads are typically more fluid than the 53-man roster. These player swaps are frequent and can be easily missed on the league transaction page. Here’s the Vikings current practice squad. 

Practice Squad

13 N’Keal Harry, TE

37 Myles Gaskin, RB

36 Zavier Scott

25 Nahshon Wright, CB

28 Bobby McCain, S

55 Andre Carter II, OLB

68 Henry Byrd, G

79 Tyrese Robinson, G

81 Lucky Jackson, WR

82 Jeshaun Jones, WR

85 Robert Tonyan, TE

89 Thayer Thomas, WR

92 Jonah Williams, DL

40 Dallas Gant, LB

98 Bo Richter, OLB

     Marcellus Johnson, OT

International Practice Player:

35 Sammis Reyes, TE

The Vikings have elevated practice squad players to the active roster for each of this season’s games.

Week 1:

Myles Gaskin, RB

Bobby McCain, DB

Week 2:

Myles Gaskin, RB

Jonah Williams, DL

The expanded practice squad and game day elevations are carryovers from the 2020 COVID-impacted season. They have proven to be welcome changes. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 2 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 23-17. It was a brilliant win. It was a statement win. The supposed “experts” that predicted six wins, maybe even seven wins, must rethink their “expert” takes on the Vikings. Head coach Kevin O’Connell gave game balls to the entire team. It was deserved. It took the entire team to make this win possible. Players. Coaches. Everyone. The players of the week in the big win over the 49ers are the entire team. 

Players of the Game

Sam Darnold

Nick Mullens

Brett Rypien

Aaron Jones

Ty Chandler

Myles Gaskin

C.J. Ham

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Brandon Powell

Trent Sherfield

Trishton Jackson

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse

Christian Darrisaw

Blake Brandel

Garrett Bradbury

Ed Ingram

Brian O’Neill

David Quessenberry 

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Dan Feeney

Harrison Phillips

Jonathan Bullard

Jerry Tillery

Jonah Williams

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Taki Taimani

Jalen Redmond

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Patrick Jones II

Jihad Ward

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Brian Asamoah

Kamu Grugier-Hill

Stephon Gilmore  

Byron Murphy Jr.

Shaq Griffin

Akayleb Evans

Fabian Moreau

Dwight McGlothern

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Will Reichard

Ryan Wright

Andrew DePoala

Vikings - 49ers

Most “experts” didn’t expect much from the Minnesota Vikings this season. 6 wins. 7 wins at best. Most had the Vikings chasing the bottom of the division rather than challenging for the top. ESPN’s collection of “experts” had the San Francisco 49ers defeating the Vikings yesterday. All of them. The 49ers didn’t win. The Vikings defeated the defending NFC Champions in US Bank Stadium, 23-17. The Vikings controlled the game pretty much start to finish. If not for a couple plays by 49ers brilliant middle linebacker Fred Warner, the margin might’ve been three or four scores. 

Two games are hardly a suitable sample size, but…

The Minnesota Vikings might be pretty good. 

The offense is competent and efficient. 

The defense is superb. 

The Vikings are a deep and talented team.

For the second game, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was very good. 

17 completions

26 attempts

2 touchdowns

1 interception

109.1 rating

Two throws stood out above the rest:

The bomb to Justin Jefferson from the end zone that turned into 97-yard touchdown was a beauty.

So was the 26-yard toss to Jalen Nailor on 3rd-and-8 to the 49ers 28-yard line. That play was the key play in the drive that drained nearly seven minutes from the clock and ended with Will Reichard’s game-clinching field goal. 

Darnold was remarkable on that game-clinching drive. The Vikings entered the game without tight end T.J. Hockenson and receiver Jordan Addison. Justin Jefferson was lost in the third quarter to injury. Darnold was without his top three targets for the fourth quarter. The 49ers had just cut the lead to 20-14. With 10:16 to play, the Vikings had to burn the clock and hopefully push the lead back to two scores. On that key drive, Darnold converted three third downs with passes to Brandon Powell twice and Nailor once. The latter throw was every bit beauty as the long touchdown to Jefferson.

Justin Jefferson was his ridiculous self. The 97-yarder will be remembered like Bernard Berrian’s 99-yarder nearly two decades ago. Actually, Jefferson’s will be better remembered because it’s Jefferson.

For the game:

4 catches

133 yards 

1 touchdown (97)

Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the league. 

The Vikings were hardly flawless on offense. A promising first drive was derailed at midfield when Johnny Mundt appeared to have a different play in mind than the one called. He went in motion. The problem was that so did Jefferson. Mundt ended up running into Darnold as he was pitching to Aaron Jones. Jones had to scramble to dive on the ball and prevent the miscue from being a whole lot worse. A second quarter trip into the red zone ended in no points when Fred Warner intercepted Darnold at the 10-yard line. His return to the 35-yard line set the 49ers up and gave them the momentum to score their first points of the game. In the third quarter, Jones appeared to be headed to the end zone and a 27-7 late third quarter lead. Warner, again, jarred the ball loose and the 49ers recovered at the one-yard line. They proceeded to drive 99 yards and score their second touchdown of the game and cut the Vikings lead to 20-14. Those are three huge mistakes. They are the kinds of mistakes that can ruin an otherwise well-played game. I suppose it’s a testament to the resolve of this Vikings team that they just went about their business of winning the game. Darnold, in particular, hardly seemed fazed by the miscues. One of the negatives of his play over his turbulent career has been his tendency to have one mistake turn into more. He seems supremely focused on the next play, his next opportunity. 

Both 49ers touchdowns, the only 49ers touchdowns, were triggered by Vikings turnovers. 

Despite playing so well, so efficiently on both sides of the ball last week and this week, the Vikings are even in turnovers. It could be a lot worse. It could be like last year. The offense is doing so much right. The two turnovers yesterday were generous gifts to the 49ers. They were the only things keeping them in the game. The Vikings must end that generosity.

The defense.

This Vikings defense is so much fun. Nearly all of the offseason additions made significant contributions.

Andrew Van Ginkel was brilliant. Again.

No offense to Fred Warner, but Blake Cashman might’ve been the best linebacker on the field. He made plays against the pass, against the run, and in the backfield. It felt like there were four Blake Cashman’s running around. 

Jonathan Greenard collected his first sack with the Vikings. It’s only two games but he’s on pace for about 100 pressures. 

Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin kept the 49ers excellent receivers mostly in check. In fact, Gilmore and Griffin were hardly mentioned on the telecast. 

Brian Flores worked wonders last season. He has players that really fit his plans this season. He can send effective pass rushers in waves. Patrick Jones II plays about 50% of the snaps and already has four sacks. The team leads the league with 11 sacks. 

This defense is a lot of fun. They wrecked a bad offense in Week 1. They frustrated one of the league’s best offenses in Week 2. I can’t wait to see how they evolve over the course of the season. 

A 23-17 win over the NFC’s defending champ. Skol!!!

Next week, the Vikings have another serious challenge. The first eight games are a gauntlet of serious challenges. Next week, the Vikings host the Houston Texans. Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter are coming back to Minnesota. 

Flea Flicker Week 2 Predictions

It’s Week 2! Here are guesses at the games. 

San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings stun the mighty 49ers. Again. 

New Orleans Saints @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

Both rolled in Week 1. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Lions

For the second week, the Lions host a team they faced in the playoffs last season. They squeaked past the Rams last week. They do the same against the Buccaneers this week.

Indianapolis Colts @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Colts

No Love for the Packers. 

New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Jets

The team once called the Titans face the team now called the Titans. The Jets rebound from being roughed up by the 49ers. 

Seattle Seahawks @ New England Patriots

Pick: Seahawks

Super Bowl XLIX rematch. Different result.

New York Giants @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Giants

The Giants rebound from being roughed up by the Vikings.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Chargers

The Panthers weren’t good in Week 1. The Chargers were pretty good. 

Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

The Browns are a mess. The Jaguars might be really good. 

Las Vegas Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens have been stewing with their opening loss to the Chiefs for over a week. They roll over the Raiders.

Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Rams

The Rams rebound from their deflating overtime loss to the Lions.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Steelers

T.J. Watt and the Steelers defense makes Bo Nix’s second start worse than his first start. 

Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

Joe Burrow desperately needs his receivers available and healthy.

Chicago Bears @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

C.J. Stroud won’t hand the Bears a win in Week 2 like Will Levis did in Week 1. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles roll over Kirk Cousins and the Falcons. 

San Francisco 49ers All -Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the San Francisco 49ers tomorrow. The 49ers have an interesting history. They started in the All-America Football Conference, played there for all four years of the rival league’s existence, and jumped to the NFL in 1950. With five Lombardi Trophies, they boast a strong history. From 1981-95, the 49ers won all five of their titles. Those were their glory days. They were a dynasty. It took a while for them to return to anything close to that level but they have been serious contenders recently. They returned to the Super Bowl in 2012, 2019, and 2023. The 49ers experienced something new in each. After five wins, they finally lost Super Bowls. The San Francisco 49ers have been one of best, most talented, and most consistent teams in the league since Kyle Shanahan took the coaching reigns in 2017. So, their fans finally appear in numbers and are happy again. On the eve of the big game, here’s a look at some of the best players in the franchise history of the San Francisco 49ers. 

San Francisco 49ers All - Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Joe Montana

Running Back

Hugh McElhenny

Fullback

Joe Perry

Wide Receivers

Jerry Rice

Billy Wilson

Tight End

George Kittle

Tackles

Joe Staley

Bob St. Clair

Guards

Randy Cross

Bruno Banducci

Center

Forrest Blue

Defense

Defensive Ends

Fred Dean

Charles Haley

With each season, Nick Bosa inches closer to bumping one of the above Hall of Famers.

Defensive Tackles

Leo Nomellini

Bryant Young

Linebackers

Dave Wilcox

Patrick Willis

Fred Warner

Cornerbacks

Jimmy Johnson

Eric Wright

Safeties

Ronnie Lott

Merton Hanks

Special Teams

Kicker

Robbie Gould

Punter

Tommy Davis

Returner

Abe Woodson

Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings made it through the first week of the season without any roster tweaks. An NFL roster is always such a fluid thing that it’s a little surprising when a team goes a week without a tweak. 

Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (3)

14 Sam Darnold

12 Nick Mullens

19 Brett Rypien

Running Backs (2)

33 Aaron Jones

32 Ty Chandler

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (6)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

83 Jalen Nailor

  4 Brandon Powell

11 Trent Sherfield

  8 Trishton Jackson

Tight Ends (3)

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

Offensive Linemen (9)

71 Christian Darrisaw

64 Blake Brandel

56 Garrett Bradbury

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

76 David Quessenberry 

78 Walter Rouse

65 Michael Jurgens

69 Dan Feeney

Defense (26)

Defensive Linemen (6)

97 Harrison Phillips

90 Jonathan Bullard

99 Jerry Tillery

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani

61 Jalen Redmond

Outside Linebackers (5)

58 Jonathan Greenard

43 Andrew Van Ginkel

15 Dallas Turner

91 Patrick Jones II

52 Jihad Ward

Inside Linebackers (4)

  0 Ivan Pace Jr.

51 Blake Cashman

  6 Brian Asamoah

54 Kamu Grugier-Hill

Cornerbacks (6)

  2 Stephon Gilmore  

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

  1 Shaq Griffin

21 Akayleb Evans

23 Fabian Moreau

29 Dwight McGlothern

Safeties (5)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

26 Theo Jackson

20 Jay Ward

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

16 Will Reichard

Punter (1)

17 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePoala

Practice Squad

13 N’Keal Harry, TE

37 Myles Gaskin, RB

36 Zavier Scott

25 Nahshon Wright, CB

28 Bobby McCain, S

55 Andre Carter II, OLB

68 Henry Byrd, G

79 Tyrese Robinson, G

63 Ricky Lee III

81 Lucky Jackson, WR

82 Jeshaun Jones, WR

85 Robert Tonyan, TE

89 Thayer Thomas, WR

92 Jonah Williams, DL

40 Dallas Gant, LB

98 Bo Richter, OLB

35 Sammis Reyes, TE

Injured Reserve

  5 Mekhi Blackmon, CB

  9 J.J. McCarthy, QB

36 NaJee Thompson, CB

63 Jeremy Flax, OL

45 Jordan Kunaszyk, LB

Injured Reserve/Designated To Return

59 Gabriel Murphy, OLB

66 Dalton Risner, G

PUP

87 T.J. Hockenson, TE

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Through The Years

One season and one game is a small size. Still, it’s difficult to not be excited about the Minnesota Vikings defense coordinated by Brian Flores. Last year, he did remarkable things with a modestly talented group of players. This year, with an offseason of adding players that fit his schemes, there are high hopes with a much more talented group of players. In the season-opener, against a marginal New York Giants offense, Flores’ defense was outstanding. Perhaps the Giants offense struggled because of the Vikings defense. Whatever the case, the San Francisco 49ers will pose a greater test in Week 2. 

Thinking about Brian Flores’ coaching and the play of the defense got me thinking about the team’s defensive past. The Vikings have a history of strong defenses. The Purple People Eaters of the late 1960s and early 1970s are some of the best in NFL history. While not quite as great, Floyd Peters and Tony Dungy coached some of the league’s best defenses of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Leslie Frazier did well with a talented group of players in the late 2000s. As the head coach, Mike Zimmer coordinated strong defenses in the late 2010s. Here’s a look at the Vikings defensive coordinator past. 

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinators Through The Years

The Norm Van Brocklin Years:

Having grown accustomed to professional coaching staffs that exceed a couple dozen, it can be startling to see the coaching staffs of the early 1960s. Norm Van Brocklin, the Vikings first head coach, had only four coaches assisting him. Four! Van Brocklin oversaw the offense. Walt Yowarsky coached the offensive line. Darrel Brewster coached the receivers. Two coaches handled the defense.

1961-63

Harry Gilmer - defensive backs

Stan West - defensive line

Harry Gilmer coached the defensive backs from 1961-64. West coached the defensive line from 1961-63. The linebackers were handled as a blend of the two units. From 1961-63, the Vikings defensive coordinator was essentially Gilmer and West. That dual defensive coordinator setup continued through Van Brocklin’s six years as the Vikings head coach. 

1964

Harry Gilmer - defensive backs

Marion Campbell - defensive line

1965

Jack Faulkner - defensive backs

Marion Campbell - defensive line

1966

Jim Carr - defensive backs

Marion Campbell - defensive line

The Bud Grant Years:

The coaching staffs were still small. Some sites list defensive line coach Bob Hollway as the Vikings first “official” defensive coordinator during Bud Grant’s first year as head coach. Pro Football Reference doesn’t list him with that title until 1969. For simplicity, I’m going with Hollway as Grant’s first Vikings defensive coordinator from that first year.

1967-70

Bob Hollway

1971-77

Neill Armstrong

The great Vikings defenses of these years earned the first two defensive coordinators head coach opportunities. Hollway took over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1971. Neill Armstrong took over the Chicago Bears in 1978. Neither found much success away from Minnesota. Hollway eventually found his way back to the Vikings.

1978-83

Bob Hollway

The dreaded Les Steckel Year:

1984

Floyd Reese

Grant’s Back:

So’s Bob.

1985

Bob Hollway

The Jerry Burns Years:

1986-90

Floyd Peters

1991

Monte Kiffin

The Dennis Green Years:

1992-95

Tony Dungy

1996-99

Foge Fazio 

2000-01

Emmitt Thomas

The Mike Tice Years:

2002

Willie Shaw

2003

George O’Leary

2004-05

Ted Cottrell

I’d forgotten that Mike Tice went through three DCs in only four years. 

The Brad Childress Years:

2006

Mike Tomlin

2007-10

Leslie Frazier

The Leslie Frazier Years:

2011

Fred Pagac

2012

Alan Williams

The Mike Zimmer Years:

Mike Zimmer was the Vikings defensive coordinator during the Mike Zimmer years. Other coaches helped and carried the title.

2014-19

George Edwards

2020-21

Andre Patterson

Adam Zimmer

The dual DC situation was odd but did it matter? Mike Zimmer was the DC. 

The Kevin O’Connell Years:

2022 

Ed Donatell

2023

Brian Flores

The Vikings have a strong defensive past. All of the best defenses were loaded with great defensive players. They made it easy for their coaches to bring out the best in the group. That great past has set a high bar for every Vikings defense. The 2022 defense was so far below that bar. Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s hiring of Brian Flores after that dreadful season was brilliant. It brought immediate positive results with pretty much the same group of players that floundered under Ed Donatell. Flores is deserving of a second head coach opportunity. His time with Miami Dolphins didn’t end well. It also resulted in his suing the league and some of its teams for their racist hiring practices. That situation is the only thing keeping him getting a second shot at running a team. Selfishly, I hope that he never leaves the Vikings. I suppose that I should just be thankful for each year that he spends in Minnesota. Flores deserves a head coach opportunity.