RIP Lonnie Warwick

Minnesota Vikings legendary middle linebacker Lonnie Warwick passed away Monday night. He was 82. 

After earning All-Ohio Valley Conference honors at Tennessee Tech in 1962 and 1963, Warwick left school to work on the railroad. It was a different time. The Minnesota Vikings signed him during the 1964 offseason and he spent that season on the team’s taxi squad. He made the active roster in 1965. The highlight of his rookie season was returning a blocked punt for a game-winning touchdown in a 38-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams. In 1966, Warwick earned the Vikings starting middle linebacker job that he’d hold for the next five seasons. He was in the middle of a defense that would emerge into one of the best the NFL has ever seen. The Purple People Eaters. That defense is best known for a front line of Jim Marshall, Alan Page, Gary Larsen, and Carl Eller. Page and Eller are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Marshall is in the middle of another run to join them in Canton. While the defensive line quartet were the headliners, this Vikings defense was great from front to back. Warwick and linebacker-mates Roy Winston and Wally Hilgenberg did their part in destroying the plans of offenses across the league. 

The Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker of my youth was Jeff Siemon. He was the team’s first-round pick out of Stanford in the 1972 NFL Draft. He was drafted to take over for Warwick. Despite Bud Grant’s reluctance to play rookies, Siemon replaced Warwick in the starting lineup about halfway through the 1972 season. Winston remained the starter on the left-side for another couple seasons. Hilgenberg was the starter on the right-side through the 1976 season. While the linebacking trio of Winston-Warwick-Hilgenberg was slightly before my time with the team, they have always been one of my favorites. Only the Chad Greenway-E.J. Henderson-Ben Leber trio really comes close. Perhaps it was the legendary status of those late-1960s and early-1970s defenses, Winston, Warwick, and Hilgenberg were special to me. Every linebacker group that followed were chasing them. It was a tough task. They were great on the field. They were very close off the field. They were hunting buddies. I love hearing and reading the tales of them always sitting or standing as they would on the field. Left to right or right to left, Warwick was always in the middle flanked by his friend and teammate. They were always together. They were always in the appropriate spot. Another favorite story was the postgame brawl between Warwick and quarterback Joe Kapp. Both were well into a stay at a local drinking establishment following a loss. Warwick felt the loss was due to the play of the defense. Kapp thought the loss was more due to the play of the offense. Each was demanding that their unit be blamed for the loss. Neither would budge. It turned into a fist-fight. The Vikings of those days were like that. They fought for each other on the field. They sometimes fought each other off the field. Lonnie Warwick was always in the middle of it. 

RIP Lonnie Warwick. 

Minnesota Vikings Add An Offensive Tackle

Yesterday, I worked through the various options that the Minnesota Vikings had to replace irreplaceable left tackle Christian Darrisaw. In last Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Darrisaw was lost for the season to a knee injury. His play in six-plus games had him on a trajectory that would’ve brought him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors at the end of the season. Instead, Darrisaw’s season ended with a torn ACL and MCL. At 5-2 and the playoffs firmly in mind, the Vikings had to do something. My favored options had them choosing between one of two possible internal moves. Not being limited by my thoughts on the matter, the Vikings made an external move. 

Last night, the Vikings sent a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for left tackle Cam Robinson and a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. The conditions of the trade are related to Robinson’s playing time. The fifth-round pick going to the Jaguars could become a fourth-round pick. The seventh-round pick going to the Vikings could be dropped from the deal. If Robinson hits the playing time thresholds, I’m guessing that the picks involved will be the fourth going to the Jaguars and the seventh coming back to the Vikings. Minnesota has a depleted number of picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s a good thing that this trade didn’t deplete the number of picks any further. Trading conditional mid 2026 picks is an inexpensive way to add a solid, starting left tackle in the middle of the season. Losing Christian Darrisaw is a huge loss. A loss that can’t be filled until he returns to the lineup. Until then, the Vikings probably couldn’t have done better than bringing in Cam Robinson. 

Cam Robinson was drafted by the Jaguars in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft (34th overall) out of Alabama. In his final college season, he won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best offensive lineman. Over his seven-plus seasons with the Jaguars, he started all 91 of the games in which he has played. Injuries have peppered his career as he missed nearly all of the 2018 season and about half of last season. Robinson’s play for the Jaguars was high enough that the team franchise-tagged him in 2021and 2022, eventually agreeing to a three-year, $54 million extension. This is the final year of that extension. An agreement of the trade has the Jaguars paying a portion of what’s still owed this season. 

It remains to be seen if Cam Robinson will be ready to step in at left tackle for the Vikings in Sunday night’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. If he doesn’t play in that game, Robinson should make his Vikings debut in Week 10 at Jacksonville against the Jaguars. 

The Minnesota Vikings offensive line moving forward:

LT  Cam Robinson

LG Blake Brandel 

 C  Garrett Bradbury

RG Ed Ingram

RT  Brian O’Neill

When Dalton Risner is activated from injured reserve, he will challenge Ed Ingram at right guard. 

Welcome to Minnesota, Cam Robinson.

Minnesota Vikings Left Tackle Options

The Minnesota Vikings have a big decision to make. Perhaps worse than last Thursday’s 30-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams was the loss of left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Worrisome from the moment the injury happened, the worries were confirmed when Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said that Darrisaw was done for the season with torn ACL and MCL ligaments. The left tackle was putting together an outstanding season and emerging as one of the best at his position in the league. He is right there with Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson on the short list of players that the Vikings could be considered irreplaceable. Now, the Vikings must replace him. 

What now?

Option #1

The simplest option to replace Christian Darrisaw is to go with the player behind him on the depth chart. David Quessenberry is an experienced, competent offensive tackle. In his seventh season, he has 30 starts. He started all 17 games at right tackle for the Tennessee Titans in 2021. Quessenberry is a solid player. 

Option #2

This season, Blake Brandel has found a positional home at left guard. With each game, he improves and becomes more comfortable. He and Darrisaw were fast becoming an intriguing left-side duo. Until finding a home left guard home this season, Brandel had been a tackle. He even had a few spot starts at left tackle in place of an injured Darrisaw. With guard Dalton Risner on the verge of returning to game action, Brandel could slide to left tackle and Risner could assume the left guard spot that he held last season. 

Option #3

Seek an external option. The Vikings could trade for or sign a left tackle. From a pure talent standpoint, acquiring a left tackle from another team’s roster would be the better option. There’s a reason players are still available at this point of the season. They are either old, injured, or marginally talented. Trading for a player would require draft capital that the Vikings really don’t have. 

Never say never but I don’t really think Option #3 is an option at all. I doubt that an added player would be more talented than any of the internal options. Then there’s the adjustments that come with adding a new player to this offense. 

So, it comes down to Options #1 and #2. Typically, I hate seeing changes at one position force changes at another. Option #2 would require a new left tackle and a new left guard. Replacing Darrisaw with Quessenberry is simple. I like Quessenberry for spot starts. Playing 10 games, hopefully, 13/14 games, isn’t spot starts. It’s for the long run. For the remainder of the season, I believe I’m leaning to Brandel moving to left tackle and Risner taking over at left guard. 

There might be an added twist to all of this. Whether confirmed or not, there was a sense around the team that Risner was getting ready to replace Ed Ingram at right guard. If that’s the case, shifting Brandel to left tackle, Risner to left guard, and keeping Ingram at right guard would mean that the Vikings are going with the less than preferred option at three of the five offensive line position. That doesn’t feel like the best way to deal with this situation. With all of that in mind, maybe the best option really is the simplest option. Simply replacing Darrisaw with Quessenberry. O’Connell mentioned that they’d be trying to get the best five offensive linemen on the field. Which is the best five?

David Quessenberry

Blake Brandel

Garrett Bradbury

Dalton Risner

Brian O’Neill

or

Blake Brandel

Dalton Risner

Garrett Bradbury

Ed Ingram

Brian O’Neill

It probably depends on the moment but I can seriously go with either one. I suppose it all comes down to how I feel about Ingram. He still has horrendous moments. Just flat misses. He also has many solid moments. After two-plus seasons as a starter, he shouldn’t be having any of those horrendous moments. Those that feel that Ingram is hopeless probably see this as an easy decision. Those that have some hope for Ingram probably have a more difficult decision. 

I’m glad the real decision isn’t mine. 

The Vikings lost one of the best players at his position in the league. They lost one of the best players on the team. They were never going to come out of this unfortunate situation in better shape than they were before. Despite the two-game slide that dropped their perfect record to 5-2, the Vikings are still in a good spot. The playoffs are probable, if not likely. Any continued success this season likely hinges on how they handle this offensive line situation. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 8 Suprelatives

It’s been a few days since the Minnesota Vikings very disappointing game against the Los Angeles Rams. The game was another example of all things wrong with the NFL’s idiotic scheduling of Thursday night games. Factoring in travel, the Vikings had about two days to gameplan for a Rams team that was suddenly getting receivers Cooper Kupp and Pakua Nakua back on the field. Sure. Both teams had to play on a meager three days rest but only one team had to spend one of those days traveling halfway across the country. Anyway, the Vikings had opportunities in the 30-20 loss. They just didn’t make the most of them. It didn’t help that the officials missed a facemask that the entire world easily saw. That mind-numbing missed call took away the Vikings final opportunity with about 1:30 still to play. It was still a long-shot but I like Justin Jefferson against Rams defensive backs that rarely slowed him. The officials decided this game. Here are a couple of players that did what they could to prevent the Vikings from losing their second game in five days. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Justin Jefferson was excellent. Again. 

8 catches

115 yards

If Sam Darnold had targeted Jefferson more than nine times, maybe the Vikings win this game. Only one pass intended for Jefferson didn’t end up in those brilliant hands. With the ball at the Rams five-yard line, Darnold fired a shot through the end zone. Between the three players covering Jefferson and the abbreviated space of the end zone, there was really no chance. Whenever Jefferson was targeted, the Vikings sailed down the field. He needed at least 15 targets in this game. By comparison, the Rams targeted Nakua nine times on about half as many snaps. 

Defensive Player of. The Game

Blake Cashman, LB

Last week was a rough two games for the defense. After stifling their first five opponents, the Detroit Lions and Rams had some success against the Vikings defense. Linebacker Blake Cashman missed both games. He’d played brilliantly in the first five games. He was clearly missed the last two games. Hopefully, he’s back this week against the Indianapolis Colts.

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Will Reichard was excellent. Again. The rookie kicker has yet to miss a kick. He’s perfect on field goals. He’s perfect on extra points. Against the Rams, he was successful on both extra point attempts and two field goals (23,35). If those two short field goals were the touchdowns they needed to be, the Vikings probably win this game. 

Flea Flicker Week 8 Predictions

If the NFL still scheduled a 16-game season, we’d already be at the midpoint of the season. Here’s some guesses at the games. 

Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Vikings

I’ll be at this game! Gotta get that win. Skol!

Philadelphia Eagles @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

Just going with the home team.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Ravens

The always unfortunate “Old Browns” vs “New Browns” game. 

Tennessee Titans @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Titans

This is hopeful.

Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Dolphins

I’m running with Tua Tagovailoa playing and the Dolphins looking more like the Dolphins. 

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Pick: Jets

This feels like a game the messy Jets can win.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers

This game could be fun.

Green Bay Packers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

The Jaguars finally play like the team I thought they could be.

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

The Texans roll.

New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

The Chargers rebound. 

Buffalo Bills @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Bills

The Bills roll.

Carolina Panthers @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Broncos

I don’t much care for any game that includes Sean Payton. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs roll.

Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Commanders

Led by impressive rookie QBs, this game could be a lot of fun.

Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

A couple decades ago, this would’ve been the league’s biggest game outside the Super Bowl. Now it’s just a couple teams. 

New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Steelers

Just going with the home team.

Los Angeles Rams All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings travel west for a Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Rams. This one’s special as I’ll be in the Sofi stands. Skol! The Rams have an intriguing history in that they played in two professional leagues and three cities. Three different professional football leagues have competed against the National Football League as the American Football League. Calling Cleveland home, the Rams played their first season in the middle one. That was 1936. In 1937, they jumped to the NFL. The Rams won their first title in 1945. Despite winning it all, the Cleveland Rams headed west to become the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. Five years later, they won their second title in 1951. In 1995, the Rams moved east to become the St. Louis Rams. Four years later, they won their third title in 1999. In 2016, they moved west again to become the Los Angeles Rams again. Five years later, they won their fourth title. Winning titles representing three different cities is a particular and interesting fact for the Rams. Other than the Las Vegas Raiders, it’s also one that teams wouldn’t care to match. On the eve of the big game, here are some of the best players in the intriguing history of the Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. 

Los Angeles Rams All - Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Norm Van Brocklin

Running Back

Marshall Faulk

Fullback

Dan Towler

Wide Receivers

Elroy Hirsch

Isaac Bruce

Tight End

Tom Fears

This might be a stretch. Tom Fears was more receiver than tight end. He played in an era when today’s tight end didn’t exist. He played mostly at left end. I’m calling that tight end. 

Tackles

Orlando Pace

Jackie Slater

Guards

Tom Mack

Dennis Harrah

Center

Rich Saul

Defense

Defensive Ends

Deacon Jones

Jack Youngblood

Defensive Tackles

Merlin Olsen

Aaron Donald

Linebackers

Kevin Greene

Les Richter

Maxie Baughan

Cornerbacks

LeRoy Irvin

Jerry Gray

Safeties

Eddie Meador

Nolan Cromwell

Special Teams

Kicker

Jeff Wilkins

Punter

Johnny Hekker

Returner

Vitamin Smith

December 17, 1978

I will be in the Sofi Stadium stands on Thursday night when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Los Angeles Rams. As a Vikings fan from northern California since the early 1970s, I haven’t been to anywhere near as many of their games as I’d like. I always tried to get to San Francisco or Oakland any time the Vikings played the 49ers or Raiders. I made it to the very same Sofi Stadium in 2021. Unlike this Thursday, it was the Chargers hosting that game. Of all the Vikings games I’ve attended over the past several decades, the best was a battle against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019. That game was the best because it was a Vikings home game. I was delirious in beautiful US Bank Stadium as the Vikings took apart the Eagles. To finally be in a stadium surrounded by fellow Vikings fans was an incredible experience. I’ll be back. I can’t wait to get back to Minnesota. With attending Vikings games on my mind, here’s a look back at the first Vikings game I attended. 46 years ago. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Al Davis
John Madden

Tom Flores

Ken Stabler
Gene Upshaw
Art Shell
Dave Casper
Fred Biletnikoff
Ted Hendricks
Willie Brown
Ray Guy

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

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

-Alan Page was released during the 1978 season

I recently watched a recording of this memorable game. It felt like I was there all over again. Without the rain. George Allen and Jim Brown were teamed with Vin Scully to broadcast the game. That puts the Pro Football Hall of Fame count in the Oakland Coliseum that day at 19. A very respectable showing.

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

Minnesota Vikings Week 7 Superlatives

In Week 7, the Minnesota Vikings lost their first game of the season. The Detroit Lions made a few fewer mistakes to secure the 31-29 win. The Vikings had their opportunities. Convert a particular 3rd-and-four, they win. The Vikings advanced the ball to the Lions side of the field five times and came away with one touchdown. Flip any one of Will Reichard’s three field goals into a touchdown, they win. The Vikings had their opportunities to win this big divisional game. It was a good game. It could’ve had a better outcome but it was a good game. It was a game befitting the two best teams in the NFC, perhaps the entire NFL. Here are some of the players that played a big role in nearly keeping the Vikings undefeated. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Aaron Jones, RB 

Each scored a touchdown on an explosive play. Aaron Jones ran untouched from 34 yards to open he scoring. Justin Jefferson caught a 25-yard pass from Sam Darnold to open the second half. That cut the Lions lead to 21-17.

Jefferson’s day:

7 catches 

81 yards

1 TD (25)

1 carry

3 yards

The rushing attempt was supposed to be a passing attempt but Jefferson could find no one open. He scrambled to gain what he could.

Jones was dominant. When he’s been in top form, he’s been outstanding. Even in Jefferson’s imposing presence, Jones has been the heartbeat of the Vikings offense.

Defensive Player of the Game

Ivan Pace Jr.

Ivan Pace Jr. brought the Vikings to the brink of a win with his 36-yard fumble return for a score. That would’ve been the play of the game if the Vikings had held on for the win. It wasn’t the only play that he made. Pace had ten tackles and a sack. He played the bulk of the snaps for the first time this season. Blake Cashman was out with a turf toe so Pace was up. Things happen with him on the field. With or without Cashman in the lineup, Pace needs to be on the field more. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Once again, the rookie kicker was outstanding. He’s perfect on the season with his kicks. He’s 12-for-12 on field goals and 18-for-18 on extra points. Against the Lions, he was good on field goals from 57, 42, and 48 yards. After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell said that he was going to send Reichard out with a second to play to attempt a nearly 70 yard field goal. I’d like to have seen that. Unfortunately, a stupid pre-snap penalty bumped the distance to about 75 years. I’d like to have seen Reichard attempt that nearly 70-yard kick. 

Flea Flicker Week 7 Predictions

It’s Week 7. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Bye: Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings 

Pick: Vikings

Big division game! The Vikings must win.

New England Patriots @ Jacksonville Jaguars 

Pick: Jaguars

The Jaguars get one win during their two week London stay.

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Falcons

The Falcons win a shootout. 

Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Bills roll.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals take another step in their attempts to get out of their own way.

Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers

The Texans roll in Lambeau.

Miami Dolphins @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

It’d difficult to pick the Dolphins against any team.

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles are a talented team that can’t get it together. Or, they’re simply not very good. It’s a toss-up. For another week, I’m going with the former and they figure it out against the Giants.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

The Raiders are a mess and they just traded one of their best players.

Carolina Panthers @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Commanders

The Commanders get back to their winning ways after a tough one against the Ravens.

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

Super Bowl LVIII rematch. The 49ers hand the Chiefs their first loss of the season.

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Steelers

It’s tough to pick this Jets mess. 

Once again, the NFL jams two games onto Monday night. More isn’t always better. 

Baltimore Ravens @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers stun the Ravens.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Chargers

The Chargers are slightly better.

Detroit Lions All - Time Team

For most of my football following days, the Detroit Lions have been a mere road bump on the NFL schedule. They weren’t very good. They had some nice moments with Barry Sanders making defenses look silly. They had some competitive days when Matthew Stafford was throwing the ball for them. They had Calvin Johnson. Billy Sims. Decades of frustration make their recent ascent feel like an anomaly. These recent frustrations make it hard to believe that the Lions were once a dominant team. They really were. The brilliant Dutch Clark led them to their first NFL title in 1935. They were a force in the 1950s with three more titles. They were once a great and fun team. On the eve of their big game against the Minnesota Vikings, here are some of best players in the complicated history of the Detroit Lions. 

Detroit Lions All - Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Bobby Layne

Running Back

Barry Sanders

Fullback

Ace Gutowsky

Tailback

Dutch Clark

Dutch Clark must be on all Detroit Lions All-Time Team.

Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson

Herman Moore

Tight End

Charlie Sanders

Tackles

Lou Creekmur

Lomas Brown

Guards

Ox Emerson

Dick Stanfel

Center

Alex Wojciechowicz

Defense

Defensive Ends

Al Baker

Robert Porcher

Defensive Tackles

Alex Karras

Roger Brown

Linebackers

Chris Spielman

Joe Schmidt

Wayne Walker

Cornerbacks

Dick “Night Train” Lane

Lem Barney

Safeties

Jack Christiansen

Yale Lary

Special Teams

Kicker

Jason Hanson

Punter

Yale Lary

Kick Returner

Mel Gray

Punt Returner

Jack Christiansen

Minnesota Vikings Week 7 Injuries

Unfortunately, injuries will always be part of football. Injuries to Minnesota Vikings lynchpins Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins last season put the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. At every level, injuries sway football seasons. Watching the New Orleans Saints flail about as the Denver Broncos rolled them last night put a current bright light on how injuries can decimate a team. The Saints were missing their quarterback, both receivers, and three-fifths of their offensive line. How’s a team to compete when six of their most important seven offensive players are on the sideline? Injury-wise, the Vikings had a rough summer. Perhaps the roughest summer. Fortunately, the opening weeks of the season haven’t been too bad. The injuries have been more nuisance than problematic. Even coming off a Week 6 bye, the Vikings had their most injury concerns of the season. It’s bad timing as Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions is big. 

Five players did not practice (DNP) on Wednesday, their first real practice of the week.

Blake Cashman, LB

Akayleb Evans, CB

Patrick Jones II, OLB

Aaron Jones, RB

Harrison Phillips, DT

Two were limited.

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Dalton Risner, G

T.J. Hockenson and Dalton Risner are in the 21-day practice window following their respective returns from injured reserve lists. The real injury concerns are with the players that DNP. In particular, there were/are significant concerns with Blake Cashman and Aaron Jones. 

Thursday’s practice brought good and bad news. The DNPs dropped to two players.

Blake Cashman, LB

Akayleb Evans, CB

The return to practice of Aaron Jones, Patrick Jones II, and Harrison Phillips was very welcome news. Especially Aaron Jones. There were some very concerned Vikings folks when the team traded for Cam Akers this week. Is Jones going to be out for a while? No. The Vikings needed better running back depth. The trade for Akers was a move to strengthen the team and get ahead of a potential problem. Jones looks good to go for the Lions. Today’s practice should prove that. That’s huge news as he’s been a pacesetter for the offense. The Vikings need him. Sam Darnold needs him. Despite that importance, lightening his load can only help Jones play in every game that remains. It isn’t all good injury news. Cashman likely won’t be available for Sunday’s game against the Lions. That probably goes for the quick turnaround game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams. Cashman has been excellent this season. He’ll be missed. Fortunately, the Vikings have a relentless stick of dynamite in Ivan Pace Jr. 

This week, the Vikings experienced their first significant injury concerns of the season. Other than Cashman, those concerns lessened with each day. There’s also help on the way. Hockenson and Risner are inching closer to the field. I’m hoping that Hockenson makes his season debut next Thursday against the Rams. I can’t wait to see this Vikings offense fully loaded with all of their playmakers. 

Get healthy Blake Cashman. And, no more injuries. 

Throwback Thursday: Orban “Spec” Sanders

This Flicker was originally posted March 1, 2012. 

Orban Eugene Sanders was born on January 26, 1918. Everyone saw that mass of freckles on young Orban's face and started calling him "Spec." The name stuck.

Buddy Young, who saw a lot of football as a player and later as a league official, once described Spec Sanders as being in a class with just a handful of other backs, including Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, Hugh McIlhenney and Lenny Moore. That's a pretty select group. All but Sanders are honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sanders lost the early years of his career to World War II. His best years were in the All America Football Conference with the New York Yankees. So his efforts have mostly been ignored by the NFL. That's unfortunate as his 1947 season was one of the best ever. He led the AAFC with 231 carries, 114 points and his 18 rushing touchdowns was a professional record that stood until Jim Taylor rushed for 19 in 1962. His 1432 yards rushing established a record that stood until 1958 when Jim Brown ran for 1527 yards. Sanders could throw the ball as well, completing 93 passes for 1442 yards and 14 more touchdowns. He also returned kicks, taking one kickoff back for another score. Although he was used sparingly on defense, he intercepted three passes. He also averaged 42.1 yards on 46 punts. In a game against the Chicago Rockets, Sanders gained 250 yards rushing, a mark that went untouched for more than 25 years. He was removed from the game after only three quarters. If he'd remained in the game, Adrian Peterson's 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers might still be looking up at Sanders. It was an incredible season. When viewing season statistics of this era, Spec Sanders' 1947 season is so outlandish it strikes one as a misprint.

At a time when most players did a lot of things on the football field Sanders did everything better than pretty much everyone. His versatility might be matched only by the great Sammy Baugh.

Sanders suffered from knee woes and retired after the 1948 season. Despite playing only three seasons, he finished as the AAFC's second leading all-time rusher, leader in touchdowns, fourth in total points, and still found time to finish eighth in passing.

Sanders was lured out of retirement to play in the NFL in 1950 with a different but similarly named New York Yanks. Because of the knee problems, he opted to play only defense that year. In his one year in the NFL Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl after his record setting 13 interception season.

Spec Sanders had only a four year career with only one in the NFL. World War II and knee problems kept it brief. It's unfortunate that his three incredible years in the AAFC are largely forgotten. Those that saw Sanders play football never forgot him.

He’s Back

The Minnesota Vikings strengthened their running back group with a familiar player. Cam Akers was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans. The Vikings traded a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and the Texans returned a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. The trade will be complete once Akers passes a physical. 

Against the New York Jets in Week 5, Vikings top back Aaron Jones exited the game late in the first quarter with a hip injury. He didn’t return to the game. He’s expected to be ready for Sunday’s big game against the Detroit Lions. Ty Chandler is a nice option as the Vikings #2 back but more depth and security was becoming a necessity at the position. Akers should provide that. He’s a skilled player and he’s familiar with the team and system. He was in Los Angeles when current Vikings head coach was offensive coordinator of the Rams. More significantly, Akers was with the Vikings last season. He played in six games. Just as his role appeared to be growing, he was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. It was the second torn Achilles of his career. Unfortunately, he’s become accustomed to coming back from the injury. The Vikings were reportedly interested in re-signing Akers in the offseason but he opted for an opportunity with the Texans. He even played against the Vikings this season, scoring a touchdown in Week 3. 

The curious part to this trade is that it’s the second consecutive season in which the Vikings have acquired Akers in a trade. Last September, it was a trade with the Rams. This October, it was a trade with the Texans. To make it even more curious, the Vikings used the same conditional 2026 sixth-round pick in each trade. Due to the Achilles injury, the conditions of last year’s trade weren’t met. The Vikings were able to use the same pick to get their running back, the same back, this year. 

Assuming Cam Akers passes his physical, here are the Vikings running backs:

Aaron Jones

Ty Chandler

Cam Akers

Myles Gaskins

Zavier Scott - Practice Squad

I’m guessing that Myles Gaskin will continue his yo-yo existence between the practice squad and active roster and return to the practice squad. 

Welcome Back, Cam Akers. 

Minnesota Vikings 53/52 - Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off their Week 6 bye. With last week’s release of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, the roster is currently at 52 players. Perhaps tight end T.J. Hockenson will be #53. He started the season on the PUP list as he went through the final stages of his recovery from a torn ACL. His 21-day practice window opened on October 4 while he and the team were in London. Hockenson can be moved to the active roster at any time. A return against the Detroit Lions on Sunday would be a splendid thing. Another player that’s on the verge of returning to the roster is guard Dalton Risner. He’s been recovering from a back injury. His 21-day practice window was opened yesterday. As for Redmond, he wasn’t separated from the team for long. He was signed to the practice squad. With the bye week in the past, here’s another look at the Minnesota Vikings 53/52 - Man Roster

Minnesota Vikings 53/52 - 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

85 Robert Tonyan

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 (25)

Defensive Linemen (5)

97 Harrison Phillips

90 Jonathan Bullard

99 Jerry Tillery

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani

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

81 Lucky Jackson, WR

82 Jeshaun Jones, WR

89 Thayer Thomas, WR

92 Jonah Williams, DL

40 Dallas Gant, LB

98 Bo Richter, OLB

61 Jalen Redmond, DL

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

34 Nick Muse, TE

Injured Reserve/Designated To Return

59 Gabriel Murphy, OLB

66 Dalton Risner, G

87 T.J. Hockenson, TE

Sitting At 52

With last week’s waiving of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, the Minnesota Vikings roster currently sits at 52 players. My initial and current thought is that the available roster spot is for T.J. Hockenson. The Pro Bowl tight end has been recovering and rehabbing from the injury that resulted from Detroit Lions shit-back Kerby Joseph targeting his knee. Hockenson started the season on reserve/physically unable to perform. It’s an unfortunate term for an unfortunate situation. The Vikings opened his 21-day practice window on October 4th. His first full-team practice was the Friday in London before the Week 5 game against the New York Jets. With the timing of the Hockenson decisions, my assumption was that the Vikings were targeting the October 24th Thursday Night game against the Los Angeles Rams as his return to game action. That gives him a mini-bye of more than a week to deal with any first-game soreness. The Vikings schedule seemed to be set up perfectly for a Week 8 return. If Redmond’s waiving was to open a roster spot for Hockenson, it looks like the Vikings might be targeting this Sunday for Hockenson’s return. The Detroit Lions. Wouldn’t it be sweet for him to return against the team that drafted him and against the dipshit that intentionally took him off the field for months? The potential drawback for that return is the three-day turnaround that follows. After hosting the Lions on Sunday, the Vikings travel to Los Angeles for that Thursday night game. If Hockenson is ready for a return to the field, I guess that he’s ready for the all of the demands of an NFL schedule. 

The preseason hope was that the Vikings could maintain a competitive position while they waited for T.J. Hockenson’s return to the field. They did much better than “maintain a competitive position” as they sit atop the division, the conference, and the league with a 5-0 record. It’s a perfect start record-wise but there have been moments of concern in the last two games. The offense had sputtering stretches against the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. When teams use an excess of assets to contain all-world receiver Justin Jefferson, the Vikings offense sometimes loses some zip. When that happens, other playmakers must step up and make defenses pay for the attention paid to Jefferson. The Vikings paid a healthy price in draft picks and salary to acquire Hockenson. His impact on the offense was immediate and consistent. If one were to rank the Vikings offensive weapons, he’s #2 or #3. He’s the ideal receiving compliment to Jefferson. Kirk Cousins was thrilled to have him. Sam Darnold will be as well. Despite the perfect start through five games, Hockenson’s absence has been felt. With Jefferson, Hockenson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and Jalen Nailor, this offense is loaded with playmakers that can hurt any defense. I can’t wait to see a complete Vikings offense on the field. That time is inching closer. 

Flea Flicker Week 6 Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings are on bye. That leaves a gigantic hole in the Week 6 schedule. Here are guesses at the games. 

Bye: MINNESOTA VIKINGS, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Chicago Bears, in London

Pick: Jaguars

I keep believing that the Jaguars will play to their talent. Maybe they aren’t as talented as I thought. I’ll give them this weird two-week stay in London.

Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Cardinals

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Vikings can increase their lead over the Packers while on bye.

Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Colts

I’m going with the hope that Anthony Richardson plays in and finishes this game. 

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots

Pick: Texans

Maybe this week the Texans play like the contenders they are supposed to be. They should be handle the excitement around the debut of Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Buccaneers

This game could be fun. 

Cleveland Browns @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

The Browns are fading fast. 

Washington Commanders @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

There’s a lot more to this game than Lamar Jackson vs Jayden Daniels. But it’s always about the quarterbacks. Jackson is always capable of being brilliant. Daniels has been playing brilliant. I see the more talented Ravens slowing the rapidly improving Commanders.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Chargers

Sean Payton is a clown.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Steelers

I’d rather watch a replay of a 1970s version of this rivalry. 

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Vikings can increase their lead over the Lions while on bye.

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Falcons

Falcons should roll.

Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Giants

Pick: Bengals

I feel like the Bengals are finally find their proper form.

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Pick: Bills

The Jets are a joke. 

Minnesota Vikings All - Time Team

Other than winning the final, big game, the Minnesota Vikings have a strong history. Once they stepped away from their initial expansion team days, they have avoided having more than two consecutive losing seasons. That’s not a real high bar but it shows that they have avoided being woeful. It’s actually the opposite. Far more often than not, they are contenders. Their winning percentage since the NFL-AFL merger is among the best in the league. They have 15 Hall of Fame busts. A handful more deserve a spot. For a team with a history of 30-40 fewer years than many of their peers, that’s a very robust number. The Vikings just need a Super Bowl, preferably several. 

The Vikings have no shortage of players to populate the 27 positions on this Minnesota Vikings All - Time Team. Other than tight end, the offensive positions are mostly taken by Hall of Famers, soon-to-be Hall of Famers, or should-be Hall of Famers. Other than the line, the defensive positions are mostly wide open. Here’s a look at some of the best players in Vikings franchise history.

Minnesota Vikings All-Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Fran Tarkenton

Running Back

Adrian Peterson

Fullback

Chuck Foreman

Typically, I think of Bill Brown as the Vikings best fullback. Chuck Foreman lined up as a fullback his first couple years in the league. He had a career worthy of the Hall of Fame. At his peak, he was arguably the best back in the league. He was definitely the most versatile back in the league. It’s fun to think of Adrian Peterson and Chuck Foreman in the same backfield. Peterson will receive his Hall of Fame bust in a few years. 

Wide Receivers

Cris Carter

Randy Moss

Justin Jefferson

Due to the supreme talent available, I must go with three receivers. The Vikings second-team would be the first-team for many franchises. 

Tight End

Steve Jordan

Steve Jordan vs Kyle Rudolph. Both had excellent Vikings careers. If T.J. Hockenson has several seasons like his first season-plus with the Vikings, he joins the All-Time tight end argument.  

Tackles

Gary Zimmerman

Ron Yary

Guards

Randall McDaniel

Steve Hutchinson

In doing these teams, I try to keep the players in the position that they played on the field. Randall McDaniel and Steve Hutchinson are the two best guards in Vikings franchise history. Both played left guard. I can’t leave either off this team. I just can’t. On this team, Hutchinson flips to the right side. The best right guard in Vikings franchise history? That would be Ed White. 

Center

Mick Tingelhoff

Defense

Defensive Ends

Carl Eller

Chris Doleman

Soon-to-be Canton-bound, Jared Allen has a serious argument to be one of the defensive ends on this team. 

Defensive Tackles

Alan Page

John Randle

Alan Page and John Randle are the best defensive tackles in franchise history. Kevin Williams was damn great as well. They all played essentially the same position. If I were to put a run-stuffing nose tackle-type player on this team, then there’s a difficult debate. Henry Thomas, Pat Williams, and Linval Joseph. I’d probably have them in that order. 

Linebackers

Matt Blair

Eric Kendricks

Chad Greenway

It’s tough to leave out Anthony Barr, Jeff Siemon, and any of the Vikings first great trio Wally Hilgenberg, Lonnie Warwick and Roy Winston. 

Cornerbacks

Antoine Winfield

Bobby Bryant 

Antoine Winfield is easy. The second corner spot comes down to Bobby Bryant, Carl Lee, and Xavier Rhodes. Maybe Nate Wright as well. Today, the choice is Bobby Bryant. His long, underrated career finally earned him a spiffy purple jacket and a spot in the team’s Ring of Honor.  

Safeties

Paul Krause

Harrison Smith

Not having Joey Browner on this team is a crime. In terms of skill/ability/talent, Harrison Smith and Browner are probably the best safeties in franchise history. Paul Krause intercepted an NFL record 81 passes. On a list of league records least likely to be broken, that is at the top. He has be on this team. So does Smith. 

Special Teams

Kicker

Ryan Longwell

Punter

Chris Kluwe

Kick Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson

Punt Returner

Marcus Sherels

Special Teams

Joey Browner

Joey Browner first made his mark on special teams. At least, it gets him on this team. He’s one of the greatest players in franchise history. 

Minnesota Vikings Receiver Tradition

The Minnesota Vikings have a great receiver tradition. It can rival that of any team in the league. In only three seasons, Justin Jefferson has joined that tradition. Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor are looking to do the same. The tradition started with 1963 Rookie of Year Paul Flatley. Sammy White won that award in 1976. Randy Moss did the same in 1998. Percy Harvin did as well in 2009. Jefferson was robbed of the Rookie of the Year award in 2020. He did take home Offensive Player of the Year honors after his third season. The Vikings receivers through 63 years are a great, fun group. 

Minnesota Vikings Receiver Tradition

Paul Flatley

Gene Washington

John Gilliam

Sammy White

Ahmad Rashad

Anthony Carter

Cris Carter

Jake Reed

Randy Moss

Nate Burleson

Sidney Rice

Percy Harvin

Adam Thielen

Stefon Diggs

Justin Jefferson

That’s 15 receivers that were among the best in the league during the time they played. There are a handful more that had solid careers and contributed to the Vikings receiver tradition.

Jerry Reichow

John Henderson

Leo Lewis

Terry LeCount

Hassan Jones

Bernard Berrian

Jarius Wright

The Vikings great receiving tradition is highlighted by Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Both have a bust in Canton. Both are in the argument for best receivers to ever play. Moss is easily in that argument. In my opinion, so is Carter. No one ever caught the ball as well. No one!

I never thought another receiver could challenge Moss and Carter. Both were so damn great. Then Justin Jefferson arrived in Minnesota. He’s done more in four years than any receiver in league history. He’s unbelievable. He just has to get in the end zone more. Put his statistics next to Moss and touchdowns is the only stat that easily leans Moss’ way. In Jefferson’s touchdown defense, he’s had a few called back and spotted on the goal line. He’s had several more catches get the Vikings inside the five-yard line. Justin Jefferson’s work often turned into Dalvin Cook’s glory.

An underrated member of the Vikings great receiver tradition is John Gilliam. He was in Minnesota from 1972-75. During those four years he was the league’s best deep threat. His yard per catch were ridiculous.

1972: 22.0

1973: 21.6

1974: 22.2

1975: 15.5

Over 20 yards per catch is a rarity these days. It was in the 1970s as well. Gilliam was named to the Pro Bowl each season. The drop in 1975 was partly due to a bit more conservative offense that revolved around versatile running back Chuck Foreman. Gilliam’s 50 catches that season was his best total for the Vikings. I didn’t understand his departure during the 1976 offseason. The arrival that same offseason of Sammy White in the draft and Ahmad Rashad in a trade helped explain it. 

The trades/departures of Randy Moss, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Stefon Diggs were some of the most painful moments of my Vikings life. At least the Diggs trade led directly to the selection of Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

Jordan Addison has the talent to join the great Vikings receiver tradition. With his smooth route-running and sticky hands, he can easily be confused with Jefferson. The Jefferson-Addison duo is the best in the league. Addison must stop going astray off the field. Jalen Nailor could be a sneaky addition to the receiver tradition. He’s evolving into a nice #3 to Jefferson and Addison. Nailor just has to stay on the field. Nagging injuries over his two years in the league have been his obstacle. 

It’s been so fun watching the Vikings great receiver tradition all these years. 

Great Vikings Starts

Entering their Week 6 bye, the Minnesota Vikings sit atop the NFC North, the NFC, and the NFL at 5-0. Record-wise, the start to the 2024 season couldn’t have been better. Champions aren’t crowned in Week 6. There’s still a long way to go. With some bye time on my hands, here’s a look back at the best starts in Vikings franchise history.

1969: 12-1

The Vikings ended their 1969 season with their first Super Bowl appearance. They didn’t win. They didn’t win any of their four Super Bowl appearances from 1969-76. Despite going 12-2, the 1969 regular season always felt a little weird. The Vikings were stunned in the opener when former friend Fran Tarkenton brought the New York Giants back in a 24-23 upset. The Vikings responded to the disappointing loss with 12 consecutive wins. They closed the regular season with a surprising loss to a mediocre Atlanta Falcons team coached by former friend Norm Van Brocklin. Two losses. The first to their first quarterback. The second to their first head coach. 

1970: 9-1

The Vikings responded to their first Super Bowl loss with another 12-2 season. They started the season 9-1. Unfortunately, the season ended well short of their goal with a shocking 17-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Playoffs. 

1971: 6-1

The Vikings started 6-1, finished 11-3, and lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Playoffs.

1973: 9-0

Fran Tarkenton returned to Minnesota in 1972 but nothing went right as the Vikings followed three great regular seasons with a 7-7 season and no playoffs. They rebounded in 1973. A 9-0 start and 12-2 record. They rolled to their second Super Bowl only to be rolled by the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VIII. 

1974: 5-0

Again, the Vikings rolled to the Super Bowl. This time, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated them in Super IX.

1975: 10-0

1975 was supposed to end with the Vikings finally winning it all in Super Bowl X. Instead, Drew Pearson pushed off of Nate Wright and the Cowboys were handed the invitation to the big game that was intended for the Vikings. This damn game sticks with me as if it happened yesterday. 

1976: 6-0-1

Only a 10-10 tie with the Los Angeles Rams blemished the Vikings start to the 1976 season. They finished the regular season 11-2-1, strolled through the Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs and into their fourth Super Bowl. The Oakland Raiders won Super Bowl XI to keep the Vikings winless in the big game. 

1998: 7-0

It took a while for the Vikings to have their next sparkling start to a season. 1998. This season was amazing and heartbreaking. Like several of the seasons between 1969 and 1976, 1998 was supposed to be the year it finally happened. A Vikings Super Bowl. Like the 1975 playoff loss to the Cowboys, the loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the 1998 NFC Championship is painful, so painful, still so painful. 

2000: 7-0

Maybe it’s because the Vikings lost the 2000 NFC Championship game to the New York Giants by the ridiculous score of 41-0. This strong start and solid season doesn’t really feel strong or solid. 

2003: 6-0

This is one of those seasons that might force Vikings fans to pump the brakes on getting too excited about a great start. 6-0 was followed by 3-7 and no playoffs. Current Vikings QB coach Josh McCown was a big reason for the Vikings not entering the playoffs. A 3-7 finish to the season was a bigger reason than McCown’s late-game heroics. 

2009: 6-0

The Brett Favre season. This was an exhilarating season. So much fun. Unfortunately, its ending ranks with 1975 and 1998 as one of the most painful. 

2016: 5-0

Like 2003, this fine start ended with no playoffs. 

2022: 8-1

In Kevin O’Connell’s first season as head coach, the Vikings raced to 8-1 and finished 13-4. Due to a very suspect defense, nearly every win was by an excruciatingly close one-score margin. All season, they were walking a fine line between success and failure. They failed in the first round of the playoffs against the New York Giants.

2024: 5-0

Who knows what’s to come? This team doesn’t feel anything like the teams that had those fraudulent starts in 2003 and 2016. The Vikings have defeated top contenders San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers (at Lambeau). One could even go so far as to say that the Vikings dominated those teams. No matter how well they finish the regular season, none of it really matters if they don’t win that final game. 

 

Some Of The Reasons For 5-0

With a somewhat shaky win over the New York Jets in London, the Minnesota Vikings didn’t storm into their bye week. They do, however, step into their bye week at 5-0. Record-wise, the start to the 2024 season couldn’t have been better. From players to coaches to the front office to the equipment staff, it was very much a team effort. Coming up with a handful of individuals as the reasons for 5-0 is difficult. Here’s an attempt.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

-and the rest of the team’s decision-makers

The road to 5-0 started in the offseason. The players added in free agency received modest attention from national talking-heads.

Sam Darnold

Aaron Jones

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Jerry Tillery

Jihad Ward

Blake Cashman

Shaquill Griffin

Stephon Gilmore

Through five games, this is one of the best free agency classes in team history. Every one of the above players have played critical roles in the strong start. 

Due to tragedy and injury, the Vikings 2024 draft didn’t flood the roster with immediate difference-makers. Despite that, a few rookies have played a role. 

Dallas Turner

Will Reichard

Taki Taimani 

Dallas Turner collected a sack in Week 1 and was injured in Week 2. He returned in Week 4 and his opportunities should ramp up as the season progresses. His freakish talent is obvious. Will Reichard has been a revelation as a rookie. Kicking has been a franchise problem for decades. That problem is finally solved. I realize that Blair Walsh also had an outstanding rookie year and a few strong seasons. This Reichard kid just feels different. It’s still early but I really believe that the Vikings kicking problems are finally solved. Undrafted free agent Taki Taimani has earned a solid role in the defensive line rotation.

Coaching and Play-Calling

Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores have established themselves among the best play-callers in the league. O’Connell has received some criticism for his calls against the Jets. Perhaps deserving. I think that the offensive issues in London were more a combination of an off-day and a problematic Jets defense. 

Brian Flores and the defense has been outstanding. 

Players

Sam Darnold

Aaron Jones

Justin Jefferson

Brian O’Neill

Harrison Phillips

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Blake Cashman

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Joshua Metellus

Stephon Gilmore

Shaquill Griffin

Will Reichard

Ryan Wright

And T.J. Hockenson is on the way. 

Mike Parson and the Vikings Equipment staff

All of the above and so many more are responsible to the 5-0 start of the Minnesota Vikings. It’s very much a whole team achievement. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 5 Superlatives

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings held on to defeat the New York Jets in London, 23-17. The win was in the balance until cornerback Stephon Gilmore intercepted Aaron Rodgers at the Vikings nine-yard line with 44 seconds to play. The first shaky game from the offense was a big reason this was a one-score game. The defense made up for it as they were the reason for win. Here are some of the players that played a big role in keeping the Vikings undefeated at 5-0. 

Offensive Play of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Stat-wise, it was a modest game for Justin Jefferson. The terrific cornerback duo of Sauce Garner and D.J. Reed did everything legal and illegal to contain him. 

6 catches

92 yards

It was Jefferson’s first game of the season without a touchdown. Digging deeper, the yards gained as a result of Gardner and Reed penalties while covering him bumps Jefferson’s yardage total to over 150 yards. 

Defensive Players of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Camryn Bynum, S

Stephon Gilmore, CB

Really, the entire defense deserves mention. The Jets offense rarely looked confident in what they were doing. I’m going with above three for their interceptions of  Rodgers. Andrew Van Ginkel took his interception back 63 yards for a touchdown. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

This one’s easy. Will Reichard remains perfect for the season. He’s made all 16 of his extra point attempts and all nine of his field goal attempts. Against the Jets, Reichard was successful on field goals from 54, 53, and 41 yards. He also made both extra point attempts. 

So many players are responsible for the Vikings perfect start to the season. Will Reichard is definitely one of them. 

Vikings - Jets

With the 23-17 win over the New York Jets, the Minnesota Vikings left London with their fifth win of the season. The Vikings enter their bye week a perfect 5-0 record. 

Like last week against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings got up big early and held on late. The outcome of this game was in doubt until Stephon Gilmore collected Aaron Rodgers’ third interception of the day at the Vikings nine-yard line. Two Sam Darnold kneel-downs drained the final 44 seconds. 

On paper, this was very much a Vikings team win. The offense scored seven points. The defense added seven points. Special teams chipped in nine points. They needed every one of those contributions. In reality, the Vikings defense was the reason for the win. The offense and special teams had issues throughout the game. The defense made the plays that had to be made. Head coach Kevin O’Connell gave every defensive player and coach a game ball. It was deserved. They intercepted Rodgers three times. Each was glorious. The best, of course, was Andrew Van Ginkel’s 63-yard pick-six. It was the second time in five games that he’s taken an interception for a score. The defense sacked Rodgers three times. Each was glorious. The Jets quarterback rarely looked comfortable. He ranks with Sean Payton as one of the most annoying individuals in the league. It’s always a blast to see him uncomfortable during a game. Any game. The Jets best drive of the game came as a result a very soft roughing the kicker penalty. At most, Ivan Pace’s attempted block should’ve been the five-yard variety. Instead, the Jets were gifted 15 yards and new life. They took advantage of the gift. They drove down the field and added a field to make it a one-score game at 17-10. 

This was the second consecutive week in which the Vikings special teams gave the opponents some hope when there was little hope to be found. The Vikings were taking apart the Packers last week in building a 28-0 lead. A special teams miscue gift-wrapped a touchdown right before the half. Yesterday, special teams miscues handed the Jets 10 points. Handing teams scoring opportunities is never a good thing. Winning despite those miscues might be. Despite surviving, the Vikings must stop handing teams opportunities.

By his lofty standards, Justin Jefferson had another modest game. 

6 catches 

92 yards

It was his first game this season without a touchdown. If Jets penalties while trying to defend him are factored into his production, the yardage totals balloon to about 150 yards. Various combinations of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed held, grabbed, and generally interfered with Jefferson six times. Despite being one of the better corner tandems in the league, Jefferson challenged them like few can. During his postgame press conference, he was clearly moved when informed that Cris Carter considers him the best receiver in Vikings franchise history. This team boasts an excellent receiver tradition with Carter, Randy Moss, Anthony Carter, Ahmad Rashad, Jake Reed, Sammy White, John Gilliam, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, etc. It’s tremendous praise from the Hall of Famer.  

Sam Darnold had his first shaky game of the season. 

14/31

179 yards

0 TDs 

1 interception

His accuracy appeared off throughout the game. Hopefully, it’s a one-game hiccup. Maybe it was the British cooking. Jet-lag, perhaps. Whatever it was, hopefully he’s back in sync when the Vikings return from their bye. 

The Vikings offense seemed a little off after running back Aaron Jones left late in the first quarter with a hip injury. In nearly a quarter of work, he chipped in 29 yards rushing and 24 yards receiving. He was on pace for his productive game of the season. When he departed the game so did the run game. Ty Chandler never really got going in place of Jones. Hopefully, the injury isn’t serious and he’s back after the bye.

NFL Network’s broadcast duo of Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner worked this game as if they were Jets employees. Even at 17-0, there was a clear Jets leaning to the broadcast. The duo claim to be unbiassed professionals. Their call was more biased than professional.  

The Vikings are 5-0 heading into their Week 6 bye. With a tough early schedule, even the most optimistic projections probably had the Vikings at 3-2. Instead, they are undefeated with the return of tight end T.J. Hockenson on the horizon. 

Next up: a home date with the Detroit Lions on Oct. 20. 

Flea Flicker Week 5 Predictions

It’s on to Week 5. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Bye: Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers

New York Jets @ Minnesota Vikings, in London

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings continue their undefeated ways.

Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Bears

The Panthers have been a plucky team since benching Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. I think the rest of the league is catching up to the switch. The Panthers are arguably the least talented team in the league.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

This game should be a banger. The Ravens are starting to roll. The Bengals finally seem to be getting out of their own way. I’m going with the home team.

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

Even the Patriots should be able to beat the Dolphins in their current state.

Cleveland Browns @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Browns

The Commanders are rolling with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. This game is a bump in the road. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

The Jaguars finally get a win.

Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

The Texans finally play like the Texans many expected. 

Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Raiders

One of the biggest surprises so far this season is that this Broncos team have won two games. 

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers roll.

Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

I’m wishing this on into existence.

New York Giants @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

The Seahawks rebound from their first loss of the season. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys take the rematch of Super Bowls X, XIII, and XXX.

New Orleans Saints @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

Through four games, the Saints have had a Jekyll and Hyde run. They won their first two games by a combined 62 points. They lost their last two games by a combined 5 points. Which team shows up against the Chiefs? I’m thinking that this Saints team is really closer to the one that lost the last two games. 

New York Jets All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings “host” the New York Jets tomorrow. In London. The Jets are an original AFL team and the winner of a memorable Super Bowl. When the Jets stunned the Baltimore Colts to win Super Bowl III, it was the first time an AFL team beat an NFL team in the big game. The new league was finally considered to be on the same playing field as the old league. The Jets have had an often disappointing but at times plucky existence since that long ago big win. On the eve of their game with the Vikings, here’s a look at some of the best players in the history of the New York Jets. 

All - Time New York Jets Team

Offense

Quarterback

Joe Namath

Running Back

Curtis Martin

Fullback

Matt Snell

Wide Receivers

Don Maynard

Wesley Walker

Tight End

Rich Caster

Offensive Tackles

Winston Hill

Marvin Powell

Offensive Guards

Dave Herman

Randy Rasmussen

Center

Kevin Mawae

Defense

Defensive Ends

Mark Gastineau

Gerry Philbin

Defensive Tackles

Joe Klecko

John Elliott

Linebackers

Larry Grantham

Al Atkinson

Mo Lewis

Cornerbacks

Darrelle Revis

Aaron Glenn

Safeties

Victor Green

Dainard Paulson

Special Teams

Kicker 

Pat Leahy

Punter

Curley Johnson

Kick Returner

Leon Washington

Punt Returner

Bruce Harper

60 Seniors Advance In Voting Process For Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame voting process for the senior candidates has been tweaked this year. First of all, it’s more transparent. In the past, the senior finalists (as well as contributors and coaches) were simply announced without any details as to how the respective committees landed on those individuals. Now, there’s a Senior Screening Committee. Each member casts a ballot for 50 individuals from a list of nominees. This year, the list of nominees included 187 individuals. All players who tied for the 50th position remain under consideration. This year, 60 former players are advancing in the process. Next up is the nine-member Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee. Nice name. This committee will make additional reductions in increments over the next several weeks. In late fall, this committee will select three Seniors as Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. 

The 60 players who remain eligible for election with the Class of 2025:

Quarterbacks (5)

Ken Anderson

Charlie Conerly 

Roman Gabriel

Jack Kemp

Jim Plunkett

Running Backs (7)

Alan Ameche

Ottis Anderson

Larry Brown

Roger Craig

Chuck Foreman

Cecil Isbell

Paul “Tank” Younger

Wide Receivers (10)

Mark Clayton

Isaac Curtis

Boyd Dowler

Henry Ellard

Harold Jackson

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson

Stanley Morgan

Art Powell

Sterling Sharpe

Otis Taylor

Offensive Linemen (12)

Ed Budde

Ox Emerson

Bill Fralic

Chris Hinton

Joe Jacoby

Mike Kenn

Bob Kuchenberg

George Kunz

Ralph Neely

Dick Schafrath

Jim Tyrer

Al Wistert

Defensive Linemen (6)

L.C. Greenwood

Ed “Too Tall” Jones

Jim Marshall

Harvey Martin

Leslie O’Neal

Bill Stanfill

Linebackers (11)

Carl Banks

Maxie Baughan

Bill Berger

Joe Fortunato

Larry Grantham

Lee Roy Jordan

Clay Matthews Jr.

Tommy Nobis

Andy Russell

Pat Swilling

Phil Villapiano

Defensive Backs (8)

Dick Anderson

Deron Cherry

Pat Fischer

Lester Hayes

Albert Lewis

Eddie Meador

Lamar Parrish

Everson Walls

Special Teams (1)

Steve Tasker

***

If I had my way, 2025 would be a dream year for Hall of Fame inductions. Jim Marshall and Chuck Foreman would end their long Canton wait. Jared Allen would also finally emerge from the modern-era candidates. A Minnesota Vikings triple! Oh my, I’d definitely be in Canton in early August to see that dreamy Class. 

Jim Marshall, Chuck Foreman, and Al Wistert are the Senior Finalists I’d like to see. Here’s the finalists that I think should make it.

Al Wistert

Ox Emerson

Sterling Sharpe

Here are the finalists that I think will be jammed through:

Maxie Baughan

Albert Lewis

Sterling Sharpe

I like the transparency of the new process but there’s still frustrations. How these “historians” keep ignoring Verne Lewellen and Lavvie Dilweg is mind-numbing. At least, they have Al Wistert on the final 60 list. 

T.J. Hockenson Inches Back To The Field

During his press conference yesterday, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said that the team would open on Friday the 21-day practice window for T.J. Hockenson. 

Hockenson spent the offseason, training camp, and the start of the season recovering and rehabbing from a torn ACL/MCL. On December 24, in Week 16, Detroit Lions shitback Kerby Joseph targeted and drove his helmet through Hockenson’s knee. It ended the tight end’s 2023 season and significantly altered the start of this season for the Vikings. Joseph did the same thing to Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee a few weeks later. The league should draft a rule to deal with players with no respect for their peers. Idiots like Joseph should be taken off the field for the same length of time as the players they injure. Joseph has no business being on a football field. Anyway, Hockenson did not have surgery until January 29 so that the MCL, which didn’t require repair, could heal. Even if he returns at the end of the practice window, Hockenson will have returned to the field in 10 months. The clock on the recovery from torn knee ligaments does not tick as long as it once did. 

Hockenson will travel with the team to London. It’s interesting that his first practice will be across the pond. After the international game and travel, the Vikings will have a Week 6 bye. That gives the team and player a free week before another game is played. The Vikings host the Detroit Lions on October 20. Then they play the Los Angeles Rams at Sofi four days later on Thursday night. Returning against the Lions and that shitback would be fun but the four-day turnaround that follows might be problematic. With travel, Thursday night games are really a three-day turnaround. Thanks NFL! Hockenson returning against the Rams and then having a mini-bye to recover feels more likely. October 24th would be the 20th day of the practice window. 

Through four weeks, the Vikings offense has been efficient and productive. Much of that was done without receiver Jordan Addison. All of it was done without T.J. Hockenson. Addison and Hockenson are two of the team’s four most potent playmakers. It’s exciting to imagine the Vikings offense running at full strength. I can’t wait to see it.

Flea Flicker Quarter-Pole All-Pro Team

The quarter-point of a 17-game season is five minutes into the second quarter of the fifth game. A 17-game NFL season is stupid for many reasons. This isn’t one of them. Picking a Quarter-Pole All-Pro Team is a ridiculous, time-passing exercise. There’s going to be more players from the Minnesota Vikings than there probably should be. That’s what happens when my team is sitting 4-0 and playing, arguably, better than any team in the league. 

Flea Flicker Quarter-Pole All-Pro Team

Offense

Quarterback

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings

Running Back

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Fullback

C.J. Ham, Minnesota Vikings

Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Malik Nabers, New York Giants

Tight End

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive Line

Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys

Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Defense

Edge

Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

Interior 

Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants

Linebackers

Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings

Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers

Cornerbacks

Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears

Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

Safeties

Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Minnesota Vikings

Camryn Bynum, Minnesota Vikings

Special Teams

Kicker

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings

Punter

Bryce Baringer, New England Patriots

Long Snapper

Andrew DePaola, Minnesota Vikings

Kick Returner

DeeJay Dallas, Arizona Cardinals

Punt Returner

KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings Week 4 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings jumped all over the Green Bay Packers in the first half on Sunday. 28-7 at the half, should’ve been 28-0. The Packers rallied. The Vikings held. 31-29. The score looks like a thriller but the Vikings were in charge throughout. Here are some of the players that helped make the big division win possible and keep the Vikings undefeated on the season. 4-0 is nice. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Aaron Jones, RB

Aaron Jones didn’t get into the end zone. He didn’t get his post-touchdown Lambeau Leap. He did get a post-win leap into the stands. Jones was a fixture in Green Bay since 2017. Minnesota is his home now and he was fantastic against his former team.

22 carries

93 yards

4 catches

46 yards

139 yards from scrimmage

In a very short time, Aaron Jones has impacted the Vikings on and off the field. 

Jordan Addison, WR

Welcome back Jordan Addison. He’s missed the last two games with the ankle injury that took him out of the first game. The Vikings clearly managed without him. Jalen Nailor filled in well. Addison is a very different sort of receiver. He’d be the #1 receiving option on so many teams. He’s a difference-maker.

Against the Packers:

3 catches

72 yards

1 touchdown (29 yards)

1 carry

7 yards

1 touchdown

He’s just getting started. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are a deadly duo.

Defensive Player of the Game

Byron Murphy, Jr., CB

With the strong outside coverage play of Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin, opponents have often targeted Byron Murphy Jr. Packers quarterback Jordan Love did a bit of that on Sunday. The 28-7 halftime lead in Lambeau didn’t feel safe. Jordan Love is a terrific quarterback. Matt LaFleur is a terrific coach. They were sure to come back. Two of the biggest defensive stops that stifled that comeback attempt were made by Murphy. With 6:13 to play in the game, he intercepted Love in the end zone. At the time, it felt like that might do it. Nope. He had to do it again. With 4:27 to play, he popped the ball from Packers tight end Tucker Kraft and Camryn Bynum recovered. If not for those two defensive stops by Murphy, the Vikings might be wondering how they blew a 28-0 lead. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Rookie kicker Will Reichard continues to be a revelation. He was perfect again on Sunday. For the season, he’s made all 20 of his kicks. 

14/14 on extra points

6/6 on field goals

Against the Packers:

4/4 on extra points

1/1 on field goals

I can’t say this enough, for the first time in a long time I don’t fear Vikings kick attempts. Thank you, Will Reichard.