Minnesota Vikings Week 4 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings played a disappointing game in Dublin. It was a 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unlike all other games in team history, there’s no return home from this “road” loss. The Vikings are stuck overseas as they play another “road” game against the Cleveland Browns next Sunday. That game is in London. So, rebounding from this game to that game will be done overseas. Anyway, that’s another issue. As for the Steelers game in Dublin, the Vikings didn’t play well but still made it a game. They even had a chance for a tie or win at the end. While it’s always hard to pick superlatives after a loss, a few players did shine against the Steelers.

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

It’s always easy to look to Justin Jefferson. He had his first 100-yard game of the season. 

10 catches, 126 yards

It could’ve been so much more as he had nearly 100 yards at the half. The Steelers had no answer as Jefferson was running free through the Steelers secondary all game. The problem was that Carson Wentz was under constant attack behind a depleted offensive line. 

 

Honorable Mention:

Jordan Addison, WR

Welcome back Jordan Addison! After sitting through a three-game league suspension, Addison was finally on the field. He had four catches for 114 yards. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Jalen Redmond, DT

Jalen Redmond opened the game with a sack of Aaron Rodgers. He collected a second sack later in the game. They were the only sacks of the old fart. The Vikings needed a handful more sacks than that. After a stat-, and score-filled game against the Cincinnati Bengals, this game felt like a step back for the Vikings defense. They need a rebound game against the Browns. Highlighted by the sacks, Redmond was a bright spot against the Steelers. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

As with Justin Jefferson on offense, it’s easy to look at Will Reichard for Special Teams Player of any game. He’s rolling. He made both field goals and the extra point attempted against the Steelers. He’s perfect for the season. 

Vikings - Steelers

The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their two-week stay overseas with a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, 24-21. If there’s any good from the disappointing performance it’s that the Vikings flipped a 21-6 late game “blowout” into a 24-21 “nail-biter.” They even had a chance to tie or win at the end. The frantic comeback is as close to good news as this frustrating loss gets. 

The Vikings made improving the offensive line a particular focus of the offseason. With excellent tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill in place, they overhauled the interior. Center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries were signed in free agency. Guard Donovan Jackson was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

The new Vikings offensive line:

LT Christian Darrisaw

LG Donovan Jackson

  C Ryan Kelly

RG Will Fries

RT Brian O’Neill

It was a beautiful projection. 

The number of plays the above five have been on the field together: 0

Coming back from last season’s ACL injury, the Vikings eased Christian Darrisaw into the starting lineup this season. His first game back was last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Just when things were starting to look beautiful again news dropped that Donovan Jackson had wrist surgery last Monday. He’ll be out through the Week 6 bye. Great. Ryan Kelly missed last week’s game with a concussion. He was back for the Steelers. He left the game at halftime with his second concussion of the season. Great. It gets worse. Brian O’Neill injured a knee while blocking for the successful field goal that capped the Vikings opening drive against the Steelers. He didn’t return to the game and had an MRI later in the day. News on that MRI have yet to be released. With four of the five starters on the field, the Vikings started the Steelers game with as close to the dream offensive line as they’ve had this season. By halftime, only two of those players were on the field. Two starters. Three backups. The Steelers defense took advantage. 

With the offensive line again depleted, it’s no surprise that Carson Wentz was sacked on nearly every third down he faced. When the Vikings had to pass, the Steelers defense simply ran unimpeded to the quarterback. Wentz was sacked six times and harassed relentlessly. He threw two interceptions. Both were tipped at the line of scrimmage. 

With Carson Wentz under constant attack, it’s remarkable that he managed to throw for 350 yards. It helped that he had Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at the end of many of those passes. The Steelers really had no answer for Jefferson, in particular, and Addison. Both had more than 100 yards.

Justin Jefferson: 10 catches, 126 yards

Jordan Addison: 4 catches, 114 yards

Welcome back Jordan Addison! After having to sit out the season’s first three games to a league suspension, Addison debuted against the Steelers. His highlight play came with just over three minutes to play. He took advantage of blown coverage with an 81-yard catch and run. With an heroic effort, Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson ran down and tripped up Addison at the one-yard line. Wilson’s efforts may have saved the game for the Steelers. It took the Vikings four plays and about 1:17 to score from the one-yard line. Trailing by only three points, the Vikings could’ve used those extra 1:17 on their final possession. 

The Vikings defense opened the game with a Jalen Redmond sack of Aaron Rodgers. They only had one more sack the rest of the game. That was also a Redmond sack. Rodgers peppered the Vikings defense with a quick passing game. It allowed for the efficient sort of offense that I hoped the Vikings would have. The Steelers were steady. The Vikings were frantic. The offensive line injuries in the second half made it too difficult to flip that script. 

The Vikings play the Cleveland Browns in London next Sunday. The Browns defensive line is at least as fearsome as that of the Steelers. I have no idea who the Vikings might have in front of them. Making adjustments while in preparation for a game is far better than having to make them while in the game. One thing is certain, no more damn injuries. 

Pittsburgh Steelers All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin tomorrow. The Steelers have an interesting history. For nearly all of my life the team has consistently been one of the NFL’s best. The Steelers won four Super Bowl in the 1970s. They added two more in the 2000s. The Steelers haven’t always been one of the league’s best. From their franchise birth in 1933 to the hiring of Chuck Noll in 1969, the Steelers were consistently terrible. Their only postseason appearance was a tie-breaking playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. The Steelers were so shaky that they had to combine forces with the Eagles in 1943 and Chicago Cardinals in 1944 to survive the World War II years. On the eve of the big international game, here’s a look at some of the best football players in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Offense

Quarterback 

Terry Bradshaw

Running Back

Jerome Bettis

Fullback

Franco Harris

Wide Receivers

John Stallworth

Hines Ward

Tight End

Heath Miller

Tackles

Frank Varrichione

Jon Kolb

Guards

Alan Faneca

John Nisby

Center

Mike Webster

Defense

Defensive Ends

L.C. Greenwood

Cameron Heyward

Defensive Tackles

Joe Greene 

Ernie Stautner

Linebackers

Jack Ham

Jack Lambert

T.J. Watt

Cornerbacks

Rod Woodson

Mel Blount

Safeties

Troy Polamalu

Jack Butler

Special Teams

Kicker

Gary Anderson

Punter

Bobby Walden

Returner

Bill Dudley

Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

Due mostly to a frustrating run of injuries, the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster has changed a bit since it was initially set just four weeks ago. It’s standard NFL stuff. As the injured reserve list grows, the active roster changes. The injuries have forced the team to make room for four quarterbacks on the active roster. As the quarterback room expanded the running back room shrank. There are now only a pair of runnning backs on the active roster. The Vikings are outside the country right now. They are in Ireland in advance of Sunday’s game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here’s a refresher look at the roster in advance of the big game. 

2025 Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

Offense (26)

Quarterbacks (4)

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Desmond Ridder

J.J. McCarthy - injured

Running Backs (2)

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

Receivers (6)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Adam Thielen

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Tight Ends (4)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Nick Vannett

Offensive Line (10)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Blake Brandel

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Joe Huber

Defense (24)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Elijah Williams

Outside Linebackers (5)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Eric Wilson

Kobe King  

Austin Keys

Cornerbacks (4)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Safeties (5)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

Practice Squad (16)

Cam Akers, RB

Henry Byrd, G

Dontae Fleming, WR

Tyrek Funderburk, CB

Jonathan Harris, DL

Jeshaun Jones, WR

Tim Jones, WR

Corey Kiner, RB

Vershon Lee, G

Fabian Moreau, CB

Gabriel Murphy, OLB

Bryson Nesbit, TE

Taki Taimani, DL

Sione Takitaki, LB

Zemaiah Vaughn, CB

K’Von Wallace, S

Reserve/Injured

Blake Cashman, LB

Ty Chandler, RB

Zeke Correll, C

Aaron Jones, Sr., RB

Rondale Moore, WR

Matt Nelson, OL

Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return

C.J. Ham, FB

Tyler Batty, OLB

Reserve/Physically Unable To Perform

Gavin Bartholomew, TE

Minnesota Vikings International History

The Minnesota Vikings depart tonight for a 10-day international business trip. It’s a business trip that includes a Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin and a Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns in London. It’s the first time a team has played consecutive games in two different overseas countries. One international game is a terrible deal. Two is much, much worse. The only good thing about these international games is the Vikings have never lost one. Four overseas regular season trips. Four wins. 

2013 - London, Wembley Stadium

Minnesota Vikings 34

Pittsburgh Steelers 27

2017 - London, Twickenham Stadium

Minnesota Vikings 33

Cleveland Browns 16

2022 - London, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Minnesota Vikings 28

New Orleans Saints 25

2024 - London, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Minnesota Vikings 23

New York Jets 17

Here’s hoping the winning streak continues and that both of this year’s games have a winning margin more like the second one than the other three. 

The upcoming international games will be the second such against both the Steelers and the Browns. Last year, the Vikings played a Jets team quarterbacked by Aaron Rodgers. This year, they played a Steelers team quarterbacked by Aaron Rodgers. I wouldn’t mind seeing another multiple-interception game from the ancient hurler, including another pick-six. I love seeing this clown fail on a big stage. 

There are so many reasons I dislike these international games. First of all, I’m absolutely against the NFL’s clear interest in establishing overseas teams. Each international game is a move in that direction. Why have a team based in London, or wherever? It isn’t odd that no other professional league seems international expansion as necessary. Why does the NFL see it as a damn fine idea? The answer is easy. Money. The greed of the league has no bounds. As long as the very rich get much richer, everything’s great. It’s the world we live in. I don’t like that each of the international games robs a team of a home game. There’s only eight or nine of them each year and the league sees taking one away from the fans as perfectly fine. I don’t like the potential disruption of a team’s season routine. I know the planning that goes into these trips but no matter the depth of those plans it’s such a disruption. The more time a team spends on travel and the forced logistics the less time spent on preparing for the game. It makes the short-week difficulties of Thursday games feel like a breeze. There should be no surprise that one or both teams often looked unready to play on Thursdays or overseas. The NFL is always willing to swap shitty games for more cash. Finally, I don’t like the 6:30 in the damn morning start. The only good thing about these international games is the Vikings success in them. Here’s hoping that success continues. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster Moves

In-season roster moves are often the unfortunate result of injuries. Yesterday, the Minnesota Vikings made multiple roster moves for a much more positive reason. Receiver Jordan Addison has completed his three-week suspension and has returned to the active roster. While that is outstanding news for most involved with the Vikings it wasn’t such great news for fellow receiver Tim Jones. He was the player released to make roster room for Addison. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Jones is soon signed to the Vikings practice squad. 

The other roster moves involved the Vikings practice squad. Wide receiver Lucky Jackson and running back Xazavian Valladay were released from the practice squad. Jackson has been on the Vikings roster since 2023. Most of that time was spent on the practice squad. Valladay was signed towards the end of training camp and showed some zip in the final preseason game. Jackson’s release may have opened the door for the return of Tim Jones to the team. The Vikings signed running back Corey Kiner to provide continued running back depth on the practice squad. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers in the spring after going undrafted out of Cincinnati. He had some impressive moments for the 49ers in the preseason. He was waived with an injury settlement after suffering an ankle injury in the final preseason game. Now, he has a shot with the Vikings.

The Vikings also waived undrafted defensive lineman Alexander Williams from the injured reserve list with an injury settlement. 

The great news here is the return of Jordan Addison. With Justin Jefferson missing most of training camp with a hamstring injury, it’s been quite a while since the Vikings have seen their dynamic receiving duo on the same field. Addison’s return and Adam Thielen’s Minnesota return just before the start of the season gives the Vikings a deep and versatile receiver room.

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Adam Thielen

Tai Felton

Myles Price

I can’t wait to see Jefferson and Addison shredding defenses. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 3 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings cruised past the Cincinnati Bengals by the comfortable score of 48-10. It really wasn’t that close. It was an efficient offensive performance and a dominant defensive performance. While the entire team contributed to the big win, three performances clearly stand above the rest.

Offensive Player of the Game

Jordan Mason, RB

The Vikings traded for Jordan Mason in the offseason with this performance in mind. 

16 carries

116 yards

2 TDs

He was a bull throughout the game. It felt like he was rarely slowed at the line and often rampaging through a terrified secondary. After a few years of struggling to run in the red zone, it was refreshing to see touchdown runs of four and five yards.

Honorable Mention

Christian Darrisaw, OT

What a difference a dominant left tackle makes. It was amazing to see Christian Darrisaw return to the field.

Defensive Player of the Game

Isaiah Rodgers, CB

Isaiah Rodgers is going to get all of the defensive superlatives for his ridiculous performance against the Bengals.

87-yard pick-6

66-yard scoop-and-score

2 forced fumbles

1 reception allowed 

2 yards

The Vikings scored six touchdowns against the Bengals. The two biggest and most memorable had Rodgers racing down the sideline. Much like the offseason addition of Jordan Mason, the Vikings targeted Rodgers for his sticky coverage and big-play possibilities.

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

It’s starting to feel like Will Reichard is the Special Teams Player of the Game every week. He was busy against the Bengals as the Vikings kept scoring. He made all six of his extra point attempts and both field goals. The highlight of his performance was the team- and personal-record 62-yard kick that closed the first half. 

VIkings - Bengals

In a battle of backup quarterbacks, the Minnesota Vikings thrashed the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 48-10. After two games of struggling to score, the Vikings needed a game like this. 

Last week, the Vikings lost starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy for a few weeks with a sprained ankle. The Bengals also lost their starting quarterback last week. Joe Burrow is possibly done for the season after undergoing surgery on his injured toe. For this game, Carson Wentz replaced McCarthy and Jake Browning replaced Burrow. An efficient Wentz, Jordan Mason’s running, and a dominant and very greedy defense made for this breezy win. 

Injuries have played a big part in the Vikings struggles in the first two weeks. Players were limping off the field at such a rate that there was often a line for the blue medical tent. That’s why it was such a relief to see some of the injured return for this game. In particular, it was great to see Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith on the field for the first time this season. In the first two games, J.J. McCarthy was often forced to deal with immediate pressure racing past and through the left tackle. Against the Bengals, Darrisaw shut that down from the first snap. With his surgically repaired knee in mind, the Vikings had him on something of a snap count. Of the team’s 58 offensive snaps, he was on the field for 38. Even against Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, Darrisaw kept Wentz safe. Hendrickson couldn’t touch Wentz. The Vikings overhauled the interior of the offensive line in the offseason. The rebuilt line was supposed to be a team strength. Unfortunately, the five projected starters have yet to play a game together. Darrisaw returned yesterday but center Ryan Kelly missed the game due to a concussion from last week’s game. Hopefully, Week 4 is the debut of the Vikings new offensive line.

Harrison Smith’s return to the field also brought great things as he had a hand in the play that helped turn this game into the rout it became. With the Vikings up 7-0 in the first quarter, the Bengals were driving for a potentially tying score. Smith got a finger on Jake Browning’s pass to Chase Brown. The deflected pass was intercepted by Isaiah Rodgers and returned 87 yards for a game-flipping touchdown. 

The game Isaiah Rodgers had was ridiculous. One defensive touchdown is a huge deal. He was just getting started. Down 17-3 with just under two minutes to play in the first half, the Bengals were driving and hoping to draw within a single score. Rodgers put an end to those thoughts when he punched the ball from Noah Fant’s grasp, collected the loose ball, and returned it 66 yards for a back-breaking touchdown. Two defensive touchdowns! Rodgers still wasn’t done. The next time the Bengals had the ball, he punched the ball from Ja’Marr Chase’s grasp and Jeff Okudah recovered. For the half, Isaiah Rodgers had a pick-six, a scoop-and-score, and forced two fumbles. That had never been done in a game in league history and he did it in a half. In coverage, mostly against Tee Higgins, Rodgers allowed a single reception for two yards. His game left many of his secondary mates near speechless. It’s probably the best corner performance and one of the best defensive performances I’ve ever seen. 

The Vikings defense was dominant:

10 points allowed

171 yards allowed

118 pass yards allowed

53 rush yards allowed

2 defensive scores

5 turnovers

4 sacks

The Vikings offense was efficient:

34 points 

173 yards passing

169 yards rushing

The Vikings got a punishing rushing performance from Jordan Mason. The Vikings acquired him from the San Francisco 49er in the offseason with this sort of game in mind.

16 carries

116 yards

2 TDs

Jordan Mason was a bull and it was glorious. This game was a rout because of the defense and Mason’s running. And Carson Wentz’s efficient and steady play. 

The Vikings needed a game like this. It’s been 27 years since such a one-sided score. After so many heart-challenging, one-score games in recent years, it was nice to have such a breezy game. The Vikings are now 2-1 and will travel overseas for their next two games. It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin on Sunday. It’s the Cleveland Browns in London in two weeks. 

Flea Flicker Week 3 Predictions

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

Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

With both teams missing their starting quarterback, it’s Carson Wentz-Jake Browning time. It’s the Vikings time. 

Green Bay Packers @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Packers

The Packers roll.

Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Colts

The somewhat surprising Colts make it 3-0.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots 

This is more a pick against Aaron Rodgers than a sign of faith in the Patriots. 

Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Rams

A rematch of last year’s tight playoff game. The Rams should’ve won last year. They win their regular season matchup this year.

New York Jets @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers squeak out another one.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Raiders

Without Jayden Daniels, it’s the Raiders.

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Falcons

For some reason, a lot of talking heads have fallen for the Falcons after their field goal-heavy win over the Vikings. The Falcons have yet to show anything of substance but they should handle the Panthers. 

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

Both teams are a mystery to me. It’s early but neither have played to their perceived talent.

Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

The Chargers complete their early run through their division foes. 

New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

The Seahawks roll.

Dallas Cowboys @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys team that nearly beat the Eagles in Week 1 would roll the Bears. The Cowboys team that nearly lost to the Giants in Week 2 could get rolled by the Bears. Which Cowboys team shows up in Chicago?

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Cardinals

Both teams are an underwhelming 2-0. Both teams squeaked past the woeful Saints by a single score. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ New York Giants

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs finally get their first win.

Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

I sure hope the Lions had fun against the Bears. 

Cincinnati Bengals All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Cincinnati Bengals tomorrow morning. Paul Brown “founded” two professional football teams. The Cleveland Browns were the first. The Cincinnati Bengals were the second. He’s an Ohio guy. When it comes to football, he’s The Ohio Guy. The Bengals joined the rival American Football League in 1968. Technically, the AFL and NFL were no longer rivals in 1968 as the two professional football leagues had agreed to merge in 1966. They had a combined draft and played a championship game but the two league’s were still kept separate during the regular season. The Bengals have an interesting history. The team has had some disappointing stretches. Mostly the 1990s. They had two great runs to the Super Bowl in the 1980s. Both were ended by the San Francisco 49ers. Those losses felt like a “Bill Walsh Curse.” The great 49ers coach was a Bengals offensive assistant to Paul Brown from 1968-75. The origins of the “West Coast Offense” can be found in Cincinnati in the late 1960s. After a serious injury to uber-talented, strong-armed Greg Cook, Walsh had to adjust the offense to relatively weak-armed Virgil Carter. That offense became the offense that defined Walsh’s great coaching career. When Paul Brown stepped away from coaching his team in 1975, Walsh hoped to be named the Bengals head coach. He wasn’t and bolted to the west coast and other coaching options. His relationship with his mentor was never the same after the snub. It felt fitting that the Bengals and 49ers would meet for titles. Walsh got the better of Brown both times. Fast forward to today. Under the guidance of head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals have returned to annual contender status. They lost Super Bowl LVI to the Los Angeles Rams. It felt kinda weird to see the Bengals in the big game and not see the 49ers on the other sideline. On the eve of their big game against the Vikings, here are some of the best players in Cincinnati Bengals franchise history. 

Offense

Quarterback

Ken Anderson

Running Back

Corey Dillon

Fullback

Pete Johnson

Wide Receivers

A.J. Green 

Chad Johnson

Tight End

Dan Ross

Tackles

Anthony Munoz

Willie Anderson

Guards

Dave Lapham

Max Montoya

Center

Bob Johnson

Defense

Defensive Ends

Trey Hendrickson

Eddie Edwards

Defensive Tackles

Tim Krumrie

Mike Reid

Linebackers

Reggie Williams

Jim LeClair

Takeo Spikes

Cornerbacks

Ken Riley

Lamarr Parrish

Safeties

David Fulcher

Tommy Casanova

Special Teams

Kicker

Jim Breech 

Punter

Pat McInally

Returner

Lamarr Parrish

45 Minnesota Vikings Starting Quarterbacks

Once they crawled out of their early expansion days, the Vikings have been a remarkably consistent contending team. Over the past seven decades, losing seasons have been few and winning seasons have been many. The consistent success is remarkable because the Vikings always seem to be looking for a franchise quarterback. The only franchise quarterback in team history was Fran Tarkenton. He was drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft, the first draft in franchise history. Tarkenton was great. He was so great that the Vikings traded him away after the 1966 season. It’s rare for a team with no titles to have “glory days” but the Vikings had some. Those great years started not so much with Tarkenton’s departure as Bud Grant’s arrival as head coach. Within three years, Grant had the Vikings in the Super Bowl. They didn’t win Super Bowl IV but the team’s future was bright. During the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the Vikings were among the best teams in the league. The only thing missing from those teams was a franchise quarterback. To fix that problem, the Vikings traded for Fran Tarkenton. The only franchise quarterback in team history guided the Vikings to three more Super Bowls. Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. He retired as the holder of every league career passing record. He held those records longer than any quarterback ever has. He has a bust in Canton. The Vikings have been looking for their next franchise quarterback since Tarkenton retired in 1978. When it looked like they’d found that quarterback, an incredible run of bad luck took that quarterback away. 

Since their first season in 1961, the Vikings have selected five quarterbacks in the first round of the NFL Draft. 

Tommy Kramer (1977)

Daunte Culpepper (1999)

Christian Ponder (2011)

Teddy Bridgewater (2014)

J.J. McCarthy (2024)

Tommy Kramer was always fun and often great when he was on the field. He wasn’t on the field enough. Daunte Culpepper was on an upward trajectory until a knee injury ended his time in Minnesota. Christian Ponder was drafted to be a quarterback that he never had the talent to be. As with Culpepper, a horrible knee injury ended whatever future Teddy Bridgewater might’ve had with the Vikings. Each of those four quarterbacks was drafted to be the next great Vikings quarterback. Three showed great potential and the fourth was Ponder. Now, we come to J.J. McCarthy. He lost his rookie season to a torn meniscus last summer. At least publicly, the plan wasn’t for McCarthy to start as a rookie. At least publicly, the plan was for former high-pick, now journeyman Sam Darnold to be the starting quarterback in 2024. That was then. The plan is for J.J. McCarthy to be the Vikings 44th starting quarterback. He must stay on the field. For the entirety of his long, great career. After two games, that long, great career is on hold. McCarthy was injured by a Kaden Ellis hip-drop tackle during the Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The ankle injury will keep him out of the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and perhaps a couple more games. In his place, Carson Wentz will be the Vikings 45th starting quarterback. 

45 quarterbacks. Here are those quarterbacks listed by their annual starts. 

1961:

George Shaw (4)

Fran Tarkenton (10)

1962

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1963:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Ron Vander Kelen (1)

1964:

Fran Tarkenton ((14)

1965:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1966:

Fran Tarkenton (12)

Ron Vander Kelen (1)

Bob Berry (1)

1967:

Joe Kapp (11)

Ron Vander Kelen (3)

1968:

Joe Kapp (14)

1969:

Joe Kapp (13)

Gary Couzzo (1)

1970:

Gary Couzzo (12)

Bob Lee (2)

1971:

Gary Couzzo (8)

Bob Lee (4)

Norm Snead (2)

1972:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1973:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1974:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Bob Berry (1)

1975:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1976:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Bob Lee (1)

1977:

Fran Tarkenton (9)

Bob Lee (4)

Tommy Kramer (1)

1978:

Fran Tarkenton (16)

1979:

Tommy Kramer (16)

1980:

Tommy Kramer (15)

Steve Dils (1)

1981:

Tommy Kramer (14)

Steve Dils (2)

1982:

Tommy Kramer (9)

1983:

Steve Dils (12)

Tommy Kramer (3)

Wade Wilson (1)

1984:

Tommy Kramer (9)

Wade Wilson (5)

Archie Manning (2)

1985:

Tommy Kramer (15)

Wade Wilson (1)

1986:

Tommy Kramer (13)

Wade Wilson (3)

1987:

Wade Wilson (7)

Tony Adams (3) - replacement games

Tommy Kramer (5)

1988:

Wade Wilson (10)

Tommy Kramer (6)

1989:

Wade Wilson (12)

Tommy Kramer (4)

1990:

Rich Gannon (12)

Wade Wilson (4)

1991:

Rich Gannon (11)

Wade Wilson (5)

1992:

Rich Gannon (12)

Sean Salisbury (4)

1993:

Jim McMahon (12)

Sean Salisbury (4)

1994:

Warren Moon (15)

Sean Salisbury (1)

1995:

Warren Moon (16)

1996:

Warren Moon (8)

Brad Johnson (8)

1997:

Brad Johnson (13)

Randall Cunningham (3)

1998:

Randall Cunningham (14)

Brad Johnson (2)

1999:

Jeff George (10)

Randall Cunningham (6)

2000:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2001:

Daunte Culpepper (11)

Spergon Wynn (2)

Todd Bouman (3)

2002:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2003:

Daunte Culpepper (14)

Gus Frerotte (2)

2004:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2005:

Daunte Culpepper (7)

Brad Johnson (9)

2006:

Brad Johnson (14)

Tarvaris Jackson (2)

2007:

Tarvaris Jackson (12)

Kelly Holcomb (3)

Brooks Bollinger (1)

2008:

Gus Frerotte (11)

Tarvaris Jackson (5)

2009:

Brett Favre (16)

2010:

Brett Favre (13)

Tarvaris Jackson (1)

Joe Webb (2)

2011:

Donovan McNabb (6)

Christian Ponder (10)

2012:

Christian Ponder (16)

2013:

Christian Ponder (9)

Josh Freeman (1)

Matt Cassel (6)

2014:

Matt Cassel (3)

Teddy Bridgewater (12)

Christian Ponder (1)

2015:

Teddy Bridgewater (16)

2016:

Shaun Hill (1)

Sam Bradford (15)

2017:

Sam Bradford (2)

Case Keenum (14)

2018:

Kirk Cousins (16)

2019:

Kirk Cousins (15)

Sean Mannion (1)

2020:

Kirk Cousins (16)

2021:

Kirk Cousins (16)

Sean Mannion (1)

2022:

Kirk Cousins (17)

2023:

Kirk Cousins (8)

Jaren Hall (2)

Josh Dobbs (4)

Nick Mullens (3)

2024:

Sam Darnold (17)

2025 (so far):

J.J. McCarthy (2)

Carson Wentz (1)

45 Quarterbacks:

George Shaw

Fran Tarkenton

Ron Vander Kelen

Bob Berry

Joe Kapp

Gary Couzzo

Bob Lee

Norm Snead

Tommy Kramer

Steve Dils

Wade Wilson

Archie Manning

Tony Adams - replacement games

Rich Gannon

Sean Salisbury

Jim McMahon

Warren Moon

Brad Johnson

Randall Cunningham

Jeff George

Daunte Culpepper

Spergon Wynn

Todd Bouman

Gus Frerotte

Tarvaris Jackson

Kelly Holcomb

Brooks Bollinger

Brett Favre

Joe Webb

Donovan McNabb

Christian Ponder

Josh Freeman

Matt Cassel

Teddy Bridgewater

Shaun Hill

Sam Bradford

Case Keenum

Kirk Cousins

Sean Mannion

Jaren Hall

Josh Dobbs

Nick Mullens

Sam Darnold

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

More Roster Moves

The injuries must stop!. The Minnesota Vikings have played two games. Three players have been placed on injured reserve. Four players are dealing with concussions. And their starting quarterback could miss a few games. This is getting ridiculous. The good news is that none of the injuries are of the long-term variety. The Week 2 injuries forced the Vikings to make a couple of roster moves.

It’s best to start with the quarterback as it’s always about the quarterback in today’s NFL. J.J. McCarthy suffered an ankle injury when Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Ellis decided to bring out the jackass hip-drop tackle to bring down the quarterback. McCarthy finished the game but an already difficult performance became even more difficult. Adrenaline probably helped get him through. On Monday, it was clear that he was going to be out for a week or three. For however long he’s out, it’s Carson Wentz time. To supplement the healthy quarterback depth, the Vikings signed Desmond Ridder to the active roster. Ridder was originally drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He appeared in 19 games with 17 starts over two years with the team. During the 2024 offseason, the Falcons traded Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals for receiver Rondale Moore. Both players in that trade are now with the Vikings in some fashion. Ridder did not make the Cardinals roster out of training camp. He was signed to the practice squad of the Las Vegas Raiders. He appeared in six games for the Raiders with one start. This past offseason, Ridder signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. He did not make the final roster and became a free agent. Now, he’s in Minnesota.

The Vikings healthy QB Room:

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Desmond Ridder

None of the quarterbacks was on the Vikings roster in early April.

The most significant injury to come out of the Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons was the hamstring injury suffered by running back Aaron Jones. The injury was enough to add him to the growing injured reserve list. That means that he’ll be out at least four weeks. With a Week 6 bye, the earliest Jones can return is the Week 8 Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers. To help replace Jones in the running back room, the Vikings brought back Cam Akers. He’s quite familiar with Minnesota and the team as this is the third consecutive season in which he’s been added to the roster. This is the first time that it didn’t cost a late-round draft pick. Akers was signed to the practice squad. 

The Vikings healthy RBs:

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

Cam Akers - practice squad

Xazavian Valladay - practice squad

While I understand the need to add a running back with extensive familiarity with the offense and the team, I think I’d prefer to see Xazavian Valladay get a chance if the Vikings had to access the bottom of the position’s depth. He showed some intriguing zip in the preseason.

The injuries must stop!

Minnesota Vikings Week 2 Superlatives

One way to look at the incredibly disappointing Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons is that there are no players deserving of special note. The offense was severely lacking. Going again without left tackle Christian Darrisaw and losing left center Ryan Kelly at the half were a significant setback. They are two of the four or five most important players on the roster. The Vikings offense will not be at their best without Darrisaw and Kelly. The offense against the Falcons was a problem. The defense against the Falcons was not a problem as they held the Falcons to field goals until a late touchdown. In a disappointing loss, here a some of the players that did what they could to keep the game from being worse than it was. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Justin Jefferson had three catches for 81 yards. He had a long of 50. That set up a field goal that closed the first half. Sadly, it was the Vikings last score. 
 

No one should ever look at the box score of a Vikings game and see Justin Jefferson with three catches. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Dallas Turner, OLB

Dallas Turner gets the nod simply for getting a sack during his first start. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Well, this one’s easy as Will Reichard is responsible for the entirety of his team’s scoring. With all due respect to Brandon Aubrey, there isn’t another kicker in the league that I’d want on the Vikings. 

Injuries Mounting

The Minnesota Vikings not only exited Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons with a very disappointing loss. More players joined the wounded list. It’s a wounded list that’s become quite concerning. The good news, if there is any, is that none should be long term.

The most frustrating injury is quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s high ankle sprain. Thanks to the jackass tackling of Kaden Ellis, the Vikings quarterback could be out anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Ellis pulled out the hip-drop tackle to bring down McCarthy. It’s a tackle that’s designed to injure. For that reason, the league has made a pathetic attempt to legislate it out of the game. For some reason, they are supposedly penalizing players through fines rather than in-game penalties. Last season, the Vikings lost Jordan Addison for two games thanks to the jackass tackling technique. In the preseason, Rondale Moore was lost for the season thanks to the jackass tackling technique. On Sunday, McCarthy was lost for perhaps a handful of games thanks to Ellis’s jackass tackling technique. Again, the hip-drop is designed to injure. It’s designed to rip up ankles and knees. Something has to be done about it. The league has to be better. Will it take an injury to Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen before the league actually does something real to get this shit out of the game?

J.J. McCarthy needs game snaps. Hopefully, the games missed will be more of the 1-3 range. 

The Vikings lost outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and corner Jeff Okudah to concussions in Week 1. A shortened week may have helped keep them out of the Week 2 game. In Week 2, center Ryan Kelly and backup left tackle Justin Skule exited with concussions. All concussions are concerning. Kelly’s might be the most concerning as he’s missed several games in his career to the injury. Hopefully, all four will clear the protocols in time for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

In addition to the injuries to J.J. McCarthy, Ryan Kelly, and Justin Skule, running back Aaron Jones left the Falcons game with a hamstring injury. It isn’t considered to be serious but it’s serious enough to already be ruled out for Sunday’s Bengals game. 

Vikings Injuries:

Week 1:

Blake Cashman - hamstring

Ty Chandler - knee

Andrew Van Ginkel - concussion

Jeff Okudah - concussion

Week 2:

J.J. McCarthy - ankle

Aaron Jones - hamstring

Ryan Kelly - concussion

Justin Skule - concussion

Yea, these injuries can stop. They can stop immediately. 

Four concussions in two weeks! That can definitely stop!

In terms of severity and longevity, Blake Cashman’s and Ty Chandler’s injuries are the most concerning as they are the only players that were placed on injured reserve. So, they are the only players that are expected to miss as many as four weeks. Hopefully, that holds true. 

Moving forward, I’m hoping/expecting Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith to be on the field for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. If Ryan Kelly clears concussion protocols, the Vikings should finally have their five starting offensive linemen available. That will be a huge boost for backup quarterback Carson Wentz. J.J. McCartthy didn’t have that in the first two games and he was often running for his life. Justin Skule is a serviceable tackle but too often he allowed free runners at his quarterback. 

The hope is that all four concussed players return for Week 3. That would be great. Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith make their season debuts. That would be outstanding. The hope also is that J.J. McCarthy and Aaron Jones have short stays on the sideline. That would be amazing. 

Blake Cashman and Ty Chandler should return after the Week 6 bye.

And finally, it would be awesome if this run of injuries comes to an abrupt end. 

Vikings - Falcons

Well, that game sucked. The Minnesota Vikings did few things right in a very disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons. 22-6. Last year, the Vikings cruised past this Falcons team by a score of 42-21. They could’ve used some of those 42 points last night. Congratulations to the Falcons. It was their night. 

A bigger concern than the loss is the growing list of wounded Vikings players. Two players have been lost to concussions in each of the past two games. In Week 1, it was outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and corner Jeff Okudah. In Week 2, it was center Ryan Kelly and left tackle Justin Skule. With Christian Darrisaw still waiting for his return, the loss of Skule put Walter Rouse on the field. For most of the second half, J.J. McCarthy was left with a cluttered pocket because the offensive line was down to the third tackle and second center. The Vikings young quarterback needs his real line back. He desperately needs them back. The concussed players of Week 1 had a short week to return. Hopefully, a normal week will allow all four concussed players to return for Week 2. 

This Falcons game was so disappointing that there’s really no reason to discuss or dissect it. It’s on to Cincinnati. Where have I heard that before?

Flea Flicker Week 2 Predictions

It’s on to Week 2. Here are guesses at the game. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings must win their home opener.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Jaguars

This pick is influenced more by the Bengals notorious early season struggles than the respective strength of the two teams. 

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys should roll.

Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Lions

Both teams are reeling from stunning Week 1 losses against division foes. I have more faith in the Lions rebounding.

Los Angeles Rams @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Rams

The Rams continue their tour of the AFC South.

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Patriots

The Dolphins feel like a mess. The Patriots feel like an ascending team. 

San Francisco 49ers @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: 49ers

If the 49ers can field a team, they should handle the Saints.

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Pick: Bills

The Bills continue their roll.

Seattle Seahawks @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Seahawks

Sam Darnold gets his first win with the Seahawks.

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

No matter how many years pass, the Baltimore Ravens will always be the Cleveland Browns to me. The old Browns roll the new Browns.

Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

The Colts stun the Broncos.

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals 

Pick: Cardinals

The Saints threw a scare into the Cardinals last week. Could the Panthers do the same?

Philadelphia Eagles @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

Super Bowl LIX rematch. The Chiefs get some revenge. Sort of. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Houston Texans

Pick: Buccaneers

This is the first game of an idiotic Monday Night doubleheader. Based on Week 1 performances, the Buccaneers looked like the better team.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Chargers

Jamming a second game into Monday is so important to the league that this game starts at 10 pm on the east coast. Great. People will watch this game. People will always watch the NFL. But the greed of the NFL really has no bounds. 

Atlanta Falcons All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons tomorrow night. The Falcons have been more afterthought than contender for most of their 60 years. The past 30 years have been much better than the team’s first 30 years. Their highlights are two Super Bowl appearances. Neither ended well. The Falcons lucked into an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII and they watched a 28-3 second half lead evaporate in Super Bowl LI. On the eve of Sunday night’s big game, here are some of the best players in the franchise history of the Atlanta Falcons. 

Offense

Quarterback

Matt Ryan

Running Back

Gerald Riggs

Fullback

William Andrews

Wide Receivers

Julio Jones

Roddy White

Tight End

Tony Gonzalez

Offensive Tackles

Mike Kenn 

George Kunz 

Offensive Guards

R.C. Thielemann 

Bill Fralic

Center

Jeff Van Note

Defense

Defensive Ends

Claude Humphrey

John Abraham

Defensive Tackles

Grady Jarrett

Jonathan Babineaux

Linebackers

Jessie Tuggle

Tommy Nobis

Keith Brooking

Cornerbacks

Deion Sanders

Rolland Lawrence

Safeties

Tom Pridemore

Ray Brown

Special Teams

Kicker 

Matt Bryant

Punter

John James 

Returner

Deion Sanders

Vikings Roster Tweaks

Injuries forced the Minnesota Vikings to make some tweaks to the roster. Linebacker Blake Cashman left Monday night’s win over the Chicago Bears with a strained hamstring. Running back Ty Chandler suffered a knee injury. Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said that Chandler injured his knee on the opening kickoff. He famously took the final Bears kickoff out of the end zone to get the game clock on the right side of the two-minute warning. So, he played the entire game with a knee injury that will keep him off the field for a while. Cashman and Chandler are headed to injured reserve. Since players on injured reserve must miss at least four weeks, both will be sidelined until after the Week 6 bye. 

An injury sidelined Blake Cashman last season for three games. He was seriously missed as his versatility was impossible to replace. The Vikings lost two of those three games. Now faced with a similar situation this season, the free agent signing of Eric Wilson could prove to be one of the best additions of the offseason. He might not have the range of Cashman but he’s a smart, experienced, and talented linebacker. Last year, the Vikings had to greatly alter their defense to deal with the loss of Cashman. This year, it’s not an optimum deal but they should be able to carry on without much upheaval. Wilson was/is a huge addition to the Vikings defense. 

To fill the roster spots of Blake Cashman and Ty Chandler, the Vikings promoted receiver Tim Jones and tight end Nick Vannett from the practice squad. The team also signed linebacker Sione Takitaki and cornerback Tyrek Funderburk to fill out the practice squad. Takitaki has significant experience, some of it starting experience, with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was with the Browns when the team selected Takitaki in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. From 2019-23, he played in 72 games, with 36 starts, for the Browns. Last year, he played in 11 games, with four starts, with the Patriots. With rookies Kobe King and Austin Keys behind starters Ivan Pace Jr. and Eric Wilson, Takitaki will provide some experienced linebacker depth. 

Hopefully, that’s the end of the injuries for the Vikings. One game and two players go to IR is no way to start a season. 

Throwback Thursday: Pennsylvania Switcheroo

Here's a Throwback to a Flicker originally posted on February 21, 2011. And several times since. It's about the "moving" early days of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. For some reason this little NFL franchise tale has been on my mind. 

***

As my interest in football, and its history, has grown over the years, I've found many fascinating little nuggets. Some of the most fascinating involve the paths franchises have taken to form the league we know today. The paths taken by the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers may be the most fascinating of all.

The Steelers, called the Pirates initially, and the Eagles started innocently enough in 1933. That innocence would be shattered eight years later. Over the first two decades of the NFL's existence, all teams struggled. All teams carried financial concerns. Most teams had performance concerns. The Eagles and the Steelers/Pirates had both. With their decades-long recent success, it may be difficult to think of the Steelers as a struggling team. The first 40 years were pretty much the exact opposite of the last 50. Pirates owner, Art Rooney, had reportedly lost as much as $150,000 over the first eight years. Perhaps the name was the problem. To hopefully inspire a public connection to the team, Rooney changed his team's name to the Steelers in 1940. The Eagles weren't doing much better as the '40s opened. deBenneville (let's call him Bert) Bell was a rich kid with a passion for football. In owning the Eagles, he satisfied the latter at the expense of his father's money. Bert Bell was to become such an important figure in the league's history that it's a bit surprising how close he was to losing it all.  Even in those tough, naive early days, Bell made an impact on the league as the players selection draft was his idea.

As Bell and Rooney were facing difficult choices, Alexis Thompson wanted a piece of the professional football game. Thompson, ironically, was the heir to the Republic Steel Corporation fortune. Preferring Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, Thompson first tried to buy the Eagles. Bell passed. So, Thompson tried the Steelers. Rooney was reluctant. Somewhere, somehow, Bell got the idea of Rooney selling the Steelers and then using that money to buy a half-ownership of the Eagles. According to Rooney, "Bell did all the dickering." Thompson bought the Steelers for about $160,000. Rooney then bought a 50% share of the Eagles for $80,000. Everything seemed fine. However, 4 months later, Thompson had not opened offices in Pittsburgh. It didn't seem that Thompson cared much for doing business in Pittsburgh. Fearful of his hometown losing its football team, Rooney proposed what his son, Dan, referred to as a "switcheroo." Rooney/Bell would trade the Eagles to Thompson for the Steelers. It was more a switch of cities than teams. No cash or other considerations were involved.  Thompson clearly preferred Philadelphia over Pittsburgh. Rooney and Bell actually picked their "favorite" players from the 2 teams to form the new Steelers team. Roughly half of each team switched to the other. Both reconfigured teams struggled in their first season, 1941, with the Steelers finishing 1-9-1 and the Eagles finishing 2-8-1. The Eagles won and tied in the match-ups of the two teams. The Steelers managed the first winning season in franchise history the following year as they finished with a 7-4 record in 1942. The Eagles stumbled to a 2-9 record. WWII jumbled the rosters and the league. The financial and player demands of the War years forced the Eagles and Steelers to join forces and form one team in 1943, the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles. Better days were on the way. By the end of the decade, the Eagles were a powerhouse, winning championships in '48 and '49. For the Steelers, the winning, a lot of winning, was still about thirty years away.

Franchise movement and changes were fairly common in the first few decades of the league.  In my opinion, none was as crazy as the "switcheroo" of the Steelers and Eagles. The current Colts' franchise history is kind of wacky, but that's for another day.  NFL franchises are tracked kind of like pink slips.  Franchises are sold to another owner or back to the league (It's been quite a while since this has happened.), but the franchise can be tracked through different cities or incarnations. With that in mind, the team that we now know as the Pittsburgh Steelers, winners of 6 Super Bowls, was the Philadelphia Eagles from 1933-1940. The team that we now know as the Philadelphia Eagles were once the Pittsburgh Pirates/Steelers. Fascinating stuff.

Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Superlatives

Another week. Another Minnesota Vikings comeback win. On Monday night, the Vikings stunned the Chicago Bears with a furious fourth quarter comeback. Over the final 15 minutes, a 17-6 deficit was flipped to a 27-24 win. This was a team win with critical contributions coming from offense, defense, and special teams. Despite that, here are some of the individuals that made the Week 1 win possible. 

Offensive Player of the Week

J.J. McCarthy, QB

For three quarters, J.J. McCarthy looked every bit the 22-year old kid making his NFL debut. Things didn’t go well and the Vikings found themselves trailing by 11 points. In the fourth quarter, McCarthy flipped a switch. He suddenly turned into the big game gamer that he was drafted to be. With two touchdown throws and a touchdown run, McCarthy snatched the souls of the Chicago Bears. 

Defensive Players of the Week

Javon Hargrave, DT

Eric Wilson, LB

The Vikings pass rush had Caleb Williams dashing for his life. Nearly any other quarterback and the Vikings probably have about eight sacks. For most of the game, Williams scrambles were the Bears offense. Javon Hargrave was signed in the offseason to provide an interior pass rushing presence. He was that on Monday night. He had both of the Vikings sacks. He was also a wall against the run.

Last year, the Vikings lost both games when linebacker Blake Cashman was out with an injury. He’s so important to the Vikings defense. When he left the Bears game in the second half with a hamstring issue, there was significant concern. Eric Wilson stepped in and stood out. Bringing him back to Minnesota could prove to be one of the most significant offseason additions. 

Special Teams Players of the Week

Will Reichard, K

Myles Price, Returner

Will Reichard’s 59-yard field goal at the end of the half was a personal and a Soldier Field record. It was also a huge boost after a very lackluster first half performance. For the game, he was perfect on his two field goals and one extra point. 

After several years of searching, the Vikings may have finally found a punt returner. Myles Price repeatedly gave the Vikings a field position boost with strong returns. His impact forced the Bears to avoid him on later kickoffs. 

Vikings - Bears

These one-score Minnesota Vikings games are going to trigger heart issues. The Minnesota Vikings rallied in the fourth quarter to stun the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, 27-24. 

For three quarters, the Minnesota Vikings offense wasn’t pretty. Not pretty at all. Fortunately, the Vikings defense kept the Chicago Bears within reach. At the lowest point, the Bears only held an 11-point lead. With more than a quarter to play, that’s nothing to this Vikings team. Unlike previous deficits during Kevin O’Connell’s time as the head coach, the Vikings this time were guided by a 22-year old quarterback making his NFL debut. 

“Is there any place you’d rather be?”

That’s the question McCarthy asked of this teammates in the huddle just before the Vikings offense started to roll. The Bears lead was about to be no more.

There’s no dodging the fact that J.J. McCarthy struggled early in his debut. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had the kid looking lost. The Vikings struggled pre-snap and McCarthy looked rushed and uncomfortable post-snap. A laser to Jalen Nailor set up a 59-yard field goal by Will Reichard just before the half. Now trailing only 10-6, that throw gave some hope for the second half. Some of those hopes were dashed when former Vikings corner Nahshon Wright returned an ill-advised McCarthy pass 74 yards for a pick-6. That bumped the Bears lead to 17-6 and set the stage for the Vikings fourth quarter comeback. 

Through three quarters, J.J. McCarthy had 67 yards passing. In the fourth quarter, he had 76 yards passing, two touchdowns, and ran for a touchdown. The three fourth quarter touchdowns in his debut were historic:

Per ESPN research, Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is the first player in NFL history to account for 3 TDs in the fourth quarter of his NFL debut.

Also

Per NFL+, J.J. McCarthy is the first starting quarterback with a 10+ 4th quarter comeback in his NFL debut since Steve Young in 1985. 

While the Vikings young quarterback emerged as the hero of this comeback win. Quarterbacks always get the attention. It was the Vikings defense that made it possible. Bears second-year quarterback Caleb Williams willed his team down the field on their first possession for a breezy early touchdown. After that, the Vikings defense held the Bears offense to a single field goal until a late, desperate touchdown. Other than a couple second half bursts by D’Andre Swift, the Bears run game was shut down. The Vikings pass rush had Williams running for his life. Williams scrambles were the Bears offense for the bulk of the game. If that was Jared Goff in the pocket rather than Williams, the Vikings probably collect about eight sacks. Instead, they managed two. Most importantly, the Vikings defense kept the Bears offense out of the end zone while the Vikings offense found their way. 

For three quarters, an 0-1 start for the Vikings felt inevitable. Thankfully, the defense kept the game within reach. The quarterback that nearly all Vikings fans hope J.J. McCarthy becomes emerged in the fourth quarter. It was beautiful to see. Hopefully, it’s the first step towards something even more beautiful. For now, the Vikings are 1-0. Up next is Sunday night home date with the Atlanta Falcons. 

Vikings Game Day!

The Minnesota Vikings open the 2025 season tonight against the Bears in Chicago. Having to wait until Monday night for the season-opener is a tough deal. Being a Vikings fan has meant waiting. Waiting for a first Super Bowl title. Waiting for a franchise quarterback successor to Fran Tarkenton. I’ve been waiting for a Super Bowl return, let alone a win, since 1976. I’ve been waiting for the Vikings next long-term franchise quarterback since Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Even with all this waiting experience, I’ve hated waiting for Monday night and the Vikings season-opening game against the Bears. 

Is the long quarterback and championship wait inching to an end? I started following the Vikings during their “glory days.” I fell for the team during a stretch in which they attended three Super Bowls in four years. Each season-opener during those years was the first step in a Super Bowl march. As an impressionable youth, I assumed every season would be like that. Perhaps those great early days are the reason for my optimism for every Vikings season. I’ve been optimistic for Vikings teams that, deep down, I knew had no shot at the playoffs. For obvious reasons, the Vikings have an exceptionally cynical fan base. I’ve always been an outlier. Despite 50+ years of frustrations, I’ve maintained annual optimism. I believed that young quarterbacks Tommy Kramer, Rich Gannon, Daunte Culpepper, and Teddy Bridgewater would follow Fran Tarkenton to Canton. I had high hopes for the fun seasons directed by senior throwers Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Brett Favre. In all those years of optimism, usually misguided, I was never more optimistic than I am for the Vikings window that’s about to open.  There’s about 80 reasons for that optimism. It starts with head coach Kevin O’Connell and his coaches. It continues with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, receiver Justin Jefferson and their 51 teammates. McCarthy has yet to throw a regular season pass, yet I believe, truly believe, that he’ll kiss a Lombardi just as he did that college championship trophy. He’s only ever played for titles and I don’t see that changing at the professional level. I also don’t see O’Connell’s coaching allowing his young quarterback to fail. As much as I can’t wait to see McCarthy throw that first regular season pass, I can’t wait to see defensive coordinator Brian Flores unleash this year’s version of his defense. I can’t wait for this game. I can’t wait for this season. SKOL!

Flea Flicker Week 1 Predictions

The NFL season is finally here. Here are some guesses at the Week 1 games.

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Vikings

There’s only one possible outcome for the first week’s last game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Buccaneers

After their confusing quarterback strategy in 2024, the Falcons have fully turned to Michael Penix Jr. in 2025. While this should soon be a fun game, the Buccaneers are clearly better now.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals tendency to start slow is the only thing that might keep this game close. 

Miami Dolphins @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Dolphins

A toss-up.

Las Vegas Raiders @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

Another toss-up. 

Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Cardinals

It’s going to be difficult to pick the Saints in any game this season. Plus, the Cardinals could be one of the league’s surprise teams.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New York Jets

Pick: Jets

I’m just hoping to see Aaron Rodgers implode again.

New York Giants @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Commanders

The Commanders should roll as Russell Wilson implodes again.

Carolina Panthers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

I’m expecting both teams to take steps forward this year. Despite a slightly newer coaching staff, I see the Jaguars as a bit further along. 

Tennessee Titans @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Titans

Just picking against Sean Payton with this one. 

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: 49ers

If the 49ers can somehow keep their players on the field this season, they should be pretty good. 

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Lions

I wish that both teams could lose. 

Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Texans

A toss-up. 

Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

This should be fun. Just going with the home team. 

Chicago Bears All - Time Team

The 2025 NFL Season is finally here. The Minnesota Vikings travel to Chicago this weekend for a big Monday Night game against the Bears. It’s the final game of the league’s opening weekend. The Bears are one of only two teams to compete in all 106 seasons of the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals are the other team. The Bears have a long, often successful history. Unfortunately for younger fans, their “glory years” were before the Super Bowl became a year-ending spectacle. The Bears have won nine league titles. One of those was Super Bowl XX. It’s been a while but some of the greatest teams in league history have come out of Chicago. On the eve of the big game, here are some of the best players in the long history of the Chicago Bears. 

Chicago Bears All - Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Sid Luckman

Running Back

Walter Payton

Fullback

Bronko Nagurski 

Wide Receivers

Harlon Hill

Brandon Marshall

Tight End

Mike Ditka

Tackles

Joe Stydahar

George Musso

Guards

Dan Fortmann

Stan Jones

Center

Bulldog Turner

Defense

Defensive Ends

Richard Dent

Khalil Mack

Defensive Tackles

Link Lyman

Dan Hampton

Linebackers

Bulldog Turner

Dick Butkus

Brian Urlacher

The middle linebacker tradition in Chicago is ridiculous. No other team can boast the riches at any position that the Bears can boast at the middle linebacker position. Bulldog Turner, Bill George, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, Brian Urlacher. It’s a tradition so great that I’ve selected a middle linebacker trio. I’ve done that at the expense of outstanding outside linebackers like Otis Wilson, Lance Briggs, and Joe Fortunato. 

Cornerbacks

Charles Tillman

J.C. Caroline

Safeties

Red Grange

Roosevelt Taylor

Special Teams

Kicker

Robbie Gould

Punter

Bobby Joe Green

Kick Returner

Gale Sayers

Punt Returner

Devin Hester

That’s a terrifying return duo. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

The Minnesota Vikings kick off the 2025 season with a Monday Night game at the Chicago Bears. In advance of the season and game, the Vikings released their depth chart. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

Offense

Quarterback

Starter:

J.J. McCarthy

Backups:

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Running Back

Starter:

Aaron Jones, Sr.

Backups:

Jordan Mason

Ty Chandler

Zavier Scott

Fullback

Starter:

C.J. Ham

Note: C.J. Ham is listed as the starter in name only as he’s currently on injured reserve. He won’t be available for at least the first four games of the season. 

Wide Receiver

Starter:

Justin Jefferson

Backups:

Jalen Nailor

Myles Price

Wide Receiver

Starter:

Jordan Addison

Backups:

Adam Thielen

Tai Felton

Note:“Starter” Jordan Addison is currently serving a three week suspension. In his place, Adam Thielen has returned home. 

Tight End

Starter:

T.J. Hockenson

Backups:

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Left Tackle

Starter:

Christian Darrisaw

Backups:

Justin Skule

Left Guard

Starter:

Donovan Jackson

Backups:

Joe Huber

Center

Starter:

Ryan Kelly

Backups:

Michael Jurgens

Right Guard

Starter:

Will Fries

Backup:

Blake Brandel

Right Tackle

Starter:

Brian O’Neill

Backups:

Walter Rouse

Defense

Defensive Line

Starters:

Jonathan Allen

Jalen Redmond

Javon Hargrave

Backups:

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Elijah Williams

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Outside Linebacker

Starters:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Backups:

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss 

Tyler Batty

Note: As with C.J. Ham, Tyler Batty is listed on the depth chart while serving time on injured reserve. 

Inside Linebacker

Starters:

Blake Cashman

Ivan Pace Jr.

Backups:

Eric Wilson

Kobe King

Austin Keys

Cornerback:

Starter:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Backups:

Dwight McGlothern

Cornerback

Starter:

Isaiah Rodgers

Backups:

Jeff Okudah

Safety

Harrison Smith

Backups:

Theo Jackson

Tavierre Thomas

Safety

Starter:

Joshua Metellus

Backups:

Jay Ward

Special Teams

Punter/Holder

Starter:

Ryan Wright

Kicker

Starter:

Will Reichard

Long Snapper

Starter:

Andrew DePaola

Kick Returner

Starter:

Myles Price

Backup:

Ty Chandler

Tai Felton

Punt Returner

Starter:

Myles Price

Backups:

Adam Thielen

***

In my opinion, the best story of the Vikings roster evolution is Jalen Redmond. In only a season, he’s risen from an XFL wildcard to starter on the defensive line. He’s gone from a curiosity to perhaps a franchise fixture. 

For many covering and cheering for the Vikings, the cornerback room is a significant concern. Perhaps it’s a bit of “in Brian Flores and Daronte Jones I trust,” but I don’t really have those concerns. Carrying only four on the active is roster is very light. Having Fabian Moreau and Zemaiah Vaughn on the practice squad strengthen those numbers. Moreau was on the roster last season so he brings experience in the defense and with his teammates. I’m looking forward to seeing starters Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and Jeff Okudah on the field. I’m optimistic in the trio and I like the potential of Dwight McGlothern. Of course, they have stay healthy but that can be said across the roster. Nearly every position is an injury away from concerning. 

I can not wait to see this team on the grass of Soldier Field. 

Flea Flicker 2025 Predictions

Here’s a guess at which teams win the divisions, which team wins it all. 

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings

2. Detroit Lions

3. Green Bay Packers

4. Chicago Bears

This is an easy pick. 

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles

2. Dallas Cowboys

3. New York Giants
4. Washington Commanders

The Cowboys traded away the possibility of challenging the Eagles. 

NFC South

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Atlanta Falcons

3. Carolina Panthers

4. New Orleans Saints

Other than the Saints, this could be an interesting race. 

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers 

2. Los Angeles Rams

3. Seattle Seahawks

4. Arizona Cardinals

Can the 49ers regain their dominance of the division?

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens

2. Cincinnati Bengals

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Cleveland Browns

This is a two team race. 

AFC East

1. Buffalo Bills

2. Miami Dolphins

3. New England Patriots
4. New York Jets

I really want to see the Jets implode. Again. 

AFC South

1. Houston Texans
2. Jacksonville Jaguars

3. Indianapolis Colts

4. Tennessee Titans

This division could be a lot of fun for a while. 

AFC West

1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Los Angeles Chargers

3. Las Vegas Raiders

4. Denver Broncos

It’s the Chiefs. Again. 

Super Bowl
Minnesota Vikings over Buffalo Bills

Finally! 

Flea Flicker 2025 Awards Predictions

Who will bring home some hardware in 2025? 

Most Valuable Player

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Offensive Player of the Year

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Defensive Player of the Year

Jonathan Greenard, OLB, Minnesota Vikings 

Comeback Player(s) of the Year

Christian McCarffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Coach of the Year

Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings

Offensive Rookie of the Year

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Abdul Carter, Edge, New York Giants

All-Pro Team

Quarterback

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Running Back

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

Fullback

Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens

Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Tight End

Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

Offensive Tackles

Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings

Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive Guards

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

Will Fries, Minnesota Vikings

Center

Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Defense

Edge Rushers

Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns 

Interior Defensive Linemen

Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills

Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants

Linebackers

Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles

Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Cornerbacks

Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings 

Safeties

Joshua Metellus, Minnesota Vikings

Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

Special Teams

Kicker

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings

Punter

Ryan Stonehouse, Tennessee Titans 

Kick Returner

Myles Price, Minnesota Vikings 

Punt Returner

Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos

Core Special Teamer

Miles Killebrew, Pittsburgh Steelers

Long Snapper

Andrew DePaola, Minnesota Vikings

NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025: The Final 10

There once was a time when NFL Network had a multi-month reveal of the league’s Top 100 Players. It was a fun way to pass the final weeks of the offseason. Unlike most rankings of the top players this was the player’s ranking. They did the voting. The best part of the rankings and the television part of it was the commentary by the player’s peers. These comments ranged from informative to hilarious and always entertaining. It’s an annual thing going back to 2011. For whatever reason, the league and NFL Network have been scaling back the production in recent years. In my opinion, it’s been disappointing. The 2025 edition has been on the smallest scale yet. It’s been a couple reveals a day over the past several weeks. There was no NFL Network programming. It was all on social media. It was easy to miss. Blink, and you missed it. That was until it came time for the Final 10 of the Top 100. Yesterday, there was an hour-long program on NFL Network revealing the Top 10 Players of 2025. Here are those 10:

10. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos

  9. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

  8. Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns

  7. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens

  6. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals 

  5. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

  4. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals 

  3. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

  2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

  1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles 

Some Thoughts:

The immediate thought is that Justin Jefferson is way, way, way too low. He’s the best player in the league. Unless a non-quarterback is coming off a particularly ridiculous season, the top spot is always going to a quarterback. This year, Saquon Barkley is that non-quarterback. After taking receiving’s “triple crown,” Ja’Marr Chase came close. Well, close if #4 is considered close. Chase’s season wasn’t quite as ridiculous as Barkley’s. 

Defense rarely gets their proper respect. Only two defensive players (Patrick Surtain II and Myles Garrett) made this year’s Top 10. T.J. Watt and Chris Jones are probably more deserving of Top 10 status than Derrick Henry and Joe Burrow. 

My Top 10 probably looks something like this. 

10. Chris Jones

  9. Patrick Surtain II

  8. Patrick Mahomes

  7. Myles Garrett

  6. Ja’Marr Chase

  5. T.J. Watt

  4. Lamar Jackson

  3. Josh Allen

  2. Saquon Barkley

  1. Justin Jefferson

Considering the gradual downsizing of the annual NFL’s Top 100, I’m probably in the minority in hoping that it continues. As long as the player’s are interested in doing it, I’m interested in seeing it. The reveals are fun. The player commentary is awesome and entertaining. The rankings are what they are. An opinion. And the players rarely get one. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster: By Age

Here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster broken down by age. 

22

Chaz Chambliss

Tai Felton

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Donovan Jackson

Kobe King

J.J. McCarthy

Dallas Turner

Elijiah Williams

23

Jordan Addison

Joe Huber

Austin Keys

Dwight McGlothern

Myles Price

Ben Yurosek

24

Max Brosmer

Ivan Pace Jr.

Will Reichard

Bo Richter

25

Michael Jurgens

Bo Richter

Levi Drake-Rodriguez

Jay Ward

Ryan Wright

26

Christian Darrisaw

Theo Jackson

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Mason

Jalen Nailor

Jeff Okudah

Jalen Redmond

Zavier Scott

27

Ty Chandler

Will Fries

Joshua Metellus

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

28

Blake Brandel

Jonathan Greenard

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Justin Skule

29

Blake Cashman

Brian O’Neill

Tavierre Thomas

30

Jonathan Allen

Aaron Jones Sr.

Andrew Van Ginkel

Eric Wilson

32

Javon Hargrave

Ryan Kelly

Carson Wentz

35

Adam Thielen

36

Harrison Smith

38

Andrew DePaola