Harrison Phillips Signs Extension

As the Minnesota Vikings coaches prepare for their big Week 2 game against defending NFC Champs San Francisco 49ers, the front office took care of some business. The Vikings have agreed to a two-contract extension with defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. 

The contract extension will pay Phillips up to $19 million over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with $13 million guaranteed. After departing the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 free agency cycle, Phillips signed a three-year, $19.5 million deal. His time in Minnesota is now set for a fourth and fifth season. 

“It’s definitely earned and deserved,” Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said. 

Yes it is. 

Harrison Phillips was signed in 2022 to be an immediate fixture in the middle of the Vikings defensive line. His play has been consistent and solid. He also emerged as a team leader. If it wasn’t apparent before, it became obvious a week ago when he was announced as one of team’s captains. His leadership qualities are also seen in his extensive work in the community. Last year, he was the Vikings nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. 

At 6’3” and 305 lbs, Phillips isn’t quite the hulking presence of most nose tackles. He’ll also never be confused with the quick, quarterback-chasing three-techniques. He’s something of a blend of all of the attributes and skills that make up the top interior defensive linemen around the league. He’s a strong interior presence. He’s a run-stopper. He can make a nuisance of himself in the backfield. He’s a grinder. In Brian Flores’ furious and flexible Vikings defense, the defensive front gets little attention. That’s mostly due to the group being made up of “journeymen” and lightly scouted youngsters. Phillips is the leader of the anonymous group. It won’t take too many more games for this group to prove that they are far better than the individual parts. Phillips is and will be a huge reason for that. 

This is a much deserved contract extension. It’s also a modest contract for a very important Vikings player and leader. Phillips was in a contract year. He’s vital to the team now. At 28, he’s also vital to the team for the next few years. He was on track to be a must re-sign in the offseason. The Vikings and Phillips took care of that little issue now. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Giants on Sunday, 28-6. After the most comfortable win in five years, the Vikings are 1-0. Offense. Defense. Most of the special teams. It was very much a team win. While keeping the team win in mind, here are some of the players that helped make the comfortable win happen. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Sam Darnold, QB

Aaron Jones, RB

Darnold’s numbers:

19/24

208 yards

2 Touchdowns 

Jones’ numbers:

14 carries

94 yards

1 Touchdown

2 catches

15 yards

Sam Darnold completed his first 12 passes. He probably could’ve passed for over 300 yards if the game called for it. He did exactly what he needed to do. He was efficient. He was consistent. His well-guided 99-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter seemed to zap the Giants of any confidence they might’ve had. 

Last year, it took the Vikings nearly half the season to score their first rushing touchdown. This year, Aaron Jones scored the season’s first rushing touchdown with 3:50 to play in the first quarter. He averaged over 6.7 yards on his 14 carries. The Vikings had to run the ball better. This was a great first step in achieving that. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

The Vikings defense was outstanding. They often made the Gaints offense look terrible. With a sack and spectacular pick-six, Andrew Van Ginkel had the highlights. His pick-six late in the third quarter made the score 28-6 and essentially sealed the win. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Rookie kicker Will Reichard made all four of his extra points. For the first time since Blair Walsh’s 2013 season, I wasn’t nervous about each kick. It’s a beautiful feeling to not have to worry about the Vikings kicker. Odds are that he will eventually miss a kick. For some reason, maybe it’s simple optimism, I already have confidence in this rookie. 

It’s interesting that all of the above players of the game are in their first year with the Vikings. 

Vikings - Giants

The Minnesota Vikings opened the 2024 season with a comfortable 28-6 road win over the New York Giants. If there was any anxious feelings, it was the Vikings uncanny recent history of making every game close. It feels like years since they had a comfortable end to a game. 

It was Minnesota’s first win by 17 or more points in five years. 

As comfortable as this win ended up being, it didn’t start that way. This game started like many of the losses started last year. With a Vikings fumble. On their third offensive play, C.J. Ham fumbled. Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke recovered at the Vikings 20-yard line. The defense held the Giants to a field goal. The defense were just getting started. 

The Vikings offense was consistent and efficient. The Vikings defense was the difference. They were dominant. 

No touchdowns

3.5 yards/play

Two interceptions

1 pick-six

5 sacks

The Giants offense might not be very good right now. We’ll know better when they play a different defense. The Vikings defense made the Giants offense look terrible. 

The Vikings defense was the difference in this game. The Vikings offense played well. Sam Darnold played well. He completed the first twelve passes he attempted. For the game:

19/24

208 yards

2 touchdowns

Darnold did throw one interception. It was hardly his fault as Dexter Lawrence hit his arm as the ball was released. The ball fluttered downfield, Trent Sherfield Sr wasn’t able to make a play on the ball, Darius Muasau caught the freebie. Speaking of Lawrence, he was a game-long menace. He always is. 

The Vikings may have won this game on their second-quarter, 11-play, 99-yard touchdown drive. Leading 7-3, they were pinned at their own one-yard line after a brilliant Giants punt and special teams play. The Vikings simply rolled down the field. The big play was a beautiful 44-yard Darnold pass to Justin Jefferson. The rest was a pleasant blend of run and pass. The Vikings completed the 99-yard drive with a three-yard Darnold to Jefferson touchdown pass on fourth-and-two. 14-3 Vikings. 

The Giants looked deflated. 

The Vikings opened the second-half with another strong touchdown drive. Darnold hit Jalen Nailor for the 21-yard score.

The Vikings offense may have won the game with the impressive 99-yard touchdown drive. The defense sealed the game late in the third quarter. Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted Daniel Jones and returned it ten yards for a touchdown. The suddenness of the play was startling. 28-6 Vikings. The Giants fans slowly departed and a road game started to sound more like a home game. The Skol Chants were easily heard. 

Really, the only negative to come out of this game was Jordan Addison’s injured ankle. Hopefully, it doesn’t sideline him.

Soon after Ham’s fumble, it was clear that the Vikings were the better team. So often in recent years the Vikings have played down to an inferior opponent. This was a strong, comfortable start to the season. After seasons filled with nail-biting, close games, it was nice to finally see kneel-downs end a win. Now, it’s on to Week 2 and a significant step up in competition. Next week, the San Francisco 49ers come to Minnesota. They may be feeling salty about the one the Vikings took from them last season. 

1-0. Skol!

Another Minnesota Vikings Season

For about a half century, I’ve felt this moment. Another Minnesota Vikings season. Despite none of those seasons ending with that one incredible win, it’s been a beautiful thing. I’ve enjoyed every moment of being a Vikings fan. Well, not every moment. There’s been some frustrations. Despite those frustrations, it’s been a blast. 

During my time with the team, the Vikings have been remarkably consistent. Unlike their division foes, the Vikings have had no extended periods of being a trash team. The Green Bay Packers were trash for most of my first twenty years of following football. They were so sad that they played a handful of games each season in Milwaukee. The Chicago Bears were trash for about a decade and occasional stretches since 1985. The Detroit Lions were trash for nearly all of my life. The Vikings have been playoff contenders far more often than not since their first Super Bowl appearance in 1969. Only four times since then have the Vikings had consecutive losing seasons (1984-85, 2001-02, 2010-11, and 2013-14). Unfortunately, three of those have come in the last 25 years. The only stretch in which the Vikings have had three consecutive losing seasons was the franchise’s first three seasons. I’m an optimistic fella. Even at the start of their least promising seasons, I have the playoffs and often even a Super Bowl in mind. Even if their talent is suspect I expect them to outplay that talent. Despite the appalling number of instances in which it hasn’t, I expect the ball to bounce their way. Always. In that way, I’m unlike most Vikings fans. Most Vikings expect the worst. The question is always when will the worst happen. Not whether it happens. The Minneapolis Miracle is the rarity. Gary Anderson’s miss is the norm. It’s always been that way. 

Until this season!

This Vikings season is expected to be one of transition. A daunting schedule. Especially the first half. An interim quarterback. The quarterback of the future is in the building but won’t be on the field. His knee is in a brace. The future might be bright but the present is a little hazy. Still, there are many reasons to be hopeful. Here are a few.

Justin Jefferson

Christian Darrisaw

Jordan Addison

Aaron Jones

Jonathan Greenard

Dallas Turner

Justin Jefferson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Harrison Smith

Stephon Gilmore

Joshua Metellus

Camryn Bynum

Justin Jefferson

Will Reichard

Kevin O’Connell

Brian Flores

Justin Jefferson

Another Minnesota Vikings season begins today. It’s going to be beautiful. Just like the past half century, I can’t wait. Skol!

New York Giants All - Time Team

While thinking about the Minnesota Vikings first opponent of the 2024 NFL season I can’t help but think about that team’s past. The New York Giants joined the NFL in 1925. It’s their 100th season. Only the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers have competed in the league longer. The Giants are celebrating the start of their historic season by wearing atrocious uniforms against the Vikings. Over their 99 years in the league, the Giants have seen some success. They won their first NFL title in 1927. Their second title came in a stunning upset of the undefeated Bears in the 1934 NFL Championship game. They won their third title in 1938. Fourteen years in the NFL and three titles. Even when the Giants weren’t winning that final game over those early years, they were routinely in competition for it. It took until 1956 for the Giants to finally win their fourth title. That win kicked off what many consider the team’s “Glory Days.” From 1956-63, they played in six NFL Championship games. Unfortunately for the Giants, they won only that first game in 1956. After their loss in the 1963 NFL Championship game, the Giants entered into the “Dark Days” of the team’s history. It lasted for nearly 25 years. Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Lawrence Taylor, a brutal defense, and a solid offense brought about a resurgence. The Giants won their first Super Bowl in 1986. Their second followed in 1990. Their third and fourth came when the Eli Manning-led teams shocked the powerful New England Patriots in 2007 and 2011. With eight NFL titles, the Giants trail only the Green Bay Packers (13) and Chicago Bears (9). Here are some of the best players in the long, successful history of the New York Giants.

New York Giants All-Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Eli Manning

Running Back

Frank Gifford

Fullback

Ken Strong

Ends

Ray Flaherty

Red Badgro

Tight End

Mark Bavaro 

Tackles

Roosevelt Brown

Jumbo Elliott

Guards

Chris Snee

Shaun O’Hara

Center

Mel Hein

Defense

Defensive Ends

Michael Strahan

Andy Robustelli

Defensive Tackles

Rosey Grier

Leonard Marshall

Linebackers

Lawrence Taylor

Sam Huff

Harry Carson

Cornerbacks

Erich Barnes

Dick Lynch

Safeties

Emlen Tunnell

Jimmy Patton

Special Teams

Kicker

Ken Strong

Punter

Dave Jennings

Returner

Dave Meggett

Minnesota Vikings 2024 Captains

The Minnesota Vikings are doing a great thing. The team is honoring Jim Marshall with each year’s team captains. The “Jim Marshall Vikings Captains Legacy” will recognize the team’s captains under its greatest captain. Anything honoring Marshall is a great thing. 

Jim Marshall was the Vikings team captain from 1966 until his retirement after the 1979 season. He was the team’s leader and the heart and soul of its greatest teams. While he shared the honor with others each of those 14 years, he was The Captain. 

The Jim Marshall Vikings Captains Legacy is a great thing. 

This announcement came with the reveal of the Minnesota Vikings 2024 Captains.

Sam Darnold

Justin Jefferson

Brian O’Neill

Harrison Phillips

Joshua Metellus

Harrison Smith

C.J. Ham

Andrew DePaola

The “Jim Marshall Vikings Captains Legacy” plaque welcomes players, coaches, employees, and visitors into the team facilities. It honors Marshall and has a beautiful picture of the current captains. It also has a list of all team captains in Vikings franchise history. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a complete list of the captains. I haven’t seen it in media guides. I haven’t seen it on the team’s website. From 1961-2024, here’s the Vikings All-Time Captains List.

1961: Hugh McElhenny, Bill Bishop

1962: Hugh McElhenny, Cliff Livingston

1963: Fran Tarkenton, Rip Hawkins

1964: Fran Tarkenton, Rip Hawkins

1965: Fran Tarkenton, Rip Hawkins

1966: Jim Marshall, Fran Tarkenton

1967: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman

1968: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman, Jim Lindsey

1969: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman, Jim Lindsey

1970: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman, Jim Lindsey

1971: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman, Jim Lindsey

1972: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman, Jim Lindsey

1973: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman, Bill Brown

1974: Jim Marshall, Grady Alderman, Bill Brown

1975: Jim Marshall, Mick Tingelhoff

1976: Jim Marshall, Mick Tingelhoff, Windlan Hall

1977: Jim Marshall, Mick Tingelhoff

1978: Jim Marshall, Mick Tingelhoff

1979: Jim Marshall, Ron Yary

1980: Ron Yary, Tommy Kramer, Matt Blair

1981: Ron Yary, Tommy Kramer, Matt Blair

1982. Ahmad Rashad, Tommy Kramer, Matt Blair

1983: Tommy Kramer/Steve Dils, Matt Blair, Keith Nord

1984: Game Captains

1985: Game Captains

1986: Tommy Kramer, Scott Studwell, Leo Lewis, Greg Coleman, Rufus Bess

1987: Tommy Kramer, Scott Studwell, Leo Lewis, Walker Lee Ashley

1988: Game Captains

1989: Game Captains

1990: Steve Jordan, Scott Studwell, Audray McMillian

1991: Game Captains

1992: Game Captains

1993: Game Captains

1994: Game Captains

1995: Game Captains

1996: Game Captains

1997: Game Captains

1998: Game Captains

1999: Game Captains

2000: Game Captains

2001: Game Captains

2002: Game Captains

2003: Game Captains

2004: Game Captains

2005: Game Captains

2006: Game Captains

2007: Game Captains

2008: E.J. Henderson, Steve Hutchinson, Ryan Longwell, Kevin Williams

2009: Brett Favre, E.J. Henderson, Steve Hutchinson, Ryan Longwell, Kevin Williams

2010: Brett Favre, E.J. Henderson, Steve Hutchinson, Ryan Longwell, Kevin Williams

2011: Game Captains

2012: Game Captains

2013: Game Captains

2014: Game Captains

2015: Teddy Bridgewater, Chad Greenway, Everson Griffen, Adrian Peterson

2016: Chad Greenway, Everson Griffen, Adrian Peterson, Brian Robson, Kyle Rudolph

2017: Sam Bradford, Everson Griffen, Terence Newman, Riley Reiff, Brian Robson, Kyle Rudolph

2018: Anthony Barr, Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen, Kirk Cousins, Riley Reiff, Kyle Rudolph

2019: Anthony Barr, Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen, Kirk Cousins, Riley Reiff, Kyle Rudolph

2020: Anthony Barr, Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, Riley Reiff, Kyle Rudolph, Harrison Smith

2021: Anthony Barr, Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, C.J. Ham, Brian O’Neill, Patrick Peterson, Harrison Smith, Adam Thielen

2022: Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, C.J. Ham, Eric Kendricks, Brian O’Neill, Patrick Peterson, Harrison Smith, Adam Thielen

2023: Kirk Cousins, C.J. Ham, Jordan Hicks, Danielle Hunter, Justin Jefferson, Joshua Metellus, Brian O’Neill, Harrison Smith

2024: Sam Darnold, Andrew DePaola, C.J. Ham, Justin Jefferson, Joshua Metellus, Harrison Phillips, Brian O’Neill, Harrison Smith

Flea Flicker Week 1 Predictions

The NFL is finally back. Here’s a guess at the Week 1 games.

Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants

Pick: Vikings 

The Vikings start the season 1-0. Good thing. Some might say that it’s their only winnable game of the first two months.

Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

The NFL kicks off the season with a banger. 

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

In Brazil. It’d be nice if both teams could lose this game. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Steelers

It’s Russell Wilson vs Kirk Cousins in different places.

Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

I like the skill players that the Cardinals are collecting. Maybe in a couple years they’ll throw a serious challenge into a team like the Bills.

Tennessee Titans @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Titans

The first game of the Caleb Williams era doesn’t go as hoped.

New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals roll.

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Texans

The AFC South is going to be one of the most entertaining divisions in the league. With the team’s young quarterbacks, the division is already fun. The Texans are ahead of the Colts right now.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Jaguars

The Jaguars stun the Dolphins in Week 1.

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Saints

Just going with the home team.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

The Jim Harbaugh era gets off to a nice start.

Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

It’s always easy to pick against Sean Payton.

Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Browns

Will Mike McCarthy survive this season?

Washington Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers

It feels like the Commanders are finally on the right track. At this point, it’s easier to see a Buccaneers win in Week 1.

Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Rams

The Rams were robbed in the playoff game between these two teams. They get the win here.

New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

Does Aaron Rodgers finally play a full game for the Jets?