2008 Minnesota Vikings season
Encyclopedia
The 2008 season
was the Minnesota Vikings
' 48th season in the NFL, and the 17th season in which they won their division. They won the NFC North
with a 10–6 record, but had to play in the wild card
round of the playoffs. They were paired with head coach Brad Childress
's former team, the Philadelphia Eagles
, who ended the Vikings' season with a 26–14 win.
It was the third season for the team under the direction of Childress. The 2008 season also marked the first season since 2000
that the Vikings made the playoffs and finished with a winning record.
Second-year running back Adrian Peterson led the league in rushing with 1,760 yards.
Kenechi Udeze
had be diagnosed by doctors with a form of leukemia
. KMSP-TV
(Ch. 9) also reported that Udeze was at Fairview Southdale Hospital undergoing tests and that he had been at the Mayo Clinic
in Rochester
the week before. Udeze was expected to be out for the 2008 season, but returned for one game against the Green Bay Packers
on November 9 before ultimately retiring from professional football on July 29, 2009.
On February 20, the team released free safety Dwight Smith after two somewhat controversial seasons with the Vikings in which Smith had several run-ins with the law. He was due to receive $2.5 million and a $500,000 roster bonus this season.
On February 27, the team released backup quarterback
Kelly Holcomb
.
On February 29, the team traded wide receiver
Troy Williamson
to the Jacksonville Jaguars
for a sixth round draft pick in the 2008 draft and linebacker Dontarrious Thomas
left the team to join the San Francisco 49ers
.
On March 1, the Vikings' former defensive tackle Spencer Johnson joined the Buffalo Bills
.
On March 3, free agent
running back
Mewelde Moore
left the team to join the Pittsburgh Steelers
.
On March 7, safety Tank Williams
joined the New England Patriots
and fullback
Tony Richardson joined the New York Jets
.
, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals
and fullback Thomas Tapeh
, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles
.
On March 1, the team signed wide receiver Bernard Berrian
, formerly of the Chicago Bears
.
On March 4, running back and special teams specialist Maurice Hicks
, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers
, signed a three year contract to join the team.
On March 14, the team signed linebacker and special-teams standout Derrick Pope
, formerly of the Miami Dolphins
.
On March 17, the Vikings signed former Seattle Seahawks
defensive tackle Ellis Wyms
, and re-signed wide receiver Robert Ferguson; all to 1 year contracts.
On March 20 and March 21, Houston Texans
safety Michael Boulware
and former Green Bay Packers
career backup defensive tackle Kenderick Allen
to one-year contracts.
On March 24, restricted free agent
linebacker Heath Farwell
was re-resigned to a one-year contract. Also, on the next day, the team signed former Kansas City Chiefs
cornerback
Benny Sapp
to a one-year contract.
On April 8, former Vikings backup quarterback Gus Frerotte
rejoined the team on a one-year contract.
On April 23, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end
Jared Allen
, signed a six-year contract with the Vikings in a trade that gave the Chiefs the Vikings' 2008 first-round and both third-round draft picks. The trade may also involve the swapping of 2008 sixth round draft picks with Kansas City.
On July 22, the Vikings signed their fifth-round pick, DT Letroy Guion, and their seventh-round pick WR Jaymar Johnson.
On May 27, Erasmus James
was traded to the Washington Redskins
for a conditional 2009 NFL draft pick.
On June 27, the Vikings signed a one-day contract with seven-season member Robert Griffith
so he could ceremonially retire as a member of the team.
On July 16, a report by Jay Glazer
appeared on FoxSports.com stating that the Green Bay Packers
had filed tampering charges against the Vikings for allegedly inappropriately contacting Green Bay quarterback
Brett Favre
.
On August 4, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
ruled that contact between the Vikings and Brett Favre over the summer did not violate league tampering rules, as the Packers alleged.
, in the first game of 2008's Monday Night Football
doubleheader. After a scoreless first quarter, the Vikings attacked first with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 37-yard field goal. The Packers responded with QB Aaron Rodgers
completing a 1-yard TD pass to FB Korey Hall
, along with kicker Mason Crosby
getting a 42-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Vikes tried to catch up as Longwell got a 27-yard field goal, but Green Bay replied with CB/PR Will Blackmon
returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as QB Tarvaris Jackson
completed a 23-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
(with a failed 2-point conversion), yet the Packers responded with Rodgers getting a 1-yard TD run. The Vikes would reply with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 3-yard TD run, but their final rally ended in an interception.
With the loss, not only did the Vikings begin their season at 0–1, but Head Coach Brad Childress
fell to 0–5 against the Packers in his coaching career. In the first half, Minnesota was widely outgained in passing yards 139–6.
. In the first half, kicker Ryan Longwell
helped Minnesota take the early lead with a 45-yard and a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter, along with a 53-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Vikes increased its lead with Longwell getting a 46-yard and a 28-yard field goal. However, the Colts responded with RB Joseph Addai
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis continued to gain ground as QB Peyton Manning
completed a 32-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne
, followed by a 2-point conversion run by RB Dominic Rhodes
. Later, the Colts sealed the win with kicker Adam Vinatieri
nailing the game-winning 47-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 0–2.
. Due to a poor performance, QB Tarvaris Jackson
was benched in favor of veteran QB Gus Frerotte
.
In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Panthers kicker John Kasay
got a 43-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Carolina increased its lead with RB Jonathan Stewart
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Vikes would respond with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 28-yard field goal, along with CB Antoine Winfield
sacking Panthers QB Jake Delhomme, fumbling the ball, and Winfield returning that fumble 19-yards for a touchdown just before halftime, the key play in the Viking victory. Head coach Brad Childress said a day later that Winfield had a half-second left before it was ruled an incomplete pass. In the third quarter, the Vikings got the lead as Frerotte completed a 34-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota sealed its victory with Longwell nailing a 32-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 1–2.
for a Week 4 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans
. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Titans kicker Rob Bironas
got a 20-yard field goal, while RB Chris Johnson
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Vikes responded with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 28-yard TD run. However, Tennessee responded with Bironas kicking a 32-yard field goal, along with RB LenDale White
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Vikings closed out the half with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 42-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Titans increased their lead with Bironas nailing a 49-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as Peterson got a 3-yard TD run, but Tennessee pulled away with Johnson's 6-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 1–3.
for a Week 5 Monday Night duel with the New Orleans Saints
. In the game, QB Gus Frerotte
was making his first MNF start since 1997 (when he was with the Washington Redskins
).
In the first quarter, the Vikes trailed early as Saints QB Drew Brees
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
. Minnesota would respond with CB Antoine Winfield
returning a blocked field goal 59 yards for a touchdown, the first (and longest) ever in franchise history. New Orleans would answer with kicker Martín Gramática
getting a 35-yard field goal, yet the Vikings replied with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 53-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead on a trick play as RB Chester Taylor
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
, along with Longwell kicking a 33-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints began to rally as RB Reggie Bush
returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans took the lead with Gramática's 53-yard field goal and Bush's 64-yard punt return for a touchdown. Afterwards, Minnesota answered with Frerotte completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
, along with Longwell nailing the game-winning 30-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 2–3.
Antoine Winfield had a big game. In addition to his touchdown off of a blocked field goal, he had 8 tackles and a sack (with a forced fumble recovery).
This was also the first time in NFL history that a game had a combination of a blocked field goal, a TD pass by a non-quarterback, two field goals of 50+ yards, and two punts returned for touchdowns.
. In the first quarter, the Vikes got an early lead as Lions QB Dan Orlovsky
unintentionally ran out of the back of his own end zone, giving Minnesota a safety. In the second quarter, Detroit got the lead as kicker Jason Hanson
got a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Lions increased their lead as Orlovsky completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. The Vikings answered with QB Gus Frerotte
completing an 86-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
. In the end of the fourth quarter, the Vikes got in field goal range due to a controversial pass interference call on Leigh Bodden
. The Vikes sealed the win with kicker Ryan Longwell
nailing the game-winning 26-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 3–3.
for a Week 7 NFC North duel with the Chicago Bears
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run. The Bears would respond with QB Kyle Orton
completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Greg Olsen
, along with RB Garrett Wolfe
returning a blocked punt 17 yards for a touchdown. Minnesota would respond with QB Gus Frerotte
completing a 24-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
. In the second quarter, it would be back and forth. Chicago kicker Robbie Gould
would get a 26-yard field goal, while Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell
got a 42-yard field goal. Bears CB Zackary Bowman
would recover a fumble in Minnesota's endzone for a touchdown, while Vikings RB Chester Taylor
got a 1-yard TD run. Chicago would close out the half as Gould got a 48-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears got the lead again as WR Rashied Davis
recovered a fumble within Minnesota's endzone for a touchdown. The Vikes would reply as Peterson got a 54-yard TD run. Chicago would then strike again as Orton complted a 51-yard TD pass to WR Marty Booker
. In the fourth quarter, the Bears struck again as RB Matt Forté
got a 1-yard TD run. Minnesota tried to rally as Longwell nailed a 23-yard field goal, along with Frerotte completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
. However, Chicago's defense stepped up and prevented the Vikes from tying the game.
With the loss, the Vikings went into their bye week at 3–4.
The 89 combined points became the highest single-game scoring total in the history of the Vikes/Bears rivalry.
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run. The Texans responded with CB Jacques Reeves
returning an interception 44 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Minnesota responded with QB Gus Frerotte
completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
and a 49-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
.
In the third quarter, Houston started to rally as QB Sage Rosenfels
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings answered with Frerotte completing a 25-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
. The Texans tried to come back as Rosenfels completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
. Fortunately, Minnesota's defense stiffened for the victory.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 4–4.
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood as QB Gus Frerotte
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
. The Packers would respond with RB Ryan Grant
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Minnesota increased their lead with kicker Ryan Longwell
(former Packer) getting a 54-yard field goal, along with the Vikings picking up back-to-back safeties. The first one came when QB Aaron Rodgers
committed intentional grounding in his own endzone, with the second one coming from DE Jared Allen
sacking Rodgers in his own endzone. Green Bay would close out the half with kicker Mason Crosby
getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Vikes increased their lead as Frerotte completed a 47-yard TD pass to RB Chester Taylor
. However, the Packers took the lead as safety Nick Collins
returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown, along with CB/KR Will Blackmon
returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Packers increased their lead as Crosby nailed a 40-yard field goal. The Vikings regained the lead as RB Adrian Peterson got a 29-yard TD run. Green Bay did manage to get a late drive going, yet Crosby's 52-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, preserving head coach Brad Childress
' first-ever win over the Packers.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 5–4.
for a Week 11 duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. In the first quarter, the Vikes struck first as kicker Ryan Longwell
got a 43-yard field goal. The Buccaneers responded with kicker Matt Bryant
getting a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Minnesota answered with QB Gus Frerotte
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade
. Tampa Bay would reply with Bryant making a 26-yard field goal. The Vikings closed out the half with Longwell getting a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Buccaneers tied the game with FB B.J. Askew
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay took the lead as Bryant nailed a 29-yard and a 26-yard field goal. Minnesota tried to rally, but the Buccaneers' defense was too much to overcome.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 5–5.
. In the first quarter, the Vikes got off to a fast start as LB Napoleon Harris
returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, while RB Chester Taylor
got a 3-yard TD run. The Jaguars would respond with QB David Garrard
completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
. Minnesota would answer with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 54-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Jacksonville would get the period's only points as kicker Josh Scobee
made a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Vikings replied with Longwell making a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota pulled away as Longwell nailed a 22-yard field goal, while RB Adrian Peterson got a 16-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Jaguars were given a safety when Vikings punter Chris Kluwe
ran out of the back of his endzone.
With the win, Minnesota improved to 6–5.
, with first place in the division on the line. In the first quarter, Chicago would strike first with QB Kyle Orton
completing a 65-yard TD pass to WR Devin Hester
. The Vikings would answer back in the second quarter with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 23-yard field goal. Later in the quarter, the Vikings defense would come up big with a goal line stand. DE Jared Allen
made the key tackle just an inch short of the end zone on 4th and goal. On the very next play, QB Gus Frerotte
ran a play action fake from his own endzone and found former Bears WR Bernard Berrian
for a 99-yard touchdown pass. This tied an NFL record for the longest pass from scrimmage and it was the first-ever longest offensive touchdown play in franchise history. It was also the eleventh time in NFL history that a 99 yard play was made. Then, with 1:09 left until halftime, Frerotte found TE Jim Kleinsasser
for a 21-yard gain to just inside the one yard line. The play was originally ruled a touchdown, but was officially reviewed and it was determined that he was just short of the goal line. On the next play however, Frerotte got the touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 44 seconds left until the half.
In the third quarter, both teams traded blows. The Bears would answer with Orton completing a 2-yard TD pass to RB Matt Forté
, while Minnesota answered with RB Chester Taylor
getting a 21-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Vikes pulled away as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run, while Longwell nailed a 27-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 7–5 and took 1st place in the NFC North
for the first time since early in the 2007 season.
for a Week 14 NFC North rematch with the winless Detroit Lions
. Late in the first quarter, Minnesota would trail as Lions kicker Jason Hanson
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Detroit increased its lead as Hanson got a 23-yard field goal. The Vikings closed out the half with a 35-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell
.
In the third quarter, Minnesota would take the lead as RB Chester Taylor
got a 17-yard TD run. The Lions would reply with QB Daunte Culpepper
(a former Viking) completing a 70-yard TD pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson
. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings regained the lead as QB Tarvaris Jackson
completed an 11-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
. Detroit tried to rally as Hanson nailed a 39-yard field goal, yet Longwell helped Minnesota pull away with a 50-yard field goal, his fifth 50+ yarder of the season.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 8–5.
In the third quarter, Arizona tried to rally as QB Kurt Warner completed a 50-yard TD pass to WR Jerheme Urban. Later in the quarter, the Vikings tried to put the game away with a 34-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Longwell, only to have it blocked and Arizona returning it 62 yards for a touchdown by CB Roderick Hood. Finally, the Vikings put the game away for good with Jackson completing a 59-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade. Arizona tried to rally in the final minutes of the game, but on first-and-goal, they ran out of time.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 9–5 and to a one game lead over the Bears in the NFC North. If the Vikings won in week 16 against Atlanta or Chicago lost against Green Bay, the Vikings would clinch their 17th division title, and their first since 2000.
; a win would give the Vikings their first division title since 2000, and their first-ever NFC North title. Minnesota trailed early in the first quarter as Falcons running back Michael Turner got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Vikings would respond with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson
completing a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe
. However, Atlanta would answer in the second quarter with quarterback Matt Ryan
completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Jerious Norwood
, followed by kicker Jason Elam
's 22-yard field goal.
The Falcons would further increase their lead in the third quarter as offensive guard Justin Blalock
recovered Ryan's fumble in the endzone for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as kicker Ryan Longwell
nailed a 29-yard field goal, followed by Jackson's 17-yard touchdown pass to Shiancoe. However, Atlanta's defense prevented any further comeback from happening.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 9–6.
, the Vikings needed a win or a Chicago Bears loss to clinch the NFC North division title. The scoring began early in the 2nd quarter when Ryan Longwell
kicked a 48 yard field goal. The Vikings continued the scoring with a 67 yard run by Adrian Peterson, the second longest of his career thus far. The Giants responded with a 51 yard John Carney field goal. The Giants continued the scoring with two John Carney field goals from 30 and 42 yards respectively to round out the end of the 2nd quarter.
In the 3rd quarter, the Giants took the lead when David Carr
threw a 23 yard pass to Domenik Hixon
, then added a 20 yard John Carney field goal early in the 4th quarter, making for a Giants 9-point lead. The Vikings came back with a 54 yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson
to Bernard Berrian
and clinched the win when Ryan Longwell nailed a 51 yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
With the victory, the Vikings finished the regular season at 10–6, winning their first division title since 2000 and earning their first playoff berth since 2004.
and for the first time in eight years, the Vikings hosted a playoff game. Minnesota would trail early as Eagles kicker David Akers
got a 43-yard and a 51-yard field goal. The Vikings would respond in the second quarter as running back Adrian Peterson got a 40-yard touchdown run. However, Philadelphia would answer with Akers' 31-yard field goal, followed by cornerback Asante Samuel
's 44-yard interception return for a touchdown. Minnesota would end the half with Peterson's 3-yard touchdown run.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Eagles would increase their lead in the fourth quarter with quarterback Donovan McNabb
's 71-yard touchdown pass to running back Brian Westbrook
, followed by an Akers 45-yard field goal. Try as they might, the Vikings were unable to build any momentum to mount a rally.
With the loss, the Vikings' season ended with an overall record of 10–7.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
was the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
' 48th season in the NFL, and the 17th season in which they won their division. They won the NFC North
NFC North
The NFC North is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference, based in the Upper Midwest region of the United States...
with a 10–6 record, but had to play in the wild card
Wild card (sports)
The term wild card refers broadly to a tournament or playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal play.-International sports:...
round of the playoffs. They were paired with head coach Brad Childress
Brad Childress
Brad "Chilly" Childress is the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He attended high school at the Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois...
's former team, the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, who ended the Vikings' season with a 26–14 win.
It was the third season for the team under the direction of Childress. The 2008 season also marked the first season since 2000
2000 Minnesota Vikings season
-NFC Championship Game:-Awards and records:*Gary Anderson, NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Week 8 *Mitch Berger, NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Week 14 *Mitch Berger, NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, December...
that the Vikings made the playoffs and finished with a winning record.
Second-year running back Adrian Peterson led the league in rushing with 1,760 yards.
Releases and injuries
On February 11, it was announced that defensive endDefensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Kenechi Udeze
Kenechi Udeze
Kenechi Nduka Udeze [] is an assistant coach of University of Washington Huskies football team and a former American football defensive end of the National Football League....
had be diagnosed by doctors with a form of leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
. KMSP-TV
KMSP-TV
KMSP-TV, channel 9, is the Fox-owned-and-operated television station serving the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota designated market area, owned in a duopoly with MyNetworkTV affiliate WFTC...
(Ch. 9) also reported that Udeze was at Fairview Southdale Hospital undergoing tests and that he had been at the Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice and medical research group specializing in treating difficult patients . Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from across the U.S. and the world, and it is known for innovative and effective treatments. Mayo Clinic is known for being at the top of...
in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and is the county seat of Olmsted County. Located on both banks of the Zumbro River, The city has a population of 106,769 according to the 2010 United States Census, making it Minnesota's third-largest city and the largest outside of the...
the week before. Udeze was expected to be out for the 2008 season, but returned for one game against the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
on November 9 before ultimately retiring from professional football on July 29, 2009.
On February 20, the team released free safety Dwight Smith after two somewhat controversial seasons with the Vikings in which Smith had several run-ins with the law. He was due to receive $2.5 million and a $500,000 roster bonus this season.
On February 27, the team released backup quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Kelly Holcomb
Kelly Holcomb
Bryan Kelly Holcomb is a former American football quarterback of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 1995...
.
On February 29, the team traded wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Troy Williamson
Troy Williamson
-Minnesota Vikings:The Vikings needed a receiver with deep speed after trading Randy Moss to Oakland, drafting Williamson with the 7th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft...
to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for a sixth round draft pick in the 2008 draft and linebacker Dontarrious Thomas
Dontarrious Thomas
Dontarrious Dewayne Thomas is an American football linebacker for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
left the team to join the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
.
On March 1, the Vikings' former defensive tackle Spencer Johnson joined the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
On March 3, free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
left the team to join the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
.
On March 7, safety Tank Williams
Tank Williams
Clevan "Tank" Williams is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
joined the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
and fullback
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
Tony Richardson joined the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Signings and extensions
On February 29, the team signed safety Madieu WilliamsMadieu Williams
Madieu Mohammed Williams is an American football safety for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
and fullback Thomas Tapeh
Thomas Tapeh
Thomas Teah Tapeh is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
On March 1, the team signed wide receiver Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, formerly of the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
On March 4, running back and special teams specialist Maurice Hicks
Maurice Hicks
Maurice Hicks is an American football running back for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
, signed a three year contract to join the team.
On March 14, the team signed linebacker and special-teams standout Derrick Pope
Derrick Pope
Derrick Trayon Pope is a professional American and Canadian football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, formerly of the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
On March 17, the Vikings signed former Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
defensive tackle Ellis Wyms
Ellis Wyms
Ellis Rashad Wyms is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, and re-signed wide receiver Robert Ferguson; all to 1 year contracts.
On March 20 and March 21, Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
safety Michael Boulware
Michael Boulware
Michael Boulware is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.Boulware has also played for the Houston Texans in his career...
and former Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
career backup defensive tackle Kenderick Allen
Kenderick Allen
Kenderick Allen is an free agent. He was originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
to one-year contracts.
On March 24, restricted free agent
Restricted free agent
A restricted free agent is a professional athlete who plays in the KHL, NFL, NHL, or NBA. Such players have special restrictions on the terms under which they can retain or change employment status with their athletic club teams.- NFL :...
linebacker Heath Farwell
Heath Farwell
Heath Charles Farwell is an American football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
was re-resigned to a one-year contract. Also, on the next day, the team signed former Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Benny Sapp
Benny Sapp
Benjamin Lee Sapp, II is an American football cornerback who is currently a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
to a one-year contract.
On April 8, former Vikings backup quarterback Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
rejoined the team on a one-year contract.
On April 23, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Jared Allen
Jared Allen
-Kansas City Chiefs:Allen was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and signed for a one-year, $100,000 contract. On May 21, 2007, Allen, as a restricted free agent, signed the Chiefs' one-year tender offer of $2.35 million for the 2007 season. Allen credited his early...
, signed a six-year contract with the Vikings in a trade that gave the Chiefs the Vikings' 2008 first-round and both third-round draft picks. The trade may also involve the swapping of 2008 sixth round draft picks with Kansas City.
On July 22, the Vikings signed their fifth-round pick, DT Letroy Guion, and their seventh-round pick WR Jaymar Johnson.
2008 NFL Draft
| Draft order | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | Contract | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Choice | Overall | |||||||
| 2 | 12 | 43 | Tyrell Johnson Tyrell Johnson (American football) Marcellous "Tyrell" Johnson is an American football safety for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
S | 6-0 | 198 | Arkansas State Arkansas State Red Wolves football The Arkansas State Red Wolves football team represents Arkansas State University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football competition. The team was originally founded in 1911, and, since 2001, Arkansas State has competed as a member of the... |
From Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... via Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
|
| 5 | 2 | 137 | John David Booty John David Booty John David Booty is an American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He last played for the Houston Texans until being cut on September 4, 2010. He played college football at USC.Booty has also been a member of the Tennessee Titans... |
QB Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line... |
6-3 | 213 | USC | From Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... via Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
|
| 5 | 17 | 152 | Letroy Guion Letroy Guion Letroy Guion is an American football defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Vikings in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
DT | 6-4 | 295 | Florida State Florida State Seminoles football The Florida State Seminoles football team represents Florida State University in college football. The Florida State Seminoles compete in NCAA Division I-FBS and are members of the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
From Eagles | |
| 6 | 21 | 187 | John Sullivan John Sullivan (American football) John Sullivan is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League... |
C Center (American football) Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense... |
6-4 | 284 | Notre Dame Notre Dame Fighting Irish football Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an... |
From Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... via Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
|
| 6 | 27 | 193 | Jaymar Johnson Jaymar Johnson Jaymar Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Jackson State.-Early years:Johnson was born on July 10, 1984 in Gary,... |
WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
6-0 | 176 | Jackson State Jackson State Tigers The Jackson State Tigers represent Jackson State University in NCAA intercollegiate athletics.-Conference affiliation:Jackson State University's athletic teams participate in the Southwestern Athletic Conference which is a part of the NCAA Division I. Football participates in the Football... |
From Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
|
Undrafted free agents
| Name | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Husain Abdullah Husain Abdullah Husain Ibn Muhammed Abdullah is an American football safety for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Washington State... |
S | Washington State |
| Martail Burnett Martail Burnett Martail Marta Burnett is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
DE | Utah |
| Leger Douzable Leger Douzable Leger Douzable is an American football defensive tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at UCF.Douzable has also played for the New York Giants, St... |
DT | Central Florida |
| Steven Hauschka Steven Hauschka Steven Hauschka is an American football placekicker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
K | NC State |
| Erin Henderson Erin Henderson Erin Henderson is an American football linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Maryland.-Early years:... |
LB | Maryland |
| Nate Jones | WR | Texas |
| Jeremy "J" Leman J Leman Jeremy Jacob "J" Leman is an American football linebacker for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
LB | Illinois |
| Tim Mattran Tim Mattran Tim Mattran is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Stanford.... |
C | Stanford |
| Drew Radovich Drew Radovich Drew Radovich is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Southern California.... |
T | USC |
| Darius Reynaud Darius Reynaud Darius Reynaud is an American football running back / wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at West Virginia.... |
WR | West Virginia |
| Brandon Sumrall Brandon Sumrall Brandon Sumrall is an American football cornerback for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
CB | S Mississippi |
| Marcus Walker | CB | Oklahoma |
| Kyle Wright Kyle Wright Kyle Wright is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
QB | Miami (Fla.) |
| Albert Young Albert Young (American football) Albert Young is an American football running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
RB | Iowa |
- Note: The Vikings obtained the 3rd round pick of the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for the 121st selection in 2007 (used to select DT Marcus Thomas). The Vikings obtained the Jacksonville Jaguars 6th round pick for Troy Williamson. - They acquired the Rams 2008 7th round pick for Adam GoldbergAdam GoldbergAdam Charles Goldberg is an American actor, director, producer, and musician.-Early life:Goldberg was born in Santa Monica, California, the son of Donna and Earl Goldberg, a former lifeguard. His father is Jewish and his mother is a "lapsed" Roman Catholic of Irish, French, and German descent...
and they traded their 2008 7th round pick for Brooks BollingerBrooks BollingerBrooks Bollinger is a retired American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. - They move up one overall position in the second round and beyond due to the forfeiture of the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
first round draft pick. - The team also traded their first-round and both third round picks to the Chiefs for DE Jared Allen.
- The Vikings traded up in the second round by giving the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
their fourth round pick in exchange for the Eagles fifth round pick to obtain Tyrell Johnson. - The team traded up in the fifth round to obtain John David Booty by giving the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
fifth and seventh round draft picks.
Training camp
Erasmus James
Erasmus James is an American football defensive end who is currently signed by the New Mexico Stars of the Indoor Football League . He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings 18th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
was traded to the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
for a conditional 2009 NFL draft pick.
On June 27, the Vikings signed a one-day contract with seven-season member Robert Griffith
Robert Griffith
Robert Otis Griffith is a former American football strong safety in the National Football League. He played thirteen seasons in the league, mostly for the Minnesota Vikings from 1994 to 2001...
so he could ceremonially retire as a member of the team.
On July 16, a report by Jay Glazer
Jay Glazer
Jay Glazer is an American senior writer for FoxSports.com and is a sideline reporter for the NFL on Fox since 2004. He is also the studio host, alongside Frank Trigg, on Fox Sport Net's PRIDE Fighting Championship show. Currently, he is the "NFL insider" for Fox NFL Sunday and hosts Pros vs Joes...
appeared on FoxSports.com stating that the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
had filed tampering charges against the Vikings for allegedly inappropriately contacting Green Bay quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
.
On August 4, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
Roger Goodell
Roger S. Goodell is the Commissioner of the National Football League , having been chosen to succeed the retiring Paul Tagliabue on August 8, 2006. He was chosen over four finalists for the position, winning a close vote on the fifth ballot before being unanimously approved by acclamation of the...
ruled that contact between the Vikings and Brett Favre over the summer did not violate league tampering rules, as the Packers alleged.
Schedule
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff (CDT) | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 8 | 7:00 p.m. | Seattle Seahawks 2008 Seattle Seahawks season The 2008 Seattle Seahawks season was the 33rd season for the team in the National Football League. The Seahawks' streak of four consecutive NFC West divisional championships was broken, as they fell to a 4-12 record... |
L 17–34 | 0–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
KSTP-TV KSTP-TV KSTP-TV, channel 5, is the ABC affiliate for the Twin Cities. Its transmitter is located at the Shoreview Telefarm. It is the flagship station of Hubbard Broadcasting, which also owns several other broadcasting properties across the United States.... |
Recap |
| 2 | August 16 | 6:30 p.m. | at Baltimore Ravens 2008 Baltimore Ravens season The 2008 Baltimore Ravens season was the 13th season for the team in the NFL. Despite having one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, the Ravens completed a major turnaround from the 2007 season, finishing the season with an 11–5 record and a playoff berth... |
W 23–15 | 1–1 | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
KSTP-TV KSTP-TV KSTP-TV, channel 5, is the ABC affiliate for the Twin Cities. Its transmitter is located at the Shoreview Telefarm. It is the flagship station of Hubbard Broadcasting, which also owns several other broadcasting properties across the United States.... |
Recap |
| 3 | August 23 | 7:00 p.m. | Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 76th season in the National Football League . The season concluded with the team winning Super Bowl XLIII to become the first franchise in the NFL with six Super Bowl titles.... |
L 10–12 | 1–2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 4 | August 28 | 7:00 p.m. | at Dallas Cowboys 2008 Dallas Cowboys season The 2008 Dallas Cowboys season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League. The season was most noted for week 17, when the Cowboys were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles 44–6, their worst loss since the 1985 Chicago Bears came to Texas Stadium and beat the Cowboys 44–0... |
L 10–16 | 1–3 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
KSTP-TV KSTP-TV KSTP-TV, channel 5, is the ABC affiliate for the Twin Cities. Its transmitter is located at the Shoreview Telefarm. It is the flagship station of Hubbard Broadcasting, which also owns several other broadcasting properties across the United States.... |
Recap |
Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week 2: at Baltimore Ravens
Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 4: at Dallas Cowboys
Schedule
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff (CT) | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 8 | 6:00 p.m. | at Green Bay Packers 2008 Green Bay Packers season The 2008 Green Bay Packers season was the 88th season in the National Football League for the Packers and their 90th overall. They looked to continue success after posting a 13-3 record in 2007, but finished the season with a losing 6-10 record and missed the playoffs.- 2008 NFL Draft :The Packers... |
L 19–24 | 0–1 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... |
ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 14 | 12:00 p.m. | Indianapolis Colts 2008 Indianapolis Colts season The 2008 Indianapolis Colts season was the 56th season for the team in the National Football League and the 25th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not win the AFC South title. However, after a 3–4 start on the season Peyton Manning led the Colts to a nine-game... |
L 15–18 | 0–2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 3 | September 21 | 12:00 p.m. | Carolina Panthers 2008 Carolina Panthers season -Preseason:-Regular season:-Postseason:-Week 1: at San Diego Chargers:The Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers were locked in a defensive battle in the first quarter. John Kasay made three field goals while Philip Rivers connected with Chris Chambers on a 44-yard pass to score. At halftime the... |
W 20–10 | 1–2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 4 | September 28 | 12:00 p.m. | at Tennessee Titans 2008 Tennessee Titans season The 2008 Tennessee Titans season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League, their twelfth in Tennessee, and their tenth as the Titans. Despite being expected by most sportswriters to finish third or even fourth in the AFC South, they compiled a 13–3 regular season record and... |
L 17–30 | 1–3 | LP Field LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 5 | October 6 | 7:30 p.m. | at New Orleans Saints 2008 New Orleans Saints season The 2008 New Orleans Saints season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League . The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season.-Pre-season:-Regular season:... |
W 30–27 | 2–3 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
Recap |
| 6 | October 12 | 12:00 p.m. | Detroit Lions 2008 Detroit Lions season The 2008 Detroit Lions season was the 79th season for the franchise in the National Football League. Although the Lions had a flawless preseason with a 4-0 record, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to compile an 0-16 record in regular season play. They were mathematically eliminated... |
W 12–10 | 3–3 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 7 | October 19 | 12:00 p.m. | at Chicago Bears 2008 Chicago Bears season The 2008 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 89th regular season in the National Football League. They finished the 2008 season with a 9-7 record, improving upon their 7-9 record from the 2007 season... |
L 41–48 | 3–4 | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 8 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
|||||||
| 9 | November 2 | 12:00 p.m. | Houston Texans 2008 Houston Texans season The 2008 Houston Texans season was the 7th season for the team in the National Football League. Though the Texans lost their first four games of the season, they rallied and won five of their last six games, to finish with an 8–8 record for the second consecutive year.The 2008 season also marked... |
W 28–21 | 4–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 10 | November 9 | 12:00 p.m. | Green Bay Packers 2008 Green Bay Packers season The 2008 Green Bay Packers season was the 88th season in the National Football League for the Packers and their 90th overall. They looked to continue success after posting a 13-3 record in 2007, but finished the season with a losing 6-10 record and missed the playoffs.- 2008 NFL Draft :The Packers... |
W 28–27 | 5–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 11 | November 16 | 12:00 p.m. | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the 33rd season for the club in the National Football League. Though the team finished with a winning record , they failed to defend their 2007 NFC South championship and did not qualify for the playoffs after finishing the year on a four game losing streak... |
L 13–19 | 5–5 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 12 | November 23 | 12:00 p.m. | at Jacksonville Jaguars 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 14th season for the team in the National Football League. The Jaguars failed to improve upon their 11–5 record from 2007 and did not make the playoffs, contrary to many preseason predictions.-2008 NFL Draft picks:... |
W 30–12 | 6–5 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 13 | November 30 | 7:15 p.m. | Chicago Bears 2008 Chicago Bears season The 2008 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 89th regular season in the National Football League. They finished the 2008 season with a 9-7 record, improving upon their 7-9 record from the 2007 season... |
W 34–14 | 7–5 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | NBC NBC Sunday Night Football NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color... |
Recap |
| 14 | December 7 | 12:00 p.m. | at Detroit Lions 2008 Detroit Lions season The 2008 Detroit Lions season was the 79th season for the franchise in the National Football League. Although the Lions had a flawless preseason with a 4-0 record, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to compile an 0-16 record in regular season play. They were mathematically eliminated... |
W 20–16 | 8–5 | Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 15 | December 14 | 3:05 p.m. | at Arizona Cardinals 2008 Arizona Cardinals season The 2008 Arizona Cardinals season was the 89th season for the team in the National Football League and their 21st season in Arizona. The season marked the Cardinals' first-ever Super Bowl appearance, coming as a result of their victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship.The... |
W 35–14 | 9–5 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 16 | December 21 | 3:15 p.m. | Atlanta Falcons 2008 Atlanta Falcons season The 2008 Atlanta Falcons season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League. Overcoming a disappointing 4-12 record, quarterback Michael Vick's dog fighting scandal and head coach Bobby Petrino's abrupt resignation in 2007, the Falcons, who were expected to be in a rebuilding... |
L 17–24 | 9–6 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 17 | December 28 | 12:00 p.m. | New York Giants 2008 New York Giants season The 2008 New York Giants season was the franchise's 84th season in the National Football League as the team looked to defend its Super Bowl XLII title. They improved upon their 10–6 record from 2007, becoming NFC East champions and finished with the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs with a 12-4 record... |
W 20–19 | 10–6 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
- The Vikings ranked 4th in the NFL in strength of schedule this season
- The Vikings are currently at the top of the list in Fantasy Football according to NFL.com
Week 1: at Green Bay Packers
The Vikings began their 2008 campaign on the road against their NFC North foe, the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
, in the first game of 2008's Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
doubleheader. After a scoreless first quarter, the Vikings attacked first with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 37-yard field goal. The Packers responded with QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to FB Korey Hall
Korey Hall
Korey Dean Hall is an American Football fullback for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted in the sixth round in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played linebacker at Boise State.-High school career:...
, along with kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
getting a 42-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Vikes tried to catch up as Longwell got a 27-yard field goal, but Green Bay replied with CB/PR Will Blackmon
Will Blackmon
William Edwards Blackmon is an American football Return specialist / Defensive Back who is currently a member of the New York Giants in the National Football League. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers...
returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completed a 23-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice
-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
(with a failed 2-point conversion), yet the Packers responded with Rodgers getting a 1-yard TD run. The Vikes would reply with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 3-yard TD run, but their final rally ended in an interception.
With the loss, not only did the Vikings begin their season at 0–1, but Head Coach Brad Childress
Brad Childress
Brad "Chilly" Childress is the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He attended high school at the Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois...
fell to 0–5 against the Packers in his coaching career. In the first half, Minnesota was widely outgained in passing yards 139–6.
Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Packers, the Vikings played their Week 2 home opener against the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. In the first half, kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
helped Minnesota take the early lead with a 45-yard and a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter, along with a 53-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Vikes increased its lead with Longwell getting a 46-yard and a 28-yard field goal. However, the Colts responded with RB Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis continued to gain ground as QB Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
completed a 32-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne
Reginald "Reggie" Wayne is a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Wayne was selected in the 1st round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Colts...
, followed by a 2-point conversion run by RB Dominic Rhodes
Dominic Rhodes
Dominic Dondrell Rhodes is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He attended Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
. Later, the Colts sealed the win with kicker Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
nailing the game-winning 47-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 0–2.
Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers
Trying to avoid an 0–3 start, the Vikings stayed at home for a Week 3 duel with the Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. Due to a poor performance, QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
was benched in favor of veteran QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
.
In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Panthers kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
got a 43-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Carolina increased its lead with RB Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Vikes would respond with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 28-yard field goal, along with CB Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield is an American football cornerback in the NFL. He played college football at The Ohio State University, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 1998. Winfield was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Since 2004, he...
sacking Panthers QB Jake Delhomme, fumbling the ball, and Winfield returning that fumble 19-yards for a touchdown just before halftime, the key play in the Viking victory. Head coach Brad Childress said a day later that Winfield had a half-second left before it was ruled an incomplete pass. In the third quarter, the Vikings got the lead as Frerotte completed a 34-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota sealed its victory with Longwell nailing a 32-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 1–2.
Week 4: at Tennessee Titans
Coming off their home win over the Panthers, the Vikings flew to LP FieldLP Field
LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....
for a Week 4 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Titans kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
got a 20-yard field goal, while RB Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson (running back)
Christopher Duan Johnson is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League...
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Vikes responded with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 28-yard TD run. However, Tennessee responded with Bironas kicking a 32-yard field goal, along with RB LenDale White
LenDale White
LenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Vikings closed out the half with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 42-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Titans increased their lead with Bironas nailing a 49-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as Peterson got a 3-yard TD run, but Tennessee pulled away with Johnson's 6-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 1–3.
Week 5: at New Orleans Saints
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Titans, the Vikings flew to the Louisiana SuperdomeLouisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
for a Week 5 Monday Night duel with the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. In the game, QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
was making his first MNF start since 1997 (when he was with the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
).
In the first quarter, the Vikes trailed early as Saints QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
Devery Henderson
-New Orleans Saints:On November 5, 2006, Devery had his best day as a professional in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught 3 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henderson had 158 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 76 yard touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons on November...
. Minnesota would respond with CB Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield is an American football cornerback in the NFL. He played college football at The Ohio State University, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 1998. Winfield was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Since 2004, he...
returning a blocked field goal 59 yards for a touchdown, the first (and longest) ever in franchise history. New Orleans would answer with kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
getting a 35-yard field goal, yet the Vikings replied with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 53-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead on a trick play as RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
, along with Longwell kicking a 33-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints began to rally as RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans took the lead with Gramática's 53-yard field goal and Bush's 64-yard punt return for a touchdown. Afterwards, Minnesota answered with Frerotte completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, along with Longwell nailing the game-winning 30-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 2–3.
Antoine Winfield had a big game. In addition to his touchdown off of a blocked field goal, he had 8 tackles and a sack (with a forced fumble recovery).
This was also the first time in NFL history that a game had a combination of a blocked field goal, a TD pass by a non-quarterback, two field goals of 50+ yards, and two punts returned for touchdowns.
Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions
Coming off their Monday night road win over the Saints, the Vikings went home for a Week 6 NFC North duel with the Detroit LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes got an early lead as Lions QB Dan Orlovsky
Dan Orlovsky
Daniel John Orlovsky is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Lions drafted Orlovsky in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
unintentionally ran out of the back of his own end zone, giving Minnesota a safety. In the second quarter, Detroit got the lead as kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
got a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Lions increased their lead as Orlovsky completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
. The Vikings answered with QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completing an 86-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the end of the fourth quarter, the Vikes got in field goal range due to a controversial pass interference call on Leigh Bodden
Leigh Bodden
Leigh Edmond Bodden is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Duquesne....
. The Vikes sealed the win with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailing the game-winning 26-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 3–3.
Week 7: at Chicago Bears
Coming off their divisional home win over the Lions, the Vikings flew to Soldier FieldSoldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
for a Week 7 NFC North duel with the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run. The Bears would respond with QB Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, along with RB Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Northern Illinois. He is currently a free agent.-Personal life:...
returning a blocked punt 17 yards for a touchdown. Minnesota would respond with QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completing a 24-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. In the second quarter, it would be back and forth. Chicago kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
would get a 26-yard field goal, while Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
got a 42-yard field goal. Bears CB Zackary Bowman
Zackary Bowman
Zackary Bowman is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
would recover a fumble in Minnesota's endzone for a touchdown, while Vikings RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. Chicago would close out the half as Gould got a 48-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears got the lead again as WR Rashied Davis
Rashied Davis
Rashied Khalid Davis is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at San José State...
recovered a fumble within Minnesota's endzone for a touchdown. The Vikes would reply as Peterson got a 54-yard TD run. Chicago would then strike again as Orton complted a 51-yard TD pass to WR Marty Booker
Marty Booker
Marty Montez Booker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Bears struck again as RB Matt Forté
Matt Forté
Matthew Garrett Forté is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. Minnesota tried to rally as Longwell nailed a 23-yard field goal, along with Frerotte completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. However, Chicago's defense stepped up and prevented the Vikes from tying the game.
With the loss, the Vikings went into their bye week at 3–4.
The 89 combined points became the highest single-game scoring total in the history of the Vikes/Bears rivalry.
Week 9: vs. Houston Texans
Coming off their bye week, the Vikings played a Week 9 interconference duel at home against the Houston TexansHouston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run. The Texans responded with CB Jacques Reeves
Jacques Reeves
Jacques Dimitri Reeves is a free agent American football cornerback of the National Football League. Reeves most recently played for the Houston Texans. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
returning an interception 44 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Minnesota responded with QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice
-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
and a 49-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, Houston started to rally as QB Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings answered with Frerotte completing a 25-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. The Texans tried to come back as Rosenfels completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
. Fortunately, Minnesota's defense stiffened for the victory.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 4–4.
Week 10: vs. Green Bay Packers
Coming off their win over the Texans, the Vikings stayed at home for a Week 10 NFC North rematch with the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood as QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice
-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
. The Packers would respond with RB Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant
Ryan Brett Grant is a running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005 but was traded to the Packers shortly before the 2007 season in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Minnesota increased their lead with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
(former Packer) getting a 54-yard field goal, along with the Vikings picking up back-to-back safeties. The first one came when QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
committed intentional grounding in his own endzone, with the second one coming from DE Jared Allen
Jared Allen
-Kansas City Chiefs:Allen was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and signed for a one-year, $100,000 contract. On May 21, 2007, Allen, as a restricted free agent, signed the Chiefs' one-year tender offer of $2.35 million for the 2007 season. Allen credited his early...
sacking Rodgers in his own endzone. Green Bay would close out the half with kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Vikes increased their lead as Frerotte completed a 47-yard TD pass to RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. However, the Packers took the lead as safety Nick Collins
Nick Collins
Nicholas Cardell Collins is an American football free safety who plays for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL.-High school:...
returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown, along with CB/KR Will Blackmon
Will Blackmon
William Edwards Blackmon is an American football Return specialist / Defensive Back who is currently a member of the New York Giants in the National Football League. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers...
returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Packers increased their lead as Crosby nailed a 40-yard field goal. The Vikings regained the lead as RB Adrian Peterson got a 29-yard TD run. Green Bay did manage to get a late drive going, yet Crosby's 52-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, preserving head coach Brad Childress
Brad Childress
Brad "Chilly" Childress is the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He attended high school at the Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois...
' first-ever win over the Packers.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 5–4.
Week 11: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off their divisional home win over the Packers, the Vikings flew to Raymond James StadiumRaymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...
for a Week 11 duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes struck first as kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
got a 43-yard field goal. The Buccaneers responded with kicker Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
getting a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Minnesota answered with QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade
Bobby Wade
Robert Louis Wade, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Tampa Bay would reply with Bryant making a 26-yard field goal. The Vikings closed out the half with Longwell getting a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Buccaneers tied the game with FB B.J. Askew
B. J. Askew
Bobby DeAngelo Askew, Jr. is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He played college football as the University of Michigan. He ranks first all-time among Michigan running backs in reception yards....
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay took the lead as Bryant nailed a 29-yard and a 26-yard field goal. Minnesota tried to rally, but the Buccaneers' defense was too much to overcome.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 5–5.
Week 12: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Buccaneers, the Vikings flew to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes got off to a fast start as LB Napoleon Harris
Napoleon Harris
Napoleon Bill Harris is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Northwestern and was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in the 2002 NFL Draft....
returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, while RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
got a 3-yard TD run. The Jaguars would respond with QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams (wide receiver)
Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
. Minnesota would answer with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 54-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Jacksonville would get the period's only points as kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
made a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Vikings replied with Longwell making a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota pulled away as Longwell nailed a 22-yard field goal, while RB Adrian Peterson got a 16-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Jaguars were given a safety when Vikings punter Chris Kluwe
Chris Kluwe
Christopher James "Chris" Kluwe is a punter for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks, as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
ran out of the back of his endzone.
With the win, Minnesota improved to 6–5.
Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears
Coming off their road win over the Jaguars, the Vikings went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 13 NFC North rematch with the Chicago BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, with first place in the division on the line. In the first quarter, Chicago would strike first with QB Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 65-yard TD pass to WR Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
. The Vikings would answer back in the second quarter with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 23-yard field goal. Later in the quarter, the Vikings defense would come up big with a goal line stand. DE Jared Allen
Jared Allen
-Kansas City Chiefs:Allen was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and signed for a one-year, $100,000 contract. On May 21, 2007, Allen, as a restricted free agent, signed the Chiefs' one-year tender offer of $2.35 million for the 2007 season. Allen credited his early...
made the key tackle just an inch short of the end zone on 4th and goal. On the very next play, QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
ran a play action fake from his own endzone and found former Bears WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
for a 99-yard touchdown pass. This tied an NFL record for the longest pass from scrimmage and it was the first-ever longest offensive touchdown play in franchise history. It was also the eleventh time in NFL history that a 99 yard play was made. Then, with 1:09 left until halftime, Frerotte found TE Jim Kleinsasser
Jim Kleinsasser
Jim Carter Kleinsasser is an American Football player who currently plays fullback, H-back, and tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. Sometimes referred to as Jim Clank Clank.-High school:...
for a 21-yard gain to just inside the one yard line. The play was originally ruled a touchdown, but was officially reviewed and it was determined that he was just short of the goal line. On the next play however, Frerotte got the touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 44 seconds left until the half.
In the third quarter, both teams traded blows. The Bears would answer with Orton completing a 2-yard TD pass to RB Matt Forté
Matt Forté
Matthew Garrett Forté is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, while Minnesota answered with RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
getting a 21-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Vikes pulled away as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run, while Longwell nailed a 27-yard field goal.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 7–5 and took 1st place in the NFC North
NFC North
The NFC North is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference, based in the Upper Midwest region of the United States...
for the first time since early in the 2007 season.
Week 14: at Detroit Lions
Fresh off their divisional home win over the Bears on Sunday night, the Vikings flew to Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
for a Week 14 NFC North rematch with the winless Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. Late in the first quarter, Minnesota would trail as Lions kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Detroit increased its lead as Hanson got a 23-yard field goal. The Vikings closed out the half with a 35-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
.
In the third quarter, Minnesota would take the lead as RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
got a 17-yard TD run. The Lions would reply with QB Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
(a former Viking) completing a 70-yard TD pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings regained the lead as QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completed an 11-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. Detroit tried to rally as Hanson nailed a 39-yard field goal, yet Longwell helped Minnesota pull away with a 50-yard field goal, his fifth 50+ yarder of the season.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 8–5.
Week 15: at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their hotly-contested road win over the Lions, the Vikings flew to the desert for a Week 15 duel with the newly-crowned NFC West champion Arizona Cardinals. Early in the first quarter, the Vikings got on the board first with a punt returned 82 yards by WR/PR Bernard Berrian for a touchdown. Later in the first quarter, the Vikings increased their lead with QB Tarvaris Jackson completing a 41-yard TD pass to Berrian. The Vikings closed out the first quarter with Jackson completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice. In the second quarter, the Vikings increased their lead with Jackson completing an 11-yard TD pass to RB Chester Taylor for the only score of the period.In the third quarter, Arizona tried to rally as QB Kurt Warner completed a 50-yard TD pass to WR Jerheme Urban. Later in the quarter, the Vikings tried to put the game away with a 34-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Longwell, only to have it blocked and Arizona returning it 62 yards for a touchdown by CB Roderick Hood. Finally, the Vikings put the game away for good with Jackson completing a 59-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade. Arizona tried to rally in the final minutes of the game, but on first-and-goal, they ran out of time.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 9–5 and to a one game lead over the Bears in the NFC North. If the Vikings won in week 16 against Atlanta or Chicago lost against Green Bay, the Vikings would clinch their 17th division title, and their first since 2000.
Week 16 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Coming off their road rout of the Cardinals, the Vikings went home for a Week 16 battle with the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
; a win would give the Vikings their first division title since 2000, and their first-ever NFC North title. Minnesota trailed early in the first quarter as Falcons running back Michael Turner got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Vikings would respond with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. However, Atlanta would answer in the second quarter with quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
, followed by kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
's 22-yard field goal.
The Falcons would further increase their lead in the third quarter as offensive guard Justin Blalock
Justin Blalock
Justin Christopher Blalock is an American football NFL player for the Atlanta Falcons. He played college ball as the right tackle for the Texas Longhorns under coach Mack Brown. He stands at 6'3.25" and weighs 320 lbs.-High school career:Blalock attended Plano East Senior High School, playing...
recovered Ryan's fumble in the endzone for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailed a 29-yard field goal, followed by Jackson's 17-yard touchdown pass to Shiancoe. However, Atlanta's defense prevented any further comeback from happening.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 9–6.
Week 17 vs. New York Giants
Coming into their final game of the season against the New York GiantsNew York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, the Vikings needed a win or a Chicago Bears loss to clinch the NFC North division title. The scoring began early in the 2nd quarter when Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
kicked a 48 yard field goal. The Vikings continued the scoring with a 67 yard run by Adrian Peterson, the second longest of his career thus far. The Giants responded with a 51 yard John Carney field goal. The Giants continued the scoring with two John Carney field goals from 30 and 42 yards respectively to round out the end of the 2nd quarter.
In the 3rd quarter, the Giants took the lead when David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
threw a 23 yard pass to Domenik Hixon
Domenik Hixon
Domenik Hixon is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Akron.-Early years:Hixon was born to an African American...
, then added a 20 yard John Carney field goal early in the 4th quarter, making for a Giants 9-point lead. The Vikings came back with a 54 yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
to Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
and clinched the win when Ryan Longwell nailed a 51 yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
With the victory, the Vikings finished the regular season at 10–6, winning their first division title since 2000 and earning their first playoff berth since 2004.
Schedule
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff (CT) | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| WC | January 4 | 3:30 p.m. | Philadelphia Eagles 2008 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2008 Philadelphia Eagles season was the team's 76th season as a franchise in the National Football League. The Eagles improved upon their 8–8 record and fourth-place finish in the NFC East in the 2007 season by going 9–6–1 and earning the 6th seed in the NFC Playoffs. The team lost in the... |
L 14–26 | 0–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
NFC Wildcard Round: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Entering the postseason as the NFC's third seed, the Vikings began their playoff run at home against the #6 Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and for the first time in eight years, the Vikings hosted a playoff game. Minnesota would trail early as Eagles kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
got a 43-yard and a 51-yard field goal. The Vikings would respond in the second quarter as running back Adrian Peterson got a 40-yard touchdown run. However, Philadelphia would answer with Akers' 31-yard field goal, followed by cornerback Asante Samuel
Asante Samuel
Asante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
's 44-yard interception return for a touchdown. Minnesota would end the half with Peterson's 3-yard touchdown run.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Eagles would increase their lead in the fourth quarter with quarterback Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
's 71-yard touchdown pass to running back Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
, followed by an Akers 45-yard field goal. Try as they might, the Vikings were unable to build any momentum to mount a rally.
With the loss, the Vikings' season ended with an overall record of 10–7.