Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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3. 2017 (21 points)
Where were you during the “Minneapolis Miracle?”
The final play of an all-time classic playoff game against New Orleans ended with Stefon Diggs hauling in a pass from Case Keenum, keeping his balance along the sideline and racing into the end zone (and Vikings lore).
While many remember this season for that one play, the Vikings also produced one of the best all-around complimentary seasons in team history.
Minnesota’s defense finished first in points allowed and yards allowed, as Everson Griffen tallied 13 sacks and Harrison Smith recorded five interceptions. Adam Thielen recorded his first 1,000-yard season to help Keenum, who started 14 games but began the season as the backup.
The complimentary play helped Minnesota go 13-3 and included an eight-game win streak.
The Vikings missed out on a chance to play in the Super Bowl in U.S. Bank Stadium, but they gave fans a season (and a moment) that won’t soon be forgotten.
4. 1973 (20 points)
A year after Fran Tarkenton re-joined the team, the Vikings were back in the Super Bowl, and set up for a strong run of success.
On offense, Chuck Foreman was the Associated Press’ Rookie of the Year after he rushed for 801 yards and four touchdowns. Foreman added 362 receiving yards and two scores from Tarkenton, who threw for 2,113 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The defense was stout again, allowing just 72 points in seven regular-season homes games as the Vikings didn’t lose at Metropolitan Stadium. Bryant had seven interceptions, including a pick-six.
Minnesota went on the road to earn a 27-10 win in Dallas in the NFC Championship, the first playoff win on the road in team history, but the Vikings season ended with a loss to Miami in Super Bowl VIII.
5. 1976 (17 points)
Minnesota’s third Super Bowl appearance in four seasons (and fourth in eight years) ended with a loss to the Raiders in Super Bowl XI.
But it was yet another successful regular season under Grant, as the Vikings went 11-2-1 and won the NFC Central for the fourth straight year, and the eighth time in nine seasons.
Tarkenton (2,961 passing yards and 17 touchdowns) teamed with Foreman (1,155 rushing yards and 13 scores) to create a balanced offense that included 906 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns from rookie Sammy White. All three made the Pro Bowl.
Nate Wright had seven interceptions on defense as Minnesota picked off 19 total passes in 1976. Page, who had 18 sacks, Bryant and Jeff Siemon were Pro Bowlers on defense.
T-6. 1974 (15 points)
The Vikings appeared in back-to-back Super Bowls but fell short again, this time with a loss to the Steelers.
Minnesota went 10-4 in the regular season, the fewest wins among the four teams that made it to the Super Bowl.
Tarkenton and Foreman were Pro Bowlers once again, while a stingy defense allowed just 13.9 points per game.
The Vikings beat the Cardinals and Rams in the playoffs but suffered a 16-6 loss to Pittsburgh at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.