Big Game Bound: Minnesota Countdown to the Big Game February 12 2023 05:30 pm Vikings interview assistant Mike Pettine for DC vacancy EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The Minnesota Vikings interviewed internal candidate Mike Pettine on Wednesday for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Pettine served as assistant head coach this season under rookie coach Kevin O’Connell. The 56-year-old Pettine has 19 seasons of experience as an NFL coach, including three stints as a defensive coordinator with the New York Jets (2009-12), […] Vikings fire defensive coordinator Donatell after … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell on Thursday, an unsurprising decision on the veteran coach after a dismal finish by his defense. The Vikings ranked second worst in yards allowed in the NFL and fourth worst in points allowed during the regular season. They gave up 431 yards and 31 points to […] Vikings’ O’Connell still evaluating defense, Donatell … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)Kevin O’Connell enjoyed a strong debut as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, with a record-setting wide receiver, a productive offense and a division title. ”The feeling that we were all in this together pulling in the same direction and with a goal that is of the highest proportions, it’s special for me,” […] Vikings face abrupt finish, roster churn after all … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The end hit harder for the Minnesota Vikings than usual, a season of exhilarating finishes and exceeded expectations smudged by this quick exit from the playoffs. The sting was only deepened by the reality of the roster. The salary cap crunch will likely force the departure of some of the players who contributed […] Vikings defense falters again to force quick postseason … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings faced plenty of questions about their legitimacy as a contender in the NFC, the rare 13-win team with a negative point differential during the regular season. The source of the doubt could be clearly traced back to a defense that finished second-to-last in the league in yards allowed, and their 31-24 […] Vikings special teams have bonded, blossomed behind … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The bond Matt Daniels has developed with his players in his first season as special teams coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings stretches out of the practice facility and into the parking lot. Each week, Daniels turns over his designated space to a player whose effort and performance on the unsung units of the […] Vikings to get center Bradbury back for playoffs … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury has been cleared to return to the starting lineup after missing the last five games of the regular season with a back injury. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced Friday that Bradbury would start against the New York Giants in the wild card round playoff game Sunday. He fully participated […] Vikings get upstart Giants in playoffs with ‘do it … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings quickly found their stride under rookie head coach Kevin O’Connell as a confident, close-knit and resilient team – featuring the league’s leading receiver – with an NFL-record 11 wins by eight points or fewer. Just because O’Connell’s career is ascending doesn’t mean this season of strong wills and late-game thrills can […] Vikings’ offensive line in flux ahead of matchup … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)When the Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Giants three weeks ago, they allowed plenty of pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins – including four sacks. Minnesota was down one starting offensive lineman in the game; center Garrett Bradbury, who missed the Vikings’ final five games of the regular season. Minnesota’s offensive line is […] Vikings’ playoff wait finally ends; Jefferson eyes … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)Justin Jefferson won the national championship with LSU in his last college game, making this three-year wait for a postseason appearance with Minnesota that much more frustrating for the NFL’s leading receiver. Four weeks after clinching their division, and more than 32 months after drafting Jefferson, the NFC North champion Vikings have finally […] Cousins dominates first half as Vikings beat Bears … CHICAGO (AP)The Minnesota Vikings wanted nothing more than to wash away the bitter taste from a blowout loss and head into the postseason on a sweeter note. This was more like it. Kirk Cousins threw for 225 yards and a touchdown in the first half and watched the rest of the way as the NFC […] Jefferson, Vikings regroup after major slip-up for … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)Justin Jefferson’s race toward the NFL receiving record hit quite a speed bump on the grass in Green Bay last week. The entire Minnesota Vikings offense has been in regroup mode since the blowout by the Packers, seeking to recapture their stride before the playoffs. ”It was just a poor performance by a lot […] Vikings look to steady themselves for playoffs against … CHICAGO (AP)The Minnesota Vikings come into the regular-season finale with the NFC North championship secured, a home game in the playoffs guaranteed and a bitter taste in their mouths. A lopsided loss last week left them staggering. They hope to steady themselves before the playoffs start. The Vikings will try to do just that when […] Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The Minnesota Vikings placed right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Austin Schlottman on injured reserve on Tuesday, all but ending the season for two starters on the precipice of the playoffs. The Vikings signed eight-year veteran center Greg Mancz to give them another option at a vital position after O’Neill suffered a significant […] Vikings scrambling to solve recurring problem of … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings have outscored their opponents this season during the fourth quarter and overtime by 78 points, the best total in the league. Those first 45 minutes of the game matter, too. This problem the Vikings have of falling behind – by a lot, sometimes – can’t be dismissed as they prepare for […] Outscored on the season, Vikings have plenty of doubters GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)This isn’t how the NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings hoped to perform as they get ready for the playoffs. Minnesota (12-4) won the division title thanks to 11 victories in one-score games, but the Vikings have also suffered a few lopsided losses that raise questions about their ability to make a postseason […] Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff … GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)Aaron Rodgers and the Packers suddenly are just a win away from an improbable playoff berth. He has his defense to thank for continuing Green Bay’s reversal of fortune. Rodgers threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score, and the Packers shut down Kirk Cousins and star receiver Justin Jefferson in […] Vikings have opportunity to hinder Packers’ playoff … GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)Two weeks after ending the Green Bay Packers’ three-year reign as NFC North champions, the Minnesota Vikings have a chance to give their division rival’s playoff hopes a devastating blow. Green Bay lost 23-7 at Minnesota in the season’s opening weekend as part of a 4-8 start but has since won three […] T.J. Hockenson proves perfect fit for Vikings’ offense EAGAN, Minn. (AP)When tight end Irv Smith Jr. injured an ankle in Week 8, the Minnesota Vikings quickly added T.J. Hockenson in a trade with Detroit. Smith got hurt two days before the trade deadline, but Minnesota knew the importance of the tight end spot and identified Hockenson’s availability and potential to fill a pivotal […] Vikings offense still seeking complete performance MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings have made the first year for coach Kevin O’Connell an unforgettable and unparalleled season of late-game drama, with an NFL-record 11 wins in one-score decisions. The cohesion, confidence and firm grasp of the finer details that O’Connell has helped foster have continued to come through at all the right times, intangible […] View All Vikings
Vikings interview assistant Mike Pettine for DC vacancy EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The Minnesota Vikings interviewed internal candidate Mike Pettine on Wednesday for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Pettine served as assistant head coach this season under rookie coach Kevin O’Connell. The 56-year-old Pettine has 19 seasons of experience as an NFL coach, including three stints as a defensive coordinator with the New York Jets (2009-12), […]
Vikings fire defensive coordinator Donatell after … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell on Thursday, an unsurprising decision on the veteran coach after a dismal finish by his defense. The Vikings ranked second worst in yards allowed in the NFL and fourth worst in points allowed during the regular season. They gave up 431 yards and 31 points to […]
Vikings’ O’Connell still evaluating defense, Donatell … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)Kevin O’Connell enjoyed a strong debut as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, with a record-setting wide receiver, a productive offense and a division title. ”The feeling that we were all in this together pulling in the same direction and with a goal that is of the highest proportions, it’s special for me,” […]
Vikings face abrupt finish, roster churn after all … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The end hit harder for the Minnesota Vikings than usual, a season of exhilarating finishes and exceeded expectations smudged by this quick exit from the playoffs. The sting was only deepened by the reality of the roster. The salary cap crunch will likely force the departure of some of the players who contributed […]
Vikings defense falters again to force quick postseason … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings faced plenty of questions about their legitimacy as a contender in the NFC, the rare 13-win team with a negative point differential during the regular season. The source of the doubt could be clearly traced back to a defense that finished second-to-last in the league in yards allowed, and their 31-24 […]
Vikings special teams have bonded, blossomed behind … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The bond Matt Daniels has developed with his players in his first season as special teams coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings stretches out of the practice facility and into the parking lot. Each week, Daniels turns over his designated space to a player whose effort and performance on the unsung units of the […]
Vikings to get center Bradbury back for playoffs … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury has been cleared to return to the starting lineup after missing the last five games of the regular season with a back injury. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced Friday that Bradbury would start against the New York Giants in the wild card round playoff game Sunday. He fully participated […]
Vikings get upstart Giants in playoffs with ‘do it … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings quickly found their stride under rookie head coach Kevin O’Connell as a confident, close-knit and resilient team – featuring the league’s leading receiver – with an NFL-record 11 wins by eight points or fewer. Just because O’Connell’s career is ascending doesn’t mean this season of strong wills and late-game thrills can […]
Vikings’ offensive line in flux ahead of matchup … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)When the Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Giants three weeks ago, they allowed plenty of pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins – including four sacks. Minnesota was down one starting offensive lineman in the game; center Garrett Bradbury, who missed the Vikings’ final five games of the regular season. Minnesota’s offensive line is […]
Vikings’ playoff wait finally ends; Jefferson eyes … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)Justin Jefferson won the national championship with LSU in his last college game, making this three-year wait for a postseason appearance with Minnesota that much more frustrating for the NFL’s leading receiver. Four weeks after clinching their division, and more than 32 months after drafting Jefferson, the NFC North champion Vikings have finally […]
Cousins dominates first half as Vikings beat Bears … CHICAGO (AP)The Minnesota Vikings wanted nothing more than to wash away the bitter taste from a blowout loss and head into the postseason on a sweeter note. This was more like it. Kirk Cousins threw for 225 yards and a touchdown in the first half and watched the rest of the way as the NFC […]
Jefferson, Vikings regroup after major slip-up for … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)Justin Jefferson’s race toward the NFL receiving record hit quite a speed bump on the grass in Green Bay last week. The entire Minnesota Vikings offense has been in regroup mode since the blowout by the Packers, seeking to recapture their stride before the playoffs. ”It was just a poor performance by a lot […]
Vikings look to steady themselves for playoffs against … CHICAGO (AP)The Minnesota Vikings come into the regular-season finale with the NFC North championship secured, a home game in the playoffs guaranteed and a bitter taste in their mouths. A lopsided loss last week left them staggering. They hope to steady themselves before the playoffs start. The Vikings will try to do just that when […]
Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman … EAGAN, Minn. (AP)The Minnesota Vikings placed right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Austin Schlottman on injured reserve on Tuesday, all but ending the season for two starters on the precipice of the playoffs. The Vikings signed eight-year veteran center Greg Mancz to give them another option at a vital position after O’Neill suffered a significant […]
Vikings scrambling to solve recurring problem of … MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings have outscored their opponents this season during the fourth quarter and overtime by 78 points, the best total in the league. Those first 45 minutes of the game matter, too. This problem the Vikings have of falling behind – by a lot, sometimes – can’t be dismissed as they prepare for […]
Outscored on the season, Vikings have plenty of doubters GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)This isn’t how the NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings hoped to perform as they get ready for the playoffs. Minnesota (12-4) won the division title thanks to 11 victories in one-score games, but the Vikings have also suffered a few lopsided losses that raise questions about their ability to make a postseason […]
Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff … GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)Aaron Rodgers and the Packers suddenly are just a win away from an improbable playoff berth. He has his defense to thank for continuing Green Bay’s reversal of fortune. Rodgers threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score, and the Packers shut down Kirk Cousins and star receiver Justin Jefferson in […]
Vikings have opportunity to hinder Packers’ playoff … GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)Two weeks after ending the Green Bay Packers’ three-year reign as NFC North champions, the Minnesota Vikings have a chance to give their division rival’s playoff hopes a devastating blow. Green Bay lost 23-7 at Minnesota in the season’s opening weekend as part of a 4-8 start but has since won three […]
T.J. Hockenson proves perfect fit for Vikings’ offense EAGAN, Minn. (AP)When tight end Irv Smith Jr. injured an ankle in Week 8, the Minnesota Vikings quickly added T.J. Hockenson in a trade with Detroit. Smith got hurt two days before the trade deadline, but Minnesota knew the importance of the tight end spot and identified Hockenson’s availability and potential to fill a pivotal […]
Vikings offense still seeking complete performance MINNEAPOLIS (AP)The Minnesota Vikings have made the first year for coach Kevin O’Connell an unforgettable and unparalleled season of late-game drama, with an NFL-record 11 wins in one-score decisions. The cohesion, confidence and firm grasp of the finer details that O’Connell has helped foster have continued to come through at all the right times, intangible […]
