2011 Minnesota Vikings season

2011 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner	Zygi Wilf
Head coach	Leslie Frazier
Home field	Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record	3–13
Division place	4th NFC North
Playoff finish	did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	DE Jared Allen LB Chad Greenway (alternate)
Uniform
File:NFCN-Uniform-MIN.PNG

The 2011 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League, and the first full season under head coach Leslie Frazier, who served as the team's interim head coach for the final six games of the 2010 season. It was also supposed to mark the first season with new starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, who had enjoyed great success with the Eagles but had a subpar year with the Redskins in 2010. McNabb played respectably, having a passer rating of 82.9 and only turing the ball over twice, but his 1–5 record as starter led to him being benched in favor of rookie Christian Ponder in Week 6, and McNabb was later waived on December 1, 2011. The team failed to improve on their 6–10 record from 2010, going 2–6 before their bye week, before being eliminated from playoff contention in week 12 with a 2–9 record. The team also suffered its first six-game losing streak since the 1984 season. Despite a poor year for the team, Jared Allen set a franchise record for most sacks in a season with 22. The team led the league in sacks with 50, but also tied a team record for fewest interceptions caught in a season with only 8.

Offseason

2011 Draft

Main article: 2011 NFL draft

After finishing with a 6–10 record in the 2010 season, the Vikings were allocated the 12th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

=Pro Bowler

2011 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order			Player name	Position	Height	Weight	College	Contract	Notes
Round	Choice	Overall
1	12	12	Christian Ponder	QB	6-2	229	Florida State	4 years
2	11	43	Kyle Rudolph	TE	6-6	259	Notre Dame	4 years
3	10	74	Traded to the New England Patriots[a]
4	9	106	Christian Ballard	DE	6-4	283	Iowa	4 years
5	8	139	Brandon Burton	CB	6-0	190	Utah	4 years
	19	150	Traded to the Cleveland Browns[b]						From Giants[c]
6	3	168	DeMarcus Love	T	6-4	315	Arkansas	4 years	From Broncos via Browns[b]
	5	170	Mistral Raymond	S	6-1	191	South Florida	4 years	From Browns[b]
	7	172	Brandon Fusco	C	6-4	316	Slippery Rock	4 years
	35	200	Ross Homan	LB	6-1	240	Ohio State	4 years	Compensatory pick[d]
7	12	215	D'Aundre Reed	DE	6-4	261	Arizona	4 years
	33	236	Stephen Burton	WR	6-1	221	West Texas A&M	4 years	Compensatory pick[d]

Oakland at Minnesota in week 11

^{^[a]} During the 2010 season, Minnesota traded their 3rd round pick (74th overall) to New England for WR Randy Moss and their 2012 7th round selection (223rd overall).

^{^[b]} Cleveland traded two 3rd round selections (168th and 170th overall) to Minnesota to move up 18 spots to the 150th overall selection and draft G Jason Pinkston.

^{^[c]} The Giants traded their 5th round selection (150th overall) and a conditional 2012 7th round selection (which was not exercised) to Minnesota for RB Darius Reynaud and QB Sage Rosenfels.

^{^[d]} Minnesota was awarded two compensatory picks for the loss of free agents Artis Hicks and Chester Taylor.

Preseason

Schedule

The Vikings' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	August 13	at Tennessee Titans	L 3–14	0–1	LP Field	Recap
2	August 20	at Seattle Seahawks	W 20–7	1–1	CenturyLink Field	Recap
3	August 27	Dallas Cowboys	L 17–23	1–2	Mall of America Field	Recap
4	September 1	Houston Texans	W 28–0	2–2	Mall of America Field	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at Tennessee Titans

Preseason Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	3	0	3
Titans	0	14	0	0	14

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

• Date: August 13
• Game time: 19:00
• Game weather: Sunny, 82 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 69,143
• Referee: Scott Green (19)
• TV announcers (KARE-11): Ari Wolfe, Mike Mayock and Randy Shaver
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

1st Quarter None. 2nd Quarter TEN – Yamon Figurs 45-yard pass from Jake Locker (Rob Bironas kick), 4:55. Titans 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 45 yards, 0:08. TEN – Jamie Harper 2-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), 1:47. Titans 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:36. 3rd Quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal, 9:32. Titans 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 5:28. 4th Quarter None. Passing MIN – Christian Ponder – 8/13, 84 yards TEN – Jake Locker – 7/10, 89 yards, TD Rushing MIN – Lorenzo Booker – 9 rushes, 47 yards TEN – Jamie Harper – 8 rushes, 27 yards, TD Receiving MIN – Lorenzo Booker – 3 rec, 32 yards TEN – Yamon Figurs – 1 rec, 45 yards, TD

Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks

Preseason Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	6	0	7	20
Seahawks	0	0	0	7	7

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: August 20
• Game time: 21:00
• Game weather: Sunny, 82 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,599
• Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
• TV announcers (KARE-11): Ari Wolfe, Mike Mayock and Randy Shaver
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

1st Quarter MIN – Marcus Sherels 64-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:35. Vikings 7–0. 2nd Quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, 6:33. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 81 yards, 7:19. MIN – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 1:47. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 2:25. 3rd Quarter None. 4th Quarter SEA – Anthony McCoy 3-yard pass from Charlie Whitehurst (Jeff Reed kick), 14:54. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 16 plays, 89 yards, 8:40. MIN – Tristan Davis 35-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:09. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 2 plays, 39 yards, 0:15. Passing MIN – Donovan McNabb – 6/8, 81 yards SEA – Charlie Whitehurst – 14/19, 97 yards, TD Rushing MIN – Lorenzo Booker – 7 rushes, 37 yards SEA – Josh Portis – 4 rushes, 46 yards Receiving MIN – Devin Aromashodu – 2 rec, 30 yards SEA – Dominique Byrd – 4 rec, 32 yards

Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Preseason Week 3: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	3	14	3	3	23
Vikings	7	3	7	0	17

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 27
• Game time: 19:00
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,800
• Referee: John Parry (132)
• TV announcers (KARE-11): Ari Wolfe, Mike Mayock and Randy Shaver
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

1st Quarter MIN – Bernard Berrian 49-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:58. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 3:47. DAL – Dan Bailey 37-yard field goal, 2:52. Vikings 7–3. 'Drive: 2nd Quarter DAL – Alan Ball 20-yard return of blocked field goal (Shayne Graham kick), 14:36. Cowboys 10–7. DAL – Felix Jones 5-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 6:53. Cowboys 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:10. MIN – Ryan Longwell 44-yard field goal, 3:43. Cowboys 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 3:10. 3rd Quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 38-yard field goal, 8:05. Cowboys 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:11. MIN – Joe Webb 10-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:06. Cowboys 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 2:59. 4th Quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 41-yard field goal, 1:07. Cowboys 23–17. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 2:49. Passing DAL – Tony Romo – 15/20, 141 yards MIN – Donovan McNabb – 12/18, 164 yards, TD Rushing DAL – DeMarco Murray – 7 rushes, 32 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 14 rushes, 81 yards Receiving DAL – Dez Bryant – 5 rec, 67 yards MIN – Bernard Berrian – 2 rec, 64 yards, TD

Week 4: vs. Houston Texans

Preseason Week 4: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Texans	0	0	0	0	0
Vikings	0	7	7	14	28

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 1
• Game time: 19:00
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,148
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• TV announcers (KARE-11): Ari Wolfe, Mike Mayock and Randy Shaver
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

1st Quarter None. 2nd Quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 5-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:25. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 4:39. 3rd Quarter MIN – Alexander Robinson 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:19. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:16. 4th Quarter MIN – Caleb King 7-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:47. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 5:53. MIN – Caleb King 2-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:47. Vikings 28–0. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 6:26. Passing HOU – Matt Leinart – 13/16, 145 yards MIN – Christian Ponder – 10/16, 83 yards, TD Rushing HOU – Chris Ogbonnaya – 14 rushes, 62 yards MIN – Caleb King – 19 rushes, 62 yards, 2 TD Receiving HOU – Garrett Graham – 6 rec, 71 yards MIN – Jaymar Johnson – 2 rec, 28 yards

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	September 11	at San Diego Chargers	L 17–24	0–1	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
2	September 18	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 20–24	0–2	Mall of America Field	Recap
3	September 25	Detroit Lions	L 23–26 (OT)	0–3	Mall of America Field	Recap
4	October 2	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 17–22	0–4	Arrowhead Stadium	Recap
5	October 9	Arizona Cardinals	W 34–10	1–4	Mall of America Field	Recap
6	October 16	at Chicago Bears	L 10–39	1–5	Soldier Field	Recap
7	October 23	Green Bay Packers	L 27–33	1–6	Mall of America Field	Recap
8	October 30	at Carolina Panthers	W 24–21	2–6	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
9	Bye
10	November 14	at Green Bay Packers	L 7–45	2–7	Lambeau Field	Recap
11	November 20	Oakland Raiders	L 21–27	2–8	Mall of America Field	Recap
12	November 27	at Atlanta Falcons	L 14–24	2–9	Georgia Dome	Recap
13	December 4	Denver Broncos	L 32–35	2–10	Mall of America Field	Recap
14	December 11	at Detroit Lions	L 28–34	2–11	Ford Field	Recap
15	December 18	New Orleans Saints	L 20–42	2–12	Mall of America Field	Recap
16	December 24	at Washington Redskins	W 33–26	3–12	FedEx Field	Recap
17	January 1	Chicago Bears	L 13–17	3–13	Mall of America Field	Recap

LEGEND

Team names in bold indicate Vikings' home games.

Game summaries

Week 1: at San Diego Chargers

Week One: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	10	0	0	17
Chargers	7	0	7	10	24

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: September 11
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C) Sunny
• Game attendance: 66,716
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Jim Mora, Jr. and Drea Avent
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 103-yard kickoff return (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:45. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15. SD – Mike Tolbert 1-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Mike Scifres kick), 11:38. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 6 yards, 1:21. Second quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 12:56. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 7:34. MIN – Michael Jenkins 3-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:44. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 3 plays, 51 yards, 1:28. Third quarter SD – Mike Tolbert 7-yard run (Mike Scifres kick), 10:43. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:17. Fourth quarter SD – Mike Scifres 40-yard field goal, 10:05. Tied 17–17. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:45. SD – Mike Tolbert 19-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Mike Scifres kick), 5:01. Chargers 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 3:10. Top passers MIN – Donovan McNabb – 7/15, 39 yards, TD SD – Philip Rivers – 33/48, 335 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 16 rushes, 98 yards SD – Ryan Mathews – 12 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers MIN – Michael Jenkins – 3 rec, 26 yards, TD SD – Antonio Gates – 8 rec, 74 yards

With the loss, the Vikings started the season 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Two: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	0	0	10	14	24
Vikings	7	10	0	3	20

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 18
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,461
• Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton and John Lynch
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:02. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 6:41. Second quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 22-yard field goal, 5:06. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards, 7:45. MIN – Adrian Peterson 9-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:52. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:47. Third quarter TB – LeGarrette Blount 27-yard run (Connor Barth kick), 10:59. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 0:40. TB – Connor Barth 36-yard field goal, 0:29. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 4:59. Fourth quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 29-yard field goal, 9:41. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:48. TB – Arrelious Benn 25-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 6:39. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:02. TB – LeGarrette Blount 4-yard run (Connor Barth kick), 0:31. Buccaneers 24–20. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:41. Top passers TB – Josh Freeman – 22/31, 243 yards, TD MIN – Donovan McNabb – 18/30, 228 yards Top rushers TB – LeGarrette Blount – 13 rushes, 71 yards, 2 TD MIN – Adrian Peterson – 25 rushes, 120 yards, 2 TD Top receivers TB – Preston Parker – 6 rec, 98 yards MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 rec, 76 yards

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 0–2.

Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions

Week Three: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Lions	0	0	10	13	3	26
Vikings	6	14	0	3	0	23

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 25
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,466
• Referee: Ron Winter (14)
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton and John Lynch
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 9:38. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 5:22. MIN – Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal, 5:19. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 2:36. Second quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 6-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:01. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 3:04. MIN – Visanthe Shiancoe 8-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:09. Vikings 20–0. Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 0:41. Third quarter DET – Calvin Johnson 32-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 9:22. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:39. DET – Jason Hanson 28-yard field goal, 3:14. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:58. Fourth quarter DET – Calvin Johnson 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 14:55. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:53. DET – Jason Hanson 50-yard field goal, 5:20. Tied 20–20. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:13. DET – Jason Hanson 40-yard field goal, 2:30. Lions 23–20. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 1:43. MIN – Ryan Longwell 49-yard field goal, 1:11. Tied 23–23. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 1:19. Overtime DET – Jason Hanson 32-yard field goal, 13:01. Lions 26–23. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 1:59. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 32/46, 378 yards, 2 TD MIN – Donovan McNabb – 22/36, 211 yards, TD Top rushers DET – Jahvid Best – 12 rushes, 14 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD Top receivers DET – Brandon Pettigrew – 11 rec, 112 yards MIN – Michael Jenkins – 9 rec, 88 yards

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 0–3.

Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Four: Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	3	7	17
Chiefs	3	6	6	7	22

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: October 2
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C) Sunny
• Game attendance: 72,931
• Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
• TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Charles Davis and Tim Brewster
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter KC – Ryan Succop 40-yard field goal, 7:16. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 21 yards, 5:56. MIN – Devin Aromashodu 34-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:47. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:29. Second quarter KC – Ryan Succop 24-yard field goal, 5:15. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 2:32. KC – Ryan Succop 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 9–7. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 2:22. Third quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 9:15. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:50. KC – Ryan Succop 54-yard field goal, 5:18. Chiefs 12–10. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:57. KC – Ryan Succop 22-yard field goal, 0:09. Chiefs 15–10. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:52. Fourth quarter KC – Dwayne Bowe 52-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), 13:51. Chiefs 22–10. Drive: 2 plays, 59 yards, 0:46. MIN – Michael Jenkins 1-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:50. Chiefs 22–17. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 8:01. Top passers MIN – Donovan McNabb – 18/30, 202 yards, 2 TD KC – Matt Cassel – 18/29, 260 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 23 rushes, 80 yards KC – Thomas Jones – 11 rushes, 37 yards Top receivers MIN – Visanthe Shiancoe – 6 rec, 58 yards KC – Dwayne Bowe – 5 rec, 107 yards, TD

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 0–4.

Week 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Five: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	3	7	0	10
Vikings	28	0	3	3	34

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,479
• Referee: Scott Green (19)
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers and Tim Ryan
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:18. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 18 yards, 1:35. MIN – Adrian Peterson 24-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:55. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:07. MIN – Donovan McNabb 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:25. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 1:50. MIN – Adrian Peterson 14-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:41. Vikings 28–0. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 2:01. Second quarter ARI – Jay Feely 51-yard field goal, 10:29. Vikings 28–3. Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 3:25. Third quarter ARI – Beanie Wells 2-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 8:23. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:41. MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 3:35. Vikings 31–10. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 4:48. Fourth quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 53-yard field goal, 2:09. Vikings 34–10. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 4:33. Top passers ARI – Kevin Kolb – 21/42, 232 yards MIN – Donovan McNabb – 10/21, 169 yards Top rushers ARI – Beanie Wells – 20 rushes, 60 yards, TD MIN – Adrian Peterson – 29 rushes, 122 yards, 3 TD Top receivers ARI – Early Doucet – 8 rec, 92 yards MIN – Devin Aromashodu – 2 rec, 81 yards

With the win, the Vikings improved to 1–4.

Week 6: at Chicago Bears

Week Six: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	7	0	10
Bears	16	10	10	3	39

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: October 16
• Game time: 7:20 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C) Clear
• Game attendance: 62,322
• Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter CHI – Devin Hester 48-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 12:17. Bears 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:13. CHI – Donovan McNabb sacked in the end zone by Stephen Paea for a safety, 6:52. Bears 9–0. CHI – Marion Barber 3-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 3:39. Bears 16–0. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 3:13. Second quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal, 12:37. Bears 16–3. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:02. CHI – Dane Sanzenbacher 13-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 6:41. Bears 23–3. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 1:23. CHI – Robbie Gould 51-yard field goal, 0:28. Bears 26–3. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 1:27. Third quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:23. Bears 26–10. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:24. CHI – Devin Hester 98-yard kickoff return (Robbie Gould kick), 10:09. Bears 33–10. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:14. CHI – Robbie Gould 26-yard field goal, 5:44. Bears 36–10. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:35. Fourth quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 22-yard field goal, 14:50. Bears 39–10. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:13. Top passers MIN – Donovan McNabb – 19/24, 177 yards CHI – Jay Cutler – 21/31, 267 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 12 rushes, 39 yards, TD CHI – Matt Forté – 17 rushes, 87 yards Top receivers MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 rec, 78 yards CHI – Devin Hester – 5 rec, 91 yards, TD

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 1–5.

Week 7: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Seven: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	7	6	20	0	33
Vikings	7	10	0	10	27

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 23
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,946
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Visanthe Shiancoe 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:58. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 73 yards, 1:02. GB – John Kuhn 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 8:34. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 5:24. Second quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:43. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:39. GB – Mason Crosby 39-yard field goal, 4:55. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:48. MIN – Ryan Longwell 52-yard field goal, 0:55. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 4:00. GB – Mason Crosby 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 0:55. Third quarter GB – Greg Jennings 79-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 14:09. Packers 20–17. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:51. GB – Jermichael Finley 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 10:29. Packers 27–17. Drive: 4 plays, 32 yards, 2:19. GB – Mason Crosby 24-yard field goal, 3:18. Packers 30–17. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:44. GB – Mason Crosby 58-yard field goal, 0:18. Packers 33–17. Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 1:59. Fourth quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 46-yard field goal, 13:48. Packers 33–20. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 1:30. MIN – Michael Jenkins 24-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:49. Packers 33–27. Drive: 10 plays, 93 yards, 4:41. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 24/30, 335 yards, 3 TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 13/32, 219 yards, 2 TD Top rushers GB – James Starks – 13 rushes, 75 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 24 rushes, 175 yards, TD Top receivers GB – Greg Jennings – 7 rec, 147 yards, TD MIN – Michael Jenkins – 3 rec, 111 yards, TD

With the loss, the Vikings fell to 1–6.

Week 8: at Carolina Panthers

Week Eight: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	7	3	24
Panthers	0	14	7	0	21

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

• Date: October 30
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C) Sunny
• Game attendance: 72,095
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 10-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:34. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 16 yards, 0:39. Second quarter CAR – Jeremy Shockey 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (Olindo Mare kick), 13:22. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 4:27. CAR – Greg Olsen 39-yard pass from Cam Newton (Olindo Mare kick), 10:18. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 1:41. MIN – Adrian Peterson 19-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:42. Tied 14–14. Drive: 2 plays, 39 yards, 0:21. Third quarter CAR – Steve Smith 22-yard pass from Cam Newton (Olindo Mare kick), 11:07. Panthers 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:53. MIN – Adrian Peterson 9-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:58. Tied 21–21. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 5:41. Fourth quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 2:43. Vikings 24–21. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 7:10. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 18/28, 236 yards, TD CAR – Cam Newton – 22/35, 290 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 21 rushes, 86 yards, TD CAR – Cam Newton – 6 rushes, 53 yards Top receivers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 5 rec, 76 yards, TD CAR – Steve Smith – 7 rec, 100 yards, TD

With the win, the Vikings went into their bye week at 2–6.

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

Week Ten: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	7	0	7
Packers	14	3	14	14	45

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: November 14
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. CST
• Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C)
• Game attendance: 70,519
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Rachel Nichols
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter GB – Randall Cobb 80-yard punt return (Mason Crosby kick), 13:42. Packers 7–0. GB – Greg Jennings 24-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 5:02. Packers 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:53. Second quarter GB – Mason Crosby 25-yard field goal, 12:04. Packers 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:10. Third quarter GB – Jordy Nelson 17-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 10:45. Packers 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:15. MIN – Adrian Peterson 3-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:41. Packers 24–7. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:29. GB – John Kuhn 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 6:21. Packers 31–7. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:20 Fourth quarter GB – Jordy Nelson 4-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 10:59. Packers 38–7. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 5:30. GB – Matt Flynn 3-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 4:27. Packers 45–7. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 6:03. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/34, 190 yards GB – Aaron Rodgers – 23/30, 250 yards, 4 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 14 rushes, 51 yards, TD GB – James Starks – 13 rushes, 63 yards Top receivers MIN – Percy Harvin – 6 rec, 52 yards GB – Jermichael Finley – 3 rec, 67 yards

After being swept by the Packers, the Vikings dropped to 2–7.

Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	3	21	3	0	27
Vikings	7	0	0	14	21

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 20
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,748
• Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 12-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:17. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 4:24. OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 29-yard field goal, 0:57. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:20. Second quarter OAK – Chaz Schilens 11-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 9:10. Raiders 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:50. OAK – Michael Bush 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 1:20. Raiders 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:22. OAK – Carson Palmer 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:08. Raiders 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 1:06. Third quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 26-yard field goal, 0:51. Raiders 27–7. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 3:27. Fourth quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 26-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:52. Raiders 27–14. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 0:59. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:08. Raiders 27–21. Drive: 2 plays, 38 yards, 0:50. Top passers OAK – Carson Palmer – 17/23, 164 yards, TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 19/33, 211 yards, 2 TD Top rushers OAK – Michael Bush – 30 rushes, 109 yards, TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 5 rushes, 71 yards Top receivers OAK – Darrius Heyward-Bey – 4 rec, 43 yards MIN – Percy Harvin – 6 rec, 73 yards, TD

With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 2–8.

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	7	7	14
Falcons	7	10	0	7	24

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: November 27
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 68,115
• Referee: Alberto Riveron (57)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter ATL – Harry Douglas 27-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:08. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:39. Second quarter ATL – Roddy White 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:04. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 6:01. ATL – Matt Bryant 37-yard field goal, 0:37. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 1:23. Third quarter MIN – Toby Gerhart 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:58. Falcons 17–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:53. Fourth quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 39-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:13. Falcons 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 36 yards, 0:52. ATL – Michael Palmer 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:40. Falcons 24–14. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 3:59. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 17/25, 186 yards, TD ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/34, 262 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Toby Gerhart – 17 rushes, 44 yards, TD ATL – Michael Turner – 19 rushes, 60 yards Top receivers MIN – Percy Harvin – 8 rec, 95 yards, TD ATL – Roddy White – 10 rec, 120 yards, TD

With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 2–9, and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. The loss also guaranteed that the Vikings would finish in 4th place in the NFC North for the second straight season.

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	7	0	14	14	35
Vikings	5	10	7	10	32

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 4
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,939
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Willis McGahee tackled in end zone by Jared Allen for a safety, 12:39. Vikings 2–0. DEN – Mario Haggan 16-yard interception return (Matt Prater kick), 5:42. Broncos 7–2. MIN – Ryan Longwell 40-yard field goal, 1:24. Broncos 7–5. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 2:21. Second quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 19-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:33. Vikings 12–7. Drive: 12 plays, 96 yards, 5:57. MIN – Ryan Longwell 25-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 15–7. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 0:39. Third quarter DEN – Demaryius Thomas 21-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Matt Prater kick), 11:18. Vikings 15–14. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:42. MIN – Percy Harvin 52-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:12. Vikings 22–14. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 3:23. DEN – Demaryius Thomas 41-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Matt Prater kick), 2:48. Vikings 22–21. Drive: 1 play, 41 yards, 0:24. Fourth quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 48-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:41. Vikings 29–21. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 1:36. DEN – Willis McGahee 24-yard run (Tim Tebow run), 8:52. Tied 29–29. Drive: 2 plays, 66 yards, 0:49. MIN – Ryan Longwell 39-yard field goal, 3:06. Vikings 32–29. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 5:46. DEN – Matt Prater 46-yard field goal, 1:33. Tied 32–32. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 1:33. DEN – Matt Prater 23-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 35–32. Drive: 6 plays, 10 yards, 1:25. Top passers DEN – Tim Tebow – 10/15, 202 yards, 2 TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 29/47, 381 yards, 3 TD Top rushers DEN – Willis McGahee – 20 rushes, 111 yards, TD MIN – Toby Gerhart – 21 rushes, 91 yards Top receivers DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 4 rec, 144 yards, 2 TD MIN – Percy Harvin – 8 rec, 156 yards, 2 TD

With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 2–10 and the team had been swept by the AFC West.

Week 14: at Detroit Lions

Week Fourteen: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	7	7	28
Lions	21	10	0	3	34

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: December 11
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,988
• Referee: John Parry (132)
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter DET – Stephen Tulloch fumble recovery in end zone (Jason Hanson kick), 12:56. Lions 7–0. DET – Titus Young 57-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 9:45. Lions 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 53 yards, 1:43. DET – Brandon Pettigrew 12-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 5:54. Lions 21–0. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 1:52. MIN – Visanthe Shiancoe 7-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:51. Lions 21–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:03. Second quarter DET – Alphonso Smith 30-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 12:33. Lions 28–7. MIN – Percy Harvin 6-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:36. Lions 28–14. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:57. DET – Jason Hanson 30-yard field goal, 1:05. Lions 31–14. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:15. Third quarter MIN – Joe Webb 65-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:21. Lions 31–21. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 3:41. Fourth quarter DET – Jason Hanson 26-yard field goal, 12:17. Lions 34–21. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 7:04. MIN – Toby Gerhart 2-yard pass from Joe Webb (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:54. Lions 34–28. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 4:23. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 11/21, 115 yards, 2 TD DET – Matthew Stafford – 20/29, 227 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Joe Webb – 7 rushes, 109 yards, TD DET – Keiland Williams – 12 rushes, 43 yards Top receivers MIN – Percy Harvin – 10 rec, 69 yards, TD DET – Titus Young – 4 rec, 87 yards, TD

With the loss, the Vikings dropped to 2–11 and were swept by the Lions for the first time since 1997.

Week 15: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	7	14	14	7	42
Vikings	3	10	0	7	20

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 18
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,623
• Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 44-yard field goal, 12:20. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:20. NO – Lance Moore 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 2:51. Saints 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 5:36. Second quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 49-yard field goal, 13:13. Saints 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, −10 yards, 1:09. NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 10:04. Saints 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 3:09. MIN – Toby Gerhart 10-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:59. Saints 14–13. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 3:05. NO – Darren Sproles 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 1:33. Saints 21–13. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:26. Third quarter NO – John Gilmore 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 12:15. Saints 28–13. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:44. NO – Lance Moore 47-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 10:18. Saints 35–13. Drive: 3 plays, 53 yards, 0:56. Fourth quarter NO – Pierre Thomas 1-yard run (John Kasay kick), 12:50. Saints 42–13. Drive: 19 plays, 87 yards, 10:36. MIN – Toby Gerhart 16-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:12. Saints 42–20. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:13. Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 32/40, 412 yards, 5 TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 14/31, 120 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NO – Chris Ivory – 18 rushes, 74 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 10 rushes, 60 yards Top receivers NO – Marques Colston – 8 rec, 91 yards MIN – Toby Gerhart – 4 rec, 46 yards, 2 TD

Week 16: at Washington Redskins

Week Sixteen: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	7	13	10	33
Redskins	0	10	10	6	26

at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: 45 °F (7 °C) Sunny
• Game attendance: 68,370
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, 7:11. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:23. Second quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:56. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 5:52. WAS – Donté Stallworth 5-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Graham Gano kick), 10:46. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 4:10. WAS – Graham Gano 26-yard field goal, 1:02. Tied 10–10. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:34. Third quarter WAS – Graham Gano 53-yard field goal, 10:40. Redskins 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 4 yards, 2:39. MIN – Joe Webb 9-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:23. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:17. WAS – Jabar Gaffney 4-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Graham Gano kick), 5:57. Redskins 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:26. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 17-yard pass from Joe Webb (kick missed), 2:41. Vikings 23–20. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 3:16. Fourth quarter WAS – Graham Gano 25-yard field goal, 12:41. Tied 23–23. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:00. MIN – Percy Harvin 8-yard pass from Joe Webb (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:06. Vikings 30–23. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:35. MIN – Ryan Longwell 23-yard field goal, 4:05. Vikings 33–23. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:27. WAS – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 1:25. Vikings 33–26. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 2:40. Top passers MIN – Joe Webb – 4/5, 84 yards, 2 TD WAS – Rex Grossman – 26/41, 284 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Toby Gerhart – 11 rushes, 109 yards WAS – Evan Royster – 19 rushes, 132 yards Top receivers MIN – Percy Harvin – 5 rec, 65 yards, TD WAS – Jabar Gaffney – 6 rec, 77 yards, TD

Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Seventeen: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	14	0	3	17
Vikings	10	3	0	0	13

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: January 1
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,867
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
• Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 8:53. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 3:38. MIN – Percy Harvin 5-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:42. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 0:43. Second quarter CHI – Roy Williams 22-yard pass from Josh McCown (Robbie Gould kick), 14:19. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 90 yards, 4:23. CHI – Charles Tillman 22-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), 13:37. Bears 14–10. MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 0:55. Bears 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 3:17. Third quarter None. Fourth quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 27-yard field goal, 10:19. Bears 17–13. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 7:19. Top passers CHI – Josh McCown – 15/25, 160 yards, TD MIN – Joe Webb – 17/32, 200 yards Top rushers CHI – Kahlil Bell – 17 rushes, 54 yards MIN – Toby Gerhart – 15 rushes, 67 yards Top receivers CHI – Roy Williams – 4 rec, 60 yards, TD MIN – Percy Harvin – 10 rec, 115 yards

With the loss, the Vikings finished the season at 3–13 and also 0–6 against division rivals.

Standings

NFC North
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(1) Green Bay Packers	15	1	0	.938	6–0	12–0	560	359	W2
(6) Detroit Lions	10	6	0	.625	3–3	6–6	474	387	L1
Chicago Bears	8	8	0	.500	3–3	7–5	353	341	W1
Minnesota Vikings	3	13	0	.188	0–6	3–9	340	449	L1

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Value
Passing Yards	Christian Ponder	1,853
Passing Touchdowns	Christian Ponder	13
Rushing Yards	Adrian Peterson	970
Rushing Touchdowns	Adrian Peterson	12
Receiving Yards	Percy Harvin	967
Receiving Touchdowns	Percy Harvin	6
Points	Ryan Longwell	104
Kickoff Return Yards	Percy Harvin	520
Punt Return Yards	Marcus Sherels	277
Tackles	Chad Greenway	154
Sacks	Jared Allen	22.0 *
Interceptions	Jamarca Sanford	2
Forced Fumbles	Jared Allen	4

• Vikings single season record.

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 32)
Passing Offense	2,957 Yards	184.8 YPG	28th
Rushing Offense	2,318 Yards	144.9 YPG	4th
Total Offense	5,275 Yards	329.7 YPG	18th
Passing Defense	4,019 Yards	251.2 YPG	26th
Rushing Defense	1,712 Yards	107.0 YPG	11th
Total Defense	5,731 Yards	358.2 YPG	12th

Personnel

Coaching staff

Minnesota Vikings 2011 staff
	Front Office Owner/Chairman – Zygi Wilf Owner/President – Mark Wilf Owner/Vice Chairman – Leonard Wilf Vice President of Football Operations – Rob Brzezinski Vice President of Player Personnel – Rick Spielman Director of Player Personnel – George Paton Director of College Scouting – Scott Studwell Assistant Director of College Scouting – Jamaal Stephenson Head Coaches Head Coach – Leslie Frazier Offensive Coaches Offensive Coordinator – Bill Musgrave Quarterbacks – Craig Johnson Assistant Quarterbacks – Kevin Stefanski Running Backs – James Saxon Wide Receivers – George Stewart Assistant Wide Receivers – Ryan Ficken Tight Ends – Jimmie Johnson Offensive Line – Jeff Davidson Assistant Offensive Line – Ryan Silverfield			Defensive Coaches Defensive Coordinator – Fred Pagac Defensive Line – Karl Dunbar Assistant Defensive Line – Diron Reynolds Special Assistant to Head Coach/Linebackers – Mike Singletary Assistant Linebackers – Jeff Imamura Defensive Backs – Joe Woods Assistant Defensive Backs – Matt Sheldon Special Teams Coaches Special Teams Coordinator – Mike Priefer Assistant Special Teams – Chris White Strength and Conditioning Head Strength and Conditioning – Tom Kanavy Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Juney Barnett Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Martin Streight

Final roster

2011 Minnesota Vikings final roster

	Quarterbacks  7 Christian Ponder 18 Sage Rosenfels 14 Joe Webb Running backs 27 Lorenzo Booker KR 44 Ryan D'Imperio FB 32 Toby Gerhart 38 Caleb King 29 Jordan Todman Wide receivers 16 Emmanuel Arceneaux 19 Devin Aromashodu 85 Greg Camarillo 12 Percy Harvin KR Tight ends 40 Jim Kleinsasser FB 82 Kyle Rudolph 81 Visanthe Shiancoe 86 Mickey Shuler, Jr.		Offensive linemen 61 Joe Berger C 79 Patrick Brown T 63 Brandon Fusco C 64 Anthony Herrera G 74 Charlie Johnson G/T 71 Phil Loadholt T 75 DeMarcus Love T 65 John Sullivan C Defensive linemen 69 Jared Allen DE 92 Remi Ayodele DT 99 Christian Ballard DT 90 Fred Evans DT 97 Everson Griffen DE 98 Letroy Guion DT 91 D'Aundre Reed DE 96 Brian Robison DE 93 Kevin Williams DT		Linebackers 57 Xavier Adibi MLB 51 Larry Dean MLB 52 Chad Greenway OLB 56 E. J. Henderson MLB 50 Erin Henderson OLB 55 Kenny Onatolu OLB Defensive backs 21 Asher Allen CB 36 Brandon Burton CB 31 Chris Cook CB 37 Eric Frampton SS 23 Cedric Griffin CB 24 Jarrad Page SS 41 Mistral Raymond FS 33 Jamarca Sanford SS 22 Benny Sapp CB 34 Andrew Sendejo FS 35 Marcus Sherels CB/PR Special teams 48 Matt Katula LS  4 Chris Kluwe P  8 Ryan Longwell K		Reserve lists 39 Husain Abdullah FS (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 54 Jasper Brinkley MLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 11 Stephen Burton WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 76 Steve Hutchinson G (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 84 Michael Jenkins WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 25 Tyrell Johnson SS (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 73 Scott Kooistra OT (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 46 Cullen Loeffler LS (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 28 Adrian Peterson RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 26 Antoine Winfield CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) Practice squad 17 Kris Adams WR 72 Chris DeGeare G 20 Reggie Jones CB 68 Butch Lewis G 59 Tyrone McKenzie MLB 89 Allen Reisner TE 15 Kerry Taylor WR Rookies in italics 53 active, 10 inactive, 7 practice squad