2011 Minnesota Vikings season

2011 Minnesota Vikings season
Head coach Leslie Frazier
Owner Zygi Wilf
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

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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 303
Titans 0 14 0014

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

Game information
1st Quarter
  • None.
2nd Quarter
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
Rushing
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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 6 0720
Seahawks 0 0 077

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information
1st Quarter
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
Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Preseason Week 3: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cowboys 3 14 3323
Vikings 7 3 7017

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

Game information
1st Quarter
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
Rushing
Receiving

Week 4: vs. Houston Texans

Preseason Week 4: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 0 0 000
Vikings 0 7 71428

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

Game information
1st Quarter
  • None.
2nd Quarter
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
Rushing
Receiving

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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 10 0017
Chargers 7 0 71024

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 0 101424
Vikings 7 10 0320

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

Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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

Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions

Week Three: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Lions 0 0 1013326
Vikings 6 14 03023

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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 3717
Chiefs 3 6 6722

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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

Week 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Five: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 3 7010
Vikings 28 0 3334

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

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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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

Week 6: at Chicago Bears

Week Six: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 7010
Bears 16 10 10339

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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
1 2 34Total
Packers 7 6 20033
Vikings 7 10 01027

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

Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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

Week 8: at Carolina Panthers

Week Eight: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 7324
Panthers 0 14 7021

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
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
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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 707
Packers 14 3 141445

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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
1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 21 3027
Vikings 7 0 01421

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

Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
  • OAK – Michael Bush – 30 rushes, 109 yards, TD
  • MIN – Christian Ponder – 5 rushes, 71 yards
Top receivers

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

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 7714
Falcons 7 10 0724

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
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
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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
1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 141435
Vikings 5 10 71032

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
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 7728
Lions 21 10 0334

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
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 14 14742
Vikings 3 10 0720

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
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
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 16: at Washington Redskins

Week Sixteen: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 7 131033
Redskins 0 10 10626

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
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Seventeen: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 14 0317
Vikings 10 3 0013

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
Top rushers
Top receivers

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 6–6 474 397 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
TacklesChad Greenway 154
Sacks Jared Allen 22.0 *
Interceptions Jamarca Sanford 2
Forced Fumbles Jared Allen 4

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

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

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 10 Inactive, 7 Practice squad

Notes and references

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