- 2008 Minnesota Vikings season
Infobox NFL_season
team = Minnesota Vikings
year = 2008
record = 2-3
division_place = 3rdNFC North
coach =Brad Childress
stadium =Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
playoffs = TBDThe 2008Minnesota Vikings season is the franchise's 48th season in the NFL. This is the third season for the team under the direction of head coachBrad Childress . They will look to improve upon their 8-8 record from 2007.Offseason
Player and Personnel Moves
Releases and Injuries
On
February 11 , it was announced thatdefensive end Kenechi Udeze had be diagnosed by doctors with a form ofLeukemia .KMSP-TV (Ch. 9) also reported that Udeze is at Fairview Southdale Hospital undergoing tests and that he was at theMayo Clinic in Rochester the week before. [cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/15534342.html |title= Reports: Vikings' Udeze has leukemia |accessdate=2008-02-12|publisher=StarTribune.com] Udeze is expected to be out for the 2008 season.On
February 20 , the team releasedfree safety Dwight Smith after two somewhat controversial seasons with the Vikings in which Smith had several run-ins with the law [ [http://www.startribune.com/sports/15823967.html Vikings release free safety Smith ] ] . He was due to receive $2.5 million and a $500,000 roster bonus this season.On
February 27 , the team released backupquarterback Kelly Holcomb . [ [http://sfo.scout.com/a.z?s=69&p=2&c=732639 Scout.com: Vikings Release Holcomb ] ]On
February 29 , the team tradedwide receiver Troy Williamson to theJacksonville Jaguars for a sixth round draft pick in the 2008 draft [http://www.twincities.com/ci_8400535] and linebackerDontarrious Thomas left the team to join theSan Francisco 49ers . [ [http://www.nfl.com/teams/sanfrancisco49ers/transactions?transactionWeek=03%2F02%2F2008&team=SF San Francisco 49ers Transactions ] ]On
March 1 , the Viking's formerdefensive tackle Spencer Johnson joined theBuffalo Bills . [ [http://www.nfl.com/teams/buffalobills/transactions?transactionWeek=03%2F02%2F2008&team=BUF Buffalo Bills Transactions ] ]On
March 3 ,free agent running back Mewelde Moore left the team to join thePittsburgh Steelers . [ [http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_555322.html Steelers sign RB Mewelde Moore to a three-year contract. - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ] ]On
March 7 , safetyTank Williams joined theNew England Patriots and fullback Tony Richardson joined theNew York Jets . [ [http://gnb.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=735139 Scout.com: Fullback Richardson Goes To Jets ] ]ignings and extensions
On February 29, the team signed safety
Madieu Williams , formerly of theCincinnati Bengals and fullbackThomas Tapeh , formerly of thePhiladelphia Eagles . [ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gS4OgGWqjnvsZyCXugTUHL6B3XLwD8V45HR81 The Associated Press: Vikes Woo Berrian, Add Fullback, Safety ] ]On
March 1 , the team signed wide receiverBernard Berrian , formerly of theChicago Bears . [ [http://www.vikings.com/NewsArticle_BerrianSigns_030108.aspx Vikings : News Article ] ]On
March 4 , running back andspecial teams specialistMaurice Hicks , formerly of theSan Francisco 49ers , signed a three year contract to join the team. [ [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-03-04-1999809113_x.htm Vikings sign ex-49ers RB/KR Maurice Hicks to 3-year contract - USATODAY.com ] ]On
March 14 , the team signed linebacker and special-teams standoutDerrick Pope , formerly of theMiami Dolphins . [ [http://min.scout.com/2/737508.html Scout.com: Vikings Sign Pope, DE Visiting ] ]On
March 17 , the Vikings signed formerSeattle Seahawks defensive tackleEllis Wyms , and re-signed wide receiver Robert Ferguson; all to 1 year contracts. [ [http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d807445ab&template=without-video&confirm=true Vikings agree to terms with Ferguson, Wyms and Sartz ] ]On
March 20 andMarch 21 ,Houston Texans safetyMichael Boulware and formerGreen Bay Packers career backup defensive tackleKenderick Allen to one-year contracts. [http://www.twincities.com/ci_8643667]On
March 24 ,restricted free agent linebackerHeath Farwell was re-resigned to a one-year contract. Also, on the next day, the team signed formerKansas City Chiefs cornerback Benny Sapp to a one-year contract. [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/25/sports/FBN-Vikings-Moves.php Vikings ink LB Farwell, CB Sapp to one-year deals - International Herald Tribune ] ]On
April 8 , former Vikings backup quarterbackGus Frerotte rejoined the team on a one-year contract. [ [http://www.nfl.com/teams/minnesotavikings/transactions?team=MIN Minnesota Vikings Transactions ] ]On
April 23 , Kansas City Chiefsdefensive end Jared Allen , signed a six-year contract with the Vikings in a trade that gave the Chiefs the Viking's 2008 first-round and both third-round draft picks. The trade may also involve the swapping of 2008 sixth round draft picks with Kansas City. [ [http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d807eb389&template=with-video&confirm=true Chiefs agree to send Allen to Vikings for three draft picks ] ]On
July 22 , TheMinnesota Vikings signed their fifth-round Pick, C Letroy Guion, and their seventh-round pick WR Jaymar Johnson. [ [http://www.nfl.com/teams/minnesotavikings/transactions?team=MIN Guion and Johnson Signed ] ]eptember Depth Chart
Offense
Regular season
Division Standings
chedule
*The Vikings ranked 4th in the NFL in strength of schedule this season [ [http://www.theredzone.org/strength.asp 2008 NFL Strength Of Schedule ] ]
*NBC Sunday Night Football games are subject to change with notice during weeks 11-16
*The Vikings are currently at the top of the list in Fantasy Football according to NFL.comRegular Season Results
Week 1: at Green Bay Packers
Linescore Amfootball
Road=Vikings
R1=0
R2=3
R3=3
R4=13
RT=19
Home=Packers
H1=0
H2=10
H3=7
H4=7
HT=24"atLambeau Field ,Green Bay, Wisconsin "
* Game time: 7:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 58°F (Mostly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 71,004
* Referee:Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (ESPN ):Mike Tirico ,Ron Jaworski ,Tony Kornheiser &Michele Tafoya The Vikings began their 2008 campaign on the road against their NFC North foe, the
Green Bay Packers , in the first game of 2008'sMonday Night Football doubleheader. After a scoreless first quarter, the Vikings attacked first with kickerRyan Longwell getting a 37-yard field goal. The Packers responded with QBAaron Rodgers completing a 1-yard TD pass to FBKorey Hall , along with kickerMason Crosby getting a 42-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Vikes tried to catch up as Longwell got a 27-yard field goal, but Green Bay replied with CB/PRWill Blackmon returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as QBTarvaris Jackson completed a 23-yard TD pass to WRSidney Rice (with a failed 2-point conversion), yet the Packers responded with Rodgers getting a 1-yard TD run. The Vikes would reply with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 3-yard TD run, but their final rally ended in an interception.With the loss, not only did the Vikings begin their season at 0-1, but Head Coach
Brad Childress fell to 0-5 against the Packers in his coaching career. In the first half, Minnesota was widely outgained in passing yards 139-6.Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Linescore Amfootball
Road=Colts
R1=0
R2=0
R3=7
R4=11
RT=18
Home=Vikings
H1=6
H2=3
H3=6
H4=0
HT=15"at
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome ,Minneapolis, Minnesota "
* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: None (Domed Stadium)
* TV announcers (CBS):Greg Gumbel &Dan Dierdorf
* Game attendance: 63,585
* Referee:Gene Steratore Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Packers, the Vikings played their Week 2 home opener against the
Indianapolis Colts . In the first half, kickerRyan Longwell helped Minnesota take the early lead with a 45-yard and a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter, along with a 53-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Vikes increased its lead with Longwell getting a 46-yard and a 28-yard field goal. However, the Colts responded with RBJoseph Addai getting a 1-yard TD run. In th fourth quarter, Indianapolis continued to gain ground as QBPeyton Manning completed a 32-yard TD pass to WRReggie Wayne , followed by a 2-point conversion run by RBDominic Rhodes . Later, the Colts sealed the win with kickerAdam Vinatieri nailing the game-winning 47-yard field goal.With the loss, the Vikings fell to 0-2.
Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers
Linescore Amfootball
Road=Panthers
R1=3
R2=7
R3=0
R4=0
RT=10
Home=Vikings
H1=0
H2=10
H3=7
H4=3
HT=20"atHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome ,Minneapolis, Minnesota "
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST
* Game weather: None (Domed Stadium)
* Game attendance: 62,628
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (FOX):Ron Pitts ,Tony Boselli , &Charissa Thompson "'Trying to avoid an 0-3 start, the Vikings stayed at home for a Week 3 duel with the
Carolina Panthers . Due to a poor performance, QBTarvaris Jackson was benched in favor of veteran QBGus Frerotte .In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Panthers kicker
John Kasay got a 43-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Carolina increased its lead with RBJonathan Stewart getting a 2-yard TD run. The Vikes would respond with kickerRyan Longwell getting a 28-yard field goal, along with CBAntoine Winfield returning a fumble 19-yards for a touchdown, the key play in the Viking victory. In the third quarter, the Vikings got the lead as Frerotte completed a 34-yard TD pass to TEVisanthe Shiancoe . In the fourth quarter, Minnesota sealed its victory with Longwell nailing a 32-yard field goal.With the win, the Vikings improved to 1-2.
Week 4: at Tennessee Titans
Linescore Amfootball
Road=Vikings
R1=0
R2=10
R3=0
R4=7
RT=17
Home=Titans
H1=10
H2=10
H3=3
H4=7
HT=30"atLP Field ,Nashville, Tennessee "
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 78°F (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 69,143
* Referee:Peter Morelli
* TV announcers (FOX):Matt Vasgersian , J.C. Pearson, &Nischelle Turner Coming off their home win over the Panthers, the Vikings flew to
LP Field for a Week 4 interconference duel with theTennessee Titans . In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Titans kickerRob Bironas got a 20-yard field goal, while RB Chris Johnson got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Vikes responded with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 28-yard TD run. However, Tennessee responded with Bironas kicking a 32-yard field goal, along with RBLenDale White getting a 1-yard TD run. The Vikings closed out the half with kickerRyan Longwell getting a 42-yard field goal.In the third quarter, the Titans increased their lead with Bironas nailing a 49-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota tried to rally as Peterson got a 3-yard TD run, but Tennessee pulled away with Johnson's 6-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 1-3.
Week 5: at New Orleans Saints
Linescore Amfootball
Road=Vikings
R1=10
R2=10
R3=0
R4=10
RT=30
Home=Saints
H1=10
H2=0
H3=7
H4=10
HT=27"atLouisiana Superdome ,New Orleans, Louisiana "
* Game time: 8:30 PM EST
* Game weather: None (Domed Stadium)
* Game attendance: 70,015
* Referee:Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (ESPN):Mike Tirico ,Ron Jaworski ,Tony Kornheiser ,Michele Tafoya , &Suzy Kolber Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Titans, the Vikings flew to the
Louisiana Superdome for a Week 5 Monday Night duel with theNew Orleans Saints . In the game, QBGus Frerotte was making his first MNF start since 1997 (when he was with theWashington Redskins ).In the first quarter, the Vikes trailed early as Saints QB
Drew Brees completed a 17-yard TD pass to WRDevery Henderson . Minnesota would respond with CBAntoine Winfield returning a blocked field goal 59 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans would answer with kickerMartín Gramática getting a 35-yard field goal, yet the Vikings replied with kickerRyan Longwell getting a 53-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead on a trick play as RBChester Taylor completed a 4-yard TD pass to TEVisanthe Shiancoe , along with Longwell kicking a 33-yard field goal.In the third quarter, the Saints began to rally as RB
Reggie Bush returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans took the lead with Gramática's 53-yard field goal and Bush's 64-yard punt return for a touchdown. Afterwards, Minnesota answered with Frerotte completing a 33-yard TD pass to WRBernard Berrian , along with Longwell nailing the game-winning 30-yard field goal.With the win, the Vikings improved to 2-3.
Antoine Winfield had a big game. In addition to his touchdown off of a blocked field goal, he had 8 tackles and a sack (with a forced fumble recovery).
This was also the first time in NFL history that a game had a combination of a blocked field goal, a TD pass by a non-quarterback, two field goals of 50+ yards, and two punts returned for touchdowns.
Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions
Linescore Amfootball
Road=Lions
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
RT=
Home=Vikings
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=
HT=
* Game site:Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome ,Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT / 12:00 PM CDT
* Game weather: None (Domed Stadium)
* Game attendance:
* Referee:
* TV announcers: (FOX):Ron Pitts ,Tony Boselli , &Laura Okmin References
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