From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base
1971 Minnesota Vikings season
NFL team season
NFL team season
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| team | Minnesota Vikings |
| year | 1971 |
| record | 11–3 |
| division_place | 1st NFC Central |
| coach | Bud Grant |
| general manager | Jim Finks |
| stadium | Metropolitan Stadium |
| playoffs | Lost [Divisional Playoffs](1971-72-nfl-playoffs) |
| (vs. [Cowboys](1971-dallas-cowboys-season)) 12–20 | |
| pro bowlers | DE Carl Eller |
| WR Bob Grim | |
| S Paul Krause | |
| DT Alan Page | |
| T Ron Yary | |
| AP All-pros | DE Carl Eller (1st team) |
| DT Alan Page (1st team) | |
| T Ron Yary (1st team) | |
| uniform | File:Vikings1970-74.png |
| shortnavlink | Vikings seasons |
(vs. Cowboys) 12–20 WR Bob Grim S Paul Krause DT Alan Page T Ron Yary | AP All-pros = DE Carl Eller (1st team) DT Alan Page (1st team) T Ron Yary (1st team) The 1971 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 11th in the National Football League (NFL). They finished with an 11–3 record to win the NFC Central title and return to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season; however, they lost 20–12 at home to the eventual Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round.
In 2007, ESPN.com ranked the 1971 Vikings as the fourth-greatest defense in NFL history, saying, "Considering that their motto was 'Meet at the quarterback,' it's no surprise that the Purple People Eaters held opposing QBs to a 40.4 rating, one of the lowest ever." ESPN also noted that the 1971 Vikings "shut out three opponents, and only one team scored more than 20 points against them. As a result, Alan Page became the first defensive player to ever be named NFL MVP. Carl Eller, Jim Marshall and safety Paul Krause joined Page on the All-Pro team."
Offseason
1971 draft
Main article: 1971 NFL draft
| Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | 1971 Minnesota Vikings Draft | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Draft order | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Player name | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Position | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | College | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Notes | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Round | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Selection | 1 | 24 | 2 | 50 | 3 | 76 | 4 | 102 | 5 | 128 | 6 | 154 | 7 | 180 | 8 | 208 | 9 | 232 | 10 | 258 | 11 | 284 | 12 | 310 | 13 | 336 | 14 | 362 | 15 | 388 | 16 | 413 | 17 | 439 | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo Hayden | Running back | [Ohio State](1970-ohio-state-buckeyes-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ***Traded to the [Philadelphia Eagles](1971-philadelphia-eagles-season)*** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eddie Hackett | Wide receiver | [Alcorn A&M](1970-alcorn-a-m-braves-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vince Clements | Running back | [Connecticut](1970-connecticut-huskies-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ***Traded to the [Pittsburgh Steelers](1971-pittsburgh-steelers-season)*** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ***Traded to the [Philadelphia Eagles](1971-philadelphia-eagles-season)*** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gene Mack | Linebacker | [UTEP](1970-utep-miners-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| John Farley | Defensive end | Johnson C. Smith | Originally [Colts](1971-baltimore-colts-season) pick | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tim Sullivan | Running back | [Iowa](1970-iowa-hawkeyes-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chris Morris | Guard | [Indiana](1970-indiana-hoosiers-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mike Walker | Linebacker | [Tulane](1970-tulane-green-wave-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reggie Holmes | Defensive back | Stout State | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benny Fry | Center | [Houston](1970-houston-cougars-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jim Gallagher | Linebacker | [Yale](1970-yale-bulldogs-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jeff Wright | Safety | [Minnesota](1970-minnesota-golden-gophers-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Greg Edmonds | Wide receiver | [Penn State](1970-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-team) | Originally [49ers](1971-san-francisco-49ers-season) pick | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ken Duncan | Punter | [Tulsa](1970-tulsa-golden-hurricane-football-team) | Originally [49ers](1971-san-francisco-49ers-season) pick |
Notes
Roster
|
CB/SS
Preseason
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 8 | [New England Patriots](1971-new-england-patriots-season) | **W** 17–10 | 1–0 | Memorial Stadium (Minneapolis) | 31,813 | |||||||
| August 14 | at [San Diego Chargers](1971-san-diego-chargers-season) | **W** 34–7 | 2–0 | San Diego Stadium | 49,267 | |||||||
| August 21 | [Chicago Bears](1971-chicago-bears-season) | **W** 34–14 | 3–0 | Metropolitan Stadium | 47,900 | |||||||
| August 28 | at [Pittsburgh Steelers](1971-pittsburgh-steelers-season) | **W** 26–21 | 4–0 | Three Rivers Stadium | 46,276 | |||||||
| September 4 | at [Denver Broncos](1971-denver-broncos-season) | **L** 7–14 | 4–1 | Mile High Stadium | 43,000 | |||||||
| September 11 | [Miami Dolphins](1971-miami-dolphins-season) | **W** 24–0 | 5–1 | Metropolitan Stadium | 47,990 |
Regular season
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 20 | at **[Detroit Lions](1971-detroit-lions-season)** | **W** 16–13 | 1–0 | Tiger Stadium | 54,418 | |||||||||||||||
| September 26 | **[Chicago Bears](1971-chicago-bears-season)** | **L** 17–20 | 1–1 | Metropolitan Stadium | 47,900 | |||||||||||||||
| October 3 | [Buffalo Bills](1971-buffalo-bills-season) | **W** 19–0 | 2–1 | Metropolitan Stadium | 47,900 | |||||||||||||||
| October 10 | at [Philadelphia Eagles](1971-philadelphia-eagles-season) | **W** 13–0 | 3–1 | Veterans Stadium | 65,358 | |||||||||||||||
| October 17 | at **[Green Bay Packers](1971-green-bay-packers-season)** | **W** 24–13 | 4–1 | Lambeau Field | 56,263 | |||||||||||||||
| October 25 | [Baltimore Colts](1971-baltimore-colts-season) | **W** 10–3 | 5–1 | Metropolitan Stadium | 49,784 | |||||||||||||||
| October 31 | at [New York Giants](1971-new-york-giants-season) | **W** 17–10 | 6–1 | Yankee Stadium | 62,829 | |||||||||||||||
| November 7 | [San Francisco 49ers](1971-san-francisco-49ers-season) | **L** 9–13 | 6–2 | Metropolitan Stadium | 49,784 | |||||||||||||||
| November 14 | **[Green Bay Packers](1971-green-bay-packers-season)** | **W** 3–0 | 7–2 | Metropolitan Stadium | 49,784 | |||||||||||||||
| November 21 | at [New Orleans Saints](1971-new-orleans-saints-season) | **W** 23–10 | 8–2 | Tulane Stadium | 83,130 | |||||||||||||||
| November 28 | [Atlanta Falcons](1971-atlanta-falcons-season) | **W** 24–7 | 9–2 | Metropolitan Stadium | 49,784 | |||||||||||||||
| December 5 | at [San Diego Chargers](1971-san-diego-chargers-season) | **L** 14–30 | 9–3 | San Diego Stadium | 54,505 | |||||||||||||||
| December 11 | **[Detroit Lions](1971-detroit-lions-season)** | **W** 29–10 | 10–3 | Metropolitan Stadium | 49,784 | |||||||||||||||
| December 19 | at **[Chicago Bears](1971-chicago-bears-season)** | **W** 27–10 | 11–3 | Soldier Field | 55,049 |
Game summaries
Week 6: vs. Baltimore Colts
First quarter
- MIN – Dave Osborn 2-yard run (Fred Cox kick). Vikings 7–0. Second quarter
- No scoring plays. Third quarter
- MIN – Fred Cox 32-yard field goal. Vikings 10–0. Fourth quarter
- BAL – Jim O'Brien 40-yard field goal. Vikings 10–3. Top passers
- BAL – Earl Morrall – 16/27, 148 yards, 3 INT
- MIN – Gary Cuozzo – 7/15, 110 yards, INT Top rushers
- BAL – Norm Bulaich – 18 rushes, 83 yards
- MIN – Dave Osborn – 13 rushes, 42 yards, TD Top receivers
- BAL – Norm Bulaich – 6 receptions, 62 yards
- MIN – Stu Voigt – 3 receptions, 60 yards
Standings
Postseason
| Round | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divisional | December 25 | [Dallas Cowboys](1971-dallas-cowboys-season) | **L** 12–20 | Metropolitan Stadium | 47,307 |
Awards, records, and honors
All-Pros
First team
- OT Ron Yary (AP, NEA, PFWA, PFW)
- DE Carl Eller (AP, NEA, PFWA, PFW)
- DT Alan Page (AP, NEA, PFWA, PFW)
- S Paul Krause (NEA)
Pro Bowlers
- WR Bob Grim
- OT Ron Yary
- DE Carl Eller
- DT Alan Page
- S Paul Krause
League leaders
- Bob Lee – Most punts (89), most punting yards (3515)
- Charlie West – Longest interception return (89 yards)
- Alan Page – Most safeties (2)
Statistics
Team leaders
| Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Category | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Player(s) | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | Gary Cuozzo | 842 | |||||||||
| Passing touchdowns | Gary Cuozzo | 6 | |||||||||
| Rushing yards | Clint Jones | 675 | |||||||||
| Rushing touchdowns | Dave Osborn | 5 | |||||||||
| Receiving yards | Bob Grim | 691 | |||||||||
| Receiving touchdowns | Bob Grim | 7 | |||||||||
| Points | Fred Cox | 91 | |||||||||
| Kickoff return yards | Charlie West | 556 | |||||||||
| Punt return yards | Charlie West | 94 | |||||||||
| Interceptions | Charlie West | 7 |
League rankings
| Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Category | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Total yards | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | Yards per game | Minnesota Vikings | year=1971 | border=2}}" | NFL rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (out of 26) | Total offense | 3,350 | 239.3 | 23rd | Total defense | 3,406 | 243.3 | 2nd | |||||||
| Passing offense | 1,655 | 118.2 | 25th | ||||||||||||
| Rushing offense | 1,695 | 121.1 | 17th | ||||||||||||
| Passing defense | 1,806 | 129.0 | 3rd | ||||||||||||
| Rushing defense | 1,600 | 114.3 | 6th |
References
References
- [https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/bestNFLdefense.html The List: Best NFL defense of all-time, 2007]
- "1971 Minnesota Vikings (NFL) - Pro Football Archives".
This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.
Ask Mako anything about 1971 Minnesota Vikings season — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.
Research with MakoFree with your Surf account
Create a free account to save articles, ask Mako questions, and organize your research.
Sign up freeThis content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.
Report