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1988 Minnesota Vikings season
NFL team season
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NFL team season
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| team | Minnesota Vikings |
| year | 1988 |
| record | 11–5 |
| division_place | 2nd NFC Central |
| coach | Jerry Burns |
| general manager | Mike Lynn |
| stadium | Metrodome |
| playoffs | **Won [Wild Card Playoffs](1988-89-nfl-playoffs)** |
| (vs. [Rams](1988-los-angeles-rams-season)) 28–17 | |
| Lost [Divisional Playoffs](1988-89-nfl-playoffs) | |
| (at [49ers](1988-san-francisco-49ers-season)) 9–34 | |
| pro bowlers | S Joey Browner |
| WR Anthony Carter | |
| DE Chris Doleman | |
| TE Steve Jordan | |
| CB Carl Lee | |
| DT Keith Millard | |
| LB Scott Studwell | |
| QB Wade Wilson | |
| T Gary Zimmerman | |
| AP All-pros | S Joey Browner (1st team) |
| CB Carl Lee (1st team) | |
| DT Keith Millard (1st team) | |
| T Gary Zimmerman (1st team) | |
| uniform | File:Vikings1987-88.png |
| shortnavlink | Vikings seasons |
(vs. Rams) 28–17 Lost Divisional Playoffs (at 49ers) 9–34 WR Anthony Carter DE Chris Doleman TE Steve Jordan CB Carl Lee DT Keith Millard LB Scott Studwell QB Wade Wilson T Gary Zimmerman | AP All-pros = S Joey Browner (1st team) CB Carl Lee (1st team) DT Keith Millard (1st team) T Gary Zimmerman (1st team) The 1988 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 28th in the National Football League. They finished with an 11–5 record, and finished second to the Chicago Bears in the NFC Central division.
The Vikings had one of the best defenses in the NFL in 1988. The team allowed 4,091 total yards, 4.3 yards per play, and 243 first downs, all best in the league. The Vikings also had a league-best 53 takeaways. Opposing quarterbacks had a league-worst 41.2 passer rating against the Vikings' defense, the lowest total of the 1980s and fifth all-time for the Super Bowl era.
The Vikings made the postseason for the second consecutive time under coach Jerry Burns. They defeated the Los Angeles Rams 28–17 in the wildcard round, but lost 34–9 in the divisional round to the San Francisco 49ers, who went on to win their third Super Bowl. This was the last time the Vikings won a playoff game until 1997.
Offseason
1988 draft
Main article: 1988 NFL draft
| Hall of Famer |
|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | 1988 Minnesota Vikings Draft | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Draft order | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Player name | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Position | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | College | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Notes | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Round | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Selection | 1 | 19 | 2 | 45 | 54 | 3 | 71 | 4 | 97 | 108 | 5 | 124 | 6 | 156 | 164 | 7 | 183 | 8 | 210 | 9 | 237 | 10 | 264 | 11 | 296 | 12 | 323 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randall McDaniel | Guard | [Arizona State](1987-arizona-state-sun-devils-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ***Traded to the [Denver Broncos](1988-denver-broncos-season)*** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brad Edwards | Safety | [South Carolina](1987-south-carolina-gamecocks-football-team) | From [Broncos](1988-denver-broncos-season) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Al Noga | Defensive end | [Hawaii](1987-hawaii-rainbow-warriors-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ***Traded to the [New England Patriots](1988-new-england-patriots-season)*** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Todd Kalis | Guard | [Arizona State](1987-arizona-state-sun-devils-football-team) | From [Broncos](1988-denver-broncos-season) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Darrell Fullington | Safety | [Miami (FL)](1987-miami-hurricanes-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ***Traded to the [Miami Dolphins](1988-miami-dolphins-season)*** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derrick White | Defensive back | [Oklahoma](1987-oklahoma-sooners-football-team) | From [Broncos](1988-denver-broncos-season) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brad Beckman | Tight end | Nebraska–Omaha | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Joe Cain | Linebacker | Oregon Tech | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paul McGowan | Linebacker | [Florida State](1987-florida-state-seminoles-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brian Habib | Offensive tackle | [Washington](1987-washington-huskies-football-team) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Norman Floyd | Safety | [South Carolina](1987-south-carolina-gamecocks-football-team) | From Vikings, via [Patriots](1988-new-england-patriots-season) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ***Traded to the [New York Giants](1988-new-york-giants-season)*** |
Notes:
Supplemental draft
| Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Round | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Name | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Position | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | College | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Notes | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Bethea | Defensive back | [South Carolina](1988-south-carolina-gamecocks-football-team) | Resulted in forfeiture of [1989](1989-minnesota-vikings-season-1989-draft) fifth-round selection. |
Undrafted free agents
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Furlong | Guard | Wisconsin–Stevens Point |
| Mike Greenfield | Quarterback | Northwestern |
| Darryl Harris | Running back | Arizona State |
| Van Sheppard | Wide receiver | Nebraska |
| Reggie Ward | Wide receiver | Notre Dame |
Staff
- President – Wheelock Whitney, Jr.
- General manager – Mike Lynn
- Head coach – Jerry Burns
- Offensive coordinator – Bob Schnelker
- Receivers – Dick Rehbein
- Offensive assistant/wide receivers – Jerry Brown
- Running backs – John Brunner
- Offensive line – John Michels
- Defensive coordinator – Floyd Peters
- Defensive line – Paul Wiggin
- Linebackers – Monte Kiffin
- Defensive backs – Pete Carroll
- Special teams/tight ends – Tom Batta
Roster
- Reggie Rutland CB
None
Preseason
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | Notes | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7 | [New Orleans Saints](1988-new-orleans-saints-season) | **L** 20–23 | 0–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 47,624 | ||||||
| August 14 | [Chicago Bears](1988-chicago-bears-season) | **W** 28–21 | 1–1 | Ullevi Stadium (Gothenburg, Sweden) | 33,115 | **Volvo American Football Classic** | |||||
| August 21 | at [Phoenix Cardinals](1988-phoenix-cardinals-season) | **W** 19–16 (OT) | 2–1 | Sun Devil Stadium | 45,429 | ||||||
| August 26 | [Miami Dolphins](1988-miami-dolphins-season) | **W** 24–17 | 3–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 51,463 |
Regular season
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 4 | at [Buffalo Bills](1988-buffalo-bills-season) | **L** 10–13 | 0–1 | Rich Stadium | 76,783 | |||||||||||||||||
| September 11 | [New England Patriots](1988-new-england-patriots-season) | **W** 36–6 | 1–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 55,545 | |||||||||||||||||
| September 18 | at **[Chicago Bears](1988-chicago-bears-season)** | **W** 31–7 | 2–1 | Soldier Field | 63,990 | |||||||||||||||||
| September 25 | [Philadelphia Eagles](1988-philadelphia-eagles-season) | **W** 23–21 | 3–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 56,012 | |||||||||||||||||
| October 2 | at [Miami Dolphins](1988-miami-dolphins-season) | **L** 7–24 | 3–2 | Joe Robbie Stadium | 59,867 | |||||||||||||||||
| October 9 | **[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1988-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)** | **W** 14–13 | 4–2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 55,274 | |||||||||||||||||
| October 16 | **[Green Bay Packers](1988-green-bay-packers-season)** | **L** 14–34 | 4–3 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 59,053 | |||||||||||||||||
| October 23 | at **Tampa Bay Buccaneers** | **W** 49–20 | 5–3 | Tampa Stadium | 48,020 | |||||||||||||||||
| October 30 | at [San Francisco 49ers](1988-san-francisco-49ers-season) | **L** 21–24 | 5–4 | Candlestick Park | 60,738 | |||||||||||||||||
| November 6 | **[Detroit Lions](1988-detroit-lions-season)** | **W** 44–17 | 6–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 55,573 | |||||||||||||||||
| November 13 | at [Dallas Cowboys](1988-dallas-cowboys-season) | **W** 43–3 | 7–4 | Texas Stadium | 57,830 | |||||||||||||||||
| November 20 | [Indianapolis Colts](1988-indianapolis-colts-season) | **W** 12–3 | 8–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 58,342 | |||||||||||||||||
| November 24 | at **Detroit Lions** | **W** 23–0 | 9–4 | Silverdome | 46,379 | |||||||||||||||||
| December 4 | [New Orleans Saints](1988-new-orleans-saints-season) | **W** 45–3 | 10–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 61,215 | |||||||||||||||||
| December 11 | at **Green Bay Packers** | **L** 6–18 | 10–5 | Lambeau Field | 48,892 | |||||||||||||||||
| December 19 | **Chicago Bears** | **W** 28–27 | 11–5 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 62,067 |
Game summaries
Week 5: at Miami Dolphins
First quarter
- No scoring plays. Second quarter
- MIA – Fuad Reveiz 38-yard field goal. Dolphins 3–0.
- MIA – Jim Jensen 3-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick). Dolphins 10–0.
- MIA – Lorenzo Hampton 1-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick). Dolphins 17–0. Third quarter
- MIA – Lorenzo Hampton 5-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick). Dolphins 24–0. Fourth quarter
- MIN – Carl Lee 48-yard interception return (Chuck Nelson kick). Dolphins 24–7. Top passers
- MIN – Tommy Kramer – 13/33, 220 yards, 4 INT
- MIA – Dan Marino – 20/37, 264 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT Top rushers
- MIN – Allen Rice – 4 rushes, 20 yards
- MIA – Troy Stradford – 7 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers
- MIN – Anthony Carter – 4 receptions, 92 yards
- MIA – Mark Duper – 6 receptions, 81 yards
Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys
First quarter
- MIN – Hassan Jones 26-yard pass from Wade Wilson (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 7–0.
- MIN – Henry Thomas 2-yard fumble return (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 14–0.
- MIN – Chuck Nelson 39-yard field goal. Vikings 17–0. Second quarter
- DAL – Roger Ruzek 50-yard field goal. Vikings 17–3. Third quarter
- MIN – Hassan Jones 64-yard pass from Wade Wilson (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 24–3.
- MIN – Chuck Nelson 27-yard field goal. Vikings 27–3.
- MIN – Steve Jordan 3-yard pass from Wade Wilson (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 34–3. Fourth quarter
- MIN – D. J. Dozier 19-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 41–3.
- MIN – Kevin Sweeney tackled by Al Baker in the end zone for a safety. Vikings 43–3. Top passers
- MIN – Wade Wilson – 12/27, 240 yards, 3 TD, INT
- DAL – Kevin Sweeney – 10/28, 93 yards, 4 INT Top rushers
- MIN – D. J. Dozier – 4 rushes, 36 yards, TD
- DAL – Herschel Walker – 21 rushes, 86 yards Top receivers
- MIN – Hassan Jones – 3 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TD
- DAL – Michael Irvin – 2 receptions, 42 yards
Standings
Playoffs
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent (seed) | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | Wild Card | Divisional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 26 | [Los Angeles Rams](1988-los-angeles-rams-season) (5) | **W** 28–17 | 1–0 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 57,666 | |||
| January 1 | at [San Francisco 49ers](1988-san-francisco-49ers-season) (2) | **L** 9–34 | 1–1 | Candlestick Park | 61,848 |
Game summaries
NFC Wild Card: vs. (#5) Los Angeles Rams
First quarter
- MIN – Alfred Anderson 7-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 7–0.
- MIN – Allen Rice 17-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 14–0. Second quarter
- LAR – Damone Johnson 3-yard pass from Jim Everett (Mike Lansford kick). Vikings 14–7. Third quarter
- MIN – Alfred Anderson 1-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 21–7.
- LAR – Mike Lansford 33-yard field goal. Vikings 21–10. Fourth quarter
- MIN – Carl Hilton 5-yard pass from Wade Wilson (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 28–10.
- LAR – Pete Holohan 11-yard pass from Jim Everett (Mike Lansford kick). Vikings 28–17. Top passers
- LAR – Jim Everett – 19/45, 247 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
- MIN – Wade Wilson – 17/28, 253 yards, TD Top rushers
- LAR – Greg Bell – 17 rushes, 91 yards
- MIN – Allen Rice – 17 rushes, 79 yards, TD Top receivers
- LAR – Henry Ellard – 4 receptions, 54 yards
- MIN – Anthony Carter – 4 receptions, 102 yards
NFC Divisional Playoffs: at (#2) San Francisco 49ers
First quarter
- MIN – Chuck Nelson 47-yard field goal. Vikings 3–0.
- SF – Jerry Rice 2-yard pass from Joe Montana (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3. Second quarter
- SF – Jerry Rice 4-yard pass from Joe Montana (Mike Cofer kick). 49ers 14–3.
- SF – Jerry Rice 11-yard pass from Joe Montana (Mike Cofer kick). 49ers 21–3. Third quarter
- MIN – Hassan Jones 5-yard pass from Wade Wilson (kick failed). 49ers 21–9. Fourth quarter
- SF – Roger Craig 4-yard run (Mike Cofer kick). 49ers 28–9.
- SF – Roger Craig 80-yard run (kick failed). 49ers 34–9. Top passers
- MIN – Wade Wilson – 23/47, 255 yards, TD, 2 INT
- SF – Joe Montana – 16/27, 178 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
- MIN – Allen Rice – 5 rushes, 20 yards
- SF – Roger Craig – 21 rushes, 135 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
- MIN – Hassan Jones – 7 receptions, 71 yards, TD
- SF – Jerry Rice – 5 receptions, 61 yards, 3 TD
Statistics
Team leaders
| Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Category | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Player(s) | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | Wade Wilson | 2,746 | |||||||||
| Passing touchdowns | Wade Wilson | 15 | |||||||||
| Rushing yards | Darrin Nelson | 380 | |||||||||
| Rushing touchdowns | Alfred Anderson | 7 | |||||||||
| Receiving yards | Anthony Carter | 1,225 | |||||||||
| Receiving touchdowns | Anthony Carter | 6 | |||||||||
| Points | Chuck Nelson | 108 | |||||||||
| Kickoff return yards | Darryl Harris | 833 | |||||||||
| Punt return yards | Leo Lewis | 550 * | |||||||||
| Tackles | Jesse Solomon | 124 | |||||||||
| Sacks | Chris Doleman | ||||||||||
| Keith Millard | 8.0 | ||||||||||
| Interceptions | Carl Lee | 8 | |||||||||
| Forced fumbles | Henry Thomas | 4 |
- Vikings single season record
League rankings
| Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Category | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Total yards | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | Yards per game | Minnesota Vikings | year=1988 | border=2}}" | NFL rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (out of 28) | Total offense | 5,595 | 349.7 | 7th | Total defense | 4,091 | 255.7 | 1st | |||||||
| Passing offense | 3,789 | 236.8 | 4th | ||||||||||||
| Rushing offense | 1,806 | 112.9 | 20th | ||||||||||||
| Passing defense | 2,489 | 155.6 | 2nd | ||||||||||||
| Rushing defense | 1,602 | 100.1 | 5th |
References
References
- [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1988/opp.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com: 1988 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics]
- [http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/Articles/11_3222_Shutdown!_The_greatest_pass_defenses_in_history.html Cold Hard Football Facts: Shutdown! The greatest pass defenses in history]
- "2010 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide".
- "1988 Minnesota Vikings (NFL) - Pro Football Archives".
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