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2011 Minnesota Vikings season

51st season in franchise history

Field	Value
team	Minnesota Vikings
year	2011
record	3–13
division_place	4th NFC North
coach	Leslie Frazier
owner	Zygi Wilf
stadium	Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
playoffs	Did not qualify
pro bowlers	DE Jared Allen
LB Chad Greenway (alternate)
uniform	File:Vikings 2006-2012 with throwback.png
shortnavlink	Vikings seasons

LB Chad Greenway (alternate) The 2011 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), 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. 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.

The team started the season with a 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 turning 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. Despite a poor year for the team as a whole, 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 eight.

Offseason

Players Additions

Michael Jenkins-signed from the Atlanta Falcons.
Scott Kooistra-signed from the Baltimore Ravens.
Donovan McNabb-signed from the Washington Redskins.

Players lost

Ryan Cook-signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Ray Edwards-signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Brett Favre-Announced to retire.
Heath Farwell-signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
Tarvaris Jackson-signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jimmy Kennedy-signed with the New York Giants.
Ben Leber-signed with the St. Louis Rams.
Bryant McKinnie-signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Sidney Rice-signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
Lito Sheppard-signed with the Oakland Raiders.
Frank Walker-signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Madieu Williams-signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
Pat Williams-Announced to retire.

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

Minnesota Vikings	year=2011	border=2}}"	2011 Minnesota Vikings Draft	Minnesota Vikings
Christian Ponder	QB	[Florida State](2010-florida-state-seminoles-football-team)	4 years
Kyle Rudolph	TE	[Notre Dame](2010-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-team)	4 years
*Traded to the [New England Patriots](2011-new-england-patriots-season)*
Christian Ballard	DE	[Iowa](2010-iowa-hawkeyes-football-team)	4 years
Brandon Burton	CB	[Utah](2010-utah-utes-football-team)	4 years
*Traded to the [Cleveland Browns](2011-cleveland-browns-season)*	From [Giants](2011-new-york-giants-season)
DeMarcus Love	OT	[Arkansas](2010-arkansas-razorbacks-football-team)	4 years	From [Broncos](2011-denver-broncos-season), via [Browns](2011-cleveland-browns-season)
Mistral Raymond	S	[South Florida](2010-south-florida-bulls-football-team)	4 years	From Browns
Brandon Fusco	C	Slippery Rock	4 years
Ross Homan	LB	[Ohio State](2010-ohio-state-buckeyes-football-team)	4 years	Compensatory pick
D'Aundre Reed	DE	[Arizona](2010-arizona-wildcats-football-team)	4 years
Stephen Burton	WR	[West Texas A&M](2010-west-texas-a-m-buffaloes-football-team)	4 years	Compensatory pick

Notes:

Undrafted free agents

Minnesota Vikings	year=2011	border=2}}"
Chris Adingupu	Safety	Prairie View A&M
David Akinniyi	Defensive end	North Carolina State
Conan Amituiana	Guard	Arizona
Matt Asiata	Running back	Utah
Larry Dean	Linebacker	Valdosta State
Marcell Gipson	Cornerback	Wyoming
Ryan Hill	Safety	Miami (FL)
Andre Holmes	Wide receiver	Hillsdale
Rod Huntley	Guard	Texas-El Paso
Byron Isom	Guard	Auburn
Dominique Johnson	Wide receiver	Cal Poly
Allen Reisner	Tight end	Iowa
Devon Torrance	Cornerback/Safety	Ohio State
Nathan Whitaker	Kicker	Stanford

Staff

Minnesota Vikings 2011 staff

Roster

Preseason

Schedule

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

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site
recap	1	2	3	4
August 13	at [Tennessee Titans](2011-tennessee-titans-season)	L 3–14	0–1	LP Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011081354/2011/PRE1/vikings@titans)
August 20	at [Seattle Seahawks](2011-seattle-seahawks-season)	W 20–7	1–1	CenturyLink Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011082055/2011/PRE2/vikings@seahawks)
August 27	[Dallas Cowboys](2011-dallas-cowboys-season)	L 17–23	1–2	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011082755/2011/PRE3/cowboys@vikings)
September 1	[Houston Texans](2011-houston-texans-season)	W 28–0	2–2	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011090161/2011/PRE4/texans@vikings)

Game summaries

Week 1: at Tennessee Titans

First quarter

No scoring plays Second 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.''''' Third quarter
MIN – Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal, 9:32. ''Titans 14–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 5:28.''''' Fourth quarter
No scoring plays Top passers
MIN – Christian Ponder – 8/13, 84 yards
TEN – Jake Locker – 7/10, 89 yards, TD Top rushers
MIN – Lorenzo Booker – 9 rushes, 47 yards
TEN – Jamie Harper – 8 rushes, 27 yards, TD Top receivers
MIN – Lorenzo Booker – 3 rec, 32 yards
TEN – Yamon Figurs – 1 rec, 45 yards, TD

Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

MIN – Marcus Sherels 64-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:35. Vikings 7–0. Second 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.''''' Third quarter
No scoring plays Fourth 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.''''' Top passers
MIN – Donovan McNabb – 6/8, 81 yards
SEA – Charlie Whitehurst – 14/19, 97 yards, TD Top rushers
MIN – Lorenzo Booker – 7 rushes, 37 yards
SEA – Josh Portis – 4 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers
MIN – Devin Aromashodu – 2 rec, 30 yards
SEA – Dominique Byrd – 4 rec, 32 yards

Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys

First 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: Second 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.''''' Third 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.''''' Fourth quarter
DAL – Dan Bailey 41-yard field goal, 1:07. ''Cowboys 23–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 2:49.''''' Top passers
DAL – Tony Romo – 15/20, 141 yards
MIN – Donovan McNabb – 12/18, 164 yards, TD Top rushers
DAL – DeMarco Murray – 7 rushes, 32 yards
MIN – Adrian Peterson – 14 rushes, 81 yards Top receivers
DAL – Dez Bryant – 5 rec, 67 yards
MIN – Bernard Berrian – 2 rec, 64 yards, TD

Week 4: vs. Houston Texans

First quarter

No scoring plays Second 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.''''' Third quarter
MIN – Alexander Robinson 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:19. ''Vikings 14–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:16.''''' Fourth 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.''''' Top passers
HOU – Matt Leinart – 13/16, 145 yards
MIN – Christian Ponder – 10/16, 83 yards, TD Top rushers
HOU – Chris Ogbonnaya – 14 rushes, 62 yards
MIN – Caleb King – 19 rushes, 62 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
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	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17
September 11	at [San Diego Chargers](2011-san-diego-chargers-season)	L 17–24	0–1	Qualcomm Stadium	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011091111/2011/REG1/vikings@chargers)
September 18	[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](2011-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)	L 20–24	0–2	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011091806/2011/REG2/buccaneers@vikings)
September 25	[Detroit Lions](2011-detroit-lions-season)	L 23–26 (OT)	0–3	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011092506/2011/REG3/lions@vikings)
October 2	at [Kansas City Chiefs](2011-kansas-city-chiefs-season)	L 17–22	0–4	Arrowhead Stadium	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011100208/2011/REG4/vikings@chiefs)
October 9	[Arizona Cardinals](2011-arizona-cardinals-season)	W 34–10	1–4	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011100905/2011/REG5/cardinals@vikings)
October 16	at [Chicago Bears](2011-chicago-bears-season)	L 10–39	1–5	Soldier Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011101611/2011/REG6/vikings@bears)
October 23	[Green Bay Packers](2011-green-bay-packers-season)	L 27–33	1–6	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011102309/2011/REG7/packers@vikings)
October 30	at [Carolina Panthers](2011-carolina-panthers-season)	W 24–21	2–6	Bank of America Stadium	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011103003/2011/REG8/vikings@panthers)
Bye
November 14	at Green Bay Packers	L 7–45	2–7	Lambeau Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011111400/2011/REG10/vikings@packers)
November 20	[Oakland Raiders](2011-oakland-raiders-season)	L 21–27	2–8	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011112000/2011/REG11/raiders@vikings)
November 27	at [Atlanta Falcons](2011-atlanta-falcons-season)	L 14–24	2–9	Georgia Dome	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011112703/2011/REG12/vikings@falcons)
December 4	[Denver Broncos](2011-denver-broncos-season)	L 32–35	2–10	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011120409/2011/REG13/broncos@vikings)
December 11	at Detroit Lions	L 28–34	2–11	Ford Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011121105/2011/REG14/vikings@lions)
December 18	[New Orleans Saints](2011-new-orleans-saints-season)	L 20–42	2–12	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011121805/2011/REG15/saints@vikings)
December 24	at [Washington Redskins](2011-washington-redskins-season)	W 33–26	3–12	FedExField	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011122406/2011/REG16/vikings@redskins)
January 1	Chicago Bears	L 13–17	3–13	Mall of America Field	[Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012010109/2011/REG17/bears@vikings)

;LEGEND: :Team names in bold indicate Vikings' home games.

Game summaries

Week 1: at San Diego Chargers

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

Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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

Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions

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

Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs

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

Week 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals

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

Week 6: at Chicago Bears

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

Week 7: vs. Green Bay Packers

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

Week 8: at Carolina Panthers

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

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

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. As of 2025, this is the Vikings' most lopsided loss to the Packers.

Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders

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

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

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

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

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

Week 14: at Detroit Lions

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

Week 15: vs. New Orleans Saints

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

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

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
No scoring plays 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

Standings

Statistics

Team leaders

Minnesota Vikings	year=2011	border=2}}"
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

*Led the league and a new Vikings single-season record.

League rankings

Minnesota Vikings	year=2011	border=2}}"	Category
(out of 32)
Passing offense	2,957	184.8	28th
Rushing offense	2,318	144.9	4th
Total offense	5,275	329.7	18th
Passing defense	4,019	251.2	26th
Rushing defense	1,712	107.0	11th
Total defense	5,731	358.2	12th

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