2014 Minnesota Vikings season

54th season in franchise history August 2023 March 2026 Minnesota Vikings 2014 7–9 3rd NFC North Mike Zimmer Rick Spielman Zygi Wilf TCF Bank Stadium Did not qualify None File:Vikings 2013-16 Collar (cropped).png Vikings seasons The 2014 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 54th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Mike Zimmer. It was the first of two seasons in which the Vikings played at the outdoor TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Construction of U.S. Bank Stadium began on the site of the team's former home, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, with a target of opening for the 2016 season. The opening day roster did not feature Kevin Williams for the first time since 2002, and Jared Allen for the first time since 2007; they both left in free agency. Though the Vikings were eliminated from postseason contention after a loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 15, they improved on 2013's 5–10–1 record, which saw them go through a quarterback carousel and one of the worst defenses in the league that year, and arguably in Vikings' history.CCNorseman Vikings 2013 Season Grades: Defense and Special Teams http://www.dailynorseman.com/2014/1/5/5278378/vikings-2013-season-grades-defense-and-special-teams Daily Norseman Vox Media January 5, 2014 September 8, 2014 3 Offseason 2014 draft 2014 NFL draft Pro Bowler 2014 Minnesota Vikings Draft Draft order Player name Position College Contract Notes Round Overall 1 8 Traded to the Cleveland BrownsBrowns The Vikings traded their original first-round selection (8th overall) to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the Browns' fifth-round selection (145th overall) and the first-round selection they had received from the Buffalo Bills.Sessler Marc Justin Gilbert drafted No. 8 by Browns after trade https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-gilbert-drafted-no-8-by-browns-after-trade-0ap2000000348113 NFL.com National Football League May 8, 2014 May 8, 2014 9 Anthony Barr Linebacker UCLA 4 years, $12.74 millionBen Goessling Vikings sign QB Teddy Bridgewater https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10958072/teddy-bridgewater-anthony-barr-sign-rookie-deals-minnesota-vikings ESPN.com May 20, 2014 May 20, 2014 from Bills via BrownsBrowns 32 Teddy Bridgewater Quarterback Louisville 4 years, $7.59 million from SeahawksSeahawksTrade1 The Vikings traded their second- and fourth-round selections (40th and 108th overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Seattle's first-round selection (32nd overall).Patra Kevin Vikings draft Teddy Bridgewater after missing Manziel https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-draft-teddy-bridgewater-after-missing-manziel-0ap2000000348367 NFL.com National Football League May 8, 2014 May 9, 2014 2 40 Traded to the Seattle SeahawksSeahawksTrade1 3 72 Scott Crichton Defensive end Oregon State 4 years, $3 millionBen Goessling Vikings: Scott Crichton tweets he's signed https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/6924/vikings-scott-crichton-tweets-hes-signed ESPN.com May 22, 2014 May 25, 2014 96 Jerick McKinnon Running back Georgia Southern 4 years, $2.75 millionBen Goessling Vikings sign Jerick McKinnon https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/7171/vikings-sign-jerick-mckinnon ESPN.com June 10, 2014 June 11, 2014 from SeahawksSeahawksTrade2 The Vikings traded WR Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Seattle's third-round selection.Marc Sessler Vikings agree to trade Percy Harvin to 'Hawks for picks https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-agree-to-trade-percy-harvin-to-hawks-for-picks-0ap1000000149327 NFL.com National Football League March 11, 2013 March 11, 2013 4 108 Traded to the Seattle SeahawksSeahawksTrade1 5 145 David Yankey Guard Stanford 4 years, $2.43 millionChris Tomasson Vikings sign three of their 10 draft picks http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_25777666/vikings-sign-three-their-10-draft-picks TwinCities.com Pioneer Press May 16, 2014 May 16, 2014 from BrownsBrowns 148 Traded to the Carolina PanthersPanthers The Vikings traded their original fifth-round selection (148th overall) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the Panthers' fifth-round selection (168th overall) and the seventh-round selection they acquired from the New York Giants (225th overall).2014 NFL Draft trade tracker: Details of all the moves http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap2000000347470/article/2014-nfl-draft-trade-tracker-details-of-all-the-moves NFL.com National Football League May 10, 2014 May 10, 2014 168 Traded to the Atlanta FalconsFalcons The Vikings traded the fifth-round selection they received from the Panthers to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Atlanta's sixth- and seventh-round selections (182nd and 220th overall). from PanthersPanthers 6 182 Antone Exum Cornerback Virginia Tech 4 years, $2.34 millionTim Yotter Vikings sign Exum; two draft picks remain http://min.scout.com/a.z?s=63&p=9&c=2&cid=1404562&nid=7753622&fhn=1 Scout.com May 21, 2014 May 21, 2014 from FalconsFalcons 184 Kendall James Cornerback Maine 4 years, $2.33 million 7 220 Shamar Stephen Defensive tackle UConn 4 years, $2.29 million from FalconsFalcons 223 Brandon Watts Linebacker Georgia Tech 4 years, $2.28 million 225 Jabari Price Cornerback North Carolina 4 years, $2.28 million from Giants via PanthersPanthers Draft trades Roster changes 2 + Re-signings Date Player name Position Contract terms December 30, 2013 Adam Thielen WR 2 years / $930,000Reserve/Future Contract [RFC]Chris Tomasson Minnesota Vikings sign 6 players to reserve/future contracts http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_24818549/minnesota-vikings-sign-6-players-reserve-future-contracts TwinCities.com Pioneer Press December 30, 2013 January 26, 2014Minnesota Vikings Contracts http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/ Spotrac.com May 20, 2014 March 7, 2014 Marcus Sherels CB 2 years / $2.2 millionVikings re-sign CB/PR Marcus Sherels https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/03/07/vikings-re-sign-cb-pr-marcus-sherels/6178095/ USAToday.com March 7, 2014 March 7, 2014Ben Goessling Breaking down Marcus Sherels' new deal https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/65257/breaking-down-marcus-sherels-new-deal ESPN.com ESPN Internet Ventures March 11, 2014 March 16, 2014 March 11, 2014 Matt Cassel QB 2 years / $10 millionBen Goessling Cassel brings Vikings back from QB brink https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/119509/cassel-brings-vikings-back-from-qb-brink ESPN.com March 7, 2014 March 7, 2014 Everson Griffen DE 5 years / $42.5 millionBen Goessling Everson Griffen gets $42.5M deal https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10578183/everson-griffen-minnesota-vikings-signs-five-year-425-million-deal ESPN.com March 9, 2014 March 9, 2014 March 12, 2014 Joe Berger G 1 year / $985,000Joe Berger: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/joe-berger/ Spotrac.com March 17, 2014 March 14, 2014 Jerome Simpson WR 1 year / $1 millionNick Tabbert Vikings Re-Sign WR Jerome Simpson http://kstp.com/sports/stories/S3362249.shtml?cat=7 KSTP-TV March 14, 2014 March 16, 2014 Jerome Simpson: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/jerome-simpson/ Spotrac.com April 27, 2014 March 15, 2014 Charlie Johnson G 2 years / $5 millionChris Tomasson Vikings do a little juggling, keep Johnson http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_25352631/vikings-do-little-juggling-keep-johnson?nstrack=sid:6222385 TwinCities.com Pioneer Press March 15, 2014 March 16, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317033755/http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_25352631/vikings-do-little-juggling-keep-johnson?nstrack=sid:6222385 March 17, 2014 dead April 7, 2014 Matt Asiata RB 1 year / $570,000Master Tesfatsion Vikings tender RB Matt Asiata http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/248624891.html StarTribune.com March 5, 2014 March 5, 2014 August 31, 2014 Joe Banyard RB Practice Squad [PS] Kain Colter WR Isame Faciane DT Chase Ford TE Zac Kerin C Justin Trattou DE September 2, 2014 Austin Wentworth OT Dan Zinski Vikings Waive Kendall James from Practice Squad, Add Austin Wentworth http://thevikingage.com/2014/09/02/vikings-waive-kendall-james-practice-squad-add-austin-wentworth/ TheVikingAge.com September 2, 2014 September 2, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] September 16, 2014 Zach Line FB Andrew Krammer Vikings sign fullback Zach Line to the practice squad http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_sign_fullback_Zach_Line_to_the_practice_squad091614 1500ESPN.com September 16, 2014 September 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140918060235/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_sign_fullback_Zach_Line_to_the_practice_squad091614 September 18, 2014 dead mdy-all Practice Squad [PS] October 7, 2014 Donte Foster WR Dan Zinski Vikings Cut McLeod Bethel-Thompson from Practice Squad, Sign Pierre Warren http://thevikingage.com/2014/10/07/vikings-cut-mcleod-bethel-thompson-practice-squad-sign-pierre-warren/ October 7, 2014 October 7, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] Chandler Harnish QB November 12, 2014 Ryan Otten TE Chris Tomasson Vikings re-sign Ryan Otten to practice squad http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/11/12/vikings-re-sign-ryan-otten-practice-squad/ TwinCities.com Pioneer Press November 12, 2014 November 12, 2014 November 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141113054030/http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/11/12/vikings-re-sign-ryan-otten-practice-squad/ dead Practice Squad [PS] November 18, 2014 Dominique Williams RB Arif Hasan 2014 MINNESOTA VIKINGS: VIKINGS SIGN RB DOMINIQUE WILLIAMS TO PRACTICE SQUAD http://vikingsterritory.com/2014/transaction/2014-minnesota-vikings-vikings-sign-rb-dominique-williams-to-practice-squad VikingsTerritory.com November 18, 2014 November 18, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] Reserve/Future Contract [RFC] Denotes this is a reserve/future contract. Practice Squad [PS]Denotes a signing to the Practice Squad. + Departures Date Player name Position Note New team February 7, 2014 Erin Henderson MLB ReleasedBen Goessling Erin Henderson cut by Vikings https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10420065/erin-henderson-released-minnesota-vikings ESPN.com February 7, 2014 February 7, 2014 March 5, 2014 John Carlson TE ReleasedChris Wesseling John Carlson reportedly to be cut by Minnesota Vikings http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000330753/article/report-john-carlson-to-be-released-by-vikings https://web.archive.org/web/20140305211322/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000330753/article/report-john-carlson-to-be-released-by-vikings dead March 5, 2014 NFL.com March 4, 2014 March 5, 2014 Arizona CardinalsDarin Gantt Cardinals sign tight end John Carlson http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/07/cardinals-sign-tight-end-john-carlson/ NBCSports.com March 7, 2014 March 7, 2014 March 6, 2014 Greg Childs WR ReleasedKevin Patra Minnesota Vikings release Letroy Guion, Greg Childs https://www.nfl.com/news/minnesota-vikings-release-letroy-guion-greg-childs-0ap2000000331319 NFL.com March 6, 2014 March 17, 2014 Toronto Argonauts (CFL)Frank Zicarelli Argos hopeful aerial game not a lost cause http://www.torontosun.com/2014/09/10/argos-hopeful-aerial-game-not-a-lost-cause TorontoSun.com September 10, 2014 October 1, 2014 Letroy Guion DE Green Bay PackersPackers add free agent DT Letroy Guion https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/packers-add-free-agent-dt-letroy-guion/2014/03/17/a70bdefc-ae1f-11e3-b8b3-44b1d1cd4c1f_story.html https://archive.today/20140318041620/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/packers-add-free-agent-dt-letroy-guion/2014/03/17/a70bdefc-ae1f-11e3-b8b3-44b1d1cd4c1f_story.html dead March 18, 2014 WashingtonPost.com March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014 March 11, 2014 Desmond Bishop LB UFA Arizona CardinalsKevin Patra Desmond Bishop signed by Arizona Cardinals http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000377810/article/desmond-bishop-signed-by-arizona-cardinals?campaign=Twitter_atl_patra https://web.archive.org/web/20140816195624/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000377810/article/desmond-bishop-signed-by-arizona-cardinals?campaign=Twitter_atl_patra dead August 16, 2014 NFL.com August 14, 2014 August 14, 2014 Marvin Mitchell LB March 12, 2014 Toby Gerhart RB Jacksonville JaguarsJohn Breech RB Toby Gerhart agrees to terms on three-year deal with Jaguars http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24479145/rb-toby-gerhart-agrees-to-terms-on-3-year-deal-with-jaguars CBSSports.com March 12, 2014 March 12, 2014 March 14, 2014 Chris Cook CB San Francisco 49ersChris Tomasson Minnesota Vikings: Chris Cook signs with 49ers http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_25346379/minnesota-vikings-chris-cook-sign-49ers TwinCities.com St. Paul Pioneer Press March 14, 2014 March 16, 2014 March 21, 2014 Joe Webb QB/WR Carolina PanthersAaron Wilson Panthers sign quarterback Joe Webb to one-year deal http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Panthers-sign-quarterback-Joe-Webb-to-oneyear-deal.html NationalFootballPost.com March 21, 2014 March 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140322050013/http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Panthers-sign-quarterback-Joe-Webb-to-oneyear-deal.html March 22, 2014 dead mdy-all March 26, 2014 Jared Allen DE Chicago BearsBen Goessling Jared Allen heading to Bears https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/10675534/jared-allen-chooses-chicago-bears-agrees-4-year-deal ESPN.com March 26, 2014 March 26, 2014 April 16, 2014 Josh Freeman QB New York GiantsAdam Caplan Josh Freeman, Giants agree to deal https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/10790136/josh-freeman-new-york-giants-agree-deal ESPN.com April 16, 2014 April 16, 2014 June 16, 2014 Kevin Williams DT Seattle SeahawksChris Wesseling Kevin Williams turned down more money from Patriots http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000359060/article/kevin-williams-turned-down-more-money-from-patriots?campaign=Facebook_atl_wesseling https://web.archive.org/web/20140619205044/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000359060/article/kevin-williams-turned-down-more-money-from-patriots?campaign=Facebook_atl_wesseling dead June 19, 2014 NFL.com June 16, 2014 June 17, 2014 August 25, 2014 Robert Steeples CB ReleasedTed Glover Minnesota Vikings Roster Cuts 2014: Vikings Begin Shaping The Roster http://www.dailynorseman.com/2014/8/25/6065657/minnesota-vikings-roster-cuts-2014-vikings-begin-shaping-the-roster DailyNorseman.com August 25, 2014 August 25, 2014 Kansas City ChiefsChiefs Announce Roster Moves http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Announce-Roster-Moves/fe7c9799-b94e-408a-81e9-cb921f5395b8 KCChiefs.com September 9, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150907135137/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Announce-Roster-Moves/fe7c9799-b94e-408a-81e9-cb921f5395b8 September 7, 2015 dead August 30, 2014 Jeff Baca G ReleasedChris Tomasson Minnesota Vikings: Fred Evans cut, Jamarca Sanford placed on IR http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_26440191/minnesota-vikings-fred-evans-cut-jamarca-sanford-placed?source=rss TwinCities.com Pioneer Press August 30, 2014 August 30, 2014 Cincinnati Bengals Josh Kirkendall Cincinnati Bengals sign Jeff Baca to practice squad http://www.cincyjungle.com/contracts/2014/10/8/6947021/cincinnati-bengals-sign-jeff-baca-to-practice-squad CincyJungle.com October 8, 2014 November 5, 2014 Chase Baker DT September 8, 2014 Jamarca Sanford FS Injury settlementBen Goessling Vikings cut Sanford after injury settlement https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/67386/vikings-cut-sanford-after-injury-settlement ESPN.com September 8, 2014 September 8, 2014 Washington RedskinsMike Jones Redskins sign safety Jamarca Sanford, mostly for special teams https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/09/29/redskins-sign-safety-jamarca-sanford-mostly-for-special-teams/ WashingtonPost.com September 29, 2014 October 1, 2014 September 18, 2014 Jerome Simpson WR ReleasedVikings sign WR Charles Johnson to replace Jerome Simpson http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/vikings-sign-wr-charles-johnson-to-replace-jerome-simpson-092014 FoxSports.com September 20, 2014 September 23, 2014 San Francisco 49ers (2015) October 2, 2014 Rodney Smith WR ReleasedVikings at Packers: Vikings Promote QB Chandler Harnish, waive WR Rodney Smith (UPDATE: TEDDY NOT PLAYING) http://vikingsterritory.com/2014/transaction/vikings-at-packers-vikings-promote-qb-chandler-harnish-waive-wr-rodney-smith-teddy-likely-not-playing VikingsTerritory.com October 2, 2014 October 3, 2014 Cleveland BrownsMike Wilkening Browns awarded WR Rodney Smith on waivers from Minnesota http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/03/browns-awarded-wr-rodney-smith-on-waivers-from-minnesota/ NBCSports.com October 3, 2014 October 10, 2014 + Additions Date Player name Position Previous team Contract terms January 3, 2014 Josh Samuda G Miami Dolphins (2012) 1 year / $495,000 Reserve/Future Contract [RFC]Josh Samuda: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/josh-samuda/ Spotrac.com March 18, 2014 March 12, 2014 Jasper Brinkley MLB Arizona Cardinals 1 year / $830,000Kevin Patra Report: Minnesota Vikings sign LB Jasper Brinkley https://www.nfl.com/news/minnesota-vikings-reportedly-sign-jasper-brinkley-0ap2000000332097 NFL.com March 9, 2014 March 9, 2014Jasper Brinkley: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/jasper-brinkley/ Spotrac.com March 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140318210249/http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/jasper-brinkley/ March 18, 2014 dead Linval Joseph DT New York Giants 5 years / $31.5 millionLinval Joseph to Vikings for $31.5M https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10591395/linval-joseph-leaves-new-york-giants-minnesota-vikings ESPN.com March 11, 2014 March 11, 2014 March 13, 2014 Captain Munnerlyn CB Carolina Panthers 3 years / $14.25 millionAdam Carlson Vikings Sign CB Captain Munnerlyn To Three Year Deal http://thevikingage.com/2014/03/13/vikings-sign-cb-captain-munnerlyn-three-year-deal/ TheVikingAge.com March 13, 2014 March 13, 2014 March 20, 2014 Tom Johnson DT New Orleans Saints 1 year / $845,000Adam Carlson Vikings Agree To Terms With DT Tom Johnson http://thevikingage.com/2014/03/19/vikings-sign-dt-tom-johnson-one-year-deal/ TheVikingAge.com March 19, 2014 March 19, 2014 March 21, 2014 Corey Wootton DE Chicago Bears 1 year / $1.5 millionVikings agree with Corey Wootton https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10642370/minnesota-vikings-agree-one-year-deal-de-corey-wootton ESPN.com March 20, 2014 March 21, 2014 March 27, 2014 Vladimir Ducasse G New York Jets 1 year / $795,000Darin Gantt Vikings sign former Jets lineman Vladimir Ducasse http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/24/vikings-sign-former-jets-lineman-vladimir-ducasse/ NBCSports.com March 24, 2014 March 25, 2014Vlad Ducasse: view contract details http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5772/vladimir-ducasse RoroWorld.com April 8, 2014 April 8, 2014 Lestar Jean WR Houston Texans 1 year / $635,000Vikings sign former Texans wide receiver Lestar Jean https://www.foxnews.com/sports/vikings-sign-former-texans-wide-receiver-lestar-jean/ FoxNews.com April 8, 2014 April 8, 2014Lestar Jean: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/lestar-jean/ Spotrac.com April 27, 2014 May 13, 2014 Antonio Richardson OT Tennessee Undrafted FA May 19, 2014 Dom DeCicco LB Chicago Bears Josh Alper Vikings sign Mike Zimmer, the player http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/19/vikings-sign-mike-zimmer-the-player/ NBCSports.com May 19, 2014 May 19, 2014 August 31, 2014 Mike Harris OT San Diego Chargers Andrew Krammer Vikings moves: MarQueis Gray claimed and practice squad additions http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_claim_MarQueis_Gray_off_waivers083114 1500ESPN.com August 31, 2014 August 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903044751/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_claim_MarQueis_Gray_off_waivers083114 September 3, 2014 dead mdy-all September 9, 2014 Josh Kaddu LB Philadelphia Eagles Chris Tomasson Vikings sign linebacker Josh Kaddu to practice squad http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/09/09/vikings-sign-linebacker-josh-kaddu-practice-squad/ TwinCities.com September 9, 2014 September 9, 2014Practice Squad [PS] September 20, 2014 Charles Johnson WR Cleveland Browns November 3, 2014 Pat Devlin QB Miami Dolphins Matt Vensel Vikings add two to practice squad, including QB Devlin http://blog.startribune.com/sports/access-vikings/vikings-add-two-to-practice-squad-including-qb-devlin StarTribune.com November 3, 2014 November 3, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] December 6, 2014 Ahmad Dixon S Miami Dolphins Ben Goessling Rookie Jerick McKinnon placed on IR https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11988723/jerick-mckinnon-minnesota-vikings-season-low-back-injury ESPN.com December 7, 2014 December 7, 2014 December 10, 2014 Carter Bykowski OT San Francisco 49ers Chris Tomasson Vikings place linebacker Michael Mauti on injured reserve, sign tackle Carter Bykowski http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/12/10/vikings-place-linebacker-michael-mauti-injured-reserve-sign-tackle-carter-bykowski/ ESPN.com December 10, 2014 December 10, 2014 December 17, 2014 Jordan McCray G Green Bay Packers Christopher Gates Minnesota Vikings Promote Ahmad Dixon, Sign Jordan McCray http://www.dailynorseman.com/2014/12/17/7410563/minnesota-vikings-promote-ahmad-dixon-sign-jordan-mccray ESPN.com December 17, 2014 December 17, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] December 24, 2014 Justin Anderson LB New York Giants Chris Tomasson Vikings sign RB Henry Josey off Jacksonville practice squad http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/12/24/vikings-sign-henry-josey-jacksonville-practice-squad/ TwinCities.com December 24, 2014 December 24, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] Henry Josey RB Jacksonville Jaguars + Signed and released players Date signed Player name Position Previous team Contract terms Date released December 30, 2013 Brandon Bishop S Minnesota Vikings (re-signed) 2 years / $930,000Reserve/Future Contract [RFC] August 25, 2014 Kip Edwards CB June 2, 2014 Kevin Murphy OT August 25, 2014 Spencer Nealy DE July 23, 2014 Bradley Randle RB May 13, 2014 January 3, 2014 Kamar Jorden WR Calgary Stampeders (CFL) 2 years / $930,000Reserve/Future Contract [RFC]Chris Tomasson Vikings sign free agents Kamar Jorden, Josh Samuda http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_24840200/vikings-sign-free-agents-kamar-jorden-josh-samuda TwinCities.com Pioneer Press January 3, 2014 January 26, 2014Kamar Jorden: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/kamar-jorden/ Spotrac.com March 18, 2014 August 25, 2014 January 22, 2014 Kheeston Randall DT Cincinnati Bengals 2 years / $1.08 millionChris Tomasson Vikings: Mike Priefer reportedly staying on coaching staff http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_24970614/vikings-qb-coach-craig-johnson-joins-n-y TwinCities.com Pioneer Press January 23, 2014 January 26, 2014Kheeston Randall: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/kheeston-randall/ Spotrac.com March 18, 2014 February 11, 2014 Simoni Lawrence LB Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) 3 years / $1.54 millionMike Wilkening Vikings sign linebacker Simoni Lawrence http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/11/vikings-sign-linebacker-simoni-lawrence/ NBCSports.com February 11, 2014 February 11, 2014Simoni Lawrence: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/simoni-lawrence/ Spotrac.com March 18, 2014 May 13, 2014 March 10, 2014 Larry Dean LB Minnesota Vikings (re-signed) 2 years / $2 millionJosh Alper Larry Dean avoids restricted free agency, re-signs with Vikings http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/10/larry-dean-avoids-restricted-free-agency-re-signs-with-vikings/ NBCSports.com March 10, 2014 March 10, 2014Larry Dean: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/larry-dean/ Spotrac.com March 18, 2014 August 31, 2014 March 13, 2014 Fred Evans DT 1 year / $1 millionBen Goessling Source: Fred Evans re-signs with Viking https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/5472/fred-evans-re-signs-with-vikings ESPN.com March 13, 2014 March 13, 2014Fred Evans: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/fred-evans/ Spotrac.com March 18, 2014 August 30, 2014 March 14, 2014 Derek Cox CB San Diego Chargers 1 year / $780,000Michael Gehlken Derek Cox finds new home http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/mar/14/chargers-cornerback-derek-cox-signs-vikings/ UTSanDiego.com March 13, 2014 March 13, 2014 August 25, 2014 April 15, 2014 Terrell Manning OLB 1 year / $570,000Brian Hall Vikings sign TE Reisner, claim LB Manning off waivers http://msn.foxsports.com/north/story/vikings-sign-te-reisner-claim-lb-manning-off-waivers-041514 FoxSports.com April 15, 2014 April 19, 2014Terrell Manning: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/terrell-manning/ Spotrac.com April 27, 2014 May 13, 2014 Allen Reisner TE Jacksonville Jaguars 1 year / $645,000Allen Reisner: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/allen-reisner/ Spotrac.com April 27, 2014 August 30, 2014 April 17, 2014 Kurt Coleman FS Philadelphia Eagles 1 year / $900,000Vikings agree to one-year deal with safety Kurt Coleman http://msn.foxsports.com/north/story/vikings-agree-to-terms-with-safety-kurt-coleman-041414 FoxSports.com April 14, 2014 April 14, 2014Kurt Coleman: Current Salary Information http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/kurt-coleman/ Spotrac.com April 27, 2014 May 13, 2014 Conor Boffeli G Iowa Undrafted free agentsTim Yotter Vikings release four, sign 15 rookies http://min.scout.com/2/1402350.html Scout.com May 13, 2014 May 13, 2014 May 19, 2014 Pierce Burton OT Ole Miss August 25, 2014 Kain Colter WR Northwestern August 30, 2014 Rakim Cox DE Villanova August 4, 2014 Isame Faciane DT FIU August 30, 2014 Donte Foster WR Ohio Matt Hall OT Belhaven July 25, 2014 Zac Kerin C Toledo August 30, 2014 A.C. Leonard TE Tennessee State August 6, 2014Chris Tomasson Vikings waive tight end A.C. Leonard http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/08/06/vikings-waive-tight-end-a-c-leonard/ TwinCities.com Pioneer Press August 6, 2014 August 6, 2014 Erik Lora WR Eastern Illinois August 25, 2014 Travis Partridge QB Missouri Western May 19, 2014 Tyler Scott DE Northwestern August 25, 2014 Jake Snyder DE Virginia Dominique Williams RB Wagner August 30, 2014 May 16, 2014 Austin Wentworth OT Fresno State August 31, 2014 May 19, 2014 Mike Zimmer LB Jacksonville Jaguars August 30, 2014 June 2, 2014 Julian Posey CB Cleveland Browns Ben Goessling Vikings claim Julian Posey off waivers https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/7019/vikings-claim-posey-off-waivers ESPN.com June 2, 2014 June 2, 2014 June 13, 2014 Josh Cooper WR Cleveland Browns Josh Alper Vikings sign Josh Cooper http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/13/vikings-sign-josh-cooper/ NBCSports.com June 13, 2014 June 13, 2014 July 25, 2014 July 23, 2014 Michael Higgins TE New Orleans Saints Ben Goessling Vikings cut Nealy, sign Higgins https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/7759/vikings-cut-nealy-sign-higgins ESPN.com July 23, 2014 July 23, 2014 August 26, 2014Chris Tomasson Vikings cut tight end Mike Higgins http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_26408282/vikings-cut-tight-end-mike-higgins?source=pkg TwinCities.com Pioneer Press August 26, 2014 August 26, 2014 July 25, 2014 Andy Cruse WR Houston Texans Andrew Krammer Vikings waive T Matt Hall, WR Josh Cooper and add a pair of receivers http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_waive_T_Matt_Hall_WR_Josh_Cooper_and_add_a_pair_of_receivers072514 1500ESPN.com July 25, 2014 July 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140808063112/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_waive_T_Matt_Hall_WR_Josh_Cooper_and_add_a_pair_of_receivers072514 2014-08-08 dead August 25, 2014 Ty Walker WR Seattle Seahawks August 4, 2014 Chris Crocker SS Cincinnati Bengals Chris Tomasson Vikings sign veteran safety Chris Crocker, release rookie defensive end Rakim Cox http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/08/04/vikings-sign-veteran-safety-chris-crocker-release-rookie-defensive-end-rakim-cox/ TwinCities.com Pioneer Press August 4, 2014 August 5, 2014 August 30, 2014 August 10, 2014 Kory Sperry TE Arizona Cardinals Ben Goessling Vikings sign tight end Kory Sperry https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/8159/vikings-sign-kory-sperry ESPN.com August 10, 2014 August 11, 2014 August 25, 2014 August 18, 2014 Justin Jackson LB Detroit Lions Chris Tomasson Vikings waive injured LB Dom DeCicco, pickup LB Justin Jackson off waivers http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/08/18/vikings-waive-injured-lb-dom-decicco-pick-lb-justin-jackson-waivers/ TwinCities.com Pioneer Press August 18, 2014 August 18, 2014 August 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084944/http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/08/18/vikings-waive-injured-lb-dom-decicco-pick-lb-justin-jackson-waivers/ dead August 30, 2014 August 31, 2014 Donte Foster WR Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad [PS] September 29, 2014 Kendall James CB September 2, 2014 Mike Remmers OT September 3, 2014 MarQueis Gray TE Cleveland Browns November 19, 2014 September 1, 2014 Chris Greenwood CB Detroit Lions Andrew Krammer Vikings add a cornerback to fill out the 10-man practice squad http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_add_a_cornerback_to_fill_out_the_10man_practice_squad090114 1500ESPN.com September 1, 2014 September 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903044745/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_add_a_cornerback_to_fill_out_the_10man_practice_squad090114 September 3, 2014 dead mdy-all Practice Squad [PS] December 17, 2014 September 3, 2014 Ahmad Dixon SS Dallas Cowboys Dan Zinski Vikings Add Cowboys 7th Round Pick Ahmad Dixon to Practice Squad http://thevikingage.com/2014/09/03/vikings-add-cowboys-6th-round-pick-ahmad-dixon-practice-squad/ TheVikingAge.com September 3, 2014 September 3, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] September 8, 2014Bears sign Dixon off Viking practice squad http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-rt-fbn-bears-vikings-ntagreuters-com0000newsml-sx0-20140908-story.html ChicagoTribune.com September 8, 2014 September 8, 2014 September 24, 2014 McLeod Bethel-Thompson QB New England Patriots Judd Zulgad Vikings place Matt Cassel, Brandon Fusco on injured reserve http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_place_Matt_Cassel_Brandon_Fusco_on_injured_reserve092414 1500ESPN.com September 24, 2014 September 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141012175527/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_place_Matt_Cassel_Brandon_Fusco_on_injured_reserve092414 October 12, 2014 dead mdy-all Practice Squad [PS] October 7, 2014 Ryan Otten TE Cincinnati Bengals November 3, 2014 September 29, 2014 Chandler Harnish QB Indianapolis Colts Adam Carlson Vikings Sign QB Chandler Harnish To Practice Squad, Cut WR Donte Foster http://thevikingage.com/2014/09/29/vikings-sign-qb-chandler-harnish-practice-squad-cut-wr-donte-foster/ TheVikingAge.com September 29, 2014 October 1, 2014 Practice Squad [PS] October 3, 2014Master Tesfatsion Vikings waive QB Chandler Harnish http://blog.startribune.com/sports/access-vikings/vikings-waive-qb-chandler-harnish StarTribune.com October 3, 2014 October 3, 2014 October 7, 2014 Pierre Warren S New Orleans Saints Practice Squad [PS] November 18, 2014 November 3, 2014 RaShaun Allen TE Seattle Seahawks Practice Squad [PS] November 11, 2014Terry Blunt https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11859589/brandon-mebane-seattle-seahawks-season-torn-hamstring Former John Adams football player Rashaun Allen signs with Seattle Seahawks ESPN.com November 11, 2014 November 11, 2014 November 19, 2014 Ben Tate RB Cleveland Browns Chris Tomasson Vikings claim running back Ben Tate off waivers, release MarQueis Gray http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/11/19/report-vikings-claim-running-back-ben-tate-waivers/ TwinCities.com Pioneer Press November 19, 2014 November 19, 2014 December 23, 2014Marc Sessler Ben Tate released by Minnesota Vikings https://www.nfl.com/news/ben-tate-released-by-minnesota-vikings-0ap3000000448804 NFL.com December 23, 2014 December 23, 2014 November 25, 2014 J'Marcus Webb OT Minnesota Vikings Chris Tomasson Tackle J'Marcus Webb rejoins Vikings, replaces Phil Loadholt http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2014/11/25/tackle-jmarcus-webb-rejoins-vikings/ TwinCities.com November 25, 2014 November 25, 2014 December 16, 2014Chris Miller http://blog.startribune.com/sports/access-vikings/vikings-waive-jmarcus-webb Vikings waive J'Marcus Webb StarTribune.com December 16, 2014 December 16, 2014 Staff 2014 Minnesota Vikings Owner/chairman – Zygi Wilf Owner/president – Mark Wilf Owner/vice chairman – Leonard Wilf General manager – Rick Spielman Vice president of football operations – Rob Brzezinski Assistant general manager – George Paton Director of college scouting – Jamaal Stephenson Director of pro scouting – Ryan Monnens Head coach – Mike Zimmer Offensive coordinator – Norv Turner Quarterbacks – Scott Turner Running backs – Kirby Wilson Wide receivers – George Stewart Assistant wide receivers/offensive quality control – Klint Kubiak Tight ends – Kevin Stefanski Offensive line – Jeff Davidson Assistant offensive line – Hank Fraley Defensive coordinator – George Edwards Defensive line – Andre Patterson Assistant defensive line – Robb Akey Linebackers – Adam Zimmer Defensive backs – Jerry Gray Defensive assistant/defensive backs – Jonathan Gannon Defensive assistant – Jeff Howard Special teams coordinator – Mike Priefer Assistant special teams – Ryan Ficken Head athletic trainer – Eric Sugarman Head strength and conditioning – Evan Marcus Assistant strength and conditioning – Jeff Hurd Roster 2014 Minnesota Vikings 53 10 9  5 Teddy Bridgewater y  7 Christian Ponder 44 Matt Asiata 23 Joe Banyard 42 Jerome Felton FB 33 Henry Josey y 48 Zach Line FB 15 Greg Jennings 12 Charles Johnson wide receiver, born 1989 84 Cordarrelle Patterson 19 Adam Thielen 17 Jarius Wright 85 Rhett Ellison 86 Chase Ford 82 Kyle Rudolph 61 Joe Berger C/G 60 Carter Bykowski T 62 Vladimir Ducasse G 79 Michael Harris offensive lineman, born 1988 T 74 Charlie Johnson offensive lineman G 75 Matt Kalil T 65 John Sullivan center C 72 Austin Wentworth y G 66 David Yankey y G 95 Scott Crichton American football y DE 73 Sharrif Floyd DT 97 Everson Griffen DE 92 Tom Johnson defensive tackle, born 1984 DT 98 Linval Joseph DT 96 Brian Robison DE 93 Shamar Stephen y DT 94 Justin Trattou DE 99 Corey Wootton DE 54 Jasper Brinkley MLB 57 Audie Cole MLB/OLB 52 Chad Greenway OLB 50 Gerald Hodges OLB 51 Josh Kaddu OLB 58 Brandon Watts y OLB 36 Robert Blanton SS 26 Ahmad Dixon FS 32 Antone Exum y SS 24 Captain Munnerlyn CB 27 Shaun Prater CB 39 Jabari Price y CB 29 Xavier Rhodes CB 21 Josh Robinson cornerback CB 34 Andrew Sendejo FS/SS 35 Marcus Sherels CB 22 Harrison Smith FS 18 Jeff Locke American football P 46 Cullen Loeffler LS  3 Blair Walsh K 55 Anthony Barr American football y OLB IR 16 Matt Cassel QB IR 49 Dom DeCicco OLB IR 63 Brandon Fusco G IR 71 Phil Loadholt T IR 56 Michael Mauti MLB IR 31 Jerick McKinnon y RB IR 28 Adrian Peterson RB Susp. 78 Antonio Richardson y T IR 64 Josh Samuda G IR 59 Justin Anderson linebacker y LB 13 Kain Colter WR y  6 Pat Devlin American football QB 76 Isame Faciane y DT 11 Donte Foster y WR 67 Zac Kerin y G 64 Jordan McCray C y 89 Ryan Otten TE 20 Dominique Williams y RB Preseason Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.comrecap 1 August 8 Oakland Raiders W 10–6 1–0 TCF Bank Stadium 51,752 Recap 2 August 16 Arizona Cardinals W 30–28 2–0 TCF Bank Stadium 51,763 Recap 3 August 23 at Kansas City Chiefs W 30–12 3–0 Arrowhead Stadium 73,442 Recap 4 August 28 at Tennessee Titans W 19–3 4–0 LP Field 69,143 Recap Game summaries Week 1: vs. Oakland Raiders Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 1: Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary August 8 7:00 p.m. CDT Raiders 0 0 0 6 Vikings 10 0 0 0 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 51,752 Clear, 80 °F Gene Steratore (114) KARE-11 Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 8:27. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:28. MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 0:54. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 5:28. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter OAK – Matt McGloin 10-yard run (pass failed), 1:25. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 2:32. Top passers OAK – Matt McGloin – 11/18, 90 yards MIN – Matt Cassel – 5/6, 62 yards Top rushers OAK – Latavius Murray – 7 rushes, 28 yards MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 12 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers OAK – Brice Butler – 4 rec, 44 yards MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 3 rec, 38 yards Coming off a season in which the Vikings let almost every team score at least 20 points on them (including the preseason), the Vikings showcased a defense that held the Raiders to a single digit score and kept them scoreless until the last 90 seconds of the 4th quarter, when they eventually scored a touchdown. This was the first time the Vikings' defense held any team to a single digit score since week 16 of the 2012 season. Rookie Anthony Barr recorded half a sack, and Kurt Coleman intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr once. On the offense, Matt Cassel started and shined on his sole drive, leading the team down the field, where Matt Asiata scored the Vikings' only touchdown of the game from a yard out. After Cassel's drive, rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater entered the game and played a few drives, completing 6 of 13 pass attempts for 49 yards, getting sacked twice, and fumbling once (fellow Viking Matt Kalil recovered the fumble). The Vikings got a field goal on the second drive. Shortly after the half, the signal calling was turned to Christian Ponder, who managed a pair of first-down passes of 17 and 15 yards early on, but produced little thereafter. Week 2: vs. Arizona Cardinals Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 2: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary August 16 7:30 p.m. CDT Cardinals 7 7 7 7 Vikings 3 10 0 17 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 51,763 Partly cloudy, 85 °F Craig Wrolstad (4) KARE-11 Recap, Game Book First quarter ARI – Jonathan Dwyer 1-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 9:36. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 93 yards, 3:26. MIN – Blair Walsh 21-yard field goal, 2:01. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7:35. Second quarter MIN – Matt Cassel 51-yard pass to Kyle Rudolph (Blair Walsh kick), 14:25. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:35. ARI – Drew Stanton 1-yard pass to Darren Fells (Jay Feely kick), 3:05. Cardinals 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:07. MIN – Blair Walsh 34-yard field goal, 0:50. Cardinals 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 2:15. Third quarter ARI – Robert Hughes 2-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 4:54. Cardinals 21–13. Drive: 19 plays, 80 yards, 10:06. Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 21-yard field goal, 14:53. Cardinals 21–16. Drive: 9 plays, 89 yards, 5:01. MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 3-yard pass to Allen Reisner (Bridgewater–Wright pass), 7:57. Vikings 24–21. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:55. ARI – Zach Bauman 6-yard fumble recovery (Jay Feely kick), 1:11. Cardinals 28–24. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 0:38. MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 2-yard pass to Rodney Smith (kick failed), 0:18. Vikings 30-28. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 0:53. Top passers ARI – Carson Palmer – 4/8, 91 yards MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 16/20, 177 yards, 2 TD Top rushers ARI – Robert Hughes – 9 rushes, 26 yards, TD MIN – Joe Banyard – 6 rushes, 64 yards Top receivers ARI – Jaron Brown – 2 rec, 86 yards MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 4 rec, 89 yards, TD The Vikings faced a Cardinals team that shut the Texans out 32–0 in week 1. The Cardinals strained the Vikings' defense, but the offense, headed by Matt Cassel in the first half, was able to keep pace with their scoring to see the Vikings trailing 14–13 at halftime. The Vikings switched to Teddy Bridgewater after the half, and the rookie quarterback orchestrated a pair of drives that put the Vikings back in the lead 24–21. A few drives later, the Vikings' defense would end up being penalized three straight times, allowing the Cardinals to score a touchdown through a botched snap that was recovered by the Cardinals and run into the end zone. The Vikings were given the ball with around a minute to score. Bridgewater led the Vikings down field in comeback fashion to score the game-winner with a pass to Rodney Smith, sealing another preseason victory for the Vikings. Week 3: at Kansas City Chiefs Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary August 23 7:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 7 3 17 3 Chiefs 2 3 0 7 Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 73,442 Sunny, 97 °F Walt Coleman (65) KARE-11 Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Matt Cassel 53-yard pass to Cordarrelle Patterson (Blair Walsh kick), 9:56. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 97 yards, 2:55. KC – Matt Cassel fumble forced by Jaye Howard out of bounds in end zone for a safety, 3:42. Vikings 7–2. Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 21-yard field goal, 2:59. Vikings 7–5. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 7:43. MIN – Blair Walsh 41-yard field goal, 1:07. Vikings 10–5. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 0:29. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 32-yard field goal, 4:40. Vikings 13–5. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:33. MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 8-yard pass to Allen Reisner (Blair Walsh kick), 2:08. Vikings 20–5. Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 0:55. MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 5-yard pass to Allen Reisner (Blair Walsh kick), 0:24. Vikings 27–5. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05. Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 28-yard field goal, 4:16. Vikings 30–5. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:45. KC – Tyler Bray 1-yard pass to Albert Wilson (Cairo Santos kick), 0:25. Vikings 30–12. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:51. Top passers MIN – Matt Cassel – 9/17, 152 yards, TD KC – Alex Smith – 14/24, 140 yards Top rushers MIN – Matt Asiata – 11 rushes, 48 yards KC – Cyrus Gray – 5 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 3 rec, 71 yards, TD KC – Travis Kelce – 4 rec, 49 yards The Vikings traveled to Kansas City to play against Matt Cassel's former team. The defense played remarkably well, with Captain Munnerlyn, Chad Greenway and Shaun Prater each recording an interception. The Vikings' defense managed to hold the Chiefs to five points for a majority of the game until they got a touchdown in the final minute for a total of 12. For the third game running, Cassel was the starting quarterback and he played the majority of this game; he gained 152 passing yards with a touchdown pass to Cordarrelle Patterson, and threw a pick, the Vikings' only turnover of their preseason. Bridgewater also saw a little action; though he made few pass attempts, he gained 40 passing yards and made two touchdown passes to Allen Reisner. Week 4: at Tennessee Titans Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – Game summary August 28 7:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 7 9 3 0 Titans 0 0 0 3 LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee 69,143 Cloudy, 80 °F Clete Blakeman (34) KARE-11 Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 3-yard pass to Adam Thielen (Blair Walsh kick), 8:54. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:06. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 45-yard field goal, 13:26. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 51 yards, 6:49. MIN – Blair Walsh 22-yard field goal, 5:03. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:23. MIN – Blair Walsh 35-yard field goal, 1:38. Vikings 16–0. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 2:30. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 2:40. Vikings 19–0. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 8:17. Fourth quarter TEN – Maikon Bonani 29-yard field goal, 7:08. Vikings 19–3. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 7:43. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 12/15, 121 yards TEN – Zach Mettenberger – 12/17, 154 yards Top rushers MIN – Joe Banyard – 18 rushes, 111 yards TEN – Antonio Andrews – 13 rushes, 78 yards Top receivers MIN – Allen Reisner – 4 rec, 33 yards TEN – Justin Hunter – 2 rec, 53 yards The Vikings traveled to Tennessee to face the Titans in the preseason finale. The Vikings' defense excelled in keeping the Titans to a minimal score, and recorded a strip sack by Corey Wootton and an interception by Julian Posey. Teddy Bridgewater was the starter for this game, and led the Vikings to score 10 points in their first two drives. Christian Ponder then took over for the rest of the game, leading three more scoring drives, though he and the offense were unable to score any touchdowns. Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.comrecap 1 September 7 at St. Louis Rams W 34–6 1–0 Edward Jones Dome 55,919 Recap 2 September 14 New England Patriots L 7–30 1–1 TCF Bank Stadium 52,350 Recap 3 September 21 at New Orleans Saints L 9–20 1–2 Mercedes-Benz Superdome 73,005 Recap 4 September 28 Atlanta Falcons W 41–28 2–2 TCF Bank Stadium 52,173 Recap 5 October 2 Thursday Night Football at Green Bay Packers L 10–42 2–3 Lambeau Field 78,054 Recap 6 October 12 Detroit Lions L 3–17 2–4 TCF Bank Stadium 52,213 Recap 7 October 19 at Buffalo Bills L 16–17 2–5 Ralph Wilson Stadium 68,477 Recap 8 October 26 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 19–13 (OT) 3–5 Raymond James Stadium 56,577 Recap 9 November 2 Washington Redskins W 29–26 4–5 TCF Bank Stadium 52,252 Recap 10 Bye 11 November 16 at Chicago Bears L 13–21 4–6 Soldier Field 61,792 Recap 12 November 23 Green Bay Packers L 21–24 4–7 TCF Bank Stadium 52,386 Recap 13 November 30 Carolina Panthers W 31–13 5–7 TCF Bank Stadium 52,016 Recap 14 December 7 New York Jets W 30–24 (OT) 6–7 TCF Bank Stadium 52,152 Recap 15 December 14 at Detroit Lions L 14–16 6–8 Ford Field 62,490 Recap 16 December 21 at Miami Dolphins L 35–37 6–9 Sun Life Stadium 66,203 Recap 17 December 28 Chicago Bears W 13–9 7–9 TCF Bank Stadium 52,364 Recap Note: Division rivals are marked with bold text. Game summaries Week 1: at St. Louis Rams Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams – Game summary September 7 12:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 3 10 7 14 Rams 0 0 3 3 Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri 55,919 None (indoor stadium) Ed Hochuli (85) Fox Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison and Kristina Pink Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 52-yard field goal, 9:37. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 5:23. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 46-yard field goal, 14:16. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 1:53. MIN – Greg Jennings 8-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 0:21. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 0:48. Third quarter STL – Greg Zuerlein 56-yard field goal, 10:11. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 4:49. MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 67-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:54. Vikings 20–3. Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:14. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 7-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 6:27. Vikings 27–3. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:23. MIN – Harrison Smith 81-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 2:57. Vikings 34–3. STL – Greg Zuerlein 46-yard field goal, 1:31. Vikings 34–6. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 1:26. Top passers MIN – Matt Cassel – 17/25, 170 yards, 2 TD STL – Austin Davis – 16/23, 192 yards Top rushers MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 3 rushes, 102 yards, TD STL – Zac Stacy – 11 rushes, 43 yards Top receivers MIN – Greg Jennings – 6 receptions, 58 yards, TD STL – Brian Quick – 7 receptions, 99 yards The Vikings opened their season on the road against the St. Louis Rams and took the lead in the first half with a field goal in each quarter from 52 yards and 46 yards, respectively, from third-year kicker Blair Walsh and an eight-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel to Greg Jennings with 21 seconds left in the half, set up by an interception from Josh Robinson at the Rams' 35-yard line. The Rams struck back early in the third quarter with a field goal from Greg Zuerlein before Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson made the play of the game with a 67-yard touchdown run. The Vikings secured the game late in the fourth quarter as TE Kyle Rudolph connected with Cassel on a seven-yard touchdown pass, while Rudolph's former Notre Dame teammate Harrison Smith took an interception 81 yards for the Vikings' fourth touchdown of the game. Zuerlein added another field goal late in the game to make the final score 34–6 to the Vikings, their first road victory since week 16 of the 2012 season against the Houston Texans. Week 2: vs. New England Patriots Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary September 14 12:00 p.m. CDT Patriots 10 14 3 3 Vikings 7 0 0 0 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,350 Partly cloudy, 58 F C Tony Corrente (99) CBS Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 25-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Blair Walsh kick), 10:54. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:06. NE – Stevan Ridley 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:14. Tied 7–7. Drive: 2 plays, 1 yard, 0:43. NE – Stephen Gostkowski 48-yard field goal, 0:32. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 4:11. Second quarter NE – Julian Edelman 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:30. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 4:00. NE – Chandler Jones 58-yard return of blocked field goal (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:09. Patriots 24–7. Third quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 47-yard field goal, 8:32. Patriots 27–7. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 1:10. Fourth quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 27-yard field goal, 14:57. Patriots 30–7. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 6:49. Top passers NE – Tom Brady – 15/22, 149 yards, TD MIN – Matt Cassel – 19/36, 202 yards, TD, 4 INT Top rushers NE – Stevan Ridley – 25 rushes, 101 yards, TD MIN – Matt Asiata – 13 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers NE – Julian Edelman – 6 receptions, 81 yards, TD MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 4 receptions, 56 yards The Vikings began their opening home game of the season without Adrian Peterson, who was deactivated after being charged with negligent injury of a child for allegedly beating his four-year-old son with a tree branch.Jessica Glenza NFL star Adrian Peterson charged with injuring his son https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/12/nfl-adrian-peterson-minnesota-vikings-injury-child theguardian.com Guardian News and Media September 12, 2014 He was replaced in the starting lineup by Matt Asiata, who got the Vikings off to a good start with a 25-yard touchdown reception from Matt Cassel on the game's opening possession. The defense then forced the Patriots into a three-and-out, only for Cassel to throw an interception attempting to find Jarius Wright deep downfield. Devin McCourty returned the ball 60 yards to the Minnesota 1-yard line, and two plays later, Stevan Ridley ran in to tie the scores. A second interception early in the second quarter resulted in another scoring drive for New England, as Tom Brady connected with Julian Edelman on a nine-yard TD catch. As the first half drew to a close, the Vikings drove downfield to give Blair Walsh a 48-yard field goal attempt with 19 seconds on the clock; however, Patriots DE Chandler Jones was able to burst through the Minnesota offensive line and block the kick before scooping up the ball and returning it 58 yards for the Patriots' third TD of the half. After the break, Cassel threw another two interceptions, one in each quarter, with the first resulting in a 47-yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal. The second occurred with six minutes left in the game, and the Patriots were able to hang onto possession until the two-minute warning before turning the ball over on downs at the Minnesota 19-yard line. Aided by two pass interference penalties, Cassel led the Vikings down the field and thought he had managed to cut into the New England lead with a 16-yard pass to Greg Jennings with 41 seconds to play, only for Jennings to be ruled out of bounds before gaining possession of the ball. Cassel was then sacked for a 14-yard loss on the next play and the game finished as a 30–7 Patriots win. Week 3: at New Orleans Saints Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary September 21 12:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 0 6 3 0 Saints 13 0 0 7 Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana 73,005 None (indoor stadium) Walt Anderson (66) Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter NO – Pierre Thomas 1-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 9:36. Saints 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:24. NO – Josh Hill 34-yard pass from Drew Brees (kick blocked), 4:50. Saints 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:39. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 25-yard field goal, 14:06. Saints 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards, 5:44. MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 6:28. Saints 13–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 5:47. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 10:20. Saints 13–9. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:40. Fourth quarter NO – Marques Colston 18-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 12:22. Saints 20–9. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 5:28. Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 12/20, 150 yards NO – Drew Brees – 27/35, 293 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Matt Asiata – 12 rushes, 35 yards NO – Khiry Robinson – 18 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers MIN – Greg Jennings – 5 receptions, 70 yards NO – Brandin Cooks – 8 receptions, 74 yards After initially stating that Adrian Peterson would return to the active roster for their Week 3 game at New Orleans, the Vikings later placed the running back on the inactive list indefinitely, pending the outcome of the court case against him. Despite coming into the game at 0–3, the Saints started well, scoring two touchdowns on their first two drives, although DE Everson Griffen was able to block the extra point attempt on the second. The Vikings responded to going 13–0 down with two field goals from 25 and 30 yards respectively, but an injury to Matt Cassel meant a debut for rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater. K Blair Walsh hit a 40-yard field goal to open the second half for the Vikings, but New Orleans closed the game out with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Marques Colston early in the fourth quarter. They were aided on the drive by a penalty for unnecessary roughness against CB Captain Munnerlyn for a tackle on Brees, but many thought that Brees should also have been penalized for his reaction and the penalties offset. Regardless, the Vikings were forced to punt on their next possession and the Saints were able to run out the clock for a 20–9 win. Week 4: vs. Atlanta Falcons Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 4: Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary September 28 3:25 p.m. CDT Falcons 7 7 14 0 Vikings 14 10 3 14 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,173 Partly cloudy, 82 F C Ron Torbert (62) Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 3-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 9:27. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 5:24. ATL – Roddy White 24-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 3:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:31. MIN – Matt Asiata 6-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:31. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:25. Second quarter ATL – Patrick DiMarco 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 5:56. Tied 14–14. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 5:26. MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 13-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 1:59. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:57. MIN – Blair Walsh 18-yard field goal, 0:02. Vikings 24–14. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 1:23. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 41-yard field goal, 10:40. Vikings 27–14. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 4:20. ATL – Devin Hester 36-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 7:19. Vikings 27–21. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:21. ATL – Antone Smith 48-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 1:31. Falcons 28–27. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 1:16. Fourth quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Teddy Bridgewater–Rhett Ellison pass), 10:50. Vikings 35–28. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:51. MIN – Blair Walsh 55-yard field goal, 3:38. Vikings 38–28. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 2:51. MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 1:14. Vikings 41–28. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:11. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 25/41, 298 yards, 3 TD MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 19/30, 317 yards Top rushers ATL – Antone Smith – 4 rushes, 62 yards MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 18 rushes, 135 yards Top receivers ATL – Julio Jones – 6 receptions, 82 yards MIN – Jarius Wright – 8 receptions, 132 yards Having lost Matt Cassel for the season, the Vikings gave Teddy Bridgewater his first career start at home to the Falcons in week 4, but it was running back Matt Asiata who opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run. Roddy White leveled the scores with a 24-yard catch from Matt Ryan, but a 49-yard kickoff return from Cordarrelle Patterson set the Vikings up with a short field on the next drive, which Asiata finished with a 6-yard run to restore Minnesota's seven-point lead. Steven Jackson thought he had tied the scores again on a 3-yard run with six minutes to go in the half, only for the touchdown call to be overturned on review; however, Ryan was able to find FB Patrick DiMarco in the flat on the next play. However, Bridgewater himself restored Minnesota's advantage on the ensuing possession, capping an 80-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown run as the game entered its first two-minute warning. After forcing Atlanta into a quick three-and-out, Bridgewater led the Vikings downfield to the brink of another touchdown, but a lack of time meant they had to settle for an 18-yard Blair Walsh field goal to give them a 24–14 lead at the half. Walsh scored another field goal on the opening drive of the second half, but long touchdowns for Devin Hester and Antone Smith gave the Falcons a one-point lead going into the fourth quarter. Those would prove to be Atlanta's last points of the game as Asiata picked up his third TD run early in the fourth quarter, with Bridgewater adding two points with a pass to Rhett Ellison. Bridgewater was injured on that drive, meaning that third-string QB Christian Ponder came in for his first appearance of the season. However, his job was simply to hand the ball off to rookie running back Jerick McKinnon, who set up a 55-yard field goal attempt for Walsh. An interception by Harrison Smith led to another field goal from 33 yards, before Josh Robinson closed the game out with another interception. Week 5: at Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary October 2 Thursday 7:30 p.m. CDT Vikings 0 0 0 10 Packers 14 14 14 0 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 78,054 Rain, 62 F C Brad Allen (122) CBS/NFLN Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson Recap, Game Book First quarter GB – Randall Cobb 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:39. Packers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 2:04. GB – Jordy Nelson 66-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 5:18. Packers 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 1:32. Second quarter GB – Julius Peppers 49-yard interception return (Mason Crosby kick), 6:51. Packers 21–0. GB – Davante Adams 11-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:51. Packers 28–0. Drive: 3 plays, 20 yards, 1:15. Third quarter GB – Eddie Lacy 11-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 10:33. Packers 35–0. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:59. GB – Eddie Lacy 10-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 3:42. Packers 42–0. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 4:49. Fourth quarter MIN – Christian Ponder 6-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 14:54. Packers 42–7. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:48. MIN – Blair Walsh 26-yard field goal, 10:07. Packers 42–10. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:13. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 22/44, 222 yards GB – Aaron Rodgers – 12/17, 156 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Matt Asiata – 15 rushes, 72 yards GB – Eddie Lacy – 13 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIN – Adam Thielen – 4 receptions, 57 yards GB – Jordy Nelson – 1 reception, 66 yards, TD With only four days between games, Teddy Bridgewater had insufficient time to recover from the injury he picked up in week 4 and Christian Ponder made his first start since week 12 of the 2013 season. The Vikings defense forced Green Bay to punt on the first possession of the game, but soon kicked the ball back to the Packers, allowing Eddie Lacy's running to set up an 8-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Randall Cobb. The Vikings' ensuing possession again ended with a punt, and Rodgers punished them with a 66-yard TD pass to Jordy Nelson. The teams traded possession as the game moved into the second quarter, until Ponder threw the ball directly to Packers DE Julius Peppers, who returned the interception 49 yards for his team's third TD of the game. Two plays later, Ponder was picked off again, this time by LB Jamari Lattimore, leaving a short field for Rodgers to work into before throwing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Davante Adams. The second half began in much the same vein, as the Packers forced a Vikings punt on the first possession before marching downfield to set Lacy up for an 11-yard scoring run. The running back went into the end zone again at the end of the Packers' next possession with a 10-yard run, giving the home team a 42–0 lead. CB Marcus Sherels returned the ensuing kickoff 46 yards, and Ponder was able to pass downfield to the Green Bay 6-yard line, from where he ran into the end zone for the Vikings' first points of the game. Three plays later, Harrison Smith picked off a pass from Matt Flynn at the Green Bay 30-yard line, but the Vikings were unable to get into the end zone despite the short field and had to settle for a 26-yard Blair Walsh field goal. As the game drew to a close, the Vikings regained possession and drove down to the Packers' 8-yard line, only to be denied on 4th-and-goal, allowing Green Bay to end the game with a kneeldown. Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 6: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary October 12 12:00 p.m. CDT Lions 7 3 0 7 Vikings 0 0 0 3 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,213 Sunny, 53 F C John Parry (132) Fox Mike Goldberg, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Peter Schrager Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Theo Riddick 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 11:06. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:54. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 52-yard field goal, 0:07. Lions 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 0:38. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 11:44. Lions 17–0. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 7:54. MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 4:53. Lions 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 4:21. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 19/33, 185 yards, TD MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 23/37, 188 yards Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 18 rushes, 74 yards, TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 11 rushes, 40 yards Top receivers DET – Theo Riddick – 5 receptions, 75 yards, TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 6 receptions, 42 yards The Vikings were defeated at home by the Lions 17-3. This game, while not broadcast nationally, gained widespread attention due to play by play announcer Mike Goldberg's commentating style, which was received quite negatively due to his botching of several plays and getting players and coaches names wrong. As it turned out, this would be the only game Goldberg ever broadcast on FOX. He was originally going to broadcast the Vikings next game at Buffalo, but he was replaced by Tim Brando instead. Week 7: at Buffalo Bills Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills – Game summary October 19 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 3 10 0 3 Bills 0 10 0 7 Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York 68,477 Cloudy, 41 F C Ed Hochuli (85) Fox Tim Brando, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Peter Schrager Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 1:50. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:59. Second quarter BUF – Sammy Watkins 26-yard pass from Kyle Orton (Dan Carpenter kick), 9:23. Bills 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 26 yards, 0:05. MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 4-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 6:17. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 3:06. BUF – Dan Carpenter 31-yard field goal, 4:01. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:16. MIN – Blair Walsh 55-yard field goal, 0:15. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:04. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 11:45. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 5:43. BUF – Sammy Watkins 2-yard pass from Kyle Orton (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:01. Bills 17–16. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 3:06. Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 15/26, 157 yards, TD BUF – Kyle Orton – 31/43, 283 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 19 rushes, 103 yards BUF – C. J. Spiller – 1 rush, 53 yards Top receivers MIN – Greg Jennings – 6 receptions, 77 yards BUF – Sammy Watkins – 9 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD Week 8: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary October 26 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 0 3 7 3 6 Buccaneers 0 0 0 13 0 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida 56,577 Sunny, 77 F C Craig Wrolstad (4) Fox Justin Kutcher, David Diehl and Laura Okmin Recap, Game Book First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 0:59. Third quarter MIN – Greg Jennings 17-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 7:09. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:09. Fourth quarter TB – Patrick Murray 54-yard field goal, 14:12. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 1:27. TB – Patrick Murray 45-yard field goal, 7:19. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:44. TB – Austin Seferian-Jenkins 7-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Patrick Murray kick), 2:02. Tampa Bay 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 3:38. MIN – Blair Walsh 38-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 13–13. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 2:02. Overtime MIN – Anthony Barr 27-yard fumble return, 14:43. Vikings 19–13. Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 24/42, 241 yards, TD TB – Mike Glennon – 19/28, 171 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 16 rushes, 83 yards TB – Doug Martin – 10 rushes, 27 yards Top receivers MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson – 6 receptions, 86 yards TB – Mike Evans – 4 receptions, 78 yards Week 9: vs. Washington Redskins Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 9: Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary November 2 12:00 p.m. CST Redskins 3 7 10 6 Vikings 0 7 7 15 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,252 Sunny, 50 F C Gene Steratore (114) Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter WAS – Kai Forbath 36-yard field goal, 6:16. Redskins 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 7:49. Second quarter WAS – Alfred Morris 14-yard run, 14:46. Redskins 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 91 yards, 2:22. MIN – Chase Ford 20-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 0:36. Redskins 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 46 yards, 0:23. Third quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 10:44. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 2:15. WAS – DeSean Jackson 13-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Kai Forbath kick), 7:23. Redskins 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:21. WAS – Kai Forbath 26-yard field goal, 1:57. Redskins 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 3:26. Fourth quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 7-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 13:00. Vikings 21–20. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 3:57. WAS – Alfred Morris 2-yard run (run failed), 9:01. Redskins 26–21. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:59. MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Matt Asiata run), 3:27. Vikings 29–26. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:34. Top passers WAS – Robert Griffin III – 18/28, 251 yards, TD MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 26/42, 268 yards, TD Top rushers WAS – Alfred Morris – 19 rushes, 92 yards, 2 TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 14 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers WAS – DeSean Jackson – 4 receptions, 120 yards, TD MIN – Greg Jennings – 6 receptions, 76 yards With the close win over the Redskins, the Vikings improved to 4–5. Teddy Bridgewater's third win as a starting rookie quarterback breaks the franchise record (two wins) shared by both Fran Tarkenton and Christian Ponder.http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/10-Vikings-Bye-Week-Numbers-of-Note/b4313e6d-bb7e-46e1-981d-642b0281b029 10 Vikings Bye Week Numbers of Note 2014-11-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20141106163148/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/10-Vikings-Bye-Week-Numbers-of-Note/b4313e6d-bb7e-46e1-981d-642b0281b029 2014-11-06 dead Week 10: Bye The Vikings took their bye week in week 10, along with the Texans, Colts, Patriots, Chargers and Redskins. Week 11: at Chicago Bears Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary November 16 12:00 p.m. CST Vikings 10 0 0 3 Bears 0 14 0 7 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 61,792 Cloudy, flurries, 31 F C Ron Torbert (62) CBS Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon and Stacey Dales Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 50-yard field goal, 11:21. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:39. MIN – Rhett Ellison 7-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 3:16. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:46. Second quarter CHI – Alshon Jeffery 27-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 13:06. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:10. CHI – Brandon Marshall 44-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 2:49. Bears 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:47. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter CHI – Brandon Marshall 4-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 8:51. Bears 21–10. Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 7:35. MIN – Blair Walsh 26-yard field goal, 4:04. Bears 21–13. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:47. Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 18/28, 158 yards, TD CHI – Jay Cutler – 31/43, 330 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Andrew Sendejo – 1 rush, 48 yards CHI – Matt Forté – 26 rushes, 117 yards Top receivers MIN – Charles Johnson – 6 receptions, 87 yards CHI – Alshon Jeffery – 11 receptions, 135 yards, TD Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 12: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary November 23 12:00 p.m. CST Packers 7 7 3 7 Vikings 0 10 3 8 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,386 Cloudy, 49 F C Clete Blakeman (34) Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa Recap, Game Book First quarter GB – Eddie Lacy 7-run (Mason Crosby kick), 1:34. Packers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 3:10. Second quarter MIN – Charles Johnson 22-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 11:06. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 5:28. GB – Richard Rodgers 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 5:23. Packers 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 1:59. MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 0:16. Packers 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 5:07. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 6:42. Packers 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 1:53. GB – Mason Crosby 48-yard field goal, 2:41. Packers 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:01. Fourth quarter GB – Eddie Lacy 10-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 8:34. Packers 24–13. Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 6:18. MIN – Greg Jennings 5-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Teddy Bridgewater to Charles Johnson pass), 3:23. Packers 24–21. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 5:11. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 19/29, 209 yards, 2 TD MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 21/37, 210 yards, 2 TD Top rushers GB – Eddie Lacy – 25 rushes, 125 yards, TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 15 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers GB – Jordy Nelson – 8 receptions, 68 yards MIN – Charles Johnson – 3 receptions, 52 yards, TD Week 13: vs. Carolina Panthers Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 13: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary November 30 12:00 p.m. CST Panthers 3 3 7 0 Vikings 14 14 0 3 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,016 Sunny, 12 F C Brad Allen (122) Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 4-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 9:41. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:07. MIN – Adam Thielen 30-yard return of blocked punt (Blair Walsh kick), 7:00. Vikings 14–0. CAR – Graham Gano 30-yard field goal, 0:37. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 6:23. Second quarter MIN – Everson Griffen 43-yard return of blocked punt (Blair Walsh kick), 9:35. Vikings 21–3. CAR – Graham Gano 35-yard field goal, 3:28. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:07. MIN – Greg Jennings 17-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 0:16. Vikings 28–6. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:12. Third quarter CAR – Philly Brown 32-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:15. Vikings 28–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:13. Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 8:55. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:25. Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 18/35, 194 yards, TD MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 15/21, 138 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 12 rushes, 85 yards MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 14 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 5 receptions, 59 yards MIN – Greg Jennings – 5 receptions, 45 yards, TD Week 14: vs. New York Jets Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 14: New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 7 12:00 p.m. CST Jets 12 3 3 6 0 Vikings 14 7 0 3 6 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,152 Cloudy, 32 F C Jerome Boger (23) CBS Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Gerald Hodges 27-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:54. Vikings 7–0. NYJ – Sheldon Richardson sack for safety, 10:12. Vikings 7–2. NYJ – Percy Harvin 35-yard pass from Geno Smith (Nick Folk kick), 7:35. Jets 9–7. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:37. MIN – Charles Johnson 56-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 5:43. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:42. NYJ – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 2:28. Vikings 14–12. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 3:25. Second quarter MIN – Jerome Felton 0-yard fumble recovery (Blair Walsh kick), 13:44. Vikings 21–12. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:56. NYJ – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 0:17. Vikings 21–15. Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 3:30. Third quarter NYJ – Nick Folk 22-yard field goal, 12:24. Vikings 21–18. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:32. Fourth quarter NYJ – Nick Folk 24-yard field goal, 14:15. Tied 21–21. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:48. MIN – Blair Walsh 20-yard field goal, 5:28. Vikings 24–21. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:12. NYJ – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:23. Tied 24–24. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 2:44. Overtime MIN – Jarius Wright 87-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater, 10:35. Vikings 30–24. Drive: 3 plays, 92 yards, 1:39. Top passers NYJ – Geno Smith – 18/29, 254 yards, TD MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 19/27, 309 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NYJ – Chris Ivory – 16 rushes, 73 yards MIN – Matt Asiata – 19 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers NYJ – Percy Harvin – 6 receptions, 124 yards, TD MIN – Jarius Wright – 4 receptions, 123 yards, TD With the overtime win, the Vikings improve to 6–7 and have therefore improved on last year's record. Week 15: at Detroit Lions Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary December 14 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST Vikings 7 7 0 0 Lions 0 10 3 3 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 62,490 None (indoor stadium) Pete Morelli (135) Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 2-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:16. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 5:09. Second quarter MIN – Greg Jennings 8-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 10:05. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:53. DET – Golden Tate 7-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 3:42. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:45. DET – Matt Prater 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 3:00. Third quarter DET – Matt Prater 30-yard field goal, 3:45. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 7:19. Fourth quarter DET – Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 3:38. Lions 16–14. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:05. Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 31/41, 315 yards, TD DET – Matthew Stafford – 17/28, 153 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Matt Asiata – 11 rushes, 36 yards, TD DET – Joique Bell – 15 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers MIN – Charles Johnson – 5 receptions, 72 yards DET – Calvin Johnson – 6 receptions, 53 yards The loss resulted in the Vikings being officially eliminated from playoff contention. Week 16: at Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Miami Dolphins – Game summary December 21 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Vikings 7 10 0 18 Dolphins 0 7 7 23 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 66,203 Partly cloudy, 80 F C Tony Corrente (99) Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 4:23. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:36. Second quarter MIN – Greg Jennings 21-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 11:34. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 0:49. MIA – Dion Sims 14-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 4:53. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 6:41. MIN – Blair Walsh 18-yard field goal, 0:02. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 1:04. Third quarter MIA – Mike Wallace 16-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 8:29. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 4:03. Fourth quarter MIA – Lamar Miller 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 14:57. Dolphins 21–17. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 3:39. MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 9:52. Dolphins 21–20. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 5:05. MIA – Mike Wallace 7-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:39. Dolphins 28–20. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:13. MIN – Jarius Wright 8-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Matt Asiata run), 4:46. Tied 28–28. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 1:53. MIN – Matt Asiata 5-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 4:35. Vikings 35–28. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05. MIA – Damien Williams 3-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 1:11. Tied 35–35. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:24. MIA – Punt blocked by Terrence Fede out of bounds of end zone for a safety, 0:41. Dolphins 37–35. Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 19/26, 259 yards, 2 TD MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 35/47, 398 yards, 4 TD Top rushers MIN – Matt Asiata – 16 rushes, 58 yards, 2 TD MIA – Lamar Miller – 19 rushes, 92 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Greg Jennings – 3 receptions, 56 yards, TD MIA – Charles Clay – 6 receptions, 114 yards Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears Minnesota Vikings 2014 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 17: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 28 12:00 p.m. CST Bears 0 3 3 3 Vikings 3 0 7 3 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,364 Cloudy, 15 F C Jeff Triplette (42) Fox Dick Stockton, Brady Quinn and Kristina Pink Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 37-yard field goal, 4:59. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 5:25. Second quarter CHI – Jay Feely 48-yard field goal, 0:55. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 2:53. Third quarter CHI – Jay Feely 25-yard field goal, 13:05. Bears 6–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:40. MIN – Adam Thielen 44-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 10:53. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:12. Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 44-yard field goal, 11:29. Vikings 13–6. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 2:29. CHI – Jay Feely 35-yard field goal, 8:53. Vikings 13–9. Drive: 8 plays, 18 yards, 2:36. Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler – 23/36, 172 yards MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 17/25, 209 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Matt Forté – 17 rushes, 51 yards MIN – Matt Asiata – 19 rushes, 91 yards Top receivers CHI – Martellus Bennett – 8 receptions, 59 yards MIN – Adam Thielen – 3 receptions, 68 yards, TD Standings Division MIN Conference MIN Statistics Team leaders Category Player(s) Value Passing yards Teddy Bridgewater 2,919 Passing touchdowns Teddy Bridgewater 14 Rushing yards Matt Asiata 570 Rushing touchdowns Matt Asiata 9 Receptions Greg Jennings 59 Receiving yards Greg Jennings 742 Receiving touchdowns Greg Jennings 6 Points Blair Walsh 107 Kickoff return yards Cordarrelle Patterson 871 Punt return yards Marcus Sherels 297 Tackles Robert Blanton 106 Sacks Everson Griffen 12 Interceptions Harrison Smith 5 Forced fumbles Anthony Barr 2 Source for this section: Minnesota Vikings' official website.Minnesota Vikings Team Statistics http://www.vikings.com/team/statistics.html Minnesota Vikings December 30, 2014 December 30, 2014 League rankings Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank(out of 32) Passing offense 3,244 202.8 28th Rushing offense 1,804 112.8 14th Total offense 5,048 315.5 27th Passing defense 3,572 223.3 7th Rushing defense 1,943 121.4 25th Total defense 5,515 344.7 14th Source for this section: NFL.com.NFL.com Statistics http://www.nfl.com/stats/team December 30, 2014 NFL.com December 30, 2014 References External links http://www.vikings.com Minnesota Category:Minnesota Vikings seasons Minnesota Vikings