2001 Minnesota Vikings season

Minnesota Vikings
2001 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner	Red McCombs
Head coach	Dennis Green (Weeks 1–16); Mike Tice (Week 17)
Home field	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record	5–11
Division place	4th NFC Central
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	2 TE Byron Chamberlain (bench); C Matt Birk;

The 2001 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 41st in the National Football League. Despite having a 12th ranked offense, the Vikings finished 5–11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995. Before the end of the season, the team fired head coach Dennis Green, who had become a polarizing force among the Viking fan base despite his successful coaching tenure with the team. Mike Tice coached the final game of 2001, a loss to the Ravens.

The season began in tragic circumstances when offensive lineman Korey Stringer died of heatstroke in training camp.

The season started off with a 24–13 home loss to the Carolina Panthers (which would be the Panthers' lone win). They did not win on the road at all during this season. Some season highlights included a 35–13 win over the rival Green Bay Packers in Week 6, and a Week 10 victory over the Giants in which Randy Moss pulled in 10 receptions for 171 yards and three touchdowns leading to a 28–16 victory.

This was Cris Carter's final season in Minnesota, having played 12 seasons there, making eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1993–2000), all with the Vikings. He is the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He retired at the end of the disappointing season, but would briefly return to play for the Miami Dolphins midway through next season.

Offseason

Additions	Subtractions
WR Jake Reed (Saints)	LB Dwayne Rudd (Browns)
TE Byron Chamberlain (Broncos)	DT John Randle (Seahawks)

2001 Draft

Pro Bowler

2001 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order		Player name	Position	College	Notes
Round	Selection	Player name	Position	College	Notes
1	27	Michael Bennett	Running back	Wisconsin
2	57	Willie Howard	Defensive end	Stanford
3	69	Eric Kelly	Cornerback	Kentucky	From Patriots^[a]
3	86	Traded to the New England Patriots^[a]
4	119	Traded to the New England Patriots^[a]
	130	Shawn Worthen	Defensive tackle	Texas Christian	Compensatory pick^[b]
	131	Cedric James	Wide receiver	Texas Christian	Compensatory pick^[b]
5	157	Patrick Chukwurah	Linebacker	Wyoming
6	189	Carey Scott	Cornerback	Kentucky State
7	225	Brian Crawford	Defensive tackle	Western Oregon

^{^[a]} The Vikings traded their third- and fourth-round selections (86th and 119th overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for New England's third-round selection (69th overall).

^{^[b]} The Vikings were awarded two compensatory picks in the fourth round for the losses of Jeff Christy, Duane Clemons, Jeff George and Jimmy Hitchcock.

Undrafted free agents

2001 Undrafted Free Agents
Player	Position	College
Brian Russell	Safety	San Diego State
Mike Solwold	Long snapper/Tight end	Wisconsin

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	August 11	at New Orleans Saints	W 28–21	1–0	Alamodome (San Antonio, TX)	46,752	Recap
2	August 16	Pittsburgh Steelers	W 24–10	2–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,790	Recap
3	August 24	Indianapolis Colts	W 28–21	3–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,804	Recap
4	August 31	at Miami Dolphins	W 20–7	4–0	Pro Player Stadium	60,136	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at New Orleans Saints

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	14	0	7	28
Saints	7	0	7	7	21

at Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

Date: August 11
Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 46,752
Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	7	0	3	0	10
Vikings	0	17	0	7	24

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: August 16
Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 63,790
Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 3: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	10	0	8	3	21
Vikings	0	14	7	7	28

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: August 24
Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 63,804
Referee: Tom White (123)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 4: at Miami Dolphins

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	10	3	7	20
Dolphins	0	7	0	0	7

at Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida

Date: August 31
Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Partly cloudy, 87 °F (31 °C)
Game attendance: 60,136
Referee: Perry Havener (61)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Game recap
1	September 9	Carolina Panthers	L 13–24	0–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,108	Recap
2	September 23	at Chicago Bears	L 10–17	0–2	Soldier Field	66,944	Recap
3	September 30	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 20–16	1–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,105	Recap
4	October 7	at New Orleans Saints	L 15–28	1–3	Louisiana Superdome	70,020	Recap
5	October 14	Detroit Lions	W 31–26	2–3	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,048	Recap
6	October 21	Green Bay Packers	W 35–13	3–3	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,165	Recap
7	October 28	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 14–41	3–4	Raymond James Stadium	65,558	Recap
8	Bye week
9	November 11	at Philadelphia Eagles	L 17–48	3–5	Veterans Stadium	65,638	Recap
10	November 19	New York Giants	W 28–16	4–5	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,283	Recap
11	November 25	Chicago Bears	L 6–13	4–6	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,214	Recap
12	December 2	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 16–21	4–7	Heinz Field	62,661	Recap
13	December 9	Tennessee Titans	W 42–24	5–7	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,271	Recap
14	December 16	at Detroit Lions	L 24–27	5–8	Pontiac Silverdome	72,190	Recap
15	December 23	Jacksonville Jaguars	L 3–33	5–9	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,150	Recap
16	December 30	at Green Bay Packers	L 13–24	5–10	Lambeau Field	59,870	Recap
17	January 7	at Baltimore Ravens	L 3–19	5–11	M&T Bank Stadium	69,465	Recap

Notes

Intradivision opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 1: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	7	3	7	7	24
Vikings	0	0	13	0	13

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: September 9
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,108
Referee: Wayne McKreight (166)
TV: Fox
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 2: at Chicago Bears

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	7	0	10
Bears	0	0	3	14	17

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Date: September 23
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Cloudy, fog, 63 °F (17 °C)
Game attendance: 66,944
Referee: Mike Carey (94)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 3: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	3	3	7	16
Vikings	7	3	3	7	20

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: September 30
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,105
Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 4: at New Orleans Saints

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	8	0	15
Saints	6	9	10	3	28

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: October 7
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 70,020
Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 5: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	3	3	7	13	26
Vikings	7	17	7	0	31

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: October 14
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,048
Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 6: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	0	0	7	6	13
Vikings	0	20	0	15	35

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: October 21
Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,165
Referee: Ron Winter (14)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	8	6	14
Buccaneers	7	21	13	0	41

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Date: October 28
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Clear, 67 °F (19 °C)
Game attendance: 65,558
Referee: Gerald Austin (34)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	10	0	7	17
Eagles	7	24	7	10	48

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date: November 11
Game time: 4:15 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Clear, 50 °F (10 °C)
Game attendance: 65,638
Referee: Ron Blum (7)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 10: vs. New York Giants

Week 10: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	10	3	3	0	16
Vikings	7	7	0	14	28

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: November 19
Game time: 8:10 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,283
Referee: Bob McElwee (95)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 11: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	10	0	3	13
Vikings	0	0	3	3	6

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: November 25
Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,214
Referee: Johnny Grier (23)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 12: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	0	13	16
Steelers	0	7	14	0	21

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: December 2
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Mostly sunny, 46 °F (8 °C)
Game attendance: 62,661
Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 13: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Titans	10	0	0	14	24
Vikings	0	14	14	14	42

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: December 9
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,271
Referee: Tom White (123)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 14: at Detroit Lions

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	17	0	24
Lions	14	6	0	7	27

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

Date: December 16
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 72,190
Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 15: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 15: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Jaguars	10	6	7	10	33
Vikings	0	3	0	0	3

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: December 23
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,150
Referee: Ron Blum (7)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 16: at Green Bay Packers

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	3	7	13
Packers	0	7	0	17	24

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Date: December 30
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Partly cloudy, 19 °F (−7 °C)
Game attendance: 59,870
Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Week 17: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	0	0	3
Ravens	0	9	3	7	19

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Date: January 7
Game time: 9:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: 36 °F (2 °C)
Game attendance: 69,465
Referee: Gerald Austin (34)
Recap, Game Book

Game information

Standings

NFC Central
	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STK
⁽²⁾ Chicago Bears	13	3	0	.813	338	203	W4
⁽⁴⁾ Green Bay Packers	12	4	0	.750	390	266	W3
⁽⁶⁾ Tampa Bay Buccaneers	9	7	0	.563	324	280	L1
Minnesota Vikings	5	11	0	.313	290	390	L4
Detroit Lions	2	14	0	.125	270	424	W1

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Value
Passing yards	Daunte Culpepper	2,612
Passing touchdowns	Daunte Culpepper	14
Rushing yards	Michael Bennett	682
Rushing touchdowns	Daunte Culpepper	5
Receiving yards	Randy Moss	1,233
Receiving touchdowns	Randy Moss	10
Points	Gary Anderson	74
Kickoff return yards	Nate Jacquet	1,012
Punt return yards	Nate Jacquet	219
Tackles	Kailee Wong	98
Sacks	Chris Hovan	6
Interceptions	Robert Griffith Eric Kelly	2
Forced fumbles	Patrick Chukwurah	3

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 31)
Passing offense	3,576	223.5	7th
Rushing offense	1,609	100.6	25th
Total offense	5,185	324.1	12th
Passing defense	3,367	210.4	18th
Rushing defense	2,299	143.7	30th
Total defense	5,666	354.1	27th

Staff

**2001 Minnesota Vikings staff**

	Front office Owner – Red McCombs President – Gary Woods Vice President of Football Administration – Rob Brzezinski Head coaches Head Coach – Dennis Green Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs – Willie Shaw Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line – Mike Tice Offensive coaches Offensive Coordinator – Sherman Lewis Quarterbacks – Alex Wood Running Backs – Carl Hargrave Wide Receivers – Charlie Baggett Tight Ends – John Tice Assistant Offensive Line/Quality Control – Dean Dalton			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – Emmitt Thomas Defensive Line – Brian Baker Inside Linebackers – Richard Solomon Outside Linebackers – Chuck Knox Jr. Defensive Assistant – Trent Walters Special teams coaches Special Teams Coordinator – Gary Zauner Strength and conditioning Strength and Conditioning – Steve Wetzel Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Daryl Lawrence

^[1]

Roster

**2001 Minnesota Vikings final roster**

	Quarterbacks 8 Todd Bouman 11 Daunte Culpepper 19 Scott Mitchell 3 Spergon Wynn Running backs 23 Michael Bennett 34 Doug Chapman 33 Harold Morrow FB 30 Travis Prentice Wide receivers 80 Cris Carter 83 Nate Jacquet 84 Randy Moss 86 Jake Reed 81 Chris Walsh 82 Troy Walters Tight ends 87 Byron Chamberlain 85 Andrew Jordan 40 Jim Kleinsasser		Offensive linemen 74 Brad Badger T 78 Matt Birk C 65 Calvin Collins G 71 David Dixon G 61 Lewis Kelly G 63 Corbin Lacina G 62 Everett Lindsay T 76 Chris Liwienski T 60 Cory Withrow C Defensive linemen 93 Stalin Colinet DE 92 Winfield Garnett DT 99 Chris Hovan DT 51 Lance Johnstone DE 98 Fred Robbins DT 97 Talance Sawyer DE 95 Shawn Worthen DT		Linebackers 50 Patrick Chukwurah OLB 55 Lemanski Hall OLB 58 Ed McDaniel OLB 94 Pete Monty OLB 96 Andre O'Neal OLB 54 Antonio Wilson OLB 52 Kailee Wong MLB 59 Fearon Wright OLB Defensive backs 21 Dale Carter CB 22 Tyrone Carter FS 25 Eric Kelly CB 24 Robert Griffith SS 31 Don Morgan CB 29 Wasswa Serwanga CB 28 Robert Tate CB 42 Orlando Thomas FS 20 Kenny Wright CB Special teams 1 Gary Anderson K 12 Lee Johnson P 43 Brody Liddiard LS		Reserve lists 17 Mitch Berger P (IR) -- Michael Boireau DE (IR) 90 Jeff Hazuga DE (IR) 91 Willie Howard DE (IR) 89 Cedric James WR 41 Carey Scott CB Practice squad 48 Matt Cercone TE 15 Kenny Clark WR 49 Jeff Kostrewa TE 38 Mesene Louisdor CB 69 Mike Malano G -- DeWayne Miles FB 27 Brian Russell FS Rookies in italics 53 active, 6 inactive, 7 practice squad

References

^ 2009 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide. p. 251. Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.

[1] 2009 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide. p. 251. Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.

[a]

[b]

[1]