DAILY CLIPS SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2019 - Amazon S3

DAILY CLIPS

  SATURDAY,
JANUARY 19, 2019

LOCAL NEWS: Saturday, January 19, 2019

                                               Star Tribune

2018 Vikings grades: Brian O'Neill a silver lining for the offensive line
By Andrew Krammer
http://www.startribune.com/2018-vikings-grades-brian-oneill-a-silver-lining-for-the-offensive-
line/504539352/

Will DeFilippo hiring in Jacksonville help Jaguars get Nick Foles?
By Michael Rand
http://www.startribune.com/will-defilippo-hiring-in-jacksonville-help-jaguars-get-nick-foles/504482542/

                                               Vikings.com

Kirk Cousins Announces Dates for 1st MN Football Camp
By Craig Peters
https://www.vikings.com/news/kirk-cousins-announces-dates-for-1st-mn-football-camp

Lunchbreak: Vikings Safeties Smith, Harris Highlighted by PFF
By Lindsey Young
https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-vikings-harrison-smith-anthony-harris

2018 Vikings Position Recap: Special Teams
By Lindsey Young
https://www.vikings.com/news/2018-vikings-position-recap-special-teams

                                              VIKING Update

Vikings’ offensive ironmen showed out again in 2018
By Tim Yotter
https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Minnesota-Vikings-offensive-ironmen-Kyle-Rudolph-
and-Adam-Thielen-showed-out-again-in-2018-128010334/

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 1/19/19
2018 Vikings grades: Brian O'Neill a silver lining for the offensive
line

By Andrew Krammer

At the core of the Vikings’ issues on offense remained a beleaguered offensive line, which lost one starter in
training camp, waited until Week 4 to start another and eventually started eight different players. A lone silver
lining was the emergence of rookie Brian O’Neill at right tackle. More help is needed this offseason.

Grades are based on a 1-to-5 scale, with ‘5’ marking excellence, ‘4’ for above-average, ‘3’ for average, ‘2’ for
below-average and ‘1’ for failure to perform. Players that did not accrue a season (weren’t on the active roster
for at least six weeks) or played in three games or fewer are not graded. Below are individual grades, based on
game and practice observations, weekly film reviews and interviews with coaches, for 14 offensive linemen who
finished the season on the Vikings’ active roster, injured reserve or practice squad. Unofficial NFL stats, such as
QB pressures, missed tackles and targeted passes, are compiled by ProFootballFocus.com.

Previously: (Receivers) Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs emerge as a top NFL duo; (Running backs/tight ends)
Kyle Rudolph, Dalvin Cook filled underwhelming roles; (Quarterbacks) Kirk Cousins’ first Vikings season busted
when it mattered most; (Defensive backs) Harrison Smith leads a deep secondary; (Linebackers) Anthony
Barr’s contract season leaves you wanting more; (Defensive linemen) Danielle Hunter’s name now among the
NFL’s best

OT Brian O’Neill (3.0) — Drafted in the second round (62nd overall) out of Pittsburgh. O’Neill was immediately
labeled a project pick by general manager Rick Spielman, who likened the selection to the third-round pick spent
on an underwhelming LSU product named Danielle Hunter in 2015. O’Neill lived up to the ‘needs-work’ label
with an inconsistent summer, bottoming out with poor joint practices against the Jaguars in training camp. This
was only his fourth year playing offensive line, but coaches noted great strides in his technique. Led to
impressive spot starts at right tackle when Riley Reiff went down with a foot injury. Played 800 snaps [76.1%]
after being a healthy scratch in the season opener. An injury to Aviante Collins opened the door in Week 2 at
Green Bay, where O’Neill played 32 snaps in his NFL debut and held up well against Clay Matthews.

Allowed 31 QB pressures (no sacks), becoming only one of two offensive tackles this season — with Dallas’
Tyron Smith — to play at least 500 pass pro snaps and not surrender a sack. Penalized four times, including
three false starts. Struggled most as a run blocker, where he didn’t move many defenders.

Made his first start in Week 6 against the Cardinals and did not give up the right tackle job the rest of the
season. O’Neill, a former Delaware basketball standout and Pittsburgh tight end, could be the latest success
story of an athletic basketball center or tight end moving to offensive tackle. Coaches want him to add muscle to
his 6-foot-7-inch frame this offseason. Ate around 6,000 calories per day this summer toward that goal.

More reading: Brian O’Neill likes to talk and block at the same time

Below is a third-and-6 play in the season finale loss. The Bears are trying to isolate Khalil Mack (#52) on O’Neill
(#75). Notice how no other Bears defenders start on that side of the ball. O’Neill does what he did for much of
his impressive rookie season: absorbed the initial blow, mirrored with strong hands and did not get beat quickly.
If he can add necessary weight (to better anchor vs. a rush like this) and keep up his technique, O’Neill could
become a long-term answer for the Vikings.

OT Riley Reiff (3.0) — One of six handpicked team captains. A solid start to his seventh NFL season was
derailed by a foot injury suffered in the Week 3 loss to the Bills. Played 793 snaps [75.5%], missing three starts
due to the troublesome foot. Played through the injury for three weeks, but was a liability. Beat on strip-sacks in
back-to-back weeks when Buffalo’s Jerry Hughes and L.A.’s Ndamukong Suh sped around him for the

turnovers. The latter, at the end of a 38-31 loss, ended the Vikings’ chances. Surrendered just one sack the rest
of the season, but allowed 42 QB pressures (three sacks) total, tied for the team lead and eighth worst among
all NFL offensive tackles. Penalized four times (one declined), including three for holding. Remained the group’s
most consistent run blocker and best finisher.

Turned 30 in December. No more guaranteed money remains on the five-year, $58.75 million contract signed
two years ago. Carries an $11.7 million cap hit for next season and would cost $6.6 million in dead cap space to
cut.

C Pat Elflein (2.5) — Offseason surgeries to his ankle and shoulder set back Elflein’s second NFL season
before it really started. Needed to add muscle after his promising rookie season, but prolonged rehab processes
made that difficult. It showed on the field in his disappointing encore. After breaking his ankle in the NFC
Championship Game loss in Philadelphia, Elflein didn’t practice with Kirk Cousins until Sept. 2 — seven days
before the season opener he didn’t start. Played 863 snaps [82.1%], missing three starts. Returned as a reserve
in the Week 3 loss to Buffalo. Played with a brace on his surgically-repaired left shoulder throughout the season.
Clearly had rust to remove early, manifesting in bad snaps. Hiked one to the far right of Cousins in his return vs.
Buffalo, leading to a fumble and failed play. Looked lost as a pass protector until he got his feet under him
against the lowly Cardinals in Week 6. Allowed 33 QB pressures (four sacks), the third worst among all NFL
centers. Not all his fault, as the sack tabbed against him in New England came with Cousins holding onto the
ball too long with open options.

Elfein was in the Patriots’ crosshairs as Bill Belichick moved his best pass rusher, edge defender Trey Flowers,
into the middle to match up against the Vikings center. Elflein had some good reps, shoving Flowers to the
ground on a third-and-5 deep ball dropped by Adam Thielen. But he was later beat when Flowers twisted from
the end position to sack Cousins up the middle. Elflein was also targeted on this third-and-6 play below. It’s only
a four-man Patriots rush, but heavy pre-snap motion over the guards helps to isolate Flowers on Elflein, who is
tossed to the side way too quickly.

As a whole, the interior line had issues against twists and stunts. Players noted communication breakdowns that
did not improve much over time. Ended on a down note in the season finale loss to Chicago, when Elflein
surrendered a season-worst six pressures. Penalized five times (one declined), including three holds. Fingers
are crossed in Eagan hoping Elflein will have a healthy summer to build toward a rebound in 2019. An actual
offseason with Cousins and possibly two new guards could benefit him greatly.

G/T Mike Remmers (2.0) — After a three-game stint at guard to end the 2017 season, one that did not exactly
go well, the Vikings coaching staff asked Remmers to make the full-time move to guard where he hadn’t started
consistently at any meaningful level of football. The former right tackle played 1,048 snaps [99.7%] at right
guard, missing only the final three snaps of the Week 9 win vs. Detroit due to an injury suffered on an extra-point
attempt at the end. One of five Vikings to play more than 1,000 snaps. Played through a lower back injury in the
second half of the season. Allowed 42 QB pressures (seven sacks), tied for the team lead and third worst
among all NFL guards. Had his worst games against the Bills and Rams, surrendering season-low eight
pressures in each. Walked into the backfield by Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (#57), leading to the
pressure on Kirk Cousins’ first sack-fumble in the Week 3 loss.

Played his best games against the Lions and Dolphins, leveling Miami corner Minkah Fitzpatrick with a smart
block to spring Dalvin Cook for a 27-yard screen on the opening touchdown drive. Penalized eight times (one
declined), including a team-high six holding flags. Play got sloppy in the second half with four holding calls in the
final six games. Embarrassed in both games against Bears DT Akiem Hicks, who beat him for multiple sacks
and run stops. Hold in the season finale loss to Chicago negated a Cousins scramble for a third-down
conversion. No more guaranteed money left two seasons into a five-year, $30 million deal signed in free
agency. Makes Remmers a potential cap casualty or restructure candidate with a $6.35 million cap hit for next
season and only a $1.8 million dead cap charge if cut. Turns 30 in April.

G Tom Compton (2.0) — The Rosemount, Minn. native signed a one-year deal with $250,000 guaranteed in
free agency. Added as depth, but inserted into the starting lineup during training camp when Nick Easton
underwent season-ending surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. Played 837 snaps [79.6%] at left guard.

Missed most of three games, including two starts, due to a sprained MCL suffered eight snaps into the Week 7
win at New York. Was about the only offensive lineman who played well against the Bills in the Week 3 loss. Still
had a poor season. Allowed 34 QB pressures (seven sacks), second on the team and 12th worst among all
NFL guards. Had his worst games against the Rams and both outings versus the Bears. Surrendered a season-
worst seven pressures in Los Angeles, where he was twice beaten quickly by Aaron Donald on two fourth-
quarter sacks in the loss. Played through his knee injury in the Week 11 loss at Chicago, but could not finish the
game. Penalized seven times (one declined), including four for holding. Called for holding twice in the loss at
New England, negating Dalvin Cook runs of five and 13 yards. Pending free agent.

OT Rashod Hill (1.5) — Dropped 12 pounds in an effort to be better conditioned for his third NFL season.
Played 529 snaps [50.3%], starting five games at right tackle and three games at left tackle. Has the ideal size
(6-6, 313 pounds), but still struggles with consistent technique in pass protection and can get beat easily around
the edge. Penalized four times (one declined), three for holding. Ended up playing more snaps at left tackle
(254) than right tackle (225) due to Riley Reiff’s foot injury and lost his starting job on the right side when rookie
Brian O’Neill impressed in his spot starts. Injured his ankle and left the Week 3 loss against Buffalo. Allowed the
fifth-most pressures (27, including five sacks) of all offensive tackles between Weeks 1-8. Surrendered a sack in
a flash to Ndamukong Suh on third-and-6 in the red zone at Los Angeles, leading to a Dan Bailey field goal in
the loss. Lack of athleticism makes Hill a poor fit for the Vikings’ zone-blocking schemes. Pending restricted free
agent.

G/C Danny Isidora (1.5) — Elevated to the No. 3 guard role in his second NFL camp and preseason. Starting
taking reps at center, starting there Aug. 30 in Tennessee, to become an emergency option. Active for 14
games, making a career-high two starts when Tom Compton dealt with a sprained knee. Played 214 snaps
[20.4%], jumping into the Week 7 win at New York during the first quarter. Penalized once for ineligible receiver
downfield. Struggled mightily as a pass protector in his two starts, when he surrendered eight pressures
including two sacks. Outmatched against the Saints’ Sheldon Rankins, who had a sack against Isidora and
Elflein. Didn’t look refined in pass protection, failing most against power moves like bull rushes. Fared better as
a run blocker, where he can use his impressive agility to impede linebackers and defensive backs.

G/C Brett Jones (1.5) — Acquired via trade on Aug. 26 from the Giants for a 2019 seventh-round pick. An
emergency addition when center depth behind Elflein and Easton didn’t pan out. Played 191 snaps [18.2%],
starting the first three games at center as Elflein was eased back into action. Didn’t show enough at guard in the
preseason, where he started Aug. 30 in Tennessee, to leapfrog Isidora on the depth chart. Active for 14 games,
but played only limited special teams roles after his three starts. Slightly more consistent as a pass protector,
where he allowed five pressures in three games, than a run blocker. Not penalized.

G/C Nick Easton (N/A) — The Vikings front office felt highly enough of Easton to place a second-round tender
(worth $2.9 million) on their starting left guard. The unraveling of the offensive line began in earnest when
Easton, who had already been filling in at center for the recovering Elflein, suffered a herniated disc in his neck
during training camp. He underwent season-ending surgery. Pending free agent. Turns 27 in June.

G/T Aviante Collins (N/A) — Climbed his way up the depth chart in his second NFL training camp, earning a
start at right tackle in the Aug. 18 preseason game against Jacksonville. Competed with Brian O’Neill for the
swing tackle job and made the initial 53-man roster as a reserve at both guard and tackle. Suffered a season-
ending elbow injury during practice in Week 1. Could fight for a role at guard in 2019.

OT Storm Norton (N/A) — Signed to the initial practice squad after preseason competition. Promoted to the
active roster for Week 8 and was active for his first NFL game against the Saints, appearing on three special
teams snaps. The second-year Toledo product was one of 10 players to sign a futures deal on Jan. 2.

G/T Cedrick Lang (N/A) — The former UTEP basketball standout could’ve been headed for a second season on
the Vikings practice squad before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Aug. 18 exhibition against
Jacksonville. Played mostly right guard last summer.

OT Adam Bisnowaty (N/A) — Signed to the practice squad on Oct. 23 when Riley Reiff dealt with a foot injury.
The second-year Pittsburgh product reunited with former college teammate Brian O’Neill. One of 10 players to
sign a futures deal on Jan. 2.

C Cornelius Edison (N/A) — The fourth-year Portland State product became the starting center in training camp
when injuries sidelined Pat Elflein and Nick Easton. But the Vikings traded for Brett Jones to start in Elflein’s
absence. Edison remained on the practice squad all season. One of 10 players to sign a futures deal on Jan. 2.

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 1/19/19
Will DeFilippo hiring in Jacksonville help Jaguars get Nick Foles?

By Michael Rand
Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Cooler, where to be honest there have been better weeks in local
basketball. Let’s get to it:

*If you didn’t notice, former Vikings offensive coordinator John DeFilippo landed on his feet and was
recently named OC with the Jaguars.

Like the Vikings, the Jaguars went from the conference title game in 2017 to a disappointing finish out of
the playoffs in 2018 — with a drop from No. 5 to No. 27 in points per game fueling the free fall.

DeFilippo couldn’t get more out of the Vikings in 2018, getting fired after 13 games (though how much was
his fault is debatable). He’ll now be tasked with revamping Jacksonville’s offense, and early speculation is
that he could have a familiar face helping him.

DeFilippo was the QB coach in Philadelphia in 2017 when Nick Foles took over and helped the Eagles win
the Super Bowl. Foles has played well the last two years in relief of the injured Carson Wentz, but he is
slated to be a free agent.

Jaguars coach Doug Marrone tried to downplay the connection between the two men, saying it had “zero”
to do with the decision to hire DeFilippo. He’ll probably have something much different to say if Foles
eventually signs with the Jaguars.

*The Gophers women’s basketball team is on a four-game losing streak. The Timberwolves lost to Jimmy
Butler and the 76ers by 42 points on Tuesday. But surely the Gophers men’s basketball team could
handle Illinois on Wednesday and break the string of bad local basketball, right?

You would think so, given that Illinois was winless in Big Ten play coming in. But, um, the Gophers lost 95-
68. Much like the women’s team’s bad loss to Illinois earlier in the year, the Gophers’ loss Wednesday
could leave a lasting mark on the team’s NCAA tournament hopes. We’ll see how resilient all those teams
are in the coming weeks.

*James Harden scored 58 points in an overtime loss Wednesday to Brooklyn, one game after dropping 57
for the Rockets. With several key Rockets injured, nothing quite illustrates Harden’s “me against the world”
mentality better than this stat: Zero of those 115 combined points in the last two games came on assists
from teammates.

If you didn’t like watching Harden before — he’s probably the most talented player I dislike watching in any
sport — than you surely don’t like him now.

The Rockets, by the way, attempted 70 three-pointers in the game — including seven from newly acquired
former Wolves wing James Nunnally, who made three of those attempts in his 25 minutes.

*The Wild’s acquisition of forward Pontus Aberg was a low-risk, low-to-medium-reward move. He could
provide enough scoring punch in select games to help the Wild scratch its way into a playoff spot, but
that’s about all.

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 1/19/19
Kirk Cousins Announces Dates for 1st MN Football Camp

By Craig Peters
EAGAN, Minn. — Kirk Cousins is bringing an installment of his one-of-a-kind football camp to Minnesota
this summer.

The Vikings quarterback has annually hosted a camp that integrates faith, family and football at Hope
College in Holland, Michigan, since 2013.

Cousins will continue that tradition this summer and is adding a session in Minnesota that is scheduled for
June 14-15 at the University of St. Thomas.

“Our football camp is designed to help young men grow in their understanding of the game while helping
them to grow in leadership, faith and integrity,” Cousins is quoted on his website. “Competition is a great
way to develop perseverance and confidence. Through team activities, drills and scrimmages, we help the
campers develop their skills and their character.”

The cost of the two-day, non-overnight camp is $160. Registration is limited to the first 80 participants per
grade.

Click here to see the schedule for the Minnesota camp.

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 1/19/19
Lunchbreak: Vikings Safeties Smith, Harris Highlighted by PFF

By Lindsey Young

Next week, Vikings safety Harrison Smith is headed to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl
appearance and recently was named by PFWA to the All-NFC team.

It sometimes seems like another day, another recognition for Smith, who consistently is among
the NFL’s top safeties. Analytics site Pro Football Focus this week named Smith the league’s
most efficient tackler among his position. PFF’s Austin Gayle wrote:

The NFL’s most efficient tackler at the safety position in 2018 was none other than the Minnesota
Vikings Harrison Smith, [who missed] just four of his 86 tackle attempts en route to a position-
high 21.5 tackling efficiency. He missed just one tackle on his 406 run-defense snaps and three
on his 571 snaps against the pass.

Gayle also highlighted Anthony Harris, who stepped in and played alongside Smith when Andrew
Sendejo was sidelined by a groin injury.

Though he played just 602 defensive snaps and attempted 42 tackles, Vikings safety Anthony
Harris finished tied for third in tackling efficiency (21.0) among qualifying safeties in 2018. But,
perhaps more impressive is Harris’ passer rating allowed in coverage, as he led all safeties with
250-plus coverage snaps played in passer rating allowed at 24.0. He allowed just 13 receptions
for 52 yards and logged three interceptions across 324 coverage snaps.

NFL.com ranks Barr, Richardson in top 15 free agents

NFL free agency doesn’t start until March, but analysts and media members across the league
are taking a look at which players are set to become available at that time.

NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal recently ranked his top 25 free agents, and two Vikings are included
on his list, both in the top 15. Rosenthal placed Anthony Barr at No. 11, saying that “the skill set
and splash plays didn’t always add up to excellent overall production” but that the linebacker had
a good 2018 season.

Coming right below Barr at No. 12 was defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, whom the Vikings
signed as a free agent last spring. Rosenthal opined that Richardson’s beginning of the 2018
campaign was stronger than down the stretch. He wrote:

Richardson started out his season like a man on fire before settling into another campaign that
made his employers probably want just a little bit more. He's been stuck on the "prove-it contract"
cycle for years.

The only other NFC North name on Rosenthal’s list was Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who
was ranked No. 21.

Rosenthal’s top 10 free agents – nine of which are defenders – are as follows: Cowboys DE
DeMarcus Lawrence, Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell, Texans OLB/DE Jadeveon Clowney, Falcons DT

Grady Jarrett, Patriots DE Trey Flowers, Seahawks S Earl Thomas, Chiefs LB Dee Ford,
Seahawks DE Frank Clark, Giants S Landon Collins and Ravens LB C.J. Mosley.

Former Vikings WR named UW-Lacrosse offensive coordinator

A former Vikings wide receiver and Minnesota native has taken a new role in coaching.

Isaac Fruechte, who was a standout at Caledonia High School before playing for the Gophers
and the Vikings (2015-16), was announced this week as the offensive coordinator for University
of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

Colten Bartholomew from the La Crosse Tribune wrote about the hiring:

The hiring keeps Fruechte in the position he took over last season after former offensive
coordinator Luke Bengtson was reassigned within the university. Fruechte was co-offensive
coordinator with offensive line coach Andrew McGlenn for the seven WIAC games last season,
but Fruechte now will assume full OC duties for [Head Coach] Mike Schmidt’s staff.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity from (UW-L athletic director) Kim (Blum), this university and
coach Schmidt,” Fruechte told Bartholomew. “I can’t wait to get back to work.”

Schmidt couldn’t remember the exact number of candidates Fruechte edged for the position, but
said the pool was strong as it’s been in recent searches. This is the third offensive coordinator
hired since Schmidt took over the program in 2016.

Schmidt said a few other candidates came to campus for interviews, and that Fruechte’s head
start on building relationships with UW-L players and his performance after taking over the
position last season were factors in the decision to promote the former wide receivers coach.

Schmidt told Bartholomew that he and his staff saw “calm in the eye of the storm all year” from
Fruechte.

“He hadn’t called plays, or put together an offense, let alone the offense we were running,”
Schmidt said. “And he put all those things together in his head, he did such a great job picking
that all up and putting it out there.”

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 1/19/19
2018 Vikings Position Recap: Special Teams

By Lindsey Young
EAGAN, Minn. – The Viking special teams had an up-and-down season but saw an upswing of
performance, particularly in the return game, throughout the second half of the season.

Through the first nine games of the 2018 campaign, the Vikings averaged just 8.5 yards per punt return.
After the bye, however, they improved to 14.7 yards per return to finish the season with an average of
10.9, which ranked sixth in the NFL.

Marcus Sherels, in his ninth season in Purple, once again was a reliable returner for the Vikings but
missed four games due to injury, during which Mike Hughes and Brandon Zylstra each were called upon.

Minnesota’s kick return game also improved, although the difference was less dramatic. After averaging
23.5 yards per return before the bye, the Vikings averaged 25.8 yards down the stretch.

The Vikings made progress after signing running back Ameer Abdullah, who was released by the division-
rival Lions. Abdullah returned 10 kickoffs for 258 yards.

On coverage teams, third-year safety Jayron Kearse led the Vikings in special teams tackles with 17 (13
solo), according to team stats.

The Vikings kicking game got off to a rocky start when rookie Daniel Carlson, whom Minnesota selected in
the fifth round of the NFL Draft, missed three field goal attempts – including two in overtime – at Green
Bay in Week 2. The contest ended in a tie, and the Vikings announced the next day that Carlson had been
released.

Minnesota signed veteran kicker Dan Bailey, who had spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with
the Cowboys. Bailey was nearly perfect on PATs (30-for-31) but missed seven of 28 field goal attempts
over his 14 games in Minnesota.

The Vikings also went with a fresh face at punter, releasing Ryan Quigley during the preseason and
signing Matt Wile after his release from the Steelers.

Wile punted 72 times for Minnesota. His gross average of 45.2 yards per punt ranked 15th in the NFL,
while his net average of 41.5 yards ranked 10th.

Notable Number

5 in 6 — Sherels has ranked in the top 10 in punt return average in five of the past six seasons. The native
of Rochester, Minnesota, ranked fifth in 2018 with 12.0 yards per punt return. He ranked seventh in 2017
(9.5), second in 2016 (13.9), sixth in 2014 (11.0) and second in 2013 (15.2). His 9.1 yards per return in
2015 placed him 12th in the league.

Memorable Moment

When the Vikings needed a momentum swing against the Dolphins in Week 15, Sherels helped make it
happen.

Five minutes into the third quarter and with the Vikings clinging to a four-point lead, the Sherels
backpedaled, hauled in Matt Haack’s punt and was off to the races.

Sherels caught the ball at the 9, curled toward the right sideline and sprinted ahead. He dipped and
dodged, cutting in and back near the Vikings 45 and making Dolphins miss. He darted back inside at the
Miami 35 and came oh-so close to making it all the way before he was tripped.

The 70-yard return flipped the field position for Minnesota and set up a drive that was capped with a field
goal by Bailey to extend the Vikings lead to seven in an eventual 41-17 victory.

Regular-Season Statistics

K Dan Bailey

93 points, 21-for-28 field goals (75 percent), 30-for-31 extra points (96.8 percent)

20-29 yards: 5-for-6 (83.3 percent)

30-39 yards: 11-for-11 (100 percent)

40-49 yards: 4-for-9 (44.4 percent)

50-plus yards: 1-for-2 (50 percent)

K Daniel Carlson

9 points, 1-for-4 field goals (25 percent), 6-for-6 extra points (100 percent)

20-29 yards: none attempted

30-39 yards: 0-for-1

40-49 yards: 1-for-3

50-plus yards: none attempted

P Matt Wile

72 punts, 3,255 gross yards, 45.2 yards per punt, 41.5 net average, 27 punts inside 20-yard line, long of
70, two touchbacks, one blocked punt

LS Kevin McDermott

16 games

KR Ameer Abdullah

10 returns, 258 yards, 25.8 yards per return, long of 33

KR Mike Hughes

Four returns, 107 yards, 26.8 yards per return, long of 46

KR Holton Hill

Three returns, 85 yards, 28.3 yards per return, long of 30

KR Marcus Sherels

Two returns, 34 yards, 17 yards per return, long of 17

KR Aldrick Robinson

One return, 21 yards

KR Brandon Zylstra

One return, 15 yards

KR Roc Thomas

One return, 20 yards

PR Marcus Sherels

23 returns, 276 yards, 12 yards per return, long of 70

PR Brandon Zylstra

Four returns, 26 yards, 6.5 yards per return, long of nine

PR Mike Hughes

Two returns, 13 yards, 6.5 yards per return, long of 13

Coverage teams

Jayron Kearse

17 special teams tackles (13 solo)

Ben Gedeon

13 special teams tackles (eight solo)

Kentrell Brothers

Nine special teams tackles (eight solo)

Eric Wilson

Nine special teams tackles (eight solo)

C.J. Ham

Seven special teams tackles (three solo)

Anthony Harris

Six special teams tackles (five solo)

George Iloka

Six special teams tackles (five solo)

Roc Thomas

Five special teams (three solo)

Devante Downs

Four special teams tackles (two solo)

Holton Hill

Three special teams tackles (three solo)

Stephen Weatherly

Two special teams tackles (one solo)

Brandon Zylstra

Two special teams tackles (one solo)

(Note: All tackles are according to team stats)

2 Highest highs

1. With the game tied at 10 at U.S. Bank Stadium, Bailey gave Minnesota a lead it didn’t look back from.

Against the Cardinals in Week 6, Bailey was called upon when the Vikings offensive drive was stalled. He
knocked through a 48-yard field goal with just seven seconds remaining in the second quarter, allowing
Minnesota to enter halftime with the advantage.

The Vikings pulled away in the second half and defeated Arizona 27-17, thanks in part to Bailey’s two field
goals (he made a 37-yarder in the first quarter).

2. One of Wile’s better games came against the Jets, when he punted a career-high eight times for 382
yards, averaging 47.8 yards per boot.

Of the eight, Wile dropped a career-high four inside the 20, giving New York less-than-favorable field
position and helping Minnesota walk away with a 37-17 Week 7 win.

2 Lowest lows

1. Carlson’s trio of missed field goals at Green Bay was certainly a special teams low point for the Vikings,
who were forced to settle for a tie against their division rival.

Carlson missed a 48-yarder during regulation but then had two shots at redemption in overtime. The
rookie missed a 49-yarder on Minnesota’s first overtime series, so the Packers took over on offense but
were contained by the Vikings defense.

Minnesota started its second overtime drive on its own 20 and drove down the field but was unable to get
in the end zone. Carlson had a chance to win the game with a 35-yard field goal, but it was no good.

The game ended 29-all, and the Vikings started their season 1-0-1.

2. Another low point of the season also occurred at Green Bay when the Packers first score came
compliments of a special teams blunder.

Midway through the first quarter, Wile’s punt was blocked by Geronimo Allison and recovered by Josh
Jackson in the end zone for a touchdown, giving Green Bay a 7-0 lead.

Quotes

“He’s a consummate professional. He comes in, he’s always one of the first guys in here, he likes the
same routine. He’s really taught me that you’ve got to fall in love with the process. He does the same
things every day – it gets monotonous at times, you’d think it gets boring to him, but he really loves it. You
can tell he loves doing the same thing – getting in the hot tub at the same time, doing the same stretches,
and you see it working out for him.”

— Abdullah on learning from Sherels

“Definitely the last month, as a unit, the whole operation on field goal, I thought we were jelling and
working well. I think it was definitely trending upwards. There’s definitely a few kicks that I’d certainly like
to have back, but overall, coming into the situation the way it was, there’s definitely a lot of positives to
take away from it, learn from the negatives and the positives, that’s what this offseason is going to be.”

— Bailey reflecting on his first season in Minnesota

PUBLICATION : VIKING Update 1/19/19
Vikings’ offensive ironmen showed out again in 2018

By Tim Yotter

The Minnesota Vikings have two players – tight end Kyle Rudolph and receiver Adam Thielen – that
finished the season either in first place or tied for that spot when it comes to the most consecutive games
played at their respective positions among active players.

Rudolph finished 2018 with 65 straight games played, seven more than any other active tight end and
more than four straight years without missing a game. Green Bay’s Lance Kendricks is second with 58,
followed by Pittsburgh’s Jesse James, Green Bay’s Jimmy Graham and Los Angeles’s Tyler Higbee.

Rudolph’s accomplishment might have seemed like a longshot when he entered the NFL still dealing with
a severe hamstring injury suffered during his days at Notre Dame.

“Unfortunately, I had an injury that was a little mismanaged in college,” he said in November as he
approached his 60th straight start. “And then I mentioned earlier … I scored a touchdown against the
Dallas Cowboys [in 2013] and the guy that I broke the tackle landed on my foot and it broke.

“I kind of tell people, especially young guys in this league that are now asking me about their abilities,
there are certain injuries that you can control. And when you play this game long enough, the injury rate is
100 percent – you’re going to get hurt at some point and there are ones that you can’t control. So as long
as you control the ones that you can control and you’re taking care of your body and avoiding the muscle
injuries and things like that, the impact ones are going to come at some point if you play long enough. But
you got to battle through them.”

In his first two seasons after the Vikings made him a second-round draft pick in 2011, Rudolph missed just
one game, but in 2013, his season was cut short by the foot injury he referenced. He played in only eight
games before going on injured reserve. In 2014, a sports hernia kept him out of seven games.

Since then, however, the reliable tight end hasn’t missed a game. But it wasn’t always easy, especially at
the end of the 2017 when he was pushing through injuries to make himself available late in the season
and looking forward to a bye in the first round of the playoffs to help with the healing.

He said some begging of the medical staff was needed late that year.

“I say it all the time that I credit it to good luck. You have to have good luck,” Rudolph said. “You can do all
that you want throughout the course of the week, throughout the course of an offseason, prepare, work as
hard as you want, and this game is physical and there’s collisions and if you have bad luck, you’re not
going to start 60 straight games. I’ve been very fortunate to be lucky over the last four years.”

Thielen ended the 2018 season tied for first with Cleveland’s Jarvis Landry after playing in 80 straight
games. After earning a spot on the practice squad following a rookie minicamp tryout in 2013, Thielen
made the 53-man roster in 2014. He hasn’t missed a game – regular season or playoffs – since getting a
chance to first prove himself with eight catches for 68 yards in 2014. In 2015, he caught 12 passes for 144
yards.

His production has climbed ever since then. In 2016, he barely missed becoming a 1,000-yard receiver,
catching 69 passes for 967 yards. In 2017, he hit that mark and became the first Vikings receiver with
1,000 yards in a season since Sidney Rice in 2009. After catching 91 passes for 1,267 yards in 2017, he
continued the theme of his career to date – availability, reliability and improvement.

Last year, he started the season with eight straight 100-yard games, the first player in NFL history to start
a season with eight straight games, and finished with 113 catches for 1,373 yards.

Yet, true to Thielen form, he certainly didn’t seem satisfied after the season.

“For me, it’s more about just getting stronger, getting faster, trying to be more attentive to detail in my
routes to make sure I’m in the right spot at the right time, where the quarterback wants me and things like
that,” he said. “So that’s probably going to be the main focus, making sure that I’m doing the things that
I’m coached to do and I’m not going outside of the system.”

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is the only Viking on offense in the top five for consecutive games played at his
position among active players. He is fifth 64 straight games played, but those in front of him have an
extensive gap – Russell Wilson at 112, Matthew Stafford at 128, Matt Ryan at 147 and leader Philip Rivers
at 209.