Image Credit – Minnesota Vikings website
Another series where the Chiefs hold a lead, this Chiefs-Vikings series is a memorable one, as the first-ever matchup in this series resulted in the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl win. Kansas City has won three out of the last four contests in history. Let’s look back on some of the most memorable Chiefs victories against Minnesota.
Chiefs 22-17 Vikings – Arrowhead Stadium – October 2nd, 2011
Image Credit – PFF
2011 was a tough season for a talented Chiefs roster ravaged by injuries. They lost Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki to season-ending injuries in the first two weeks of the season, and fired Todd Haley mid-year. Some games showed potential similar to the 2010 team, yet some games looked like what was destined for them in 2012 (which as we all remember was a season to forget). This matchup with Minnesota was one of the bright spots.
On offense, Matt Cassel had an efficient day throwing for 260 yards 1 touchdown, and no turnovers. The running game without Jamaal Charles was a mixed bag with 5 or more carries each from the likes of Jackie Battle, Thomas Jones, and Dexter McCluster. Dwayne Bowe had a monster day through the air with 5 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. 2011 FA pickup from Arizona Steve Breaston had one of his better days as a Chief with 4 catches for 91 yards as well. On the Minnesota side, former Chief Jared Allen had his “revenge game”, with 2 sacks on the day. On the defensive side for the Chiefs, Tamba Hali was in the backfield all day, with 2 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, and 7 tackles. The Chiefs front 7 was winning all day, holding prime Adrian Peterson to only 3.47 yards per carry. In total, the defense had 6 tackles for loss on the day, with Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson combining for the other 4. Cornerback Brandon Carr pitched in a good day in coverage with 1 pass breakup and an interception on Donovan McNabb. The kicking game was key in this victory as Ryan Succop went 5 for 5 on field goals, hitting two over 50 yards.
Chiefs 24-21 Vikings – Arrowhead Stadium – September 9th, 1990
Image Credit – Best Sports Photos
The opening day of the 1990 season was a perfect weather 78-degree day at Arrowhead. Steve DeBerg had a solid day with 196 yards and 2 touchdowns, and his main weapon was the versatile offensive weapon Todd McNair. McNair caught 6 balls for 57 yards and a touchdown on the day, and also played a key role in the backfield and on special teams. Running back Christian Okoye was key as well, as he rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown on the day. On defense, the Chiefs had sack contributions from Neil Smith, Derrick Thomas, Percy Snow, and Dan Saleaumua. Safety Jeff Donaldson had a key interception filling in for Deron Cherry. A Christian Okoye 2-yard touchdown in the 4th quarter proved to be the game-winner for Kansas City to start off the 1990 season on a high note.
Chiefs 23-7 Vikings – Super Bowl IV – Tulane Stadium – January 11th, 1970
Image Credit – Bleacher Report
I couldn’t write this article without mentioning, one of the biggest milestones in Kansas City football history, Super Bowl IV. 1969 was the final season where the AFL and NFL were separate entities, and the Chiefs proved that AFL teams could compete (even dominate) with NFL teams, convincingly beating the Minnesota Vikings. We all remember the key moments of this game, Hank Stram dialing up the legendary 65 toss power trap play for a Mike Garrett touchdown, and Otis Taylor’s legendary 46-yard touchdown to seal the game, but the defense was utterly phenomenal, forcing 5 turnovers on the day and holding Minnesota to only 7 points. 3 Hall of Famers showed out in pass defense – Cornerback Emmitt Thomas, safety Johnny Robinson, and linebacker Willie Lanier each had an interception. Kansas City had a LEGENDARY defensive line group that season as well, and it showed out in this game with sacks from defensive end Aaron Brown, defensive tackle Buck Buchanan, and, defensive lineman Jerry Mays. This roster had players with either a Pro Bowl or an all-pro nomination and arguably should have had more. This might have been the greatest all-around roster in Chiefs history
Moving onto this week, yes the Vikings are 1-3, but this will likely be an extremely close game. What I am looking out for most in this game is the matchup between cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and WR Justin Jefferson. Sneed has been shadowing the best receiver for opposing teams so far this year and has been extremely effective statistically. This will be by far his greatest challenge so far this year, and if he stands up to the test, he should be getting talk in pro-bowl conversations. On the flip-side, we cannot ignore the concerns with the offense, as the receivers need to step up. I believe they will this week in a get-right game against some suspect Viking DBs. Look for Rashee Rice to have a big game this week. Go Chiefs!!
