5 absolute best Minnesota Vikings offenses of all-time
By Dustin Baker
2. 1969 Vikings
Notable Key Players:
- Joe Kapp
- Dave Osborn
- Bill Brown
- Gene Washington
- Mick Tingelhoff
- Grady Alderman
Team Record:
- 12-2
Introduce yourself to the best Vikings team in franchise history. This time, the “Purple People Eaters” were grown up and fierce.
Skippered by coach Bud Grant, this Minnesota team reached the Super Bowl and fell to the Kansas City Chiefs. Coincidentally, it was the final time the Chiefs would hoist a Lombardi trophy until last year’s season.
The 1969 Vikings offense and defense were equally as good as both ranked tops in the NFL. The offense scored 27 points per game while the defense allowed just under 10 points per matchup.
Minnesota tailback Dave Osborn led the team in rushing yards, quarterback Joe Kapp finished tops in passing yards, and wideout Gene Washington in led in receiving yards. Vikings receiver John Henderson also chipped in 553 yards and five touchdowns.
Kapp, Washington, Grady Alderman, and Mick Tingelhoff all made the Pro Bowl in 1969. Virtually the entire group of notable “People Eaters” were at the youthful peak of their powers and each of them also made the Pro Bowl.
This Minnesota team is widely known for its defensive tenacity, even among national analyses. But the offense was stellar, too.