The 2001 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 41st in the National Football League. Despite having a 12th ranked offense, the Vikings finished 5â€"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 heat stroke in training camp.
The season started off with a 24â€"13 home loss to the Carolina Panthers. They did not win on the road at all during this season. Some season highlights included a 35â€"13 win over the rival Green Bay Packers in week six, and a week ten victory over the Giants in which Randy Moss pulled in 10 receptions for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns leading to a 28â€"16 victory.
This was Cris Carter's final season in Minnesota, having played 12 seasons there, making eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1993â€"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
2001 Vikings season part 1 - Moss misfiring, and more. Mn vs NO.
2001 Draft
- ^[a] Minnesota traded their 3rd round selection (86th overall) and 4th round selection (119th overall) to New England to move up 17 spots to the 69th overall selection and make this pick.
- ^[b] Minnesota was awarded two compensatory pick in the 4th round for the loss of free agents Jeff Christy, Duane Clemons, Jeff George, and Jimmy Hitchcock in the 2000 offseason.
Regular season
Schedule
Notes
- Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Standings
Statistics
Team leaders
League rankings
Personnel
Staff
Final roster
References
