Minnesota Vikings 1971: A Game-by-Game Guide

Relive the Vikings' 1971 season with this guide that explores the entire year game by game, from the opening win over the Lions in prime time through the playoff stumble against the Cowboys, as told in the original newspaper stories.

As proof that you don't need an offense in order to win a lot, there is the 1971 Vikings. While the attack was a stumbling mess led by three mediocre quarterbacks, the Purple People Eater defense was one of the greatest in football history, led by Alan Page, who became the first defensive player to be named MVP. There were many highlights along the way, including a pair of key victories over rival Detroit, a hard-fought Monday night triumph over the mighty Colts and a trio of shutouts pitched by that great defense.

All of the highs and lows from the exciting season are here. A full recap and box score from every game is included, so you can follow the exploits of Bud Grant's gang as it terrorized enemy offenses in capturing the franchise's fourth straight division title.

Whether you are a die-hard Vikings fan or an NFL history buff, you will enjoy this look back at the 1971 Minnesota Vikings.