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Home , Adam Thielen, Adam Zimmer, Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, Anthony Harris (safety), Audray McMillian

2020 vikings

Week 4 | Sunday, October 4, 2020 | NRG Stadium | Noon CT | FOX

2020 record game summary REGULAR SEASON...... 0-3 The (0-3) travel to play the NFC NORTH...... 0-1 (0-3) with kickoff is set for noon CT at HOME...... 0-2 NRG Stadium. The Texans are coming off a 28-21 road AWAY...... 0-1 loss against the Steelers. The Vikings lost 31-30 at home against the Titans. The Vikings three-game losing streak 2020 schedule to start the season is just the third three-game losing streak in seven seasons under . sun sept 13 gb noon l, 43-34 The Vikings 6.03 yards per carry leads the NFL, sun sept 20 @ ind noon l, 28-11 sun sept 27 ten noon l, 31-30 while RB ranks third individually with 294 sun oct 4 @ hou noon fox rushing yards and sixth with 6.13 yards per carry. Cook’s sun oct 11 @ sea 7:20 pm 181 rushing yards in Week 3 set a new career high and sun oct 18 atl noon fox marked the highest total in the NFL this season. sun oct 25 bye LB , who has led the team in tackles sun nov 1 @gb noon* fox for five consecutive seasons, currently ranks tied for sun nov 8 det noon* cbs first in the NFL with 33 total tackles through Week 3. mon nov 16 @ chi 7:15 pm* sun nov 22 dal 3:25 pm* fox DE Yannick Ngakoue has recorded a strip sack in each of sun nov 29 car noon* fox the last two games, becoming just the fourth player in sun dec 6 jax noon* cbs team history to have consecutive games with at least 1.0 sun dec 13 @ tb noon* fox sack and one forced , joining DT , DE sun dec 20 chi noon* fox and DE . Ngakoue has 16 forced fri dec 25 @ no 3:30 pm fox/nfln since entering the League in 2016, trailing only sun jan 3 @ det noon* fox Cardinals LB (17) and Bears LB Home games bold | *Game times are subject to change (17) for the most forced fumbles in the NFL in that span. Rookie WR started his first career broadcast coverage game in Week 3 vs. Tennessee and collected seven receptions for 175 yards and one . Jefferson’s NATIONAL TELEVISION: FOX 175 receiving yards are the most in a single game for any Play-by-Play: Chris Myers 21-year-old in the first three weeks of a season in NFL Sideline: Jen Hale history. Analysts: Brock Huard, Greg Jennings stat of the week

LOCAL RADIO: KFAN 100.3-FM / KTLK 1130-AM Play-by-Play: Paul Allen Sideline: Greg Coleman & Ben Leber Analyst: Pre-Game Show: Mike Mussman - 10:00 a.m. CT KFAN and KTLK serve as the flagship stations for the 72-station, 5-state Vikings Radio Network Since 2009 when receiving targets began to be tracked, only two players in the NFL have totaled at least 245 receiving yards on 15 or fewer targets in the first three weeks to start a season. Player, Team, Season Targets Rec. Yards TDs Justin Jefferson, MIN, 2020 15 12 245 1 DeSean Jackson, TB, 2018 14 12 312 3

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 1 2020 vikings

norseman noteables RETURNERS Starters Returning...... 16 (9 offense, 7 defense) • RB Dalvin Cook is tied for the NFL lead with Starters Lost...... 6 four rushing in 2020. His four (Diggs, Griffen, Joseph, Kline, Rhodes, Waynes) rushing touchdowns trail only Bill Brown Leading Returners...... Player (Total) (five in 1968) for the most in Vikings history Passing Yards...... (3,603) through the first three weeks of a season. Rushing Yards...... Dalvin Cook (1,135) Rushing TDs...... Dalvin Cook (13) • S Harrison Smith has collected 24 career Receiving Yards...... Dalvin Cook (519) , including one last week vs. Receiving TDs...... Rudolph/Thielen (6) Tennessee, tied for the fifth-most in the NFL Tackles...... Eric Kendricks (110) since he entered the NFL in 2012. Only Reggie Sacks...... (14.5) Interceptions...... (6) Nelson has more interceptions (25) than Smith Punt ...... Mike Hughes (104) among all safeties in that same span (free agent Kick Return Yards...... (325) S Earl Thomas is third among safeties with 23). ROSTER NOTES Oldest Viking Player (35, born 3/20/85) Youngest Viking Player Justin Jefferson (21, born 6/16/99) Most Seasons as a Viking (10) Most NFL Seasons Britton Colquitt (11) College with the most Vikings Multiple colleges with two 2020 new faces Conference with the most Vikings Big Ten (10 players on roster) FREE AGENTS/TRADES/WAIVERS (3) Player...... Pos...... School Largest Vikings (W)...... LB...... Wisconsin Brian O’Neill (Height: 6-7) Yannick Ngakoue (T)...... DE...... Maryland Tajaé Sharpe (FA)...... WR...... Massachusetts (Weight: 325 lbs)

DRAFTED ROOKIES BY ROUND (9) Smallest Vikings Round) Player...... Pos...... School Ameer Abdullah (Height: 5-9) 1) Justin Jefferson...... WR...... LSU (Weight: 183 lbs) 1) ...... CB...... TCU 3) ...... CB...... Mississippi State 4) ...... LB...... Oregon 1st Round Picks (7) Pro Bowlers (10) 4) James Lynch...... DT...... Baylor Anthony Barr Anthony Barr 4) D.J. Wonnum...... DE...... South Carolina Dalvin Cook 5) ...... CB...... Temple Jeff Gladney Kirk Cousins 5) K.J. Osborn...... WR...... Miami Mike Hughes C.J. Ham 6) ...... S...... Justin Jefferson Danielle Hunter Riley Reiff Eric Kendricks UNDRAFTED ROOKIES (1) Yannick Ngakoue Player...... Pos...... School Harrison Smith ...... WR...... Penn State Kyle Rudolph Harrison Smith

TE Kyle Rudolph is Sunday’s game against slated to make his 85th BY THE the Texans marks the consecutive start on 100th regular season Sunday vs. Houston, games for Mike Zimmer the 23rd longest streak NUMBERS and Bill O’Brien as head in franchise history. 100 coach of the Minnesota 85 WR Ahmad Rashad Vikings and Houston and T Bryant McKinnie Texans, respectively. are tied for 21st with 88 straight starts

2 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

head coach mike zimmer

NFL HEAD COACH: 7th Year REGULAR SEASON: 57-41-1 (.581) OVERALL NFL EXPERIENCE: 27th Year POSTSEASON: 2-3-0 (.400) COACHING EXPERIENCE: 42nd Year RECORD WITH MIN: 59-44-1 (.567)

coaching background

Year. Team Position W-L-T Results NFL Ranking Yds/Off Pts allowed

1979 Missouri Asst. Coach 7-5 Hall of Fame Bowl (W) 1980 Missouri Asst. Coach .8-4 Liberty Bowl (L) 1981 Weber State Asst. Coach 7-4 1982 Weber State Asst. Coach 4-7 1983 Weber State Def. Coord. 6-5 1984 Weber State Def. Coord. 5-6 1985 Weber State Def. Coord. 6-5 1986 Weber State. Def. Coord. 3-8 1987 Weber State Def. Coord. 10-3 FCS Playoffs – 2nd Round 1988 Weber State Def. Coord. 5-6 1989 St. Def. Coord. 6-5 1990 Washington St. Def. Coord. 3-8 199 Washington St. Def. Coord. 4-7 1992 Washington St. Def. Coord. 9-3 Copper Bowl (L) 1993 Washington St. Def. Coord. 5-6 1994 Dallas DBs 12-4 NFC East Champs, NFC Championship Game 1995 Dallas DBs 12-4 NFC East Champs, XXX Champions 1996 Dallas DBs 10-6 NFC East Champs, Divisional 1997 Dallas DBs 6-10 1998 Dallas DBs 10-6 NFC East Champs, Wild Card 1999 Dallas DBs 8-8 Wild Card 2000 Dallas Def. Coord. 5-11 19/21 2001 Dallas Def. Coord. 5-11 4/19 2002 Dallas Def. Coord. 5-11 18/12 2003 Dallas Def. Coord. 10-6 NFC East Champs, Wild Card 1/4 2004 Dallas Def. Coord. 6-10 16/27 2005 Dallas Def. Coord. 9-7 10/11 2006 Dallas Def. Coord. 9-7 Wild Card 13/21t 2007 Def. Coord. 4-12 9/25t 2008 Def. Coord. 4-11-1 12/1 2009 Cincinnati Def. Coord. 10-6 AFC North Champs, Wild Card 4/8t 2010 Cincinnati Def. Coord. 4-12 15/19 2011 Cincinnati Def. Coord. 9-7 Wild Card 7/9 2012 Cincinnati Def. Coord. 10-6 Wild Card 6/6 2013 Cincinnati Def. Coord. 11-5 AFC North Champs, Wild Card 3/4 2014 Minnesota Head Coach 7-9 14 /13 2015 Minnesota Head Coach 11-5 NFC North Champs, Wild Card 13/9 2016 Minnesota Head Coach 8-8 3/5 2017 Minnesota Head Coach 13-3 NFC North Champs, NFC Championship Game 1/1 2018 Minnesota Head Coach 8-7-1 4/4 2019 Minnesota Head Coach 10-6 Divisional 14/8 2020 Minnesota Head Coach 0-3 30/31

vikings defensive/team rankings since 2014 Yards/game...... Pass yards/game...... Rush yards/game...... Sacks..... Points allowed/game....Scrimmage TDs allowed...Rush TDs allowed....Pass TDs allowed....3rd down rate 325.4 (3rd)...... 217.1 (3rd)...... 108.3 (15th)...... 263 (3rd)...... 19.7 (2nd)...... 189 (2nd)...... 61 (2nd)...... 128 (3rd)...... 35.2% (1st)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 3 2020 vikings

zimmer’s andre patterson background CO-/DL COACHING EXPERIENCE: 38th Season NFL EXPERIENCE: 17th Season ILLINOIS STATE VIKINGS EXPERIENCE: 9th Season PLAYER - QB/LB (1974-76) adam zimmer

CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/LB UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI COACHING EXPERIENCE: 15th Season ASSISTANT COACH (1979-80) NFL EXPERIENCE: 15th Season VIKINGS EXPERIENCE: 7th Season

WEBER STATE ASSISTANT COACH (1981-82) DEF. COORDINATOR (1983-88) COACHING EXPERIENCE: 29th Season NFL EXPERIENCE: 36th Season VIKINGS EXPERIENCE: 2nd Season

WASHINGTON ST. DEF. COORDINATOR (1989-93) marwan maalouf

SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR COACHING EXPERIENCE: 21st Season DALLAS NFL EXPERIENCE: 16th Season DEFENSIVE BACKS(1994–99) VIKINGS EXPERIENCE: 2nd Season DEF. COORDINATOR (2000-06)

assistant coaches

IMARJAYE ALBURY* Def. Quality Control/Assistant Defensive Line ROY ANDERSON* Assistant Defensive Backs ATLANTA * Senior Defensive Assistant DEF. COORDINATOR (2007) Offensive Line Coach/ Run Game Coordinator RYAN FICKEN* Assistant Special Teams Wide Receivers CHRISTIAN JONES* Offensive Quality Control CINCINNATI DARONTE JONES Defensive Backs DEF. COORDINATOR (2008-13) GARY KUBIAK* Offensive Coordinator/Asst. Head Coach Tight Ends AC PATTERSON Offensive Quality Control ANDRE PATTERSON Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line MINNESOTA KENNEDY POLAMALU Running Backs HEAD COACH(2014–PRESENT) NICK RALLIS* Defensive Quality Control/Assistant PHIL RAUSCHER* Assistant Offensive Line ADAM ZIMMER Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers *In coaching booth during games

4 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

head coach bill o’brien

NFL HEAD COACH: 7th Year REGULAR SEASON: 52-47 (.525) OVERALL NFL EXPERIENCE: 12th Year POSTSEASON: 2-4 (.333) COACHING EXPERIENCE: 28th Year RECORD WITH HOU: 54-51 (.519)

bill o’brien summary

2020 Houston Texans Head Coach & 2014-19 Houston Texans Head Coach 2012-13 Penn State Head Coach 2011 Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks 2009-10 New England Patriots Quarterbacks 2008 New England Patriots Wide Receivers 2007 New England Patriots Offensive Assistant 2005-06 Duke Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks 2003-04 Maryland Running Backs 2002 Georgia Tech Assistant Head Coach 2001 Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks 1998-2000 Georgia Tech Running Backs 1995-97 Georgia Tech Graduate Assistant 1994 Brown Inside Linebackers 1993 Brown Tight Ends

vikings-texans 2020 leaders

VIKINGS HOUSTON Category...... Player...... Total...... NFC Rank....NFL Rank Category...... Player...... Total...... AFC Rank....NFL Rank Scoring (No Ks)...... Cook...... 30...... 2t...... 2t Scoring (No Ks)...... Johnson...... 12...... 12t...... 28t Passing Yds...... Cousins...... 623...... 14...... 26 Passing Yds...... Watson...... 792...... 6...... 13 Passing TDs...... Cousins...... 5...... 7t...... 13t Passing TDs...... Watson...... 4...... 10t...... 20t ...... Cousins...... 73.8...... 15...... 30 Passer Rating...... Watson...... 93.8...... 9...... 18 Completion Pct...... Cousins...... 59.0...... 16...... 31 Completion Pct...... Watson...... 67.4...... 10...... 15 Rushing Att...... Cook...... 48...... 5...... 10t Rushing Att...... Johnson...... 35...... 15t...... 27t Rushing Yds...... Cook...... 294...... 2...... 3 Rushing Yds...... Johnson...... 134...... 19...... 37 Rushing TDs...... Cook...... 4...... 1t...... 1t Rushing TDs...... Johnson...... 2...... 5t...... 11t Receptions...... #Jefferson/Thielen... 12...... 23t...... 47t Receptions...... Fuller...... 12...... 25t...... 47t Receiving Yds...... #Jefferson...... 245...... 11...... 14 Receiving Yds...... Cobb...... 177...... 13...... 33 Receiving TDs...... Thielen...... 3...... 4t...... 4t Receiving TDs...... Four tied...... 1...... 14t...... 33t Interceptions...... Smith/Wilson...... 1...... 2t...... 5t Interceptions Tackles*...... Kendricks...... 33...... 1t...... 1 Tackles*...... Cunningham... 32...... 2...... 4t Forced Fumbles..... Ngakoue...... 2...... 2t...... 2t Forced Fum...... Murray...... 1...... 6t...... 9t Opp. FR Opp. FR Sacks...... Ngakoue...... 2.0...... 8t...... 15t Sacks...... Omenihu/Watt.... 2.0...... 8t...... 15t FGs Made...... Bailey...... 3...... 14t...... 24t FGs Made...... Fairbairn...... 3...... 11t...... 24t FG Pct...... Bailey...... 75.0...... 11t...... 21t FG Pct...... Fairbain...... 75.0...... 11t...... 21t Net Punting Avg.... Colquitt...... 37.2...... 13...... 25 Net Punting Avg.... Anger...... 43.4...... 3...... 7 Punt Ret. Avg. Punt Ret. Avg...... Carter...... 11.3...... 3...... 5 KO Ret. Avg...... #Osborn...... 26.0...... 5...... 8 KO Ret. Avg...... Carter...... 20.0...... 7t...... 15t *League Stats #Rookie

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 5 2020 vikings

vikings-texans connections VIKINGS-TEXANS CONNECTIONS • Vikings Senior Defensive Assistant Dom Capers was the first head coach in Texans history, and Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak succeeded Capers as Houston’s second coach. The Texans began play in 2002, a year after Capers’ hire. Kubiak was hired to lead his hometown team in 2006 and held the spot through 2013. Vikings Offensive Line Coach/ Run Game Coordinator Rick Dennison (2010-13) and tight ends coach Brian Pariani (2006-13) worked for Kubiak in Houston. PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS • Gary Kubiak (2006-13), Rick Dennison (2010-13) and Brian Pariani (2006-13) overlapped with the following current Texans players: LS Jon Weeks (2010-present), DE J.J. Watt (2011-present) and DE (2012-present). Texans assistant quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates (2011-13) and assistant strength and conditioning coach (2009-17) also played for those coaches. Texans inside linebackers coach Bobby King (2011-13) worked with Kubiak, Dennison and Pariani. • Gary Kubiak (2015-16), Vikings quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak (2016-18), Vikings assistant offensive line coach Phil Rauscher (2015-17), Dennison (2015-16) and Pariani (15-16) were on the Broncos staff for part of Texans CB ’s time in Denver (2014-18) and overlapped with Houston head strength and conditioning coach Mike Eubanks (2012-17). • Dennison (2018) and coached Texans G/T (2014-19) for one season at the Jets. • Dom Capers (2009-17) overlapped with Houston WR Randall Cobb (2011-18) in Green Bay. • Vikings Special Teams Coordinator Marwan Maalouf coached with the Dolphins from 2013-18, and defensive backs coach was there from 2016-17. T.J. Yates was with Miami in 2016. Texans running backs coach held the same role for the Dolphins from 2016-17. Texans WR Kenny Stills (2015-18), S Michael Thomas (2013-17) and LT Laremy Tunsil (2016-18) previously played for the Dolphins. • Vikings running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu held the same role with the Jaguars from 2005-09, overlapping with Texans assistant strength and conditioning coach/sports science coordinator Jason George (2009-11). • Vikings P Britton Colquitt (2010-15) and Roby (2014-18) teamed with the Broncos. Colquitt (2016-18) also overlapped with (2015-18) when they were with the Browns. • Vikings QB Sean Mannion (2015-18) and Texans WR (2018-19) were teammates with the Rams. COLLEGE CONNECTIONS • Mannion (2011-14) and Cooks (2011-13) also were college teammates at Oregon State. • Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (2014-16) and Texans T Roderick Johnson (2014-16) joined forces at State. • Minnesota LBs Eric Kendricks (2011-14) and Anthony Barr (2010-13) [IR] were teammates at UCLA with Houston K Ka’imi Fairbairn (2012-15). Kennedy Polamalu coached the Bruins from 2014-16. • Vikings CBs (2015-17) and Kris Boyd (2015-18) are former Longhorns teammates of Texans DE Charles Omenihu (2015-18). • Minnesota WR Chad Beebe (2013-17) and Houston G/T Max Scharping (2014-18) teamed at Northern Illinois. • Vikings RB Ameer Abdullah (2011-14) and Texans G/T Brent Qvale (2009-13) overlapped at Nebraska. • Minnesota WR Dan Chisena (2015, 2019) and Houston CB John Reid (2015-19) played at Penn State. • Vikings CB Jeff Gladney (2015-19) and Texans DT Ross Blacklock (2016-19) overlapped at TCU. • Minnesota CB Mike Hughes (2017) and Houston TE Jordan Akins (2014-17) were part of UCF’s undefeated season. • Vikings LB Todd Davis (2010-13) and WR DeAndre Carter (2011-14) played at Sacramento State. LOCAL CONNECTIONS • Gary Kubiak, Klint Kubiak and Vikings assistant wide receivers coach Christian Jones are from Houston. • Vikings CB Holton Hill is a Houston native. • Vikings DE Danielle Hunter hails from Katy, Texas, located just west of Houston. • Texans S Eric Murray (2012-15) played at the University of Minnesota, where he teamed with Vikings defensive quality control/assistant linebackers coach Nick Rallis (2012-16). • Houston Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Tim Kelly was the defensive coordinator, defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Minnesota State-Moorhead in 2010.

6 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings vikings - texans game information vikings-titans series

VIKINGS VS. TEXANS ALL-TIME Won 4, Lost 0, Tie 0; Home 2-0, Away 2-0

YEAR SITE RESULT YEAR SITE RESULT VIKINGS VS. TEXANS ALL-TIME

2004...... Houston...... Minnesota 34-28 (OT) 2008...... Minnesota...... Minnesota 28-21 2012...... Houston...... Minnesota 23-6 2016...... Minnesota...... Minnesota 31-13

In the first matchup between the two franchises, Vikings QB had a big game, throwing for 396 yards, five touchdown passes and zero interceptions on 36/50 passing. Culpepper connected with WR Marcus Robinson on a 50-yard touchdown pass in OT to win the game, 28-21. It was the 1st of 3 games in the 2004 season when Culpepper threw 5 touchdowns. He is the only Vikings QB to have more than one game of five or more touchdowns in a single season.

vikings-texans series by the numbers

Record vs. Texans...... Vikings 4-0 Most Points, Vikings...... 34, (2004) Last regular season game...... Vikings 31, Texans 13 (2016) Most Points, Texans...... 28, (2004) Vikings largest winning margin...... 18; Vikings 31, Texans 13 (2016) Most Points, both teams...... 62; Vikings 34, Texans 28 (OT) (2004) Texans largest winning margin...... -- Fewest Points, Vikings...... 23, (2012) Current series streak...... Vikings 4 Fewest Points, Texans...... 6, (2012) Vikings longest win streak...... 4, (2004-Present) Fewest Points, both teams...... 29; Vikings 23, Texans 6 (2012) Texans longest win streak ...... --

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 7 2020 vikings

vikings - texans game information top performers vs. texans vikings-texans series notes

YANNICK NGAKOUE • Minnesota and Houston have met on four Seven games, 18 tackles (league stats), 3.5 sacks, occasions with the Vikings leading the series, four tackles for loss, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery 4-0. • In the first meeting between the franchises KYLE RUDOLPH Two games, five receptions, 54 receiving yards, one in 2004, the Vikings came away with a receiving touchdown 34-28 overtime victory, winning the contest on a 50-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper HARRISON SMITH to Marcus Robinson. Culpepper finished Two games, 13 tackles (league stats), 1.0 sack, one the day going 36-of-50 for 396 yards and forced fumble and two passes defensed five touchdowns without an . ADAM THIELEN Robinson led the team in receiving with nine One game, seven receptions, 127 receiving yards, one catches for 150 yards and the winning score. receiving touchdown

vikings big days vs. texans

• S Harrison Smith had a team-best seven tackles, 1.0 sack and one forced fumble in the last game played between the two clubs in Houston during the 2012 season. • TE Kyle Rudolph hauled in three passes for 39 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown grab in the 23-6 win over Houston on December 23, 2012. • As a member of the Jaguars, DE Yannick Ngakoue registered four tackles, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery at Houston on September 10, 2017. • WR Adam Thielen had his first career game with 100 receiving yards in Minnesota’s last game vs. Houston (10/9/16). Thielen caught seven passes for 127 yards and one touchdown, all career highs at the time.

vikings-texans 2020 regular season comparison

OFFENSE...... MIN (RK)....HOU (RK)...... Diff DEFENSE...... MIN (RK)....HOU (RK)...... Diff Yards / Game...... 340.3 (22)...... 308.0 (28)...... 32.3 Yards / Game...... 440.0 (30)...... 387.7 (23)...... 52.3 Yards / Play...... 6.46 (5)...... 5.70 (16)...... 0.76 Yards / Play...... 6.11 (24)...... 5.59 (15)...... 0.52 Rushing Yards / Game...... 146.7 (8)...... 66.0 (31)...... 80.7 Rushing Yards / Game...... 147.7 (26)...... 188.3 (32)...... -40.6 Rushing Yards / Play...... 6.03 (1)...... 3.67 (29)...... 2.36 Rushing Yards / Play...... 4.14 (12)...... 5.18 (27)...... -1.04 Passing Yards / Game...... 193.7 (28)...... 242.0 (18t)...... -48.3 Passing Yards / Game...... 292.3 (30)...... 199.3 (3)...... 93 Passing Yards / Play...... 7.45 (13)...... 7.64 (9)...... -0.19 Passing Yards / Play...... 8.27 (30)...... 6.50 (9)...... 1.77 Interception Rate...... 7.69% (32)...... 3.16% (26)...... 4.53% Interception Rate...... 1.89% (19t).....0.0% (30t)...... 1.89% Sacks / Pass Attempt...... 8.97% (26).....13.68% (32)...... -4.71% Sacks / Pass Attempt...... 2.83% (31)...... 7.61% (10)...... -4.78% First Downs / Game...... 19.7 (27)...... 17.3 (31)...... 2.4 First Downs / Game...... 26.0 (29)...... 25.3 (28)...... 0.7 Punt Return Avg...... --...... 9.2 (14)...... -- Punt Return Avg...... 6.4 (13)...... 11.0 (25)...... -4.6 Kickoff Return Avg...... 23.5 (12)...... 20.0 (20t)...... 3.5 Kickoff Return Avg...... 18.8 (10)...... 21.4 (16)...... -2.6 Field Goals Made...... 75.0% (22t)....75.0% (22t)...... 0.00% 3rd Down Pct...... 36.0% (27).....38.71% (23)...... -2.71% 3rd Down Pct...... 34.29% (4)...... 44.44% (18)...... -10.15% 4th Down Pct...... 0.0% (28t)...... 50.0% (17t)...... -50.00% 4th Down Pct...... 75.0% (22t)....100.0% (26t).....-25.00% Red Zone Pct...... 75.0% (6)...... 85.71% (3)...... -10.71% Red Zone Pct...... 50.0% (6t)...... 46.15% (5)...... 3.85% Goal to Go%...... 80.0% (17t)....100.0% (1t)...... -20.00% Goal to Go%...... 77.78% (15).....55.56% (7t)...... 22.22% Avg Possession Time...... 22:56 (32)...... 24:30 (31)...... Points / Game...... 25.0 (18t)...... 19.0 (28)...... 6 Points / Game...... 34.0 (31)...... 31.7 (29)...... 2.3

8 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

kirk cousins notes

qb kirk cousins

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-3/202 COLLEGE: Michigan State NFL SEASON: 9 VIKINGS SEASON: 3

Cousins, who finished with a career-best 107.4 passer rating last season, posted a 118.6 passer rating in the first game of the season on September 13. The ninth-year vet has proven to be one of the best downfield passers in the game and Week 1 was no different, connecting on four of five passes thrown over 20 yards and totaling 103 yards for a perfect 158.3 passer rating on those attempts.

2018-20 PASSER RATING, DEEP ATTEMPTS (20+ AIR YARDS -Min. 50 DEEP ATTEMPTS)* NFL PASSING YARDS SINCE 2015 Player, Team Passer rating Player, Team Yards , 124.7 Matt Ryan, Atlanta 23,981 , New Orleans 123.4 , San Diego/LA Chargers/Indianapolis 23,410 Kirk Cousins, Minnesota 117.4 Drew Brees, New Orleans 22,143 , New England/Tampa Bay 22,066 2018-20 PASSING TOUCHDOWNS, DEEP ATTEMPTS Kirk Cousins, Washington/Minnesota 21,700 (20+ AIR YARDS)* Russell Wilson, Seattle 20,709 Player, Team Passing touchdowns Russell Wilson, Seattle 28 NFL 300+ YARD GAMES SINCE 2015 , Kansas City 26 Player, Team Games , Green Bay 22 Matt Ryan, Atlanta 35 Kirk Cousins, Minnesota 21 Drew Brees, New Orleans 35 Philip Rivers, San Diego/LA Chargers/Indianapolis 34 2018-20 NFL PASSING TOUCHDOWNS Kirk Cousins, Washington/Minnesota 28 Player, Team Passing touchdowns Tom Brady, New England/Tampa Bay 28 Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City 85 Russell Wilson, Seattle 80 NFL 100+ PASSER RATING GAMES SINCE 2015 Matt Ryan, Atlanta 68 Player, Team Games Drew Brees, New Orleans 65 Drew Brees, New Orleans 47 Kirk Cousins, Minnesota 61 Russell Wilson, Seattle 44 Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay 60 Kirk Cousins, Washington/Minnesota 40 , LA Rams 59 Matt Ryan, Atlanta 40 Tom Brady, New England/Tampa Bay 59 Tom Brady, New England/Tampa Bay 39 Philip Rivers, LA Chargers/Indianapolis 58 Philip Rivers, San Diego/LA Chargers/Indianapolis 37

VIKINGS PASSER RATING IN A SEASON *According to NextGen Stats Player, Year Passer rating Daunte Culpepper, 2004 110.9 Kirk Cousins, 2019 107.4 , 2009 107.2

NFL COMPLETIONS SINCE 2015 Player, Team Completions Matt Ryan, Atlanta 2,032 Drew Brees, New Orleans 2,003 Philip Rivers, San Diego/LA Chargers/Indianapolis 1,995 Kirk Cousins, Washington/Minnesota 1,910 Tom Brady, New England/Tampa Bay 1,897

Cousins threw for three Since joining Minnesota touchdowns against the in 2018, Cousins has had BY THE . It’s the seven games with at ninth time he’s passed for least 80.0% completion NUMBERS 3 three or more touchdowns in 7 percentage, the most in a game as a Viking. the NFL. The Vikings are 7-0 in those games.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 9 2020 vikings

kyle rudolph notes

te kyle rudolph

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-6/265 COLLEGE: Notre Dame NFL SEASON: 10 VIKINGS SEASON: 10

Rudolph is in his 10th season in 2020 as the longest-tenured Viking on the offensive side of the ball and one of the top TEs in franchise history. The veteran is fifth on the Vikings all-time receptions list and has started 84 consecutive games, the longest active streak among all TEs in the NFL and the 24th-longest consecutive starts streak by a Vikings player at any position. From his End Zone project and holiday-themed Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas parties at U of M Masonic Children’s LONGEST ACTIVE START STREAKS AMONG ALL NFL TEs Hospital to football camps for kids and countless other charities, Player, Team Consecutive starts Kyle Rudolph has stood tall as the Vikings’ Community Man of Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota 84 the Year for three consecutive seasons (2017-19). , Kansas City 35 , Oakland/Las Vegas 19 , Dallas/Las Vegas 19 VIKINGS SEASON RECEPTIONS BY TEs Player Receptions RECEIVING TDs FROM 2016-20 AMONG ALL NFL TEs Kyle Rudolph, 2016 83 Player, Team TDs Joe Senser, 1981 79 Travis Kelce, Kansas City 29 Jermaine Wiggins, 2004 71 , Philadelphia 27 Jermaine Wiggins, 2005 69 Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota 26 Steve Jordan, 1985 68 Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay 24 Kyle Rudolph, 2018 64 Jimmy Graham, Seattle/Green Bay/Chicago 24 VIKINGS SINGLE-GAME RECEPTIONS BY TEs VIKINGS CAREER RECEPTIONS Player,Game Rec Player, Years Receptions Kyle Rudolph, vs. Chicago, 1/1/17 11 , 1990-2001 1,004 Joe Senser, vs. Green Bay, 11/29/81 11 , 1998-2004, 2010 587 Joe Senser, vs. NY Jets, 12/26/82 10 Steve Jordan, 1982-94 498 Jim Kleinsasser, at St. Louis, 11/30/03 10 Anthony Carter, 1985-93 478 Jermaine Wiggins, at Chicago, 10/16/05 10 Kyle Rudolph, 2011- 429 Kyle Rudolph, at Detroit, 12/23/18 9 Jake Reed, 1991-2001 413 Kyle Rudolph, at Detroit, 11/24/16 9 Ahmad Rashad, 1976-82 400 Kyle Rudolph, vs. Carolina, 10/13/13 9 Andrew Glover, vs. New Orleans, 11/8/98 9 VIKINGS CAREER RECEIVING YARDS AMONG TEs Player, Years Yards VIKINGS SINGLE-GAME RECEIVING YARDS BY TEs Steve Jordan, 1982-94 6,307 Player, Game Yards Kyle Rudolph, 2011- 4,193 Steve Jordan, at Washington, 11/2/86 179 Visanthe Shiancoe, vs. Atlanta, 12/21/08 136 VIKINGS CAREER TD RECEPTIONS Gordon Smith, at San Francisco, 11/26/61 123 Player TDs Kyle Rudolph, at Detroit, 12/23/18 122 Cris Carter, WR 110 Kyle Rudolph, vs. Chicago, 1/1/17 117 Randy Moss, WR 92 Joe Senser, vs. NY Jets, 12/26/82 115 Anthony Carter, WR 52 Steve Jordan, vs. Green Bay, 9/28/86 112 Sammy White, WR 50 Kyle Rudolph, vs. Green Bay, 11/22/15 106 Kyle Rudolph, TE 48 Ahmad Rashad, WR 34

VIKINGS SINGLE-SEASON TD RECEPTIONS BY TEs Player TDs Visanthe Shiancoe, 2009 11 Kyle Rudolph, 2012 9 Joe Senser, 1981 8 Kyle Rudolph, 2017 8 Kyle Rudolph, 2016 7 Visanthe Shiancoe, 2008 7 Joe Senser, 1980 7

10 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

dalvin cook notes

rb dalvin cook

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-10/210 COLLEGE: Florida State NFL SEASON: 4 VIKINGS SEASON: 4

Coming off a career year in 2019 rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, Cook signed an extension with the team the day before the Week 1 matchup with Green Bay. In Week 3, Cook and WR Justin Jefferson combined for 374 scrimmage yards, the first time a Vikings rusher and receiver each had 175 or more yards. Overall, the total ranks third among Vikings duos for a single game.

With the help and support from Dalvin Cook, the Minnesota 2019-20 NFL RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS Vikings Foundation, in partnership with Xcel Energy, introduced Player, Team Rushing touchdowns Aaron Jones, Green Bay 20 Vikings Table, a custom-built food truck with the mission of Christian McCaffrey, Carolina 19 serving healthy meals and nutritional education to youth across Derrick Henry, Tennessee 18 the Minneapolis-St. Paul community. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota 17 Ezekiel Elliot, Dallas 15 COOK’S CAREER 100-YARD RUSHING GAMES (7) , /Atlanta 14 Opponent, date, week Rushing yards vs. New Orleans, 9/11/17, Week 1 127 2019-20 NFL RUSHING YARDS vs. Miami, 12/16/18, Week 15 136 Player, Team Rushing yards vs. Atlanta, 9/8/19, Week 1 111 Derrick Henry, Tennessee 1,859 at Green Bay, 9/15/19, Week 2 154 Nick Chubb, Cleveland 1,786 vs. Oakland, 9/22/19, Week 3 110 Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas 1,576 at , 10/6/19, Week 5 132 Christian McCaffrey, Carolina 1,543 at Detroit, 10/20/19, Week 7 142 Dalvin Cook, Minnesota 1,429 vs. Tennessee, 9/27/20, Week 3 181 , Las Vegas 1,402 , 1,388 VIKINGS RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS IN A SEASON Chris Carson, Seattle 1,387 Player, Season Rushing touchdowns Aaron Jones, Green Bay 1,387 , 2009 18 Joe Mixon, Cincinnati 1,301 Dalvin Cook, 2019 13 Terry Allen, 1992 13 2019-20 NFL SCRIMMAGE YARDS , 1976 13 Player, Team Scrimmage yards (rush, rec.) Chuck Foreman, 1975 13 Christian McCaffrey, Carolina 2,615 (1,543, 1,072) Derrick Henry, Tennessee 2,091 (1,859, 232) Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas 2,084 (1,576, 508) Nick Chubb, Cleveland 2,081 (1,786, 295) Dalvin Cook, Minnesota 1,972 (1,429, 543) Aaron Jones, Green Bay 1,956 (1,387, 569) Austin Ekeler, LA Chargers 1,928 (793, 1,135) , Jacksonville 1,831 (1,275, 556)

Dalvin Cook finished the Week 3 matchup vs. Tennessee with Dalvin Cook’s three 181 yards rushing, setting a new rushing two-point BY THE single-game career high. It’s the conversions so far in most rushing yards recorded in 2020 set a team record 181 a single game in the NFL this 3 and tied an NFL season NUMBERS season entering Week 4. record.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 11 2020 vikings

adam thielen notes

wr adam thielen

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/200 COLLEGE: Minnesota State NFL SEASON: 7 VIKINGS SEASON: 7

Thielen recorded his 18th career 100-yard receiving game in Week 1 vs. Green Bay after catching six passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. His three receiving touchdowns are tied for fourth in the league through Week 3. The two scores vs. Green Bay tied his career high, which he has done on two other occasions - at New York Giants (10/6/19) and at Green Bay (12/24/16). In September of 2018, Adam and his wife Caitlin announced 2020 NFL RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS the launch of The Thielen Foundation, which aims to create Player, Team Receiving touchdowns programs that serve, educate and inspire individuals so they’re Calvin Ridley, Atlanta 4 equipped and empowered to reach their full potential. , Seattle 4 Mike Evans, Tampa Bay 4 Adam Thielen, Minnesota 3 2017-20 NFL MOST 100+ YARDS RECEIVING GAMES Eight Other Players 3 Player, Season 100+ Yard Games , Atlanta 21 2017-20 NFL RECEPTIONS, WIDE RECEIVERS DeAndre Hopkins, Houston/Arizona 19 Player, Team Receptions Michael Thomas, New Orleans 16 Michael Thomas, New Orleans 381 Adam Thielen, Minnesota 15 DeAndre Hopkins, Houston/Arizona 347 Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh 13 Keenan Allen, 327 Julio Jones, Atlanta 311 MOST 100+ YARDS RECEIVING GAMES BY VIKINGS IN A SEASON Jarvis Landry, Miami/Cleveland 288 Player, Season 100+ Yard Games , Green Bay 285 Adam Thielen, 2018 9 , Arizona 265 Randy Moss, 2000 8 , Minnesota/Buffalo 249 Randy Moss, 2003 8 Adam Thielen, Minnesota 246 Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams 245 VIKINGS CAREER 100+ YARD RECEIVING GAMES Player 100+ Yard Games 2017-20 NFL LEADING RECEIVERS ON THIRD DOWN Randy Moss 41 Player, Season Receptions Cris Carter 40 Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers 93 Anthony Carter 22 Michael Thomas, New Orleans 87 Jake Reed 18 Julio Jones, Atlanta 86 Adam Thielen 18 DeAndre Hopkins, Houston/Arizona 82 Adam Thielen, Minnesota 75 Cooper Kupp, LA Rams 75

2017-20 NFL RECEIVING YARDS, WIDE RECEIVERS Player, Team Receiving yards Julio Jones, Atlanta 4,696 DeAndre Hopkins, Houston/Arizona 4,471 Michael Thomas, New Orleans 4,392 Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers 4,053 Mike Evans, Tampa Bay 3,790 Tyreek Hill, Kansas City 3,744 Davante Adams, Green Bay 3,460 Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams 3,327 Stefon Diggs, Minnesota/Buffalo 3,288 Jarvis Landry, Miami/Cleveland 3,280 Adam Thielen, Minnesota 3,237

With a 16-yard touchdown catch against Tennessee, Thielen recorded his 28th career receiving touchdown 28 which ranks 10th all-time in Vikings history.

12 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

justin jefferson notes

wr justin jefferson

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-1/202 COLLEGE: LSU NFL SEASON: R VIKINGS SEASON: R

In his first career start in Week 3 vs. the Tennessee Titans, Vikings first rounder Justin Jefferson recorded a breakout game. Jefferson totaled 175 yards on seven receptions and caught a 71-yard touchdown pass from QB Kirk Cousins. Jefferson’s 245 yards through three games to start a season is a new Vikings rookie record, surpassing Randy Moss’ opening Vikings rookie WR Justin Jefferson’s 104 yards receiving in three-game total of 221 in 1998. the first half vs. Tennessee ranks fourth-most in a half in the NFL this season and leads all rookies. Since 2015, rookies have recorded 104 yards or more in a half 18 times with Jefferson being the only Viking to do so. VIKINGS LONGEST CATCHES BY ROOKIES Player, Opponent, Date Yards 2020 MOST RECEIVING YARDS IN A HALF Gene Washington vs. St. Louis, 10/8/67 85t Player, Team, Week Receiving Yards (Half) Michael Bennett at Pittsburgh, 12/2/01 80t Julian Edelman, New England, Week 2 171 (2) at Baltimore, 12/8/13 79t Michael Gallup, Dallas, Week 3 134 (2) Justin Jefferson vs. Tennessee, 9/27/20 71t Julio Jones, Atlanta, Week 1 112 (2) Gordon Smith at San Francisco, 11/26/61 71t Justin Jefferson, Tennessee, Week 3 104 (1) Davante Adams, Green Bay, Week 1 103 (1) 2020 RECEIVING YARDS BY ROOKIES Player, Team Receiving Yards MOST RECEIVING YARDS IN AN NFL GAME AMONG PLAYERS Justin Jefferson, Minnesota 245 21 AND YOUNGER CeeDee Lamb, Dallas 230 Player, Opponent, Date Receiving Yards , Denver 173 Jerry Butler vs. NY Jets, 9/23/79 255 Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh 151 Mike Evans at Washington, 11/16/14 209 James Robinson, Jacksonville 129 JuJu Smith-Schuster at Detroit, 10/29/17 193 Randy Moss at Green Bay, 10/5/98 190 Justin Jefferson vs. Tennessee, 9/27/20 175

2019 VIKINGS OFFENSE NOTES

VIKINGS TOTAL OFFENSIVE POINTS (SINCE 1991) 2019 NFL RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS Season Total Offensive Points Team Rushing Touchdowns 1998 518 San Francisco 23 2009 447 Baltimore 21 2000 397 Tennessee 21 2019 391 LA Rams 20 Carolina 20 2019 YARDS PER PLAY (NFC) Minnesota 19 Team Yards per play Dallas 6.46 2019 NFL RUSHES OF 20-PLUS YARDS San Francisco 6.02 Team 20-plus runs New Orleans 5.92 Baltimore 23 Tampa Bay 5.86 San Francisco 16 Minnesota 5.83 Arizona 16 Minnesota 15 2019 NET YARDS PER PASSING ATTEMPT (NFC) Tennessee 14 Team Net passing yards per attempt Seattle 14 Dallas 7.7 Indianapolis 14 San Francisco 7.4 Buffalo 13 Tampa Bay 7.2 Houston 13 Minnesota 7.1 New York Giants 13 New Orleans 7.0

Justin Jefferson’s 20.4 Minnesota leads the league BY THE yards per reception in two-point conversion (245/12) ranks second attempts, going 4-for-5 (80.0%) to also lead the among all rookies and league with a total of eight NUMBERS 20.4 12th overall in the league 8 points from successful two- entering Week 4. point conversions.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 13 2020 vikings

harrison smith notes

s harrison smith

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/214 COLLEGE: Notre Dame NFL SEASON: 9 VIKINGS SEASON: 9

Smith, a five-time Pro Bowler, recorded his 24 career interception against the Titans in Week 3, the seventh-most in franchise history. Last season against the Chargers, he tallied six tackles to move ahead of Antoine Winfield for third-most tackles by a Vikings DB. Smith led Minnesota in its Wild Card victory over New Orleans with 11 tackles. Harrison Smith and other teammates joined 25 children from Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota for a holiday shop- VIKINGS SEASON SACKS BY A DB ping event at DICK’S Sporting Goods hosted by the Mike Zimmer Player, Season, Position Sacks Foundation. Robert Griffith, 1999, S 4.0 , 2018, CB 4.0 SMITH’S INTERCEPTION RETURN TDS Harrison Smith, 2018, S 3.0 Game Play Harrison Smith, 2014, S 3.0 vs. Arizona, 10/21/12 31t INT Return off John Skelton Brian Williams, 2003, CB 3.0 vs. Chicago, 12/9/12 56t INT Return off , 1990, S 3.0 at St. Louis, 9/7/14 81t INT Return off Austin Davis Tommy Hannon, 1979, S 3.0 vs. NY Giants, 12/27/15 35t INT Return off

VIKINGS CAREER SACKS BY A DB VIKINGS CAREER INTERCEPTIONS Player, Seasons Sacks Player, Seasons Interceptions Harrison Smith, 2012- 13.0 , 1968-79 53 Joey Browner, 1983-91 9.5 , 1968-80 51 , 1962-72 40 VIKINGS CAREER INTERCEPTION RETURN TDS Joey Browner, 1983-91 37 Player, Seasons Interceptions TDs Nate Wright, 1971-80 31 Harrison Smith, 2012- 4 Carl Lee, 1983-93 29 , 2005-08 3 Harrison Smith, 2012- 24 Jimmy Hitchcock, 1998-99 3 , 1995-2001 22 , 1994-97 3 John Turner, 1978-83, ‘85, ‘87 22 Audray McMillian, 1989-93 3 Antoine Winfield, 2004-12 21 Joey Browner, 1983-91 3 Bobby Bryant, 1968-80 3 Ed Sharockman, 1962-72 3 , 1961-65 3

VIKINGS CAREER INTERCEPTION RETURNS OF 50+ YARDS Player 50+ Returns Harrison Smith, 2012-18 4 (56t, 81t, 52, 52) , 1968-73 3 (89, 54, 50)

Smith recorded his 24th career interception and Smith ranks second in the league for BY THE first of 2020 in Week 3 most sacks (13.0) by a vs. Tennessee. Smith since NUMBERS 24 ranks seventh all-time 13.0 2010 behind Jamal on the Vikings career Adams (14.0). interceptions list.

14 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

yannick ngakoue notes

de yannick ngakoue

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/246 COLLEGE: Maryland NFL SEASON: 5 VIKINGS SEASON: 1

Earning his first start as a Viking in Week 2, Yannick Ngakoue forced his first fumble of 2020 (15th of his career) on a strip sack of Colts QB Philip Rivers. In nine career games against Indianapolis, Ngakoue has notched four forced fumbles and seven tackles for loss. Since entering the NFL, Ngakoue is tied for 12th with 39.5 career sacks and ranks third with 16 career forced fumbles. “I just feel like that’s the biggest motivation if you really love this game and this sport,” Ngakoue said about joining the Vikings. “You look to your right, and you see the John Randles, the Randy 2016-PRESENT NFL SACKS Mosses, the Cris Carters – guys like that who brought it each and Player, Team Sacks every Sunday – and that’s my inspiration. That’s my aspiration, Chandler Jones, Arizona 61.0 to [be] a Hall of Famer, and I’m working and striving to do that.” , Los Angeles Rams 55.0 Danielle Hunter, Minnesota 48.5 CAREER SACKS , New Orleans 48.0 Player Sacks , Denver 46.0 55.0 , Washington 44.5 Yannick Ngakoue 37.5 Khalil Mack, Oakland/Chicago 44.0 , Los Angeles Chargers 43.0 Frank Clark, Seattle/Kansas City 42.0 2019 NFL AT LEAST 8.0 SACKS AND 2 FORCED FUMBLES AT Mario Addison, Panthers/Bills 41.0 24-YEARS OR YOUNGER , Arizona/Jacksonville/Baltimore 40.5 Player, Team Age/Sacks/Forced Fumbles Yannick Ngakoue, Jacksonville/Minnesota 39.5 Yannick Ngakoue, Jacksonville/Minnesota 24/8.0/3 Jason Pierre-Paul, NY Giants/Tampa Bay 39.5 , Jacksonville 22/10.0/2 , Cleveland 23/10.0/2 2016-PRESENT NFL FORCED FUMBLES , Las Vegas 22/8.5/3 Player, Team Forced Fumbles Khalil Mack, Oakland/Chicago 17 Chandler Jones, Arizona 17 Yannick Ngakoue, Jacksonville/Minnesota 16 T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh 15 , Tampa Bay 14 Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams 14

2017-PRESENT NFL MULTI-SACK GAMES Postion, Player, Team Multi-Sack Games Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams 15 Cameron Jordan, New Orleans 13 Chandler Jones, Arizona 11 Ryan Kerrigan, Washington 10 Yannick Ngakoue, Jacksonville/Minnesota 9

With a strip-sack of Titans QB in Week 3, Ngakoue recorded his second game in a row with a strip-sack 2 and is tied for second in the NFL with two forced fumbles through three weeks of the 2020 season.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 15 2020 vikings

eric kendricks notes

lb eric kendricks

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0/232 COLLEGE: UCLA NFL SEASON: 6 VIKINGS SEASON: 6

Following the 2019 season, Eric Kendricks was named to his first and earned First-Team All-Pro honors, becoming the first Vikings to be named All- Pro since (Second Team) in 2012. Through three weeks of the 2020 season, Kendricks leads the Vikings with 33 tackles, which is tied for the most in the NFL.

Advocates for social change and members of the Vikings Social NFL TOTAL TACKLES, 2015-2020 (LEAGUE STATS) Justice Committee, Kendricks and Ameer Abdullah visited with Player, Team Total Tackles representatives of All Square in 2019 and will continue to build , Seattle 737 the relationship the team has with the organization in 2020. , Carolina 619 Lavonte David, Tampa Bay 601 2019 NFL LINEBACKER GRADES (PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS) Eric Kendricks, Minnesota 565 Player, Team Overall Grade Demario Davis, Cleveland//New Orleans 565 Eric Kendricks, Minnesota 90.5 Landon Collins, New York Giants/Washington 559 Demario Davis, New Orleans 90.1 Tahir Whitehead, Detroit/Oakland/Carolina 542 Lavonte David, Tampa Bay 89.2 , Green Bay/NY Giants 536 Alexander Johnson, Denver 88.7 K.J. Wright, Seattle 522 Luke Kuechly, Carolina 87.5 Benardrick McKinney, Houston 516 , Indianapolis 78.8 , Los Angeles Rams 78.8 VIKINGS LB CAREER TACKLES FOR LOSS Bobby Okereke, Indianapolis 77.3 (LEAGUE STATS SINCE 1999) , Atlanta 77.0 Player, Years Total Tackles for Loss Jaime Collins Sr., New England 76.5 Chad Greenway, 2006-16 58 Vince Williams, Pittsburgh 86.2 Anthony Barr, 2014-Present 36 Eric Kendricks, 2015-Present 36 2019 PASSES DEFENSED, NFL LINEBACKERS (LEAGUE STATS) E.J. Henderson, 2003-11 29 Player, Team Pass. Def. Erin Henderson, 2008-13 26 Eric Kendricks, Minnesota 12 Ben Leber, 2006-10 12 Demario Davis, New Orleans 12 Eric Wilson, 2017-Present 12 Luke Kuechly, Carolina 12 K.J. Wright, Seattle 11 Fred Warner, San Francisco 9 Corey Littleton, Los Angeles Rams 9 Matt Milano, Buffalo 9 Joe Shobert, Cleveland 9 , Buffalo 9 Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo 9

BY THE Since 2014, linebackers Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks and Eric Wilson have combined for 84 tackles for loss, with all three ranking in the top 15 for career NUMBERS 84 tackles for loss by Vikings linebackers.

16 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

anthony harris notes

s anthony harris

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-1/202 COLLEGE: NFL SEASON: 6 VIKINGS SEASON: 6

Harris entered 2019 as the full-time starter alongside Harrison Smith for the first time in his career and went on to tie for the NFL lead in interceptions with six during the regular season. In the Vikings Wild Card victory over New Orleans, Harris picked off Saints QB Drew Brees in the second quarter and returned it 30 yards. A member of the Vikings Social Justice Committee, Harris 2018-20 NFL INTERCEPTIONS addressed media members on social justice causes after Player, Team Interceptions Minnesota’s August 28th practice at U.S. Bank Stadium. , Chicago 11 Domantae Kazee, Atlanta 10 Anthony Harris, Minnesota 9 2019 NFL SAFETY GRADE (PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS) J.C. Jackson, New England 9 Player, Team Overall Grade , New England 9 Justin Simmons, Denver 90.8 , Tennessee 9 Anthony Harris, Minnesota 90.5 , Miami 9 Harrison Smith, Minnesota 89.8 Donte Jackson, Carolina 9 Jamal Adams, New York Jets 88.1 , LA Rams, Baltimore 9 Adrian Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers 87.4 Five Players 8 Marcus Williams, New Orleans 87.3 , San Francisco 84.2 Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers 82.5 HARRIS’ MULTI-INTERCEPTION GAMES , Denver 82.3 Game Interceptions at Chicago, 11/18/18 2 vs. Atlanta, 9/8/19 2 2019 NFL INTERCEPTIONS Player, Team Interceptions Anthony Harris, Minnesota 6 Stephon Gilmore, New England 6 Tre’Davious White, Buffalo 6 Seven other players 5

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 17 2020 vikings

schedule notes

Minnesota will play the season opener at home for the fourth consecutive season, marking the first vs. Green Bay time in franchise history the Vikings have hosted WK 1 54-62-3 the Packers to open the schedule. Minnesota is 6-1 9/13/20 (29-29) H in season-opening games during the Mike Zimmer era (2014-present) and is 4-0 in season openers since the 2016 season. The Vikings look to break an 11-game road losing steak against the Colts franchise in Week 2, the at Indianapolis only active team in the NFL that Minnesota has WK 2 7-17-1 not defeated in a regular-season road game. The 9/20/20 (0-11) A contest will be the Vikings fourth trip to play in Indianapolis after not playing the Colts on the road from 1969-2000. Minnesota meets Tennessee for the first time since Week 1 of the 2016 season, a 25-16 road win in which vs. Tennessee two current Vikings, Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter, WK 3 9-4 scored the first defensive touchdowns of their careers. 9/27/20 (7-1) H The contest will feature two top-10 rushers from the 2019 season, with the Titans Derrick Henry (1,540 rushing yards) and the Vikings Dalvin Cook (1,135 rushing yards). The Vikings travel to Houston in Week 4 for the team’s third consecutive game against an AFC South at Houston opponent. Minnesota enters the contest a perfect WK 4 4-0 4-0 against Houston, the only active team in the NFL 10/4/20 (2-0) A the Vikings are undefeated against. The Vikings have averaged 4.25 sacks per game against the Texans, more than any other active opponent in the NFL. Week 5 marks the first time the Vikings will play the same at Seattle non-divisional opponent for a regular-season road game WK 5 5-12 in three consecutive years since traveling to Washington (2-7) A each season from 2010-12. The game will mark the Vikings 10/11/20 40th appearance on Sunday Night Football and the third consecutive season meeting with the Seahawks in a nationally-televised game (MNF, 2018-19). The Vikings welcome the Falcons to U.S. Bank Stadium for the second consecutive season, having vs. Atlanta defeated Atlanta 28-12 in the 2019 season opener. WK 6 20-11 Minnesota is a perfect 4-0 against Atlanta under Head 10/18/20 (12-4) H Coach Mike Zimmer, thanks to an average of two takeaways per game in those contests.

Minnesota finishes its regular-season slate against Green Bay in Week 8, marking just the sixth time in at Green Bay franchise history the division rivals will meet twice in WK 8 54-62-3 the first half of a regular season. The Vikings look for 11/1/20 (25-33-3) A their first victory at since their 16-0 win in Week 16 of the 2017 season.

Minnesota chases a third consecutive victory over Detroit at U.S. Bank Stadium after dropping the first two vs. Detroit contests between the teams since the venue opened in WK 9 76-39-2 2016. In the Week 13 home victory over Detroit in 2019, 11/8/20 (41-16-1) H Vikings DE Danielle Hunter became the youngest player (25 years and 40 days old) to eclipse 50 career sacks since sacks became an official stat in 1982.

18 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings schedule notes

Minnesota meets Chicago on for the 15th time in franchise history, having split the at Chicago series 7-7. A victory in Week 10 would give the Vikings WK 10 60-56-2 a win at Soldier Field and on Monday Night Football 11/16/20 (23-33-2) A for the first time since defeating the Bears, 20-17, in Week 5 of the 2017 season.

The Vikings play the Cowboys for the second consecutive season after defeating Dallas, 28-24, on SNF on Nov. vs. Dallas 10, 2019. Minnesota last hosted Dallas in Week 13 of the WK 11 15-16 2016 season, a 17-15 Cowboys victory on TNF. Vikings 11/22/20 (7-10) H Head Coach Mike Zimmer previously spent 13 seasons on the Cowboys coaching staff, serving as a DBs coach (1994-99) and defensive coordinator (2000-06).

Minnesota hosts Carolina for the first time since a 31-13 Vikings win played at the University of Minnesota during vs. Carolina WK 12 the 2014 season. The game saw Vikings WR Adam Thielen 8-6 record his first NFL touchdown by blocking and returning 11/29/20 (6-3) H a punt 30 yards for a score. Former Vikings and current Panthers QB is poised to make his first start at U.S. Bank Stadium since the 2016 preseason.

Minnesota and Jacksonville meet for their seventh vs. Jacksonville regular-season matchup in Week 13. The Vikings seek WK 13 5-1 their fifth consecutive victory over the Jaguars, and their first since a 25-16 win at Jacksonville in Week 14 12/6/20 (3-1) H of the 2016 season. Minnesota will complete a three- game home stand for the first time since opening U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016.

at Tampa Bay Minnesota travels to Tampa Bay for the first time since 33-22 Week 8 of the 2014 season, a game won in overtime WK 14 by a 27-yard fumble recovery return for a touchdown (14-13) A 12/13/20 by then-rookie LB Anthony Barr. Minnesota makes its fourth trip to Tampa Bay since the two teams moved to separate divisions in 2002.

The Vikings enter Week 15 having lost two consecutive vs. Chicago home games to the Bears after previously defeating WK 15 60-56-2 Chicago in six straight home contests from 2012-17. During the Mike Zimmer era (2014-present)Minnesota 12/20/20 (37-23) H has allowed an average of 15.2 points per game at home against Chicago.

Minnesota and New Orleans square off for the first at New Orleans time since the Vikings 26-20 overtime victory at New WK 16 23-12 Orleans in the 2019 Wild Card Round. The contest marks the franchise’s fourth game played on a Friday (first 12/25/20 (9-8) A since 2004) and the fourth overall matchup scheduled on Christmas Day (first since 2005), including a postseason loss to the Cowboys on Dec. 25, 1971. The Vikings close out regular-season play on the road at Detroit at Detroit for the first time since the 2010 season WK 17 76-39-2 and the fifth overall time in franchise history, with (35-23-1) A the season-ending series split at 2-2. Minnesota’s 42 1/3/20 points on the road against the Lions in Week 7 of the 2019 season marked the most at Detroit in franchise history.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 19 2020 vikings

In June 2020, the Minnesota Vikings and the Wilf family announced a $5 million donation to social justice causes throughout the United States. Following the announcement, the team’s social justice committee held a series of meetings to determine how to actively engage the community through player involvement and financial donations during the 2020 season. On September 8, the team announced nearly $1 million will go toward the expansion or launch of multiple initiatives in one of three areas of focus: 1) voter education and registration; 2) educational curriculum on racism and Black history; and 3) law enforcement and criminal justice reform.

VOTER EDUCATION AND REGISTRATION AWARENESS Working together with the Office of the Secretary of State, the Vikings are using the team’s platform to encourage fans to register and safely participate in the electoral process. The Vikings will launch a series of player-led voting content and make it easy for fans to find voting information via Vikings.com/bethechange. The team will also help provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for polling workers throughout Minnesota. Additionally, the team has hosted voter educational sessions with the entire Vikings staff and players/coaches in conjunction with Rock the Vote and Secretary of State Steve Simon with the goal of having 100% of the organization registered to vote in the November election.

ALL SQUARE The Vikings will further expand the team’s commitment to All Square, a local nonprofit social enterprise that invests in the minds and lives of formerly incarcerated individuals. Centered on a craft grilled cheese restaurant, professional development institute, and forthcoming civil rights law firm, All Square’s mission is to ensure that those impacted by the criminal justice system have the support and opportunities they deserve to become our country’s future leaders, business owners, legal practitioners and entrepreneurs. The Vikings engagement will focus on All Square’s Fellow & Fellow Alum Fund.

GEORGE FLOYD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP In June, the Vikings created the George Floyd Legacy Scholarship with a $125,000 endowment that will generate approximately $5,000 annually to benefit African American graduating seniors in Minneapolis-St. Paul who are pursuing post-secondary education. The inaugural recipient, Mimi Kol-Balfour, was selected following her essay submission and was informed last week via videoconference by Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf, General Manager , running backs and Ameer Abdullah, and linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. Kol-Balfour is a graduate of Southwest High School who will be attending Barnard College this fall.

CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS In partnership with RISE (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality), the Vikings will host a series of Critical Conversation sessions with Minnesota High School athletic programs to help address issues of race and injustice. Vikings safety Anthony Harris and linebacker Anthony Barr spoke in August to a group of high school coaches to discuss the importance of having these conversations in a team environment. The program with RISE will further formalize the discussions and provide statewide access for Minnesota athletic programs to engage on these important issues.

20 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings

306: BLACK HISTORY CURRICULUM EXPANSION In 2016, with a focus on integrating Black history into mainstream U.S. history and developing courses devoted to the African American experience, the Vikings became the first NFL team to partner with Everfi in an effort to bring a 306 Black History curriculum to Minnesota students. The interactive course informs and inspires today’s students through history’s most important stories of Black women and men who overcame obstacles through grit, strength, creativity and intellect. The digital curriculum incorporates videos from Vikings Legends, provides direct source materials and allows students to explore and reflect on key themes of Black history. Now in its fifth year, the program has since been replicated by the NFL in many markets. In 2020, the Vikings will expand the curriculum from 12 to 24 schools and reach thousands of students.

PROJECT SUCCESS In 2019, the Vikings partnered with Project Success, a Minneapolis-based organization focused on helping kids develop life-skills, support and confidence so they are more successful and engaged during high school and more prepared for life after graduation. The two organizations took 50 students of color from Minneapolis, along with Vikings running backs CJ Ham and Ameer Abdullah and safety Anthony Harris, to Washington, DC, for a special experience that included a visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. The trip was to be replicated in 2020, but due to COVID-19, this year’s plan will be a day-long virtual experience and the Vikings and Project Success plan to return to DC in 2021.

FURTHER INVOLVEMENT AND INVESTMENT The Vikings are also increasing the team’s investment in and involvement with the following groups: • Hennepin County & Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Centers • Jeremiah Program • The Link • Page Education Foundation • People Serving People VIKINGS SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE The Minnesota Vikings Social Justice Committee consists loosely of 10 members and any player or coach is free to join the meetings. Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson has been part of the group, meeting regularly with Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Alexander Mattison, Kirk Cousins, Kyle Rudolph, Ameer Abdullah, Adam Thielen, Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith on social justice initiatives. Throughout the year, player-driven efforts strive to create meaningful dialogue and change in the community on issues related to building unity, hope and positive community relationships. The Vikings approach includes spending time with young people at schools, community organizations and juvenile detention centers and dedicating financial resources to organizations that work for positive change. Over the previous two seasons, the Wilf family has made a $500,000 commitment to the Social Justice Committee ($250,000 each year). Those dollars were directed toward scholarships for low-income students, school supplies, legal aid for disadvantaged and underrepresented populations and law enforcement relations.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 21 2020 vikings VIKINGS IN THE COMMUNITY

WILF FAMILY SURPASSES $5 MILLION IN DONATIONS TO COVID-19 CAUSES The Wilf family, owners of the Minnesota Vikings, have surpassed $5 million in donations to COVID-19-related causes after their $1 million contribution to United Way Worldwide, one of six national charitable organizations recommended by the NFL as part of its Draft-A-Thon fundraising campaign tied to this year’s NFL Draft. Through the Wilf Family Foundations and the Minnesota Vikings, the $5 million in donations and commitments since the pandemic arose have been contributed in New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, across the United States and in Israel. These donations have supported health care workers, the elderly, food banks, social service organizations and Jewish philanthropic causes.

JEFFERSON DONATES FACE MASKS UDOH DELIVERS FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS Justin Jefferson teamed with Genies and Bella In May, Olisaemeka Udoh donated and delivered 500 + Canvas to donate 10,000 masks to Children’s meals to workers at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Minnesota in June. his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He also made a donation to Second Harvest Food HUNTER, COOK DONATE MADDEN CHECKS Bank to help families in North Carolina. Danielle Hunter and Dalvin Cook announced in April that they each would donate their royalty checks from RUDOLPH LAUNCHES ‘MEAL PLAN’ EA Sports for appearing in “Madden 20” to North Kyle Rudolph and his wife Jordan made a personal Memorial Health Foundation so that doctors, nurses donation to Second Harvest Heartland in March that and other healthcare workers could purchase personal provided 82,000 meals to Minnesotans who are protective equipment. being hit hardest by repercussions of the COVID-19 THIELEN FOUNDATION DONATES $25K pandemic and school cancellations. Adam Thielen and his wife, Caitlin, through the Rudolph also set a goal of raising $200,000 for Thielen Foundation, donated $25,000 to Second Second Harvest Heartland, which will provide 600,000 Harvest Heartland to help ensure that young people in meals for local families. He set up the Rudy’s Meal local communities have the nutrition they need during Plan campaign and encouraged whoever is able to join the COVID-19 pandemic. them in supporting the nonprofit. The Thielen Foundation also partnered with KFAN Throughout the offseason, the organized 100.3-FM and iHeart Radio-Minneapolis in April for food drives for communities hardest hit by the a Minnesota Covid Relief Virtual Radiothon that pandemic and store closings in Minneapolis. ran from 6 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening, raising more than $280,000 for The Salvation Army, KENDRICKS DONATES PAINTING PROCEEDS Second Harvest Heartland, M Health Fairview and MN In March, Eric Kendricks announced that he would Disaster Recovery Fund for Coronavirus create paintings and sell them on Instagram, with the proceeds going to food banks in the city of the person BARR PROVIDES EMERGENCY GRANTS who bought the painting. Through his Raise The Barr foundation (which Kendricks listed each painting at $1,000, and then focuses on helping single parents complete their matched that price, with a total of $2,000 going to postsecondary education), the Anthony Barr offered each food bank. $500 emergency grants to any current or former Raise The Barr scholarship recipients. In March, all 34 recipients who applied received the grant for a commitment of $17,000 from the foundation.

22 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS 2020 vikings vikings celebrate 60th season in 2020

The Minnesota Vikings will commemorate the organization’s 60th season in 2020. The NFL franchise was granted to the state during a league owners meeting on January 28, 1960, and the club kicked off its first season on September 17, 1961 against Chicago.

celebrating 60 seasons In commemoration of the 60 seasons, the Vikings are set to celebrate in various ways ranging from limited edition 60th season Miller Lite cans to the Season of Firsts exhibit at the Vikings Museum to honoring the 60 Greatest Fans of All Time presented by U.S. Bank.

miller lite 60th season limited edition cans

Launched in August, Miller Lite created a limited edition can to commemorate the Vikings 60th season. The can, which utilizes new designs to celebrate the historic season, will be available in bars, restaurants and liquor stores through the end of 2020.

60 greatest fans of all time presented by u.s. bank

Throughout the 2020 season, the Vikings will honor the top 60 fans in team history. In order to celebrate the fans who have made Minnesota great over the course of 60 years, individuals across the world are able to nominate themselves or someone else to be one of the 60 Greatest Fans of All Time. To start the nomination process, fans may visit Vikings.com/60Fans to answer a few questions about their fandom and tell the Vikings why they deserve to be one of the 60 Greatest Fans of All Time. Fans will also have the opportunity to upload photos and videos to support the nominations.

vikings museum opens season of firsts exhibit

In August, the Vikings debuted the Season of Firsts exhibit at the Vikings Museum. The exhibit features a series of memorable firsts, beginning with a shocking inaugural upset victory and ending with the selection of the team’s first two Pro Bowlers. The museum will be open for visitors to tour throughout the 2020 season. For hours, ticket and general information about the Vikings Museum, visit Vikings. com/Fans/Vikings-Museum.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS | VIKINGS.COM 23 2020 vikings

have a seat at our family table

In June 2019, the Minnesota Vikings Foundation, education programs, youth enrichment in partnership with Xcel Energy, introduced centers and other locations where Vikings Table, a custom-built food truck with the childhood food insecurity is prevalent. mission of serving healthy meals and nutritional • Funds are raised by selling a separate full education to youth across the Minneapolis-St. menu of food truck entrees twice a week Paul community. at local food truck festivals, Vikings home • The 38-foot, Winnebago truck is a zero- games, training camp and other team waste vehicle with energy star rated events, as well as to the lunch crowd in appliances and built-in solar panels. downtown Minneapolis; 100 percent of the profits go back to distributing healthy meals • The kitchen is designed to hold 10 food to youth. preparation professionals, while the rear portion of the vehicle features an • A full schedule can be found online at the experiential room showcasing an 80-inch Minnesota Vikings Foundation website or monitor that can display educational videos via the handle @VikingsTable. and nutritional information. • Viking Table is maintained and operated by • Meals are served from June to December Tony and Haley Fritz on a biweekly basis at schools, summer

24 WEEK 4 | VIKINGS AT TEXANS