Minnesota Vikings
The 1998 Vikings, who went 15-1 and featured a high-powered offense that led the NFL with nearly 35 points per game, looked poised to make their first Super Bowl since 1976. Minnesota’s veteran All-Pro QB, Randall Cunningham threw a career-high 34 touchdown passes. His main targets were a pair of Hall of Famers: rookie sensation Randy Moss, who had 1,313 yards receiving and led the NFL with 17 TD catches; and 33-year-old veteran Cris Carter, who had 1,011 yards receiving and caught 12 TD passes. Running back Robert Smith had a Pro Bowl season, rushing for 1,187 yards and six TDs. Defensively, the Vikings featured Hall of Fame defensive end John Randle (10.5 sacks) and cornerback Jimmy Hitchcock, who led the NFL with three pick-sixes. After entering the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak, the Vikings beat the Cardinals, 41-21 in the NFC Divisional and led the Falcons, 27-17 in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship. Then Minnesota collapsed. Gary Anderson missed a 38-yard field goal in the 4th quarter after not missing a single field goal in the entire regular season. The Falcons scored a TD to tie the game, then hit a GW field goal to defeat the Vikings, 30-27 in overtime.
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"The entire team was so perfect and had such a strong identity." - Mina Kimes
"I'm not entirely sure they had any weakness. Most teams have one or two strengths." - Tony Romo
"The '85 Bears were a breath of fresh air to Chicago." - Kevin Cronin
