Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Pat O’Connor (79) sacks Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the second half in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark

Vikings playoff hopes kicked in the teeth by 26-14 loss to Tampa Bay

Dan Bailey missed all three of his field goal tries and an extra point while an assortment of other things went wrong in a loss that dropped the Vikings to 6-7.
Vikings

Failure to protect Cousins set up kicker Bailey's misses in Vikings loss to Tampa Bay

11:12am
Failure to protect Cousins set up kicker Bailey's misses in Vikings loss to Tampa Bay
All six of the Buccaneers' sacks on Sunday came when the Vikings were in Tampa Bay territory, which created the need for the failed field goal attempts that vilified kicker Dan Bailey.

Playoffs? Five things to know about Vikings chances after Sunday's loss

8:42am
The Vikings playoff chances took a hit by loising Sunday to Tampa Bay.
The Vikings' shot at a wild-card spot took a hit because of Sunday's loss in Tampa Bay. Here's where things stand right now.

Souhan: It may be time for Vikings to get a new kicker. Again.

6:11am
When a player has one job and loses confidence in the mechanics that allow him to do it well, he leaves you little choice.

Half a horrible quarter: How the Vikings fell apart vs. the Bucs

December 13
Control was all but lost for the Vikings in the second quarter in a mashup of misfortune and implausibility vs. Tampa Bay.
Vikings
7:22am
Vikings kicker past and present (clockwise from top left): Blair Walsh, Kai Forbath, Dan Bailey and Daniel Carlson.

Zimmer's kickers have a history of disappointing the Vikings

After missing four kicks Sunday, Dan Bailey joins the list of kickers who haven't thrived during Mike Zimmer's time as head coach.
Vikings
December 14
Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr., despite being limited because of a back injury, scored on a 14-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter Sunday.

Rudolph's injury gives chances for Conklin, Irv Smith to come through

Tight end Tyler Conklin made his first start of the season while Irv Smith Jr. was eased into action as Kyle Rudolph's streak of 98 starts came to a halt.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) and s running back Dalvin Cook (33) celebrated a defensive turnover at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday Septem
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Vikings
December 14
Podcast: Missed kicks, six sacks and a recipe for a Vikings loss in Tampa Bay

Podcast: Missed kicks, six sacks and a recipe for a Vikings loss in Tampa Bay

Dan Bailey's 0-for-4 day headlined the Vikings' 26-14 loss in Tampa Bay on Sunday, when a strong start on offense was wasted by the missed kicks, penalties and another busted coverage.
Vikings
December 14
Tom Brady talked to Vikings safety Harrison Smith after the game, during which he hit some long throws against the Vikings secondary.

Mark Craig's Five Extra Points: A look at Cook and Brady

Five takeaways from Sunday's game in Tampa
Vikings
December 14
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook during a second-quarter touchdown run.

Vikings Week 14 spotlight: Dalvin Cook

Cook did more than any other NFL running back against the Buccaneers' No. 1 run defense.
Vikings super fans Sid Davey and David Garza showed up in Canton to support the Vikings during their 1st preseason game of the season.
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Check out our weekly Vikings podcast, featuring Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand.
Vikings
December 14
Tampa Bay strong safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) takes down Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson after a catch during the second half

Vikings-Tampa Bay game balls

Handing out the hardware after Sunday's game
Vikings
December 14

NFC playoff picture

The Vikings are on the outside looking in with three games left (vs. Chicago, at New Orleans, at Detroit). Here's how the NFC currently lines up
Vikings
December 13

A six-pack of sacks on Kirk Cousins

The Vikings took six sacks on Sunday, all in Buccaneers territory. Four of them came on third or fourth down.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes an 11-yard reception for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct
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December 13
Tom Brady and Kirk Cousins

Replay: Vikings-Tampa Bay postgame show on StribSports Live

Join Michael Rand after the game for a recap of today's game and a look ahead to the final weeks of the season.

nfl

  • NFC North w l t pct pf pa home away
    Green Bay 10 3 0 .769 410 323 5-1 5-2
    Minnesota 6 7 0 .462 333 355 3-4 3-3
    Chicago 6 7 0 .462 282 291 3-4 3-3
    Detroit 5 8 0 .385 310 389 1-5 4-3
  • NFC South w l t pct pf pa home away
    New Orleans 10 3 0 .769 368 265 5-1 5-2
    Tampa Bay 8 5 0 .615 370 294 4-3 4-2
    Atlanta 4 9 0 .308 328 322 2-5 2-4
    Carolina 4 9 0 .308 307 332 2-5 2-4
  • NFC East w l t pct pf pa home away
    Washington 6 7 0 .462 287 275 3-3 3-4
    NY Giants 5 8 0 .385 238 291 2-4 3-4
    Philadelphia 4 8 1 .346 277 328 3-3 1-5
    Dallas 4 9 0 .308 298 400 2-4 2-5
  • NFC West w l t pct pf pa home away
    Los Angeles 9 4 0 .692 325 246 5-1 4-3
    Seattle 9 4 0 .692 393 324 6-1 3-3
    Arizona 7 6 0 .538 358 303 3-3 4-3
    San Francisco 5 8 0 .385 300 311 1-6 4-2
  • AFC North w l t pct pf pa home away
    Pittsburgh 11 2 0 .846 349 237 6-1 5-1
    Cleveland 9 3 0 .750 306 321 5-1 4-2
    Baltimore 7 5 0 .583 316 231 3-3 4-2
    Cincinnati 2 10 1 .192 244 338 2-4 0-6
  • AFC South w l t pct pf pa home away
    Tennessee 9 4 0 .692 390 336 4-3 5-1
    Indianapolis 9 4 0 .692 372 300 4-2 5-2
    Houston 4 9 0 .308 295 359 2-4 2-5
    Jacksonville 1 12 0 .077 261 383 1-6 0-6
  • AFC East w l t pct pf pa home away
    Buffalo 10 3 0 .769 359 321 6-1 4-2
    Miami 8 5 0 .615 330 245 4-3 4-2
    New England 6 7 0 .462 277 279 4-2 2-5
    NY Jets 0 13 0 .000 183 393 0-7 0-6
  • AFC West w l t pct pf pa home away
    Kansas City 12 1 0 .923 403 281 5-1 7-0
    Las Vegas 7 6 0 .538 350 391 2-4 5-2
    Denver 5 8 0 .385 257 347 2-4 3-4
    Los Angeles 4 9 0 .308 297 362 3-4 1-5
  • Passing Yards
    K. Cousins MIN 3298
  • Rushing Yards
    D. Cook MIN 1352
    A. Mattison MIN 338
    K. Cousins MIN 130
    A. Abdullah MIN 29
    M. Boone MIN 26
  • Receiving Yards
    J. Jefferson MIN 1078
    A. Thielen MIN 760
    K. Rudolph MIN 334
    D. Cook MIN 322
    I. Smith Jr. MIN 245
  • Defensive Tackles (Total)
    E. Kendricks MIN 107
    E. Wilson MIN 95
    A. Harris MIN 81
    H. Smith MIN 69
    J. Gladney MIN 67
  • Interceptions
    H. Smith MIN 4
    E. Kendricks MIN 3
    E. Wilson MIN 3
    C. Dantzler MIN 1
  • Sacks
    I. Odenigbo MIN 3.5
    E. Wilson MIN 3.0
    D. Wonnum MIN 3.0
    J. Johnson MIN 1.5
    H. Mata'afa MIN 1.5
  • Passing Yards
    A. Rodgers GB 3685
    R. Wilson SEA 3685
    M. Ryan ATL 3660
    M. Stafford DET 3522
    J. Goff LAR 3509
  • Rushing Yards
    D. Cook MIN 1352
    R. Jones II TB 900
    K. Drake ARI 848
    E. Elliott DAL 832
    A. Jones GB 823
  • Receiving Yards
    D. Metcalf SEA 1180
    D. Hopkins ARI 1155
    D. Adams GB 1144
    J. Jefferson MIN 1078
    C. Ridley ATL 1029
  • Defensive Tackles (Total)
    J. Smith DAL 123
    R. Smith CHI 122
    B. Martinez NYG 118
    D. White TB 118
    B. Wagner SEA 113
  • Interceptions
    C. Davis III TB 4
    Q. Diggs SEA 4
    K. Fuller WAS 4
    H. Smith MIN 4
    D. Williams LAR 4
  • Sacks
    A. Donald LAR 12.5
    T. Hendrickson NO 10.5
    Z. Smith GB 10.5
    H. Reddick ARI 10.0
    J. Pierre-Paul TB 9.5
  • Passing Yards
    P. Mahomes KC 4208
    D. Watson HOU 3761
    J. Allen BUF 3641
    P. Rivers IND 3507
    J. Herbert LAC 3467
  • Rushing Yards
    D. Henry TEN 1532
    J. Robinson JAX 1035
    J. Jacobs LV 831
    N. Chubb CLE 799
    J. Taylor IND 759
  • Receiving Yards
    T. Kelce KC 1250
    S. Diggs BUF 1167
    T. Hill KC 1158
    K. Allen LAC 975
    W. Fuller V HOU 879
  • Defensive Tackles (Total)
    Z. Cunningham HOU 126
    J. Schobert JAX 113
    N. Hewitt NYJ 110
    J. Poyer BUF 104
    A. Johnson DEN 103
  • Interceptions
    X. Howard MIA 9
    J. Jackson NE 7
    T. Mathieu KC 6
    M. Fitzpatrick PIT 4
    (2) Players 4
  • Sacks
    T. Watt PIT 12.0
    M. Garrett CLE 10.5
    B. Dupree PIT 8.0
    E. Ogbah MIA 8.0
    S. Tuitt PIT 8.0
  • Sunday, December 13
    Chicago 36, Houston 7, F Tennessee 31, Jacksonville 10, F Denver 32, Carolina 27, F
    Tampa Bay 26, Minnesota 14, F Arizona 26, NY Giants 7, F Kansas City 33, Miami 27, F
    Dallas 30, Cincinnati 7, F Seattle 40, NY Jets 3, F Indianapolis 44, Las Vegas 27, F
    Los Angeles 20, Atlanta 17, F Washington 23, San Francisco 15, F Green Bay 31, Detroit 24, F
    Philadelphia 24, New Orleans 21, F Buffalo 26, Pittsburgh 15, F
  • Monday, December 14
    Baltimore @ Cleveland
  • Thursday, December 17
    Los Angeles @ Las Vegas
  • Saturday, December 19
    Buffalo @ Denver Carolina @ Green Bay
  • Sunday, December 20
    Chicago @ Minnesota Detroit @ Tennessee San Francisco @ Dallas
    Tampa Bay @ Atlanta Seattle @ Washington Houston @ Indianapolis
    Jacksonville @ Baltimore New England @ Miami NY Jets @ Los Angeles
    Philadelphia @ Arizona Kansas City @ New Orleans Cleveland @ NY Giants
  • Monday, December 21
    Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Vikings
December 13
Dalvin Cook is holding up well despite all of the work he’s been getting.

Gameview: Vikings-Tampa Bay play-by-play, game information and more

Tap here for a guide to the game, including updated play-by-play and statistics, roisters and scores from around the NFL during Week 14.
Access Vikings
December 13
Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph during a Nov. 29 game vs. the Panthers.

Rudolph out for Vikings vs. Bucs with foot injury; Smith returns

The tight end's starting streak ends after 98 consecutive games. Here's the list of Vikings inactives.
Vikings
December 13
Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during a Nov. 29 game against the Chiefs.

Vikings-Bucs pregame: Being in the presence of greatness

Let's relish the excellence on the field in Tampa: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Dalvin Cook are among the best in the NFL.
Vikings
December 13
Dan Devine, left, and Ara Parseghian went over transitional matters in Parseghian’s office at Notre Dame on Dec. 17, 1974. Devine left the Packers t

Read Sid's column from 1974, when Ara Parseghian left Notre Dame

On every remaining Sunday in 2020, the Star Tribune will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column from the archives.
Sports
December 13
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw against the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans.

Kirk Cousins was first impressed by Tom Brady in Super Bowl XXXVI — 18 years ago

Tom Brady's first Super Bowl victory made a lasting memory for a seventh grader in Michigan.
Sports
December 13
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins

Mark Craig's Week 14 chart

Only four quarterbacks in NFL history have had three or more consecutive games with at least 300 yards passing and three touchdown passes in a single season.
Vikings
December 13
Quarterback Tom Brady says he loves the Bucs and is still learning about his teammates: “No one is going to give us anything. It’s up to us to ear

Buccaneers' Tom Brady still wants to keep improving

The 43-year-old quarterback hopes the Buccaneers' bye week helps his team and him as they prepare to play host to the Vikings.
Vikings
December 12
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has had a rollercoaster of a season, perhaps appropriate for a team with a 6-6 record through 12 games.

Souhan: Which way will the Cousins pendulum swing for Vikings?

Sunday's showdown with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history might define what has been an up-and-down season.
Vikings
December 12
Vikings Defensive Backs Coach Daronte Jones fielded questions from the press during a press conference at TCO Performance Center, Tuesday, February 11

Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones charts his own course

He has navigated an assistant coach's nomadic existence, ending up in Minnesota to help overhaul a young secondary.
Vikings
December 12
Vikings kicker Dan Bailey in Sunday’s game against Jacksonville.

Zimmer has no concerns about Bailey: 'He'll be fine'

The veteran missed three of his six kicks last Sunday, but his coach said, "Dan's had a great year."
Vikings
December 12
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson celebrates with quarterback Tom Brady (after Johnson caught a 2-yard touchdown pass against the Green

Now playing with Brady, North High's Johnson a G.O.A.T. in his own right

Tampa Bay rookie Tyler Johnson, of Minneapolis North and the Gophers, has 10 catches for 118 yards and has been shut out the past three games. But among his catches are two of Tom Brady's NFL-record 569 touchdown passes.