If the Vikings are going to snap the Cowboys 10-game winning streak, it might be best if they start fast.
John Holler of Viking Update looked at each team's point total for the opening quarter, something that seems to favor Dallas.
*Dallas has almost doubled up its opponents in the first quarter of games, outscoring them 68-35. What makes that important is that most teams have a general script of what they want to do in the first quarter of games. The more points you score is indicative of accomplishing your intended goals. The fewer points you allow has achieved the same goal defensively. Dallas has dominated the first quarter. *
*The Vikings? Not so much. *
*Minnesota has been outscored 47-37 in the first quarter. Through 11 games, the Vikings have averaged slightly more than three points in the first 15 minutes of games. Take out the 14 they scored against Houston and you have 23 points in 10 games. *
Holler said the Vikings have the advantage in the period right after halftime.
The Vikings' primary selling point is that in the third quarter of games they have outscored their opponents 49-20 – the more important number being the second. Eleven games. Two touchdowns. Two field goals allowed. Not too shabby.
Former Viking Senser on the mend after stroke
Former Vikings tight end Joe Senser is learning to live with a new normal after suffering a stroke in July.
Senser, who played for Minnesota for four seasons in the early 1980s, fell in a bathroom at his home a few months ago when he had two blood clots in his brain.
Mike Max of CBS Minnesota (WCCO) recently profiled Senser's recovery process from the stroke, which has come with help from his wife, Amy.
He's learning to walk, one step at a time. He's carrying an attitude he hopes will overcome.
"We're really encouraged and grateful, and he just keeps on," Amy Senser said.
"That's the athlete in him, and that's the only thing that he knows how to do is to continue to fight. And we're going to fight with him," (Vikings radio analyst Greg) Coleman said.
It is those friendships that are helping carry Joe Senser now, spending time with him at his home and understanding the situation.
Senser caught 165 passes for 1,822 yards and 16 touchdowns in four seasons with the Vikings.
Vikings to honor former players in Pro Football Hall of Fame
Fans should stay in their seats at halftime of Thursday's game if they want to catch a glimpse of some of the greatest Vikings of all time.
The Vikings will honor 13 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who made their mark with the franchise.
Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press broke down the details on Thursday’s halftime ceremony.
Tomasson wrote:
*In addition to (former offensive tackle Ron) Yary, on hand Thursday will be former coach Bud Grant (inducted in 1994), defensive tackle Alan Page (1988), safety Paul Krause (1998), defensive end Carl Eller (2004), guard Randall McDaniel (2009), defensive tackle John Randle (2010) and defensive end Chris Doleman (2012). *
*Also attending will be wide receiver Cris Carter (2013) and center Mick Tingelhoff (2015) even though they already have received their new rings. *
*Former Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton (1986) is unable to make it Thursday. He has a commitment in New York. *
"It'll be great,'' Grant said of the ceremony. "It's nice to be remembered once in a while. We're all getting old.''
Former tackle Gary Zimmerman and former Vikings General Manager Jim Finks are also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
