Fran Tarkenton & Minnesota 1964

[LeonardRachiele]

he Vikings in 1964 had their first winning season at 8-5-1.  Coach Norm Van Brocklin's stock with Minnesota fans was never higher.  Their biggest victory came on opening day at home against the Baltimore Colts.  It was one of only two losses the Colts had as they finished first in the NFL West at 12-2.  Tarkenton took a back seat in this game to the Vikings' defense and running game.   They sacked Johnny Unitas five times for 39 yards in losses.  The Vikings also a had a rarity with two backs gaining only over 100 yards and each scoring a touchdown.  Bill Brown gained 103 yards and Tommy Mason 137 yards.  In total, the Vikings had 463 yards of total offense to just 230 for Baltimore; and the Colts gained just 60 yards on the ground. Vikings 34 Colts 24.

[Todd Pence]

This was also the year of the infamous "wrong way run".