Minnesota Vikings · Franchise era 6 of 7
Zimmer's defense: the Minnesota Vikings story
Franchise era
2014—2021
Zimmer's defense
Minnesota Vikings
The story in one sentence
Mike Zimmer built an elite defense, and Stefon Diggs's last-second touchdown sent the 2017 Vikings to the NFC Championship Game.
A complete roster produces the Minneapolis Miracle
Harrison Smith, Danielle Hunter and Adam Thielen gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the jefferson transition.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2014
What came before
Peterson returned from major knee surgery to rush for 2,097 yards, while Brett Favre's 2009 season produced another painful NFC title-game finish.
2018-01-14
Divisional Round: New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings
2018-01-21
Conference Championship: Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles
2020-01-05
Wild Card: Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints
After 2021
What came next
Jefferson's record pace and a season of improbable comebacks carried Minnesota into its post-Peterson, post-Zimmer transition.
The core