Pro Bowls and MVPs
In 1968, the defense led the Vikings to their first divisional title. Meanwhile, Marshall, Eller and Page all made the Pro Bowl.
In 1969, all four members of the Vikings front line made the Pro Bowl as the defense gave up the fewest points, fewest yards, and sacked the opposing quarterback 50 times. Their offense was just as impressive by scoring the most points. This combination led the team to their first NFL Championship and to Super Bowl IV, where they lost in a 23-7 upset to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The next year, the Vikings defense once again gave up the fewest points, fewest yards, and recorded 49 sacks. Meanwhile, Page, Eller and Larsen all made the Pro Bowl.
In 1971 the Vikings for the third year in a row gave up the fewest points and gave up the 2nd fewest yards. That year, Carl Eller was voted NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive tackle Alan Page became the first and only defensive lineman to be voted NFL MVP.
Read more about this topic: Purple People Eaters
Famous quotes containing the words pro and/or bowls:
“The upbeat lawyer/negotiator of preadolescence has become a real pro by now—cynical, shrewd, a tough cookie. You’re constantly embroiled in a match of wits. You’re exhausted.”
—Ron Taffel (20th century)
“Goldfish in the privacy of bowls do it.”
—Cole Porter (1893–1964)