Minnesota Vikings

It's been 5 years since an NFL offense failed the way the Vikings did Sunday

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:44 p.m. ET

Dan Graf

When Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway intercepted a pass and returned it to the Detroit Lions’ 18-yard line in the second quarter Sunday, it sure seemed like Minnesota was about to jump-start an offense that has flatlined after a 5-0 start.

Instead, the Vikings reached a new level of futility, becoming the first team since the 2011 Rams to punt after beginning a drive inside the red zone.

Minnesota, which seemed a lock to break a 3-3 tie, went from the 18 to the 40 in four plays, like this:

It may be hard to believe that it’s been five years since an NFL team has gone from the red zone to a punt, but it probably didn’t feel quite that long to Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford. That’s because he was the Rams’ quarterback the last time it happened in 2011.