The Vikings special teams units made considerable improvement this season after experiencing major problems in 2008.
The coverage units had more speed and playmakers, in addition to the return of Pro Bowl member Heath Farwell. Rookie Percy Harvin became one of the league's best kickoff returners and Darius Reynaud showed some flash as a punt returner.
Rick Gosselin, the long-time NFL writer for The Dallas Morning News, does an annual ranking of special teams and the Vikings finished No. 9 this season.
In Gosselin's formula, the teams are ranked in 22 categories and assigned points. The points then are added for the final rankings. The Cleveland Browns finished first this season.
More From Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
Sports
Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame: A class-by-class list of all members
Who's in the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame? From Bernie Bierman to the latest class, here's the list:
Sports
This retired journalist changed professional wrestling from Mankato
Norm Kietzer was a pioneer in professional wrestling journalism for 40 years.
High Schools
All-Metro Sports Awards: Here are the 2023 winners
The Star Tribune recognized the best of metro area high school athletes with its sixth annual All-Metro Sports Awards. Here are the 2023 winners, who were honored Wednesday night at Target Center.