| 1971 Minnesota Vikings season | |
|---|---|
| General manager | Jim Finks |
| Head coach | Bud Grant |
| Home field | Metropolitan Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 11–3 |
| Division place | 1st NFC Central |
| Playoff finish | Lost Divisional Playoffs (vs. Cowboys) 12–20 |
| Pro Bowlers | DE Carl Eller WR Bob Grim S Paul Krause DT Alan Page T Ron Yary |
| AP All-Pros | DE Carl Eller (1st team) DT Alan Page (1st team) T Ron Yary (1st team) |
| Uniform | |
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The 1971 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 11th in the National Football League (NFL). They finished with an 11–3 record to win the NFC Central title and return to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season; however, they lost 20–12 at home to the eventual Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round.
In 2007, ESPN.com ranked the 1971 Vikings as the fourth-greatest defense in NFL history,[1] saying, "Considering that their motto was 'Meet at the quarterback,' it's no surprise that the Purple People Eaters held opposing QBs to a 40.4 rating, one of the lowest ever." ESPN also noted that the 1971 Vikings "shut out three opponents, and only one team scored more than 20 points against them. As a result, Alan Page became the first defensive player to ever be named NFL MVP. Carl Eller, Jim Marshall and safety Paul Krause joined Page on the All-Pro team."