1989 Minnesota Vikings season
Category Player ( s ) Value
Passing yards Wade Wilson 2,543
Passing touchdowns Wade Wilson 9
Rushing yards Herschel Walker 669
Rushing touchdowns Herschel Walker 5
Receiving yards Anthony Carter 1,066
Receiving touchdowns Anthony Carter 4
Points Rich Karlis 120
Kickoff return yards Herschel Walker 374
Punt return yards Leo Lewis 446
Tackles Chris Doleman Henry Thomas 94
Sacks Chris Doleman 21.0
Interceptions Joey Browner 5
Forced fumbles Chris Doleman 5
Statistics -- Team leaders
The 1989 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 29th in the National Football League. They finished with a 10-6 record to win the NFC Central Division. This title was secured during one of what is considered by many to be among the most exciting Monday Night Football contests ever: a Christmas Day victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at home, at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, which was the de facto first playoff game of the year. This season was also notable by how many sacks the defense produced, with 39 coming from only two players (Chris Doleman and Keith Millard) and 71 overall. Millard would later receive Defensive Player of the Year honors after putting up record numbers by a defensive tackle. The Vikings were once again embarrassed by the defending Super Bowl champion 49ers in the divisional round, losing 41-13.