Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell explains the struggles of alleged franchise-quarterback-to-be J.J. McCarthy as a matter of mechanics. O’Connell says he reminds McCarthy during the game, “Feet and eyes.” It sounds like a basic problem, even for an NFL rookie.
From my own youth I recalled the successful debut of rookie Fran Tarkenton versus the Bears in September 1961. Sixteen years later, Vikings coach Bud Grant pulled the quarterback in the fourth quarter of a critical Vikings game against the 49ers at the old Met stadium on a cold day in December 1977. The Vikings were down 24-7 as the game entered the fourth quarter. Fran The forgettable Bob Lee was the quarterback Grant pulled. Rookie Tommy Kramer was the quarterback Grant inserted in his place.
My friend Steve Hunegs was at the game and wrote yesterday to recall TK’s 1977 debut. Passing for 188 yards, TK brought the Vikings back to win the game 28-27. Steve forwarded the clip below with the comment: “Kramer was fearless and flawless.” I will only add that TK seemed to have his mechanics nailed down.
Vikings vs 49ers Week (The 1970s) – 1977. A comeback of all comebacks (our #5 all-time for MIN), Dec 4, 1977 -Vikes are dead & cooked, down 24-7 to open the 4th before Rookie Tommy Kramer comes in & lights it up for 188 yds & 3 TDs in 15 minutes! Vikes win 28-27. @Kramer9Tommy pic.twitter.com/56M9s2jSsN
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) November 23, 2021
In 2019 TK recalled the game in the X post below. Grant — a true Minnesota sports legend — died in March 2023 at the age of 95.
A friend snapped this pic of me helping Bud out to his car the other night. 1977 against the 49ers, 4th quarter, Bud walks by and says, rookie, get in there, 3 TD’s later and a 28-27 victory, the rest is history. Love this man. pic.twitter.com/mZ07IOA85v
— Tommy Kramer (@Kramer9Tommy) September 23, 2019
