2001 Minnesota Vikings season

2001 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner	Red McCombs
General manager	Dennis Green
Head coach	Dennis Green (Weeks 1–16) Mike Tice (Week 17)
Home field	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record	5–11
Division place	4th NFC Central
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	C Matt Birk TE Byron Chamberlain
Uniform

The 2001 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 41st in the National Football League (NFL). Despite having a 12th ranked offense, the Vikings finished 5–11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995. Before the end of the season, the team fired head coach Dennis Green, who had become a polarizing force among the Vikings fan base despite his successful coaching tenure with the team. Mike Tice coached the final game of 2001, a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

This was the first season since 1989 that defensive tackle John Randle was not on the opening day roster.

The season began in tragic circumstances when offensive tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke in training camp.

The season started off with a 24–13 home loss to the Carolina Panthers (which would be the Panthers' lone win). They did not win on the road at all during this season. Some season highlights included a 35–13 win over the rival Green Bay Packers in Week 6, and a Week 10 victory over the New York Giants in which Randy Moss pulled in 10 receptions for 171 yards and three touchdowns leading to a 28–16 victory.

This was Cris Carter's final season in Minnesota, having played 12 seasons there, making eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1993–2000), all with the Vikings. He is the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He retired at the end of the disappointing season, but would briefly return to play for the Miami Dolphins midway through next season.

Offseason

Additions	Subtractions
WR Jake Reed (Saints)	LB Dwayne Rudd (Browns)
TE Byron Chamberlain (Broncos)	DT John Randle (Seahawks)
	WR Matthew Hatchette (Jets)

2001 Draft

Main article: 2001 NFL draft

Pro Bowler

2001 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order		Player name	Position	College	Notes
Round	Selection
1	27	Michael Bennett	Running back	Wisconsin
2	57	Willie Howard	Defensive end	Stanford
3	69	Eric Kelly	Cornerback	Kentucky	From Patriots[a]
	86	Traded to the New England Patriots[a]
4	119	Traded to the New England Patriots[a]
	130	Shawn Worthen	Defensive tackle	Texas Christian	Compensatory pick[b]
	131	Cedric James	Wide receiver	Texas Christian	Compensatory pick[b]
5	157	Patrick Chukwurah	Linebacker	Wyoming
6	189	Carey Scott	Cornerback	Kentucky State
7	225	Brian Crawford	Defensive tackle	Western Oregon

^{^[a]} The Vikings traded their third- and fourth-round selections (86th and 119th overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for New England's third-round selection (69th overall).

^{^[b]} The Vikings were awarded two compensatory picks in the fourth round for the losses of Jeff Christy, Duane Clemons, Jeff George and Jimmy Hitchcock.

Undrafted free agents

2001 Undrafted Free Agents

Player	Position	College
Brian Russell	Safety	San Diego State
Mike Solwold	Long snapper/Tight end	Wisconsin

Staff

2001 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office Owner – Red McCombs President – Gary Woods Vice president of football administration – Rob Brzezinski Head coaches Head coach/General Manager – Dennis Green Assistant head coach/defensive backs – Willie Shaw Assistant head coach/offensive line – Mike Tice Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Sherman Lewis Quarterbacks – Alex Wood Running backs – Carl Hargrave Wide receivers – Charlie Baggett Tight ends – John Tice Assistant offensive line/quality control – Dean Dalton

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Emmitt Thomas Defensive line – Brian Baker Inside linebackers – Richard Solomon Outside linebackers – Chuck Knox Jr. Defensive assistant – Trent Walters Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Gary Zauner Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Steve Wetzel Assistant strength and conditioning – Daryl Lawrence

Roster

2001 Minnesota Vikings roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  8 Todd Bouman 11 Daunte Culpepper  7 Romaro Miller  3 Spergon Wynn Running backs (RB) 23 Michael Bennett 34 Doug Chapman 40 Jim Kleinsasser FB 33 Harold Morrow FB 30 Travis Prentice Wide receivers (WR) 80 Cris Carter 83 Nate Jacquet 84 Randy Moss 86 Jake Reed 81 Chris Walsh 82 Troy Walters Tight ends (TE) 87 Byron Chamberlain 85 Andrew Jordan

Offensive linemen (OL) 74 Brad Badger T 78 Matt Birk C 65 Calvin Collins G 73 Brian Crawford T 71 David Dixon G 61 Lewis Kelly T 63 Corbin Lacina G 62 Everett Lindsay G/T 76 Chris Liwienski T 60 Cory Withrow C/G Defensive linemen (DL) 50 Patrick Chukwurah DE 93 Stalin Colinet DE/DT 92 Winfield Garnett DT 99 Chris Hovan DT 51 Lance Johnstone DE 98 Fred Robbins DT 97 Talance Sawyer DE 95 Shawn Worthen DT

Linebackers (LB) 55 Lemanski Hall OLB 58 Ed McDaniel OLB 94 Pete Monty MLB 56 Jim Nelson OLB 96 Andre O'Neal OLB 54 Antonio Wilson OLB 52 Kailee Wong MLB Defensive backs (DB) 21 Dale Carter CB 22 Tyrone Carter FS 24 Robert Griffith SS 25 Eric Kelly CB 31 Don Morgan SS 28 Robert Tate CB 42 Orlando Thomas FS 20 Kenny Wright CB Special teams  1 Gary Anderson K 43 Brody Heffner=Liddiard LS 12 Lee Johnson P

Practice squad 48 Matt Cercone TE 15 Kenny Clark WR 49 Jeff Kostrewa TE 69 Mike Malano G 32 Brian Russell S Reserve 17 Mitch Berger P (IR) -- Michael Boireau DE (IR) 90 Jeff Hazuga DE (IR) 91 Willie Howard DE (IR) 89 Cedric James WR (IR) -- Isaac Keys LB (IR) 41 Carey Scott CB (IR) 68 Bennitte Waddell T (IR) 59 Fearon Wright LB (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 9 reserve, 5 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	August 11	at New Orleans Saints	W 28–21	1–0	Alamodome (San Antonio, TX)	46,752	Recap
2	August 16	Pittsburgh Steelers	W 24–10	2–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,790	Recap
3	August 24	Indianapolis Colts	W 28–21	3–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,804	Recap
4	August 31	at Miami Dolphins	W 20–7	4–0	Pro Player Stadium	60,136	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at New Orleans Saints

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	14	0	7	28
Saints	7	0	7	7	21

at Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

• Date: August 11
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 46,752
• Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Randy Moss 60-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 7:36. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:38. NO – Willie Jackson 23-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick), 2:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 4:40. Second quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 11-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:53. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 5:03. MIN – Michael Bennett 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:39. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 0:45. Third quarter NO – Deuce McAllister 11-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Jon Hilbert kick), 2:50. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:45. Fourth quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 5-yard run (Andy Crosland kick), 12:53. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:57. NO – Onomo Ojo 6-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Jon Hilbert kick), 8:43. Vikings 28–21. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:10. Top passers MIN – Todd Bouman – 6/15, 79 yards NO – Jake Delhomme – 14/23, 192 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 9 rushes, 79 yards, 2 TD NO – James Fenderson – 4 rushes, 14 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 1 reception, 60 yards, TD NO – Boo Williams – 3 receptions, 111 yards

Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	7	0	3	0	10
Vikings	0	17	0	7	24

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 16
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,790
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter PIT – Kordell Stewart 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 3:57. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 7:20. Second quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 5:10. Tied 7–7. Drive: 17 plays, 84 yards, 9:52. MIN – Randy Moss 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:55. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 57 yards, 0:41. MIN – Gary Anderson 39-yard field goal, 0:05. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 11 yards, 0:44. Third quarter PIT – Kris Brown 42-yard field goal, 8:21. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:39. Fourth quarter MIN – Lamanzer Williams 21-yard fumble return (Andy Crosland kick), 0:35. Vikings 24–10. Top passers PIT – Kordell Stewart – 6/9, 50 yards, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 14/24, 178 yards, TD Top rushers PIT – Amos Zereoué – 7 rushes, 40 yards MIN – James Wofford – 7 rushes, 33 yards Top receivers PIT – Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala – 2 receptions, 29 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 77 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	10	0	8	3	21
Vikings	0	14	7	7	28

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 24
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,804
• Referee: Tom White (123)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter IND – Jerome Pathon 15-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 10:59. Colts 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 4:01. IND – Mike Vanderjagt 28-yard field goal, 2:09. Colts 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 3:47. Second quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 14-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:36. Colts 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 2:28. MIN – Randy Moss 74-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:35. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 1 play, 74 yards, 0:14. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 54-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 13:04. Vikings 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:56. IND – Jim Finn 45-yard pass from Mark Rypien (Brett Millican run), 8:06. Vikings 21–18. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 4:58. Fourth quarter IND – Mike Vanderjagt 43-yard field goal, 14:50. Tied 21–21. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:21. MIN – Nate Jacquet 76-yard punt return (Andy Crosland kick), 11:14. Viking 28–21. Top passers IND – Peyton Manning – 18/30, 208 yards, TD, 2 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 9/15, 172 yards, 2 TD Top rushers IND – Edgerrin James – 11 rushes, 44 yards MIN – Michael Bennett – 6 rushes, 33 yards, TD Top receivers IND – Trevor Insley – 6 receptions, 66 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 128 yards, 2 TD

Week 4: at Miami Dolphins

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	10	3	7	20
Dolphins	0	7	0	0	7

at Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida

• Date: August 31
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 87 °F (31 °C)
• Game attendance: 60,136
• Referee: Perry Havener (61)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIA – Ray Lucas 1-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 14:09. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:28. MIN – Randy Moss 6-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:00. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:09. MIN – Gary Anderson 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 2:04. Third quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 43-yard field goal, 0:03. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 5 yards, 1:28. Fourth quarter MIN – Doug Chapman 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:29. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:23. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7/15, 96 yards, TD, 2 INT MIA – Jay Fiedler – 5/7, 50 yards Top rushers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 4 rushes, 55 yards MIA – Travis Minor – 8 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 1 reception, 35 yards MIA – James McKnight – 2 receptions, 23 yards

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Game recap
1	September 9	Carolina Panthers	L 13–24	0–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,108	Recap
2	September 23	at Chicago Bears	L 10–17	0–2	Soldier Field	66,944	Recap
3	September 30	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 20–16	1–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,105	Recap
4	October 7	at New Orleans Saints	L 15–28	1–3	Louisiana Superdome	70,020	Recap
5	October 14	Detroit Lions	W 31–26	2–3	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,048	Recap
6	October 21	Green Bay Packers	W 35–13	3–3	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,165	Recap
7	October 28	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 14–41	3–4	Raymond James Stadium	65,558	Recap
8	Bye week
9	November 11	at Philadelphia Eagles	L 17–48	3–5	Veterans Stadium	65,638	Recap
10	November 19	New York Giants	W 28–16	4–5	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,283	Recap
11	November 25	Chicago Bears	L 6–13	4–6	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,214	Recap
12	December 2	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 16–21	4–7	Heinz Field	62,661	Recap
13	December 9	Tennessee Titans	W 42–24	5–7	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,271	Recap
14	December 16	at Detroit Lions	L 24–27	5–8	Pontiac Silverdome	72,190	Recap
15	December 23	Jacksonville Jaguars	L 3–33	5–9	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,150	Recap
16	December 30	at Green Bay Packers	L 13–24	5–10	Lambeau Field	59,870	Recap
17	January 7	at Baltimore Ravens	L 3–19	5–11	PSINet Stadium	69,465	Recap

Notes

• Intradivision opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 1: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	7	3	7	7	24
Vikings	0	0	13	0	13

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 9
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,108
• Referee: Wayne McKreight (166)
• TV announcers (Fox): Ray Bentley, Jeff Lageman, and Mike Goldberg
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter CAR – Steve Smith Sr. 93-yard kickoff return (John Kasay kick), 14:43. Panthers 7–0. Second quarter CAR – John Kasay 23-yard field goal, 11:43. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:34. Third quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:09. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 3:09. MIN – Cris Carter 12-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (kick blocked), 6:05. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:03. CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 16-yard pass from Chris Weinke (John Kasay kick), 2:53. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:12. Fourth quarter CAR – Chris Weinke 1-yard run (John Kasay kick), 9:52. Panthers 24–13. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:45. Top passers CAR – Chris Weinke – 13/22, 223 yards, TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 22/38, 236 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers CAR – Nick Goings – 25 rushes, 86 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 12 rushes, 57 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Wesley Walls – 3 receptions, 74 yards MIN – Byron Chamberlain – 7 receptions, 83 yards

Week 2: at Chicago Bears

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	7	0	10
Bears	0	0	3	14	17

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: September 23
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, fog, 63 °F (17 °C)
• Game attendance: 66,944
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 20-yard field goal, 6:05. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 3:32. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter MIN – Andrew Jordan 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:34. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:26. CHI – Paul Edinger 45-yard field goal, 6:15. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:19. Fourth quarter CHI – Marty Booker 15-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 9:29. Tied 10–10. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:29. CHI – Marcus Robinson 24-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 3:39. Bears 17–10. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:52. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/36, 233 yards, TD CHI – Jim Miller – 18/29, 204 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 56 yards CHI – James Allen – 15 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 81 yards CHI – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 99 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	3	3	7	16
Vikings	7	3	3	7	20

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 30
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,105
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter TB – Martín Gramática 25-yard field goal, 7:39. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 4:14. MIN – Cris Carter 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:44. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:55. Second quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 2:55. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 18 plays, 74 yards, 10:33. TB – Martín Gramática 25-yard field goal, 0:16. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:39. Third quarter TB – Martín Gramática 49-yard field goal, 6:57. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:50. MIN – Gary Anderson 29-yard field goal, 1:44. Vikings 13–9. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:13. Fourth quarter TB – Warrick Dunn 6-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 12:40. Buccaneers 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:04. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 8-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:03. Vikings 20–16. Drive: 11 plays, 96 yards, 5:18. Top passers TB – Brad Johnson – 20/34, 224 yards, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 30/44, 322 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers TB – Warrick Dunn – 11 rushes, 65 yards, TD MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 51 yards Top receivers TB – Keyshawn Johnson – 7 receptions, 96 yards MIN – Byron Chamberlain – 4 receptions, 88 yards

Week 4: at New Orleans Saints

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	8	0	15
Saints	6	9	10	3	28

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: October 7
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,020
• Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter NO – John Carney 50-yard field goal, 10:27. Saints 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:36. NO – John Carney 23-yard field goal, 4:56. Saints 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 3:55. MIN – Randy Moss 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:19. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:16. Second quarter NO – Ricky Williams 1-yard run (run failed), 7:50. Saints 12–7. Drive: 15 plays, 74 yards, 7:29. NO – John Carney 45-yard field goal, 4:29. Saints 15–7. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:06. Third quarter NO – John Carney 29-yard field goal, 10:01. Saints 18–7. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:59. NO – Chris Oldham 38-yard fumble return (John Carney kick), 5:38. Saints 25–7. MIN – Byron Chamberlain 19-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper run), 0:14. Saints 25–15. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:24. Fourth quarter NO – John Carney 33-yard field goal, 8:37. Saints 28–15. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 6:37. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 23/34, 332 yards, 2 TD, INT NO – Aaron Brooks – 15/30, 210 yards, INT Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 8 rushes, 24 yards NO – Ricky Williams – 30 rushes, 136 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 4 receptions, 84 yards NO – Willie Jackson – 6 receptions, 95 yards

Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 5: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	3	3	7	13	26
Vikings	7	17	7	0	31

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 14
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,048
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:29. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:31. DET – Jason Hanson 19-yard field goal, 3:59. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:30. Second quarter MIN – Travis Prentice 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 14:46. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:13. MIN – Gary Anderson 41-yard field goal, 10:42. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 2:34. DET – Jason Hanson 51-yard field goal, 7:23. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:19. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 33-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 0:25. Vikings 24–6. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 0:34. Third quarter MIN – Cris Carter 47-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:25. Vikings 31–6. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:12. DET – James "Little Man" Stewart 15-yard pass from Charlie Batch (Jason Hanson kick), 5:40. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:45. Fourth quarter DET – Germane Crowell 16-yard pass from Charlie Batch (pass failed), 14:20. Vikings 31–19. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:23. DET – Johnnie Morton 20-yard pass from Charlie Batch (Jason Hanson kick), 6:18. Vikings 31–26. Drive: 12 plays, 93 yards, 4:01. Top passers DET – Charlie Batch – 31/41, 345 yards, 3 TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/27, 244 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DET – James "Little Man" Stewart – 16 rushes, 108 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7 rushes, 83 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DET – Germane Crowell – 9 receptions, 125 yards, TD MIN – Cris Carter – 8 receptions, 111 yards

Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 6: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	0	0	7	6	13
Vikings	0	20	0	15	35

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 21
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,165
• Referee: Ron Winter (14)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Cris Carter 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:18. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:47. MIN – Kailee Wong 27-yard interception return (Gary Anderson kick), 7:56. Vikings 14–0. MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 3:29. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:31. MIN – Gary Anderson 36-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 20–0. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 1:30. Third quarter GB – Bubba Franks 2-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:20. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 4:40. Fourth quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 14-yard run (Daunte Culpepper–Jake Reed pass), 14:07. Vikings 28–7. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 6:33. MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:47. Vikings 35–7. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 9:34. GB – Charles Lee 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (pass failed), 0:45. Vikings 35–13. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:02. Top passers GB – Brett Favre – 21/35, 169 yards, 2 TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 18/27, 184 yards, TD Top rushers GB – Ahman Green – 11 rushes, 73 yards MIN – Doug Chapman – 22 rushes, 90 yards Top receivers GB – Antonio Freeman – 5 receptions, 57 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 73 yards

Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	8	6	14
Buccaneers	7	21	13	0	41

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: October 28
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Clear, 67 °F (19 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,558
• Referee: Gerald Austin (34)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter TB – Mike Alstott 3-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 1:35. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 8:23. Second quarter TB – Mike Alstott 6-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 9:00. Buccaneers 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:41. TB – Aaron Stecker 35-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 3:34. Buccaneers 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 3:05. TB – Dave Moore 5-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 0:13. Buccaneers 28–0. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 2:00. Third quarter TB – Martín Gramática 44-yard field goal, 12:18. Buccaneers 31–0. Drive: 4 plays, −1 yard, 1:51. TB – Martín Gramática 48-yard field goal, 10:05. Buccaneers 34–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:23. MIN – Travis Prentice 1-yard run (Daunte Culpepper run), 6:28. Buccaneers 34–8. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 3:37. TB – Mike Alstott 10-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 2:18. Buccaneers 41–8. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 4:10. Fourth quarter MIN – Randy Moss 25-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (pass failed), 5:58. Buccaneers 41–14. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:22. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/24, 150 yards, TD, INT TB – Brad Johnson – 18/25, 214 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 9 rushes, 49 yards TB – Mike Alstott – 28 rushes, 129 yards, 3 TD Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 4 receptions, 55 yards TB – Karl Williams – 4 receptions, 80 yards

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	10	0	7	17
Eagles	7	24	7	10	48

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: November 11
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Clear, 50 °F (10 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,638
• Referee: Ron Blum (7)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter PHI – James Thrash 14-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 9:38. Eagles 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:04. Second quarter PHI – Donovan McNabb 12-yard run (David Akers kick), 14:53. Eagles 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 5:53. MIN – Gary Anderson 43-yard field goal, 9:02. Eagles 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, −2 yards, 1:12. PHI – David Akers 36-yard field goal, 6:10. Eagles 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 2:52. PHI – James Thrash 17-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 4:28. Eagles 24–3. Drive: 2 plays, 18 yards, 0:42. PHI – Correll Buckhalter 1-yard run (David Akers kick), 2:20. Eagles 31–3. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 1:51. MIN – Cris Carter 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:02. Eagles 31–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 2:18. Third quarter PHI – Duce Staley 44-yard run (David Akers kick), 13:04. Eagles 38–10. Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 0:51. Fourth quarter PHI – David Akers 21-yard field goal, 12:30. Eagles 41–10. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:01. PHI – Mike Bartrum 4-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 9:30. Eagles 48–10. Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 2:01. MIN – Randy Moss 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:51. Eagles 48–17. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:39. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/35, 285 yards, 2 TD, INT PHI – Donovan McNabb – 19/29, 223 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 6 rushes, 21 yards PHI – Duce Staley – 17 rushes, 146 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 95 yards, TD PHI – Duce Staley – 6 receptions, 85 yards

Week 10: vs. New York Giants

Week 10: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	10	3	3	0	16
Vikings	7	7	0	14	28

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 19
• Game time: 8:10 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,283
• Referee: Bob McElwee (95)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Randy Moss 28-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 12:31. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 76 yards, 2:29. NYG – Morten Andersen 43-yard field goal, 6:46. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 5:45. NYG – Tiki Barber 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 0:04. Giants 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:36. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 25-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:54. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:59. NYG – Morten Andersen 36-yard field goal, 1:05. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:49. Third quarter NYG – Morten Andersen 51-yard field goal, 11:28. Giants 16–14. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:32. Fourth quarter MIN – Cris Carter 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:03. Vikings 21–16. Drive: 14 plays, 62 yards, 8:54. MIN – Randy Moss 57-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 6:32. Vikings 28–16. Drive: 3 plays, 52 yards, 1:23. Top passers NYG – Kerry Collins – 21/37, 321 yards, 2 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 26/38, 277 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT Top rushers NYG – Tiki Barber – 8 rushes, 55 yards, TD MIN – Michael Bennett – 11 rushes, 33 yards Top receivers NYG – Ike Hilliard – 6 receptions, 106 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 10 receptions, 171 yards, 3 TD

Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 11: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	10	0	3	13
Vikings	0	0	3	3	6

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 25
• Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,214
• Referee: Johnny Grier (23)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter CHI – Leon Johnson 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 9:43. Bears 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:14. CHI – Paul Edinger 30-yard field goal, 0:44. Bears 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 0:54. Third quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 7:52. Bears 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 5:13. Fourth quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 43-yard field goal, 13:29. Bears 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 2:49. MIN – Gary Anderson 21-yard field goal, 3:17. Bears 13–6. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 6:37. Top passers CHI – Jim Miller – 10/21, 97 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 26/46, 209 yards, INT Top rushers CHI – James Allen – 27 rushes, 107 yards MIN – Michael Bennett – 12 rushes, 75 yards Top receivers CHI – David Terrell – 2 receptions, 51 yards MIN – Byron Chamberlain – 7 receptions, 56 yards

Week 12: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	0	13	16
Steelers	0	7	14	0	21

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: December 2
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Mostly sunny, 46 °F (8 °C)
• Game attendance: 62,661
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 25-yard field goal, 1:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:16. Second quarter PIT – Jerome Bettis 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 10:26. Steelers 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 6:02. Third quarter PIT – Troy Edwards 12-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 7:04. Steelers 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:47. PIT – Amos Zereoué 4-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 0:44. Steelers 21–3. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 6:06. Fourth quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 80-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 6:29. Steelers 21–10. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:15. MIN – Randy Moss 12-yard pass from Todd Bouman (pass failed), 3:22. Steelers 21–16. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 0:57. Top passers MIN – Todd Bouman – 11/15, 200 yards, 2 TD, INT PIT – Kordell Stewart – 13/19, 157 yards, INT Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 34 yards PIT – Jerome Bettis – 19 rushes, 81 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 144 yards, TD PIT – Plaxico Burress – 6 receptions, 86 yards

Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 13: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Titans	10	0	0	14	24
Vikings	0	14	14	14	42

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 9
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,271
• Referee: Tom White (123)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter TEN – Eddie George 13-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 8:06. Titans 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:54. TEN – Joe Nedney 37-yard field goal, 1:10. Titans 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:52. Second quarter MIN – Byron Chamberlain 6-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 7:40. Titans 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:54. MIN – Jake Reed 20-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 0:40. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:29. Third quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 31-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:36. Vikings 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 2:24. MIN – Doug Chapman 38-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 10:29. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 1 play, 38 yards, 0:11. Fourth quarter TEN – Derrick Mason 15-yard pass from Steve McNair (Joe Nedney kick), 14:07. Vikings 28–17. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:50. MIN – Michael Bennett 10-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 7:53. Vikings 35–17. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 6:14. TEN – Frank Wycheck 9-yard pass from Steve McNair (Joe Nedney kick), 2:57. Vikings 35–24. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 3:22. MIN – Randy Moss 73-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 2:35. Vikings 42–24. Drive: 2 plays, 72 yards, 0:22. Top passers TEN – Steve McNair – 25/33, 302 yards, 2 TD MIN – Todd Bouman – 21/31, 348 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers TEN – Eddie George – 21 rushes, 96 yards, TD MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 113 yards, 2 TD Top receivers TEN – Drew Bennett – 4 receptions, 87 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 158 yards, TD

Week 14: at Detroit Lions

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	17	0	24
Lions	14	6	0	7	27

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

• Date: December 16
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 72,190
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter DET – Todd Lyght 59-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 6:18. Lions 7–0. MIN – Tyrone Carter 46-yard fumble return (Gary Anderson kick), 2:11. Tied 7–7. DET – Mike McMahon 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 0:55. Lions 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:16. Second quarter DET – Jason Hanson 44-yard field goal, 9:06. Lions 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:30. DET – Jason Hanson 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Lions 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 2:48. Third quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 27-yard field goal, 12:23. Lions 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 2:37. MIN – Randy Moss 66-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 7:12. Lions 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 90 yards, 2:42. MIN – Randy Moss 13-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 1:51. Vikings 24–20. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:39. Fourth quarter DET – Cory Schlesinger 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 10:36. Lions 27–24. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:15. Top passers MIN – Todd Bouman – 18/38, 243 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT DET – Mike McMahon – 15/28, 241 yards Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 10 rushes, 40 yards DET – James "Little Man" Stewart – 20 rushes, 91 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TD DET – Johnnie Morton – 4 receptions, 74 yards

Week 15: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 15: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jaguars	10	6	7	10	33
Vikings	0	3	0	0	3

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 23
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,150
• Referee: Ron Blum (7)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter JAX – Mike Hollis 39-yard field goal, 11:02. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:58. JAX – Stacey Mack 3-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 8:42. Jaguars 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:46. Second quarter JAX – Mike Hollis 23-yard field goal, 11:15. Jaguars 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:29. JAX – Mike Hollis 21-yard field goal, 4:54. Jaguars 16–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 3:56. MIN – Gary Anderson 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 16–3. Drive: 15 plays, 62 yards, 4:54. Third quarter JAX – Keenan McCardell 10-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 0:40. Jaguars 23–3. Drive: 14 plays, 85 yards, 7:46. Fourth quarter JAX – Mike Hollis 21-yard field goal, 12:09. Jaguars 26–3. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:03. JAX – Stacey Mack 2-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 2:12. Jaguars 33–3. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 7:07. Top passers JAX – Mark Brunell – 17/24, 217 yards, TD MIN – Spergon Wynn – 24/39, 218 yards, INT Top rushers JAX – Stacey Mack – 27 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD MIN – Michael Bennett – 11 rushes, 17 yards Top receivers JAX – Jimmy Smith – 8 receptions, 122 yards MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 88 yards

Week 16: at Green Bay Packers

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	3	7	13
Packers	0	7	0	17	24

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: December 30
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 19 °F (−7 °C)
• Game attendance: 59,870
• Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 8:16. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:47. GB – Donald Driver 31-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:18. Packers 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 4:58. Third quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 5:07. Packers 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:14. Fourth quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 24-yard field goal, 11:57. Packers 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:55. MIN – Byron Chamberlain 47-yard pass from Spergon Wynn (Gary Anderson kick), 10:03. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 1:54. GB – Ahman Green 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:28. Packers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:35. GB – Mike McKenzie 38-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:25. Packers 24–13. Top passers MIN – Spergon Wynn – 11/30, 114 yards, TD, 3 INT GB – Brett Favre – 18/29, 169 yards Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 25 rushes, 104 yards GB – Ahman Green – 16 rushes, 31 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Byron Chamberlain – 3 receptions, 66 yards, TD GB – Antonio Freeman – 3 receptions, 43 yards

Week 17: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	0	0	3
Ravens	0	9	3	7	19

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

• Date: January 7
• Game time: 9:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 36 °F (2 °C)
• Game attendance: 69,465
• Referee: Gerald Austin (34)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 26-yard field goal, 5:50. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:56. Second quarter BAL – Matt Stover 21-yard field goal, 14:57. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:53. BAL – Matt Stover 20-yard field goal, 6:29. Ravens 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:47. BAL – Matt Stover 38-yard field goal, 0:00. Ravens 9–3. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 0:58. Third quarter BAL – Matt Stover 20-yard field goal, 3:52. Ravens 12–3. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 5:22. Fourth quarter BAL – Jamie Sharper 8-yard fumble return (Matt Stover kick), 1:37. Ravens 19–3. Top passers MIN – Spergon Wynn – 13/29, 86 yards, 2 INT BAL – Elvis Grbac – 10/27, 160 yards Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 52 yards BAL – Terry Allen – 23 rushes, 133 yards Top receivers MIN – Cris Carter – 5 receptions, 60 yards BAL – Shannon Sharpe – 2 receptions, 51 yards

Standings

NFC Central
	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STK
(2) Chicago Bears	13	3	0	.813	338	203	W4
(4) Green Bay Packers	12	4	0	.750	390	266	W3
(6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers	9	7	0	.563	324	280	L1
Minnesota Vikings	5	11	0	.313	290	390	L4
Detroit Lions	2	14	0	.125	270	424	W1

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Value
Passing yards	Daunte Culpepper	2,612
Passing touchdowns	Daunte Culpepper	14
Rushing yards	Michael Bennett	682
Rushing touchdowns	Daunte Culpepper	5
Receiving yards	Randy Moss	1,233
Receiving touchdowns	Randy Moss	10
Points	Gary Anderson	74
Kickoff return yards	Nate Jacquet	1,012
Punt return yards	Nate Jacquet	219
Tackles	Kailee Wong	98
Sacks	Chris Hovan	6
Interceptions	Robert Griffith Eric Kelly	2
Forced fumbles	Patrick Chukwurah	3

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 31)
Passing offense	3,576	223.5	7th
Rushing offense	1,609	100.6	25th
Total offense	5,185	324.1	12th
Passing defense	3,367	210.4	18th
Rushing defense	2,299	143.7	30th
Total defense	5,666	354.1	27th