2003 Minnesota Vikings season

2003 Minnesota Vikings season
Head coach	Mike Tice
Home field	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record	9–7
Division place	2nd NFC North
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	4 C Matt Birk FS Corey Chavous QB Daunte Culpepper WR Randy Moss (injured)
AP All-Pros	2 C Matt Birk (2nd team) WR Randy Moss (1st team)
Uniform

The 2003 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL). They finished second in the NFC North with a 9–7 record, behind the 10–6 Green Bay Packers, but missed the playoffs for a third straight year. Despite gaining 6,294 yards of offense over their 16 games, by far the most in the league, the team managed just 416 points, the sixth-most in the NFL. The Vikings won their first six games of the 2003 season, then lost their next four games, after which they alternated wins and losses for the remainder of the season. The Vikings were officially eliminated from postseason contention with a loss to the Arizona Cardinals on the last play of their final game.

Wide receiver Randy Moss led the NFL with 17 touchdown receptions, the third time in his career that he led the league in that category. After two seasons of inconsistency, rejuvenated quarterback Daunte Culpepper was voted to play in the second Pro Bowl of his career at the end of the season.

Offseason

Additions	Subtractions
QB Gus Frerotte (Bengals)	QB Todd Bouman (Saints)
T Mike Rosenthal (Giants)	DE Lorenzo Bromell (Raiders)
LB Chris Claiborne (Lions)	CB Tyrone Carter (Jets)
CB Ken Irvin (Saints)	FB Harold Morrow (Ravens)
CB Denard Walker (Broncos)

2003 draft

Main article: 2003 NFL draft

Pro Bowler

2003 Minnesota Vikings draft
Draft order		Player name	Position	College	Notes
Round	Overall
1	9	Kevin Williams	Defensive tackle	Oklahoma State	In lieu of #7 (time expired)
2	40	E. J. Henderson	Linebacker	Maryland
3	71	Nate Burleson	Wide receiver	Nevada
4	105	Onterrio Smith	Running back	Oregon
5	142	Traded to the Cleveland Browns
6	180	Eddie Johnson	Punter	Idaho State
	190	Mike Nattiel	Linebacker	Florida	From Saints
7	221	Keenan Howry	Wide receiver	Oregon

Notes:

Staff

2003 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office Owner – Red McCombs President – Gary Woods Vice president of football operations – Rob Brzezinski Head coaches Head coach – Mike Tice Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Scott Linehan Running backs – Dean Dalton Wide receivers – Charlie Baggett Tight ends/assistant offensive line – John Tice Offensive line – Steve Loney Offensive quality control – Randy Hanson

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator/defensive line – George O'Leary Linebackers – Brian Baker Secondary – Chuck Knox Jr. Assistant secondary – Kevin Ross Defensive assistant/assistant defensive line – Pete Bercich Defensive quality control – Jim Panagos Special teams coaches Special teams – Rusty Tillman Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Steve Wetzel Assistant strength and conditioning – Daryl Lawrence

Roster

2003 Minnesota Vikings roster

Quarterbacks (QB) 11 Daunte Culpepper 12 Gus Frerotte 13 Shaun Hill Running backs (RB) 23 Michael Bennett 29 Larry Ned 32 Onterrio Smith KR 45 Charles Stackhouse FB 20 Moe Williams Wide receivers (WR) 85 D'Wayne Bates 81 Nate Burleson 16 Kelly Campbell 82 Keenan Howry 84 Randy Moss Tight ends (TE) 47 Richard Angulo 45 Sean Berton 83 Hunter Goodwin 40 Jim Kleinsasser

Offensive linemen (OL) 78 Matt Birk C 71 David Dixon G 61 Lewis Kelly G/T 62 Everett Lindsay G/T 76 Chris Liwienski G 74 Bryant McKinnie T 75 Mike Rosenthal T 60 Cory Withrow C Defensive linemen (DL) 99 Chris Hovan DT 51 Lance Johnstone DE 96 Billy Lyon DT 79 Kenny Mixon DE 98 Fred Robbins DT 97 Talance Sawyer DE 94 Chuck Wiley DE 93 Kevin Williams DE/DT

Linebackers (LB) 54 Greg Biekert MLB 55 Chris Claiborne OLB 52 Henri Crockett OLB 56 E. J. Henderson MLB 59 Mike Nattiel OLB 58 Nick Rogers OLB 57 Raonall Smith OLB Defensive backs (DB) 21 Corey Chavous SS 22 Ken Irvin CB 31 Rushen Jones CB 25 Eric Kelly CB 38 Rhett Nelson CB 24 Willie Offord SS 27 Brian Russell FS 26 Denard Walker CB 29 Brian Williams CB Special teams  2 Leo Araguz P  8 Aaron Elling K  4 Eddie Johnson P 43 Brody Liddiard LS

Practice squad 89 Kenny Clark WR 73 Adam Goldberg T 72 Adam Haayer T 35 Horace Willis CB 50 Max Yates LB Reserve 33 John Avery (IR) 42 Jack Brewer S (IR) 48 Steve Farmer TE (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 3 reserve, 5 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	August 9	Jacksonville Jaguars	L 14–16	0–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,370	Recap
2	August 16	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 16–26	0–2	Arrowhead Stadium	75,634	Recap
3	August 22	at Oakland Raiders	W 21–6	1–2	Network Associates Coliseum	37,411	Recap
4	August 28	Arizona Cardinals	L 27–31	1–3	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,473	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

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

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 9
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,370
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – D'Wayne Bates 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Hayden Epstein kick), 2:47. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:40. Second quarter JAX – Seth Marler 29-yard field goal, 4:19. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:10. JAX – Ike Charlton 97-yard fumble return (James Tuthill kick), 0:52. Jaguars 10–7. JAX – Danny Boyd 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 12 yards, 0:36. Third quarter MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:40. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 18 plays, 69 yards, 10:08. Fourth quarter JAX – Seth Marler 43-yard field goal, 11:55. Jaguars 16–14. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:45. Top passers JAX – Mark Brunell – 10/13, 110 yards MIN – Shaun Hill – 7/11, 63 yards Top rushers JAX – LaBrandon Toefield – 8 rushes, 33 yards MIN – Onterrio Smith – 12 rushes, 33 yards, TD Top receivers JAX – Jimmy Smith – 5 receptions, 70 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 25 yards

Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	3	0	6	16
Chiefs	3	13	3	7	26

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: August 16
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Clear, 100 °F (38 °C)
• Game attendance: 75,634
• Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter KC – Morten Andersen 38-yard field goal, 11:58. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 3:02. MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Todd France kick), 8:15. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:46. Second quarter KC – Morten Andersen 21-yard field goal, 11:31. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 5:29. KC – Marc Boerigter 59-yard pass from Trent Green (Morten Andersen kick), 8:38. Chiefs 13–7. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 0:34. MIN – Aaron Elling 48-yard field goal, 1:07. Chiefs 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 1:57. KC – Morten Andersen 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 16–10. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 1:07. Third quarter KC – José Cortez 46-yard field goal, 2:27. Chiefs 19–10. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:07. Fourth quarter KC – Dwayne Blakley 12-yard pass from Todd Collins (José Cortez kick), 10:48. Chiefs 26–10. Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:50. MIN – Nate Burleson 1-yard pass from Shaun Hill (pass failed), 4:18. Chiefs 26–16. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:01. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 8/13, 68 yards KC – Trent Green – 7/13, 152 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Doug Chapman – 6 rushes, 34 yards KC – Derrick Blaylock – 6 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers MIN – Nate Burleson – 6 receptions, 56 yards, TD KC – Marc Boerigter – 2 receptions, 85 yards, TD

Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	7	0	21
Raiders	0	3	3	0	6

at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

• Date: August 22
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Clear, 73 °F (23 °C)
• Game attendance: 37,411
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Randy Moss 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:41. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:35. Second quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 20-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 5:30. MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:24. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:28. Third quarter MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 10:03. Vikings 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:38. OAK – Joe O'Donnell 33-yard field goal, 0:15. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:12. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/22, 141 yards, 2 TD OAK – Rich Gannon – 9/18, 107 yards Top rushers MIN – John Avery – 13 rushes, 52 yards OAK – Ronney Jenkins – 6 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 36 yards, 2 TD OAK – Teyo Johnson – 2 receptions, 55 yards

Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 4: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	3	7	14	7	31
Vikings	3	10	7	7	27

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 28
• Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,473
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter ARI – Bill Gramática 47-yard field goal, 8:10. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 38 yards, 6:50. MIN – Aaron Elling 52-yard field goal, 2:29. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 5:41. Second quarter MIN – Nate Burleson 27-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 11:07. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 2:56. ARI – Damien Anderson 69-yard run (Bill Gramática kick), 10:51. Tied 10–10. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:16. MIN – Aaron Elling 28-yard field goal, 0:50. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:03. Third quarter MIN – Sean Berton 4-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 11:32. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:28. ARI – Preston Parsons 11-yard run (Tim Duncan kick), 8:48. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:44. ARI – Bryant Johnson 20-yard pass from Preston Parsons (Bill Gramática kick), 1:27. Cardinals 24–20. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 4:00. Fourth quarter MIN – Larry Ned 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 12:03. Vikings 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:24. ARI – Preston Parsons 1-yard run (Tim Duncan kick), 7:35. Cardinals 31–27. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:28. Top passers ARI – Preston Parsons – 13/16, 156 yards, TD MIN – Gus Frerotte – 10/15, 166 yards, TD Top rushers ARI – Damien Anderson – 5 rushes, 119 yards, TD MIN – John Avery – 4 rushes, 12 yards Top receivers ARI – Bryant Johnson – 5 receptions, 65 yards, TD MIN – Kenny Clark – 4 receptions, 47 yards

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	September 7	at Green Bay Packers	W 30–25	1–0	Lambeau Field	70,505	Recap
2	September 14	Chicago Bears	W 24–13	2–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,144	Recap
3	September 21	at Detroit Lions	W 23–13	3–0	Ford Field	60,865	Recap
4	September 28	San Francisco 49ers	W 35–7	4–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,111	Recap
5	October 5	at Atlanta Falcons	W 39–26	5–0	Georgia Dome	70,427	Recap
6	Bye week
7	October 19	Denver Broncos	W 28–20	6–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,381	Recap
8	October 26	New York Giants	L 17–29	6–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,114	Recap
9	November 2	Green Bay Packers	L 27–30	6–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,482	Recap
10	November 9	at San Diego Chargers	L 28–42	6–3	Qualcomm Stadium	64,738	Recap
11	November 16	at Oakland Raiders	L 18–28	6–4	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	56,653	Recap
12	November 23	Detroit Lions	W 24–14	7–4	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,946	Recap
13	November 30	at St. Louis Rams	L 17–48	7–5	Edward Jones Dome	66,134	Recap
14	December 7	Seattle Seahawks	W 34–7	8–5	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,968	Recap
15	December 14	at Chicago Bears	L 10–13	8–6	Soldier Field	61,804	Recap
16	December 20	Kansas City Chiefs	W 45–20	9–6	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,291	Recap
17	December 28	at Arizona Cardinals	L 17–18	9–7	Sun Devil Stadium	52,734	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	10	10	7	3	30
Packers	0	3	8	14	25

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: September 7
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Mostly sunny, 71 °F (22 °C)
• Game attendance: 70,505
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – John Avery 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 9:28. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:32. MIN – Aaron Elling 22-yard field goal, 1:52. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 4:34. Second quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, 11:02. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:12. MIN – D'Wayne Bates 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 5:34. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:28. MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 20–3. Drive: 2 plays, 0 yards, 0:13. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:47. Vikings 27–3. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:09. GB – Ahman Green 8-yard run (Brett Favre–Bubba Franks pass), 1:30. Vikings 27–11. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 7:17. Fourth quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 34-yard field goal, 10:07. Vikings 30–11. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:23. GB – Ahman Green 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:27. Vikings 30–18. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 3:40. GB – Javon Walker 24-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:55. Vikings 30–25. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 0:29. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 15/30, 195 yards, 3 TD GB – Brett Favre – 25/41, 248 yards, TD, 4 INT Top rushers MIN – Moe Williams – 22 rushes, 80 yards GB – Ahman Green – 15 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 150 yards, TD GB – Javon Walker – 5 receptions, 84 yards, TD

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 2: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	3	7	3	0	13
Vikings	7	10	0	7	24

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 14
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,144
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 13:57. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards, 1:03. CHI – Paul Edinger 42-yard field goal, 10:35. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 3:22. Second quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 23-yard field goal, 11:18. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 3:23. MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 1:55. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 7:12. CHI – David Terrell 14-yard pass from Kordell Stewart (Paul Edinger kick), 0:39. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 1:16. Third quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 43-yard field goal, 4:43. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 4:53. Fourth quarter MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:56. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 16 plays, 93 yards, 9:42. Top passers CHI – Kordell Stewart – 13/21, 137 yards, TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/26, 214 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CHI – Anthony Thomas – 10 rushes, 53 yards MIN – Moe Williams – 21 rushes, 108 yards, TD Top receivers CHI – Dez White – 3 receptions, 67 yards MIN – Kelly Campbell – 2 receptions, 53 yards

Week 3: at Detroit Lions

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	16	7	0	23
Lions	10	0	3	0	13

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: September 21
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 60,865
• Referee: Tom White (123)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter DET – Shawn Bryson 5-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 11:00. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 4:00. DET – Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal, 0:52. Lions 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:52. Second quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 14-yard run (kick aborted), 12:02. Lions 10–6. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 0:57. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 4:57. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 98 yards, 2:51. MIN – Aaron Elling 21-yard field goal, 0:05. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 0:38. Third quarter DET – Jason Hanson 37-yard field goal, 10:21. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:21. MIN – Kelly Campbell 72-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 7:52. Vikings 23–13. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:29. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers MIN – Gus Frerotte – 8/19, 184 yards, TD, INT DET – Joey Harrington – 24/42, 235 yards, 3 INT Top rushers MIN – Moe Williams – 13 rushes, 95 yards DET – Shawn Bryson – 17 rushes, 49 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Kelly Campbell – 2 receptions, 85 yards, TD DET – Bill Schroeder – 4 receptions, 54 yards

Week 4: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 4: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	0	0	7	7
Vikings	14	14	0	7	35

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 28
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,111
• Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 9:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:07. MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:46. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 3:52. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 35-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 4:39. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:52. MIN – Nate Burleson 22-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 0:56. Vikings 28–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 0:56. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Randy Moss 59-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 14:52. Vikings 35–0. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:34. SF – Tai Streets 37-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Owen Pochman kick), 7:37. Vikings 35–7. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:16. Top passers SF – Tim Rattay – 12/18, 146 yards, TD MIN – Gus Frerotte – 16/21, 267 yards, 4 TD Top rushers SF – Kevan Barlow – 11 rushes, 72 yards MIN – Onterrio Smith – 10 rushes, 43 yards, TD Top receivers SF – Tai Streets – 4 receptions, 81 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 172 yards, 3 TD

Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	12	15	12	39
Falcons	6	14	0	6	26

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 5
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,427
• Referee: Ron Blum (7)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter ATL – Jay Feely 34-yard field goal, 11:57. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:03. ATL – Jay Feely 33-yard field goal, 7:40. Falcons 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 2:12. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 32-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 13:35. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 4:19. MIN – Penalty on Doug Johnson enforced in the end zone for a safety, 10:23. Vikings 9–6. MIN – Aaron Elling 32-yard field goal, 8:06. Vikings 12–6. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:17. ATL – Warrick Dunn 8-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 6:56. Falcons 13–12. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 1:10. ATL – Peerless Price 6-yard pass from Doug Johnson (Jay Feely kick), 0:10. Falcons 20–12. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:26. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 17-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Gus Frerotte–Onterrio Smith pass), 7:34. Tied 20–20. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:50. MIN – Moe Williams 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:39. Vikings 27–20. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 2:01. Fourth quarter MIN – Moe Williams 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 13:05. Vikings 34–20. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:23. MIN – Penalty on Bob Whitfield enforced in the end zone for a safety, 11:38. Vikings 36–20. MIN – Aaron Elling 24-yard field goal, 2:52. Vikings 39–20. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:41. ATL – Jimmy Farris 8-yard pass from Doug Johnson (pass failed), 1:43. Vikings 39–26. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 1:09. Top passers MIN – Gus Frerotte – 14/24, 239 yards, 2 TD, INT ATL – Doug Johnson – 28/40, 352 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Moe Williams – 11 rushes, 71 yards, 2 TD ATL – T. J. Duckett – 11 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD ATL – Peerless Price – 12 receptions, 168 yards, TD

Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 7: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	7	3	10	20
Vikings	7	7	14	0	28

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 19
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,381
• Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Kelly Campbell 47-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 6:10. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:33. Second quarter DEN – Clinton Portis 4-yard run (Jason Elam kick), 1:51. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 5:16. MIN – Moe Williams 59-yard pass play by Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:00. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 1:51. Third quarter MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 9:24. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:36. MIN – Lance Johnstone 33-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 7:57. Vikings 28–7. DEN – Jason Elam 46-yard field goal, 5:20. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 2:37. Fourth quarter DEN – Jason Elam 46-yard field goal, 14:17. Vikings 28–13. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:14. DEN – Mike Anderson 1-yard pass from Danny Kanell (Jason Elam kick), 6:45. Vikings 28–20. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:38. Top passers DEN – Steve Beuerlein – 9/19, 119 yards, 3 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/26, 277 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DEN – Clinton Portis – 25 rushes, 117 yards, TD MIN – Moe Williams – 14 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers DEN – Shannon Sharpe – 7 receptions, 79 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 10 receptions, 151 yards

Week 8: vs. New York Giants

Week 8: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	7	6	3	13	29
Vikings	3	7	7	0	17

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 26
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,114
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 51-yard field goal, 10:12. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 4:48. NYG – Ike Hilliard 19-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brett Conway kick), 7:19. Giants 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:53. Second quarter NYG – Brett Conway 20-yard field goal, 3:31. Giants 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:12. MIN – Randy Moss 33-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 1:53. Tied 10–10. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 1:38. NYG – Brett Conway 44-yard field goal, 0:04. Giants 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 1:49. Third quarter NYG – Brett Conway 37-yard field goal, 13:14. Giants 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:46. MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 6:22. Vikings 17–16. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:09. Fourth quarter NYG – Tiki Barber 2-yard run (pass failed), 5:29. Giants 22–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58. NYG – Ike Hilliard 14-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brett Conway kick), 3:39. Giants 29–17. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 1:36. Top passers NYG – Kerry Collins – 23/39, 375 yards, 2 TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 18/31, 241 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers NYG – Tiki Barber – 20 rushes, 75 yards, TD MIN – Moe Williams – 11 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers NYG – Ike Hilliard – 9 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TD MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD

Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 9: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	6	14	0	10	30
Vikings	7	7	6	7	27

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 2
• Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,482
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 21-yard field goal, 11:14. Packers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 3:46. MIN – Randy Moss 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:33. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:41. GB – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 5:42. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:51. Second quarter GB – Ahman Green 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:18. Packers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:23. MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:07. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 4:01. GB – Javon Walker 12-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:21. Packers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:46. Third quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 47-yard field goal, 8:53. Packers 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 6:07. MIN – Aaron Elling 37-yard field goal, 2:26. Tied 20–20. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:09. Fourth quarter GB – Javon Walker 12-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:14. Packers 27–20. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:12. GB – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, 2:37. Packers 30–20. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 6:40. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:33. Packers 30–27. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 2:04. Top passers GB – Brett Favre – 18/28, 194 yards, 3 TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/34, 202 yards, 2 TD Top rushers GB – Ahman Green – 21 rushes, 137 yards MIN – Moe Williams – 12 rushes, 63 yards Top receivers GB – Ahman Green – 5 receptions, 52 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 87 yards, TD

Week 10: at San Diego Chargers

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	0	14	28
Chargers	14	14	7	7	42

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: November 9
• Game time: 3:05 p.m. CDT/1:05 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 66 °F (19 °C)
• Game attendance: 64,738
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter SD – David Boston 3-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 11:47. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:13. SD – LaDainian Tomlinson 73-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 7:51. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 1:59. MIN – Randy Moss 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:09. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:42. Second quarter SD – Doug Flutie 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 11:36. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:33. MIN – Nate Burleson 19-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:42. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 6:54. SD – Antonio Gates 4-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 0:25. Chargers 28–14. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:17. Third quarter SD – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 1:36. Chargers 35–14. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:09. Fourth quarter MIN – Moe Williams 31-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 14:48. Chargers 35–21. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:48. SD – Doug Flutie 13-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 8:11. Chargers 42–21. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 2:56. MIN – Moe Williams 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:20. Chargers 42–28. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 3:51. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 32/44, 370 yards, 4 TD, INT SD – Doug Flutie – 21/29, 248 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Moe Williams – 12 rushes, 45 yards SD – LaDainian Tomlinson – 16 rushes, 162 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIN – Moe Williams – 11 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD SD – David Boston – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD

Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	7	8	18
Raiders	7	7	7	7	28

at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

• Date: November 16
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT/1:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 55 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 56,653
• Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter OAK – Phillip Buchanon 64-yard interception return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 14:11. Raiders 7–0. Second quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 35-yard field goal, 11:24. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:43. OAK – Zack Crockett 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 8:22. Raiders 14–3. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:07. Third quarter OAK – Tyrone Wheatley 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 11:23. Raiders 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:37. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:12. Raiders 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:52. Fourth quarter MIN – Kelly Campbell 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Hunter Goodwin pass), 8:32. Raiders 21–18. Drive: 2 plays, 81 yards, 0:44. OAK – Zack Crockett 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:16. Raiders 28–18. Drive: 4 plays, 11 yards, 0:30. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 27/49, 396 yards, TD, 3 INT OAK – Rick Mirer – 9/13, 195 yards Top rushers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7 rushes, 42 yards, TD OAK – Tyrone Wheatley – 32 rushes, 109 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Kelly Campbell – 4 receptions, 115 yards, TD OAK – O. J. Santiago – 2 receptions, 53 yards

Week 12: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 12: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

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

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 23
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,946
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 25-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:29. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:41. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter DET – Corey Harris 35-yard fumble return (Jason Hanson kick), 12:11. Tied 7–7. Fourth quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 24-yard field goal, 2:45. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 8:49. MIN – Corey Chavous 32-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 2:26. Vikings 17–7. MIN – Brian Williams 42-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 2:06. Vikings 24–7. DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 5-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 0:35. Vikings 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 1:31. Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 21/41, 167 yards, TD, 4 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/30, 196 yards, INT Top rushers DET – Joey Harrington – 2 rushes, 34 yards MIN – Michael Bennett – 15 rushes, 73 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 7 receptions, 61 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 56 yards

Week 13: at St. Louis Rams

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	10	0	0	17
Rams	10	10	14	14	48

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

• Date: November 30
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,134
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 18-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:21. Rams 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 18 yards, 0:07. STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal, 5:40. Rams 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 4:38. MIN – Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:56. Rams 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:44. Second quarter STL – Isaac Bruce 4-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:50. Rams 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:06. MIN – Aaron Elling 28-yard field goal, 5:43. Rams 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 6:07. MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:51. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:19. STL – Jeff Wilkins 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Rams 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 0:51. Third quarter STL – Marshall Faulk 5-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:50. Rams 27–17. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:33. STL – Marc Bulger 12-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:39. Rams 34–17. Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:08. Fourth quarter STL – Aeneas Williams 90-yard fumble return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 12:06. Rams 41–17. STL – Marshall Faulk 7-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 6:48. Rams 48–17. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:59. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 33/47, 330 yards, TD, INT STL – Marc Bulger – 15/20, 222 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 14 rushes, 98 yards STL – Marshall Faulk – 17 rushes, 108 yards, 3 TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 10 receptions, 160 yards, TD STL – Torry Holt – 8 receptions, 102 yards

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 14: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	0	7	0	7
Vikings	0	13	7	14	34

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 7
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,968
• Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 47-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 13:17. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:13. MIN – Aaron Elling 36-yard field goal, 3:27. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 8:33. MIN – Aaron Elling 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 2:22. Third quarter SEA – Shaun Alexander 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 12:42. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:18. MIN – Randy Moss 45-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 9:24. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:18. Fourth quarter MIN – Kelly Campbell 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 14:53. Vikings 27–7. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 2:18. MIN – Mike Nattiel 80-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 1:34. Vikings 34–7. Top passers SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 17/34, 218 yards, 2 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/33, 274 yards, 3 TD Top rushers SEA – Shaun Alexander – 14 rushes, 56 yards, TD MIN – Michael Bennett – 25 rushes, 103 yards Top receivers SEA – Bobby Engram – 4 receptions, 93 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 133 yards, 2 TD

Week 15: at Chicago Bears

Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	0	7	10
Bears	3	7	3	0	13

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: December 14
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 33 °F (1 °C)
• Game attendance: 61,804
• Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 38-yard field goal, 13:10. Bears 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:50. Second quarter CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 10:53. Bears 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:49. MIN – Aaron Elling 22-yard field goal, 1:10. Bears 10–3. Drive: 19 plays, 73 yards, 9:43. Third quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 4:09. Bears 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 3:29. Fourth quarter MIN – Randy Moss 16-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 10:23. Bears 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:04. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/34, 222 yards, TD, INT CHI – Rex Grossman – 13/30, 157 yards Top rushers MIN – Onterrio Smith – 27 rushes, 148 yards CHI – Anthony Thomas – 19 rushes, 79 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 93 yards, TD CHI – Marty Booker – 3 receptions, 48 yards

Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 16: Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	0	7	13	20
Vikings	7	17	7	14	45

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 20
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,291
• Referee: Ron Blum (7)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIN – Randy Moss 30-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 10:23. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 4:37. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 21-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 10:58. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:27. MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 3:42. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 5:44. MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:53. Third quarter MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 11:44. Vikings 31–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:07. KC – Priest Holmes 2-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 5:16. Vikings 31–7. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:28. Fourth quarter KC – Priest Holmes 4-yard run (pass failed), 13:33. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 2:43. KC – Priest Holmes 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 10:05. Vikings 31–20. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:07. MIN – Onterrio Smith 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:00. Vikings 38–20. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 3:05. MIN – Onterrio Smith 10-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 6:00. Vikings 45–20. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 0:46. Top passers KC – Trent Green – 18/38, 224 yards, 2 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/29, 260 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers KC – Priest Holmes – 18 rushes, 55 yards, 3 TD MIN – Onterrio Smith – 21 rushes, 146 yards, 3 TD Top receivers KC – Eddie Kennison – 5 receptions, 89 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TD

Week 17: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	0	7	10	17
Cardinals	3	3	0	12	18

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

• Date: December 28
• Game time: 2:05 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Clear, 51 °F (11 °C)
• Game attendance: 52,734
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter ARI – Neil Rackers 22-yard field goal, 0:51. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 94 yards, 8:00. Second quarter ARI – Neil Rackers 26-yard field goal, 0:19. Cardinals 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:23. Third quarter MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:08. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:39. Fourth quarter MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:54. Vikings 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:56. MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 6:48. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:53. ARI – Steve Bush 2-yard pass from Josh McCown (pass failed), 1:54. Vikings 17–12. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 4:54. ARI – Nate Poole 28-yard pass from Josh McCown (run failed), 0:00. Cardinals 18–17. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 1:54. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 18/28, 197 yards, TD, INT ARI – Josh McCown – 20/33, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 12 rushes, 63 yards ARI – Josh McCown – 3 rushes, 27 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 56 yards, TD ARI – Nate Poole – 5 receptions, 86 yards, TD

Despite still having a chance to make the playoffs by winning the NFC North, the Vikings squandered a 17–6 fourth-quarter lead in the final two minutes and lost to the 3–12 Arizona Cardinals after Josh McCown threw a 28-yard pass to Nate Poole for the game-winning touchdown with no time left, and with the Packers' win over the Broncos, giving them the NFC North title, and ending the Vikings season.

Standings

NFC North
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(4) Green Bay Packers	10	6	0	.625	4–2	7–5	442	307	W4
Minnesota Vikings	9	7	0	.563	4–2	7–5	416	353	L1
Chicago Bears	7	9	0	.438	2–4	4–8	283	346	L1
Detroit Lions	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	270	379	W1

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Value
Passing yards	Daunte Culpepper	3,479
Passing touchdowns	Daunte Culpepper	25
Rushing yards	Moe Williams	745
Rushing touchdowns	Moe Williams Onterrio Smith	5
Receiving yards	Randy Moss	1,632 *
Receiving touchdowns	Randy Moss	17
Points	Randy Moss Aaron Elling	102
Kickoff return yards	Onterrio Smith	588
Punt return yards	Keenan Howry	247
Tackles	Brian Russell	95
Sacks	Kevin Williams	10.5
Interceptions	Brian Russell	9
Forced fumbles	Kenny Mixon	4

* Vikings single season record

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 32)
Passing offense	3,951	246.9	4th
Rushing offense	2,343	146.4	4th
Total offense	6,294	393.4	1st
Passing defense	3,477	217.3	26th
Rushing defense	1,879	117.4	17th
Total defense	5,356	334.8	23rd