2000 Minnesota Vikings season

NFL team season

The 2000 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 40th in the National Football League (NFL). They won the NFC Central division title with an 11–5 record. After not retaining either Randall Cunningham or Jeff George, the team was led by first-year starting quarterback Daunte Culpepper and running back Robert Smith, who ran for a then team record 1,521 yards and seven touchdowns. The Vikings started out 7–0 and were 11–2 after 14 weeks, but slumped briefly, losing their last three to the St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts while Culpepper was hampered by injury.

After easily beating the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional game 34–16, they were defeated 41–0 by the New York Giants in the Conference Championship. Running back Robert Smith retired at the end of the year, after only playing eight NFL seasons. It would be 2004 before the Vikings returned to the playoffs.

After a contract dispute, Hall of Fame defensive tackle John Randle was let go after 11 seasons with the Vikings. Randle had only eight sacks this year, ending a streak of eight consecutive seasons with 10+ sacks.

Seven Vikings including Culpepper, Moss, Carter, Smith, Korey Stringer, Robert Griffith and Matt Birk were selected to play in the Pro Bowl after the season. It was Stringer's only Pro Bowl appearance before his death in 2001.

This would be the final full season for Dennis Green as the team's head coach, he was fired the next season with just one game remaining on the schedule.

Offseason

Additions Subtractions
T Brad Badger (Redskins) QB Randall Cunningham (Cowboys)
QB Bubby Brister (Broncos) QB Jeff George (Redskins)
TE Johnny McWilliams (Cardinals) TE Andrew Glover (Saints)
DE Bryce Paup (Jaguars) G Randall McDaniel (Buccaneers)
LB Craig Sauer (Falcons) C Jeff Christy (Buccaneers)
CB Cris Dishman (Chiefs)

2000 Draft

2000 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order Player name Position College Notes
Round Selection
1 25 Chris Hovan Defensive tackle Boston
2 55 Fred Robbins Defensive tackle Wake Forest
56 Michael Boireau Defensive end University of Miami from Redskins[a]
3 88 Doug Chapman Running back Marshall
4 106 Antonio Wilson Linebacker Texas A&M from Ravens[b]
118 Tyrone Carter Safety Minnesota
5 155 Surrendered to the Washington Redskins[c]
165 Troy Walters Wide receiver Stanford Compensatory pick
6 191 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[b]
7 232 Traded to the Cleveland Browns[d]
240 Mike Malano Center San Diego State Compensatory pick
244 Giles Cole Tight end Texas Compensatory pick
248 Lewis Kelly Guard South Carolina State Compensatory pick
^[a] During the 1999 NFL Draft, Washington traded their 1999 first-round selection (11th overall), 1999 third-round selection (73rd overall) and 2000 second-round selection (56th overall) to Minnesota in exchange for QB Brad Johnson.
^[b] The details of these trades are unknown but may involve Baltimore's acquisition of OL Everett Lindsay from Minnesota.
^[c] Washington received this selection as compensation for restricted free agent G Brad Badger.
^[d] Minnesota traded their seventh-round selection (232nd overall) to Cleveland for DT Jerry Ball.

Undrafted free agents

2000 undrafted free agents of note
Player Position College
Billy Cockerham Quarterback Minnesota

Staff

2000 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office

Head coaches

  • Head coach/General manager – Dennis Green
  • Assistant head coach/defensive backs – Richard Solomon

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Steve Wetzel
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Daryl Lawrence

[1]

Roster

2000 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 96 Michael Boireau DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 61 Lewis Kelly T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 69 Mike Malano G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 59 Craig Sauer LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad

  • 48 Matt Cercone TE
  •  5 Billy Cockerham QB
  • 67 Jay Humphrey T
  • 31 Don Morgan CB
  • 68 Nick O'Brien G


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 4 inactive, 5 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
1 August 5 New Orleans Saints L 24–25 0–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,445 Recap
2 August 12 at San Diego Chargers L 7–31 0–2 Qualcomm Stadium 43,805 Recap
3 August 18 Arizona Cardinals W 35–17 1–2 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,563 Recap
4 August 24 at Indianapolis Colts L 30–32 1–3 RCA Dome 51,337 Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 1: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 7 3 31225
Vikings 0 14 7324

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: August 5
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 63,445
  • Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NO – Jake Reed 12-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Doug Brien kick), 7:21. Saints 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:21.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Moe Williams 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:42. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:17.
  • MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 5:20. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:37.
  • NO – Doug Brien 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:08.

Third quarter

  • NO – Doug Brien 24-yard field goal, 7:52. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 4:16.
  • MIN – Doug Chapman 4-yard run (Andy Crosland kick), 0:13. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:39.

Fourth quarter

  • NO – Lamont Hall 6-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (pass failed), 9:37. Vikings 21–19. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:36.
  • NO – Doug Brien 23-yard field goal, 4:18. Saints 22–21. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:14.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 1:29. Vikings 24–22. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 2:49.
  • NO – Doug Brien 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 25–24. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:29.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • NO – Chad Morton – 8 rushes, 32 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 8 rushes, 32 yards

Top receivers

  • NO – Chad Morton – 4 receptions, 41 yards
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 68 yards

Week 2: at San Diego Chargers

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 7 007
Chargers 0 14 10731

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: August 12
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Clear and sunny, 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 43,805
  • Referee: Mike Carey (94)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 7:59. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 6:07.
  • SD – Ronney Jenkins 86-yard kickoff return (John Carney kick), 7:44. Tied 7–7. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.
  • SD – Robert Chancey 1-yard run (John Carney kick), 4:59. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:44.

Third quarter

  • SD – José Cortez 22-yard field goal, 4:58. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 6:08.
  • SD – Reggie Davis 7-yard pass from Moses Moreno (José Cortez kick), 0:40. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:02.

Fourth quarter

  • SD – Ronney Jenkins 2-yard run (José Cortez kick), 9:33. Chargers 31–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:24.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 3: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 3 7717
Vikings 7 21 7035

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: August 18
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 63,563
  • Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 6-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 4:38. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:56.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 12-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:46. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:09.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 54-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:14. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 2 plays, 55 yards, 0:48.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 67-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:57. Vikings 28–0. Drive: 3 plays, 72 yards, 0:50.
  • ARI – Cary Blanchard 49-yard field goal, 1:55. Vikings 28–3. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:02.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Andy Crosland kick), 8:25. Vikings 35–3. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:26.
  • ARI – Thomas Jones 4-yard run (Cary Blanchard kick), 3:46. Vikings 35–10. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:39.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Mac Cody 12-yard pass from Dave Brown (Cary Blanchard kick), 11:09. Vikings 35–17. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 5:08.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – Thomas Jones – 11 rushes, 32 yards, TD
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 8 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

Week 4: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 101330
Colts 10 3 71232

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: August 24
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 51,337
  • Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 48-yard field goal, 12:27. Colts 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:33.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 12-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 7:33. Colts 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:23.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:03. Colts 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:30.

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 47-yard field goal, 12:33. Colts 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:30.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 54-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 13:28. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:32.
  • IND – Jamel White 1-yard run (Danny Kight kick), 10:19. Colts 20–14. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:09.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 23-yard field goal, 4:42. Colts 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:37.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Troy Walters 62-yard punt return (Gary Anderson kick), 12:36. Vikings 24–20.
  • IND – Jamel White 96-yard kickoff return (Danny Kight kick), 12:20. Colts 27–24. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:16.
  • IND – Penalty on Bubby Brister enforced in the end zone for a safety, 11:13. Colts 29–24.
  • MIN – Matthew Hatchette 4-yard pass from Bubby Brister (pass failed), 1:01. Vikings 30–29. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:39.
  • IND – Danny Kight 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 32–30. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:01.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIN – Randy Moss – 3 receptions, 88 yards, TD
  • IND – Isaac Jones – 5 receptions, 105 yards

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
1 September 3 Chicago Bears W 30–27 1–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,104 Recap
2 September 10 Miami Dolphins W 13–7 2–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,112 Recap
3 September 17 at New England Patriots W 21–13 3–0 Foxboro Stadium 60,292 Recap
4 Bye
5 October 1 at Detroit Lions W 31–24 4–0 Silverdome 76,438 Recap
6 October 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 30–23 5–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,162 Recap
7 October 15 at Chicago Bears W 28–16 6–0 Soldier Field 66,944 Recap
8 October 22 Buffalo Bills W 31–27 7–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,116 Recap
9 October 29 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 13–41 7–1 Raymond James Stadium 65,589 Recap
10 November 6 at Green Bay Packers L 20–26 (OT) 7–2 Lambeau Field 59,854 Recap
11 November 12 Arizona Cardinals W 31–14 8–2 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,223 Recap
12 November 19 Carolina Panthers W 31–17 9–2 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,208 Recap
13 November 23 at Dallas Cowboys W 27–15 10–2 Texas Stadium 63,878 Recap
14 November 30 Detroit Lions W 24–17 11–2 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,214 Recap
15 December 10 at St. Louis Rams L 29–40 11–3 TWA Dome 66,273 Recap
16 December 17 Green Bay Packers L 28–33 11–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,183 Recap
17 December 24 at Indianapolis Colts L 10–31 11–5 RCA Dome 56,672 Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 1: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Bears 7 6 7727
Vikings 6 3 71430

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 3
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,104
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 35-yard field goal, 10:16. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 4:44.
  • CHI – John Allred 18-yard pass from Cade McNown (Paul Edinger kick), 3:58. Bears 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 6:18.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 1:16. Bears 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:42.

Second quarter

  • CHI – Paul Edinger 29-yard field goal, 5:19. Bears 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:38.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 45-yard field goal, 1:51. Bears 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 3:28.
  • CHI – Paul Edinger 49-yard field goal, 0:16. Bears 13–9. Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 1:35.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Marcus Robinson 48-yard pass from Cade McNown (Paul Edinger kick), 10:10. Bears 20–9. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:50.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 5:24. Bears 20–16. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:46.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:59. Vikings 23–20. Drive: 6 plays, 93 yards, 3:15.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 4:35. Vikings 30–20. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 2:30.
  • CHI – Cade McNown 8-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 1:17. Vikings 30–27. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:18.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • CHI – Cade McNown – 10 rushes, 87 yards, TD
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 14 rushes, 109 yards

Top receivers

  • CHI – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 86 yards, TD
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 89 yards

Week 2: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 0 077
Vikings 3 0 01013

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 10
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,112
  • Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 28-yard field goal, 2:46. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:53.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 49-yard field goal, 11:30. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 5:36.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:56. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:55.
  • MIA – Thurman Thomas 2-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 1:02. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 0:54.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIA – Lamar Smith – 11 rushes, 27 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 18 rushes, 72 yards

Top receivers

  • MIA – Tony Martin – 6 receptions, 120 yards
  • MIN – Cris Carter – 9 receptions, 168 yards

Week 3: at New England Patriots

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 14 0021
Patriots 7 0 0613

at Foxboro Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: September 17
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 60,292
  • Referee: Phil Luckett (59)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 6:06. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 17 plays, 73 yards, 8:54.
  • NE – Kevin Faulk 2-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 4:15. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 1:51.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Johnny McWilliams 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:53. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 9:22.
  • MIN – Matthew Hatchette 39-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:18. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 3:04.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Terry Glenn 8-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (run failed), 11:11. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:14.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 29 rushes, 91 yards, TD
  • NE – Kevin Faulk – 13 rushes, 80 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 5: at Detroit Lions

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 3 71431
Lions 7 3 01424

at Pontiac Silverdome, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 1
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 76,438
  • Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • DET – Jason Hanson 21-yard field goal, 4:08. Lions 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:38.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 20-yard field goal, 0:03. Tied 10–10. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 1:57.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 17-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:14. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:50.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Charlie Batch 5-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 12:09. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:05.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 50-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:48. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 3:21.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 65-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 6:23. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 1 play, 65 yards, 0:12.
  • DET – Mario Bates 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 0:03. Vikings 31–24. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 1:35.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 16 rushes, 134 yards, TD
  • DET – James Stewart – 20 rushes, 123 yards

Top receivers

Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 6: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 7 3 6723
Vikings 7 10 31030

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: October 9
  • Game time: 8:10 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,162
  • Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 27-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 14:36. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:09.
  • TB – Shaun King 11-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 4:01. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:28.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 37-yard field goal, 12:14. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 6:47.
  • MIN – John Davis 26-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 11:11. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards, 0:52.
  • TB – Martín Gramática 23-yard field goal, 1:06. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 19 plays, 71 yards, 10:05.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 11:12. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:48.
  • TB – Martín Gramática 33-yard field goal, 8:11. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:01.
  • TB – Martín Gramática 35-yard field goal, 0:44. Vikings 20–16. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 5:17.

Fourth quarter

  • TB – Donnie Abraham 53-yard return of blocked field goal (Martín Gramática kick), 12:13. Buccaneers 23–20.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 42-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:42. Vikings 27–23. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 3:31.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 19-yard field goal, 0:59. Vikings 30–23. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:06.

Top passers

  • TB – Shaun King – 26/40, 295 yards
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 15/19, 231 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • TB – Warrick Dunn – 10 rushes, 32 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 22 rushes, 81 yards

Top receivers

Week 7: at Chicago Bears

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 14 7728
Bears 6 3 0716

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: October 15
  • Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,944
  • Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • CHI – Dez White 25-yard pass from Cade McNown (run failed), 3:46. Bears 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 3:13.

Second quarter

  • CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 8:58. Bears 9–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:46.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 72-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:35. Bears 9–7. Drive: 1 play, 72 yards, 0:23.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:26. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 1:55.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Matthew Hatchette 24-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:01. Vikings 21–9. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:59.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – James Allen 6-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 14:56. Vikings 21–16. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:15.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:26. Vikings 28–16. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 5:30.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 23 rushes, 170 yards, TD
  • CHI – James Allen – 22 rushes, 71 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 111 yards, TD
  • CHI – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 88 yards

Week 8: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 10 71027
Vikings 3 3 71831

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,116
  • Referee: Ron Blum (7)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 2:27. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 5:10.

Second quarter

  • BUF – Eric Moulds 25-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 13:38. Bills 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:41.
  • BUF – Steve Christie 25-yard field goal, 0:54. Bills 10–3. Drive: 21 plays, 80 yards, 10:55.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 0:54.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 6-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:17. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:43.
  • BUF – Sammy Morris 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 1:13. Bills 17–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 8:04.

Fourth quarter

  • BUF – Sammy Morris 18-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 14:19. Bills 24–13. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 0:54.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Moe Williams pass), 9:34. Bills 24–21. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:45.
  • BUF – Steve Christie 48-yard field goal, 6:39. Bills 27–21. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:55.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 39-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:42. Vikings 28–27. Drive: 2 plays, 34 yards, 0:12.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 21-yard field goal, 1:04. Vikings 31–27. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 1:42.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • BUF – Shawn Bryson – 11 rushes, 72 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 16 rushes, 68 yards

Top receivers

Week 9: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 10 0013
Buccaneers 14 17 3741

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: October 29
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Hazy, 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,589
  • Referee: Phil Luckett (59)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • TB – Keyshawn Johnson 9-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 10:33. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:47.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 30-yard field goal, 6:35. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 3:58.
  • TB – Warrick Dunn 23-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 3:40. Buccaneers 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:55.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 11:57. Buccaneers 14–10. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 6:43.
  • TB – Dave Moore 20-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 9:46. Buccaneers 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:11.
  • TB – Derrick Brooks 34-yard interception return (Martín Gramática kick), 7:58. Buccaneers 28–10.
  • TB – Martín Gramática 47-yard field goal, 3:38. Buccaneers 31–10. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:54.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 37-yard field goal, 0:20. Buccaneers 31–13. Drive: 15 plays, 56 yards, 3:18.

Third quarter

  • TB – Martín Gramática 26-yard field goal, 6:25. Buccaneers 34–13. Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 8:35.

Fourth quarter

  • TB – Reidel Anthony 16-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 5:05. Buccaneers 41–13. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:34.

Top passers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 29/53, 313 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • TB – Shaun King – 16/23, 267 yards, 4 TD

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 12 rushes, 61 yards
  • TB – Warrick Dunn – 11 rushes, 89 yards

Top receivers

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Vikings 3 10 70020
Packers 0 10 100626

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 30-yard field goal, 8:25. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:36.

Second quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 24-yard field goal, 14:53. Tied 3–3. Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 8:32.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 12-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:03. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:50.
  • GB – Ahman Green 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:51. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 3:12.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 1:11.

Third quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 8:48. Tied 13–13. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:22.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 45-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 4:00. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 4:48.
  • GB – Ahman Green 2-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:32. Tied 20–20. Drive: 2 plays, 2 yards, 0:28.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Overtime

  • GB – Antonio Freeman 43-yard pass from Brett Favre, 11:21. Packers 26–20. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:39.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 24 rushes, 122 yards
  • GB – Ahman Green – 23 rushes, 68 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 0 0714
Vikings 7 3 71431

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,223
  • Referee: Bob McElwee (95)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 2:19.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:15. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:45.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:11. Vikings 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 4:22.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 12-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:45. Vikings 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:19.
  • ARI – MarTay Jenkins 98-yard kickoff return (Cary Blanchard kick), 3:30. Vikings 31–14. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – Michael Pittman Sr. – 12 rushes, 50 yards, TD
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 20 rushes, 117 yards

Top receivers

  • ARI – Frank Sanders – 5 receptions, 82 yards
  • MIN – Cris Carter – 11 receptions, 119 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 12: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 7 0317
Vikings 14 10 7031

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 19
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,208
  • Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • CAR – Steve Beuerlein 1-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 8:09. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:51.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 36-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:41. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:28.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 53-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:29. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:50.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:35. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:28.
  • CAR – Chris Hetherington 1-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 0:20. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 0:47.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–14. Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 0:20.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 15-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 2:02. Vikings 31–14. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 6:05.

Fourth quarter

  • CAR – Joe Nedney 28-yard field goal, 4:27. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:23.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • CAR – Brad Hoover – 18 rushes, 59 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 23 rushes, 103 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 13: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 10 17027
Cowboys 3 6 0615

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

Game information

First quarter

  • DAL – Tim Seder 37-yard field goal, 10:01. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:59.

Second quarter

  • DAL – Tim Seder 43-yard field goal, 12:27. Cowboys 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:41.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 49-yard field goal, 8:10. Cowboys 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 4:17.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 15-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:52. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 88 yards, 2:29.
  • DAL – Tim Seder 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 1:52.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 12:25. Vikings 17–9. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:35.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 29-yard field goal, 6:11. Vikings 20–9. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 3:52.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 36-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:18. Vikings 27–9. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:32.

Fourth quarter

  • DAL – David LaFleur 6-yard pass from Troy Aikman (run failed), 2:32. Vikings 27–15. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:37.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 21 rushes, 148 yards, TD
  • DAL – Emmitt Smith – 12 rushes, 100 yards

Top receivers

Week 14: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 14: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 01417
Vikings 7 10 0724

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 7:39. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 4:05.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 14:56. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 5:29.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 52-yard field goal, 1:12. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:05.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 1:08.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – James Stewart 3-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 13:59. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 2 plays, 9 yards, 0:52.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 43-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:04. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:11.
  • DET – Larry Foster 40-yard pass from Stoney Case (Jason Hanson kick), 0:13. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:51.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • DET – James Stewart – 15 rushes, 67 yards, TD
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 17 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

Week 15: at St. Louis Rams

Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 7 14829
Rams 14 6 13740

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 10
  • Game time: 3:15 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,273
  • Referee: Ron Winter (14)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:56. Rams 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:04.
  • STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:54. Rams 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 2:03.

Second quarter

  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 26-yard field goal, 13:48. Rams 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 2:52.
  • MIN – Johnny McWilliams 22-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 7:14. Rams 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:34.
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 19-yard field goal, 1:11. Rams 20–7. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 6:03.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 8-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 11:20. Rams 20–14. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:40.
  • STL – Marshall Faulk 5-yard run (pass failed), 8:19. Rams 26–14. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:01.
  • STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:36. Rams 33–14. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:05.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:32. Rams 33–21. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:04.

Fourth quarter

  • STL – Justin Watson 6-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:10. Rams 40–21. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:22.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 32-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Randy Moss pass), 2:27. Rams 40–29. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 1:50.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 15 rushes, 67 yards
  • STL – Marshall Faulk – 25 rushes, 135 yards, 4 TD

Top receivers

Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 16: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Packers 10 10 31033
Vikings 7 7 7728

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 17
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,183
  • Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 7:38. Packers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 7:22.
  • GB – Antonio Freeman 18-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:04. Packers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 4:04.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 78-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:36. Packers 10–7. Drive: 1 play, 78 yards, 0:28.

Second quarter

  • GB – Ahman Green 6-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:51. Packers 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:45.
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 35-yard field goal, 2:41. Packers 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 3:07.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 0:20. Packers 20–14. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 2:21.

Third quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 8:39. Packers 23–14. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 4:07.
  • MIN – Johnny McWilliams 22-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:58. Packers 23–21. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 4:41.

Fourth quarter

  • GB – Bill Schroeder 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:56. Packers 30–21. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:02.
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, 6:51. Packers 33–21. Drive: 7 plays, 7 yards, 3:52.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 2:38. Packers 33–28. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 4:13.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 17: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 3 0010
Colts 7 14 7331

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 56,672
  • Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 52-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:12. Colts 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:43.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 31-yard field goal, 5:04. Colts 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:22.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 15-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 1:19. Colts 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 3:45.

Third quarter

  • IND – Marvin Harrison 18-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 7:47. Colts 28–10. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:25.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 28-yard field goal, 9:54. Colts 31–10. Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 6:33.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 15 rushes, 37 yards
  • IND – Edgerrin James – 26 rushes, 128 yards

Top receivers

This was the first occasion the Colts hosted the Vikings in the regular season since 1968 in Baltimore, although the two teams would again play in the Colts’ stadium during that postseason. The intervening gap of 31 seasons constitutes the second-longest gap without one team visiting another in NFL history, and at the time was a record.[a]

Standings

NFC Central
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 W L T PCT PF PA STK
(2) Minnesota Vikings 11 5 0 .688 397 371 L3
(5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10 6 0 .625 388 269 L1
Green Bay Packers 9 7 0 .563 353 323 W4
Detroit Lions 9 7 0 .563 307 307 L1
Chicago Bears 5 11 0 .313 216 355 W1

Postseason

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
Division January 6 New Orleans Saints W 34–16 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,881 Recap
Championship January 14 at New York Giants L 0–41 Giants Stadium 79,310 Recap

Game summaries

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs (#3) New Orleans Saints

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (#3) New Orleans Saints at (#2) Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 3 0 7616
Vikings 10 7 10734

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 53-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 11:57. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, 1:20.
  • NO – Doug Brien 33-yard field goal, 7:46. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:11.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 1:36. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:10.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 17-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:29. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:40.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 68-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 13:33. Vikings 24–3. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:27.
  • NO – Dave Stachelski 2-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (Doug Brien kick), 9:33. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:00.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 4:31. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 5:02.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:46. Vikings 34–10. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 4:32.
  • NO – Willie Jackson 48-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (pass failed), 2:19. Vikings 34–16. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 0:58.

Top passers

  • NO – Aaron Brooks – 30/48, 295 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 17/31, 302 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

  • NO – Aaron Brooks – 5 rushes, 29 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 25 rushes, 74 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • NO – Willie Jackson – 9 receptions, 125 yards, TD
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 121 yards, 2 TD

NFC Championship Game: vs (#1) New York Giants

NFC Championship Game: (#2) Minnesota Vikings at (#1) New York Giants – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 000
Giants 14 20 7041

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

First quarter

  • NYG – Ike Hilliard 46-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 13:03. Giants 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:57.
  • NYG – Greg Comella 18-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 12:47. Giants 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 18 yards, 0:06.

Second quarter

  • NYG – Brad Daluiso 21-yard field goal, 14:56. Giants 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 3:10.
  • NYG – Joe Jurevicius 8-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 10:24. Giants 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:42.
  • NYG – Brad Daluiso 22-yard field goal, 5:22. Giants 27–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 3:27.
  • NYG – Ike Hilliard 7-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 0:12. Giants 34–0. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 3:19.

Third quarter

  • NYG – Amani Toomer 7-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brad Daluiso kick), 12:06. Giants 41–0. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 2:35.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 7 rushes, 44 yards
  • NYG – Tiki Barber – 12 rushes, 69 yards

Top receivers

Statistics

Team leaders

Category Player(s) Total
Passing yards Daunte Culpepper 3,937
Passing touchdowns Daunte Culpepper 33
Rushing yards Robert Smith 1,521
Rushing touchdowns Robert Smith
Daunte Culpepper		 7
Receiving yards Randy Moss 1,437
Receiving touchdowns Randy Moss 15
Points Gary Anderson 111
Kickoff return yards Troy Walters 692
Punt return yards Troy Walters 217
Tackles Ed McDaniel 118
Sacks John Randle 8
Interceptions Robert Tate
Kailee Wong		 2
Forced fumbles John Randle
Robert Tate		 2

League rankings

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 31)
Passing offense 3,832 239.5 7th
Rushing offense 2,129 133.1 6th
Total offense 5,961 372.6 5th
Passing defense 3,913 244.6 28th
Rushing defense 1,788 111.8 15th
Total defense 5,701 356.3 28th

Awards and records

  • Gary Anderson, NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Week 8 [3]
  • Mitch Berger, NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Week 14 [3]
  • Mitch Berger, NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, December [3]
  • Cris Carter, All-NFL Team (as selected by the Associated Press, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America)[3]
  • Cris Carter, NFC Pro Bowl Selection[4]
  • Daunte Culpepper, NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Week 6[3]
  • Daunte Culpepper, NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Week 12[3]
  • Chris Hovan, PFW/Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team
  • Randy Moss, All-NFL Team (as selected by the Associated Press, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America)[3]
  • Randy Moss, PFW/PFWA All-Pro Team[5]
  • Robert Smith, NFC Offensive Player of the Month, December[3]

40-year team

The Vikings named an all-time team in 2000 in recognition of the franchise's 40th year in the NFL.[6]

Notes

  1. ^ Tampa Bay did not play at Buffalo until 2009, although the Buccaneers joined the league 33 seasons previously.[2]

References

  1. ^ 2009 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide. p. 251. Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
  2. ^ Urena, Ivan (2014). Pro Football Schedules: A Complete Historical Guide from 1933 to the Present. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company. pp. 15–16. ISBN 9780786473519.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 202
  4. ^ NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 362
  5. ^ NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 203
  6. ^ "Minnesota Vikings 2010 Team Guide" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2011.
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