1999 Minnesota Vikings season

NFL team season

The 1999 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 39th in the National Football League (NFL). After going a near perfect 15–1 record in 1998, the Vikings began the 1999 season with high expectations of another great season. Randall Cunningham resumed duties again in 1999, but after a struggling 2–4 start to the season, he was benched and Jeff George was given the starting job as quarterback.

George finished the season with an 8–2 record, and led the Vikings into the postseason once again, with an overall team record of 10–6 failing to match their record from the 1998 season. Minnesota beat the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Game 27–10 and faced playoff newcomer Kurt Warner and the St. Louis Rams in the divisional round. The game was a shootout which Minnesota led 17–14 at halftime, but the Rams outscored Minnesota 35 to 20 in the second half to win 49–37. St. Louis would then go on to win Super Bowl XXXIV against the Titans.

Offseason

1999 Expansion Draft

Minnesota Vikings selected by the expansion
Cleveland Browns
Pick Name Position
18 Duane Butler Safety
27 Orlando Bobo Guard

1999 Draft

Pro Bowler
1999 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order Player name Position College Notes
Round Selection
1 11 Daunte Culpepper Quarterback Central Florida From Redskins[a]
29 Dimitrius Underwood Defensive end Michigan State
2 44 Jim Kleinsasser Tight end North Dakota From Steelers[b]
59 Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers[b]
3 73 Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers[b] From Redskins[a]
91 Traded to the New England Patriots[c]
4 120 Kenny Wright Cornerback Northwestern State From Dolphins[d]
125 Jay Humphrey Offensive tackle Texas
5 163 Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers[b]
169 Chris Jones Safety Clemson Compensatory pick
6 185 Talance Sawyer Defensive tackle UNLV From Buccaneers via Ravens[e]
199 Antico Dalton Linebacker Hampton
7 236 Noel Scarlett Defensive tackle Langston
^[a] The Vikings traded QB Brad Johnson to the Washington Redskins in exchange for Washington's first- and third-round selections (11th and 73rd overall), and second-round selection in 2000.
^[b] The Vikings traded their second- and fifth-round selections (59th and 163rd overall), and the third-round selection they acquired from the Washington Redskins (73rd overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Pittsburgh's second-round selection (44th overall).
^[c] The Vikings traded their third-round selection (91st overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for CB Jimmy Hitchcock.
^[d] The Vikings received Miami's fourth-round selection (120th overall) as compensation for restricted free agent TE Hunter Goodwin.
^[e] The Vikings traded OL Everett Lindsay to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the sixth-round selection Baltimore acquired from Tampa Bay (185th overall).

Staff

1999 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office

  • Owner – Red McCombs
  • President – Gary Woods
  • Executive vice president/general manager – Tim Connolly
  • Director of football administration – Rob Brzezinski

Head coaches

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

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive coordinator – Ray Sherman
  • Quarterbacks – Alex Wood
  • Running backs – Carl Hargrave
  • Wide receivers – Hubbard Alexander
  • Tight ends – Dave Atkins
  • Offensive line – Mike Tice
  • Quality control – Dean Dalton
Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Steve Wetzel
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – John Kasper

[1]

Roster

1999 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

  • 30 Antonio Banks CB/S
  • 32 Anthony Bass SS
  • 24 Robert Griffith SS
  • 37 Jimmy Hitchcock CB
  • 31 Don Morgan FS
  • 29 Chris Rogers CB
  • 28 Robert Tate CB
  • 20 Kenny Wright CB

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 50 Pete Bercich LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 23 Torrian Gray S (PUPTooltip Physically unable to perform)
  • 22 David Palmer RB/KR/PR (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 27 Keith Thibodeaux CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 42 Orlando Thomas S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad


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

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 August 13 New York Giants L 21–36 0–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,434
2 August 21 at Cleveland Browns W 24–17 1–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium 71,398
3 August 26 Philadelphia Eagles W 17–13 2–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,387
4 September 3 at New York Jets L 17–38 2–2 Giants Stadium 76,782

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 September 12 at Atlanta Falcons W 17–14 1–0 Georgia Dome 69,555
2 September 19 Oakland Raiders L 17–22 1–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,080
3 September 26 at Green Bay Packers L 20–23 1–2 Lambeau Field 59,868
4 October 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 21–14 2–2 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,106
5 October 10 Chicago Bears L 22–24 2–3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,107
6 October 17 at Detroit Lions L 23–25 2–4 Silverdome 76,516
7 October 24 San Francisco 49ers W 40–16 3–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,109
8 October 31 at Denver Broncos W 23–20 4–4 Mile High Stadium 75,021
9 November 8 Dallas Cowboys W 27–17 5–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,111
10 November 14 at Chicago Bears W 27–24 (OT) 6–4 Soldier Field 61,481
11 Bye
12 November 28 San Diego Chargers W 35–27 7–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,232
13 December 6 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 17–24 7–5 Raymond James Stadium 65,741
14 December 12 at Kansas City Chiefs L 28–31 7–6 Arrowhead Stadium 78,932
15 December 20 Green Bay Packers W 24–20 8–6 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,203
16 December 26 at New York Giants W 34–17 9–6 Giants Stadium 78,095
17 January 2 Detroit Lions W 24–17 10–6 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,103

Game summaries

Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 17 0017
Falcons 0 7 0714

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: September 12
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,555
  • Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 2-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Gary Anderson kick), 13:54. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 58 yards, 0:00.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 36-yard field goal, 10:23. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 3 yards, 2:26.
  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:48. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:34.
  • ATL – Chris Calloway 23-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Morten Andersen kick), 0:43. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:05.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Bob Christian 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 13:18. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:18.

Top passers

  • MIN – Randall Cunningham – 22/33, 184 yards, TD
  • ATL – Chris Chandler – 17/30, 258 yards, TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 2: Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 6 16022
Vikings 7 3 0717

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,080
  • Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • OAK – Michael Husted 36-yard field goal, 11:34. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:04.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 36-yard field goal, 8:16. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:18.
  • OAK – Michael Husted 37-yard field goal, 0:36. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 2:10.

Third quarter

  • OAK – James Jett 9-yard pass from Rich Gannon (Michael Husted kick), 8:55. Raiders 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 6:05.
  • OAK – Michael Husted 42-yard field goal, 7:01. Raiders 16–10. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:36.
  • OAK – Rich Gannon 5-yard run (pass failed), 1:08. Raiders 22–10. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 4:14.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Jake Reed 28-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Gary Anderson kick), 14:06. Raiders 22–17. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:02.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • OAK – Tyrone Wheatley – 18 rushes, 83 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 11 rushes, 24 yards

Top receivers

  • OAK – Tim Brown – 9 receptions, 86 yards
  • MIN – Jake Reed – 5 receptions, 100 yards, TD

Week 3: at Green Bay Packers

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 3 3720
Packers 0 10 31023

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: September 26
  • Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 59,868
  • Referee: Johnny Grier (23)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 4:26. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 94 yards, 7:37.

Second quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 28-yard field goal, 14:07. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:19.
  • GB – Antuan Edwards 26-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:37. Packers 10–7.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 34-yard field goal, 0:50. Tied 10–10. Drive: 15 plays, 63 yards, 6:47.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 22-yard field goal, 9:17. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 5:43.
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 35-yard field goal, 3:05. Tied 13–13. Drive: 14 plays, 66 yards, 6:12.

Fourth quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 4:25. Packers 16–13. Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 5:47.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 10-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Gary Anderson kick), 1:56. Vikings 20–16. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:29.
  • GB – Corey Bradford 23-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:12. Packers 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 1:44.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 21 rushes, 85 yards
  • GB – Dorsey Levens – 18 rushes, 49 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Jake Reed – 6 receptions, 108 yards
  • GB – Bill Schroeder – 5 receptions, 85 yards

Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 7 0714
Vikings 17 0 0017

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,106
  • Referee: Mike Carey (94)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 61-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Gary Anderson kick), 10:47. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 2:10.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 27-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Gary Anderson kick), 6:50. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:41.
  • MIN – Andrew Glover 12-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Gary Anderson kick), 0:22. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 5 plays, 86 yards, 1:59.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • TB – Reidel Anthony 26-yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Martín Gramática kick), 7:34. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:34.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • TB – Warrick Dunn – 16 rushes, 49 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 19 rushes, 59 yards

Top receivers

Week 5: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 5: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Bears 7 7 7324
Vikings 3 9 3722

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,107
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • CHI – Sean Harris fumble recovery in the end zone (Jeff Jaeger kick), 9:10. Bears 7–0.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 26-yard field goal, 3:04. Bears 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:06.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 14:52. Bears 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:04.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 23-yard field goal, 6:20. Vikings 9–7. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:28.
  • CHI – Curtis Conway 30-yard pass from Shane Matthews (Jeff Jaeger kick), 1:13. Bears 14–9. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:53.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 26-yard field goal, 0:00. Bears 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 1:13.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Marcus Robinson 3-yard pass from Shane Matthews (Jeff Jaeger kick), 7:47. Bears 21–12. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 5:03.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 34-yard field goal, 2:31. Bears 21–15. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 5:16.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – Jeff Jaeger 41-yard field goal, 12:21. Bears 24–15. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 5:10.
  • MIN – Chris Walsh 18-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Gary Anderson kick), 0:02. Bears 24–22. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 0:41.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • CHI – Curtis Enis – 27 rushes, 66 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 12 rushes, 107 yards

Top receivers

  • CHI – Marcus Robinson – 8 receptions, 90 yards, TD
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 122 yards

Week 6: at Detroit Lions

Week 6: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 14923
Lions 10 9 0625

at Pontiac Silverdome, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 17
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 76,516
  • Referee: Ron Winter (82)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • DET – Terry Fair 41-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 7:17. Lions 7–0.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 20-yard field goal, 1:03. Lions 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:52.

Second quarter

  • DET – Jason Hanson 49-yard field goal, 10:06. Lions 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 2:57.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 29-yard field goal, 6:35. Lions 16–0. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 2:02.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 30-yard field goal, 0:25. Lions 19–0. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 4:18.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 17-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 12:04. Lions 19–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:56.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 36-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 9:16. Lions 19–14. Drive: 1 play, 36 yards, 0:07.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 2-yard run (pass failed), 13:30. Vikings 20–19. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:43.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 47-yard field goal, 7:06. Lions 22–20. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 6:24.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 26-yard field goal, 1:40. Vikings 23–22. Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 5:26.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 48-yard field goal, 0:07. Lions 25–23. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 1:33.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Leroy Hoard – 13 rushes, 45 yards, TD
  • DET – Greg Hill – 11 rushes, 67 yards

Top receivers

Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 7: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers 3 10 3016
Vikings 7 17 7940

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: October 24
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,109
  • Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 10:30. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:30.
  • SF – Wade Richey 22-yard field goal, 2:55. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 7:35.

Second quarter

  • SF – Darnell Walker 71-yard fumble return (Wade Richey kick), 14:42. 49ers 10–7.
  • MIN – Matthew Hatchette 80-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 14:25. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:17.
  • SF – Wade Richey 31-yard field goal, 7:38. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:02.
  • MIN – Andrew Jordan 7-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 1:06. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:27.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, 0:03.

Third quarter

  • SF – Wade Richey 26-yard field goal, 8:02. Vikings 24–16. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 6:58.
  • MIN – Moe Williams 9-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:54. Vikings 31–16. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:08.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 2-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 12:05. Vikings 38–16. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 3:36.
  • MIN – Penalty on Chad Fann enforced in the end zone for a safety, 7:20. Vikings 40–16.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • SF – Jeff Garcia – 5 rushes, 35 yards
  • MIN – Leroy Hoard – 17 rushes, 105 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 8: at Denver Broncos

Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 13 01023
Broncos 12 0 0820

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 75 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 75,021
  • Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • DEN – Derek Loville 36-yard run (Jason Elam kick), 12:12. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 2:48.
  • DEN – Jeff George sacked in the end zone by Trevor Pryce for a safety, 10:37. Broncos 9–0.
  • DEN – Jason Elam 19-yard field goal, 5:59. Broncos 12–0. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 4:38.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Orlando Thomas 27-yard interception return (Gary Anderson kick), 7:06. Broncos 12–7.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 37-yard pass from Jeff George (pass failed), 3:28. Vikings 13–12. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 2:10.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 16-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 12:45. Vikings 20–12. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:13.
  • DEN – Byron Chamberlain 1-yard pass from Brian Griese (Olandis Gary run), 5:09. Tied 20–20. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:07.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 23-yard field goal, 0:01. Vikings 23–20. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 5:08.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIN – Cris Carter – 8 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Rod Smith – 7 receptions, 117 yards

Week 9: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 9: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 17 0017
Vikings 0 7 61427

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 8:10 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,111
  • Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • DAL – Richie Cunningham 39-yard field goal, 11:21. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 3:43.
  • DAL – Emmitt Smith 63-yard run (Richie Cunningham kick), 6:21. Cowboys 10–0. Drive: 1 play, 63 yards, 0:10.
  • DAL – Emmitt Smith 24-yard run (Richie Cunningham kick), 6:03. Cowboys 17–0. Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:18.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 4-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 1:53. Cowboys 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 1:32.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 31-yard field goal, 10:29. Cowboys 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 4:31.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 4:40. Cowboys 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 3:44.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 4-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 13:38. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:40.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 47-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 5:10. Vikings 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:58.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 10: at Chicago Bears

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Vikings 7 7 37327
Bears 14 3 07024

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Mostly sunny, 50 °F (10 °C)
  • Game attendance: 66,944
  • Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • CHI – Marcus Robinson 77-yard pass from Jim Miller (Chris Boniol kick), 9:43. Bears 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 72 yards, 0:10.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 21-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 6:41. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 3:02.
  • CHI – Marty Booker 57-yard pass from Jim Miller (Chris Boniol kick), 4:04. Bears 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 2:37.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 7-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 5:58. Tied 14–14. Drive: 1 play, 7 yards, 0:06.
  • CHI – Chris Boniol 34-yard field goal, 1:07. Bears 17–14. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:51.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 4:55. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:32.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 1-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 6:06. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 13 plays, 96 yards, 6:42.
  • CHI – Marty Booker 25-yard pass from Jim Miller (Chris Boniol kick), 0:49. Tied 24–24. Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 2:36.

Overtime

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 12:58.

Top passers

  • MIN – Jeff George – 25/44, 374 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • CHI – Jim Miller – 34/48, 422 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 20 rushes, 83 yards
  • CHI – Curtis Enis – 19 rushes, 54 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Randy Moss – 12 receptions, 204 yards
  • CHI – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 148 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 12: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 0 17327
Vikings 0 28 7035

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,232
  • Referee: Ron Blum (7)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • SD – Tremayne Stephens 1-yard run (John Carney kick), 8:34. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 3:32.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 34-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 14:55. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:43.
  • MIN – Jake Reed 5-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 9:13. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 93 yards, 2:18.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 4-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 5:55. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 1:27.
  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:44. Vikings 28–7. Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards, 1:21.

Third quarter

  • SD – Kenny Bynum 80-yard pass from Jim Harbaugh (John Carney kick), 14:40. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:20.
  • SD – Tremayne Stephens 1-yard run (John Carney kick), 10:33. Vikings 28–21. Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 1:03.
  • SD – John Carney 40-yard field goal, 7:40. Vikings 28–24. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 1:48.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 34-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 4:10. Vikings 35–24. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:30.

Fourth quarter

  • SD – John Carney 40-yard field goal, 11:41. Vikings 35–27. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 1:53.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • SD – Kenny Bynum – 8 rushes, 26 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 20 rushes, 104 yards

Top receivers

Week 13: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 14 0317
Buccaneers 7 3 7724

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 9:05 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cool, clear, breezy, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,741
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • TB – Donnie Abraham 55-yard interception return (Martín Gramática kick), 13:31. Buccaneers 7–0.

Second quarter

  • TB – Martín Gramática 20-yard field goal, 14:12. Buccaneers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 4:37.
  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 5:52. Buccaneers 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:16.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 1-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 0:27. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 10 yards, 0:29.

Third quarter

  • TB – Jacquez Green 29-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 7:14. Buccaneers 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:12.

Fourth quarter

  • TB – Dave Moore 1-yard pass from Shaun King (Martín Gramática kick), 11:46. Buccaneers 24–14. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 3:29.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 34-yard field goal, 5:50. Buccaneers 24–17. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:56.

Top passers

  • MIN – Jeff George – 26/45, 271 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • TB – Shaun King – 11/19, 93 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 20 rushes, 77 yards
  • TB – Mike Alstott – 23 rushes, 95 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 5 receptions, 68 yards
  • TB – Jacquez Green – 5 receptions, 70 yards

Week 14: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 14 7728
Chiefs 14 7 01031

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 7:20 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy and dark, 41 °F (5 °C)
  • Game attendance: 78,932
  • Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Tony Gonzalez 9-yard pass from Elvis Grbac (Pete Stoyanovich kick), 13:29. Chiefs 21–0. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 2:49.
  • MIN – Robert Tate 76-yard kickoff return (Gary Anderson kick), 13:01. Chiefs 21–7. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:28.
  • MIN – Matthew Hatchette 8-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 0:40. Chiefs 21–14. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:25.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 12-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 4:34. Tied 21–21. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 6:33.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Eric Hicks 44-yard fumble return (Pete Stoyanovich kick), 8:01. Chiefs 28–21.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 64-yard punt return (Gary Anderson kick), 1:38. Tied 28–28.
  • KC – Pete Stoyanovich 38-yard field goal, 0:03. Chiefs 31–28. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 1:35.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 21 rushes, 118 yards
  • KC – Tony Richardson – 11 rushes, 57 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 76 yards, TD
  • KC – Joe Horn – 4 receptions, 65 yards

Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 15: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Packers 0 13 0720
Vikings 0 10 7724

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,203
  • Referee: Mike Carey (94)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 13:56. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:20.
  • GB – Dorsey Levens 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:14. Packers 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:42.
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 5:21. Packers 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:53.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 57-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 4:17. Tied 10–10. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 1:04.
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 22-yard field goal, 0:03. Packers 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:14.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 1:45. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:24.

Fourth quarter

  • GB – Jeff Thomason 9-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:31. Packers 20–17. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 2:34.
  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:58. Vikings 24–20. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:33.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • GB – Dorsey Levens – 26 rushes, 99 yards, TD
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 19 rushes, 54 yards

Top receivers

  • GB – Bill Schroeder – 6 receptions, 71 yards
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TD

Week 16: at New York Giants

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 14 71334
Giants 3 3 3817

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 32 °F (0 °C)
  • Game attendance: 78,095
  • Referee: Johnny Grier (23)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NYG – Cary Blanchard 24-yard field goal, 5:14. Giants 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 8:35.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 11:59. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:48.
  • NYG – Cary Blanchard 43-yard field goal, 7:50. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 4:09.
  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 0:27. Vikings 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:42.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 27-yard pass from Randy Moss (Gary Anderson kick), 4:29. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:08.
  • NYG – Cary Blanchard 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 21–9. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:29.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Moe Williams 85-yard kickoff return (Gary Anderson kick), 14:44. Vikings 28–9. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:16.
  • NYG – Pete Mitchell 1-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Kerry Collins run), 7:45. Vikings 28–17. Drive: 16 plays, 69 yards, 6:59.
  • MIN – Robert Smith 70-yard run (pass failed), 7:23. Vikings 34–9. Drive: 1 play, 70 yards, 0:22.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 16 rushes, 146 yards, TD
  • NYG – Joe Montgomery – 19 rushes, 55 yards

Top receivers

Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 17: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 7 3 0717
Vikings 7 10 0724

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,103
  • Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:12. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 1:30.
  • DET – Johnnie Morton 6-yard pass from Charlie Batch (Jason Hanson kick), 0:55. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 8:17.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 12:53. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 3:02.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 39-yard field goal, 7:12. Tied 10–10. Drive: 12 plays, 39 yards, 5:41.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 67-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 5:44. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 3 plays, 86 yards, 1:28.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 3-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 4:56. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 6:05.
  • DET – Johnnie Morton 36-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Jason Hanson kick), 2:16. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 2:40.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • DET – Cory Schlesinger – 3 rushes, 10 yards
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 22 rushes, 97 yards, TD

Top receivers

Standings

NFC Central
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W L T PCT PF PA STK
(2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11 5 0 .688 270 235 W2
(4) Minnesota Vikings 10 6 0 .625 399 335 W3
(6) Detroit Lions 8 8 0 .500 322 323 L4
Green Bay Packers 8 8 0 .500 357 341 W1
Chicago Bears 6 10 0 .375 272 341 L2

Postseason

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Venue Attendance
Wild Card January 9 Dallas Cowboys W 27–10 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,056
Division January 16 at St. Louis Rams L 37–49 Trans World Dome 66,194

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Round: vs (#5) Dallas Cowboys

NFC Wild Card Round: (#5) Dallas Cowboys at (#4) Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 10 0 0010
Vikings 3 14 3727

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: January 9
  • Game time: 11:35 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,056
  • Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • DAL – Eddie Murray 18-yard field goal, 11:09. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:51.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 47-yard field goal, 7:59. Tied 3–3. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:59.
  • DAL – Emmitt Smith 5-yard run (Eddie Murray kick), 5:00. Cowboys 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:59.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Robert Smith 26-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 9:21. Tied 10–10. Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 2:23.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 58-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 0:28. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 1:58.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 38-yard field goal, 3:10. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:01.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 5-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 12:40. Vikings 27–10. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:49.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • DAL – Emmitt Smith – 15 rushes, 99 yards, TD
  • MIN – Robert Smith – 28 rushes, 140 yards

Top receivers

NFC Divisional Round: vs (#1) St. Louis Rams

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (#4) Minnesota Vikings at (#1) St. Louis Rams – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 14 02037
Rams 14 0 211449

at Trans World Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: January 16
  • Game time: 11:35 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,194
  • Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 31-yard field goal, 9:23. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:37.
  • STL – Isaac Bruce 77-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:02. Rams 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 77 yards, 0:21.
  • STL – Marshall Faulk 41-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:19. Rams 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 1:55.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 22-yard pass from Jeff George (Gary Anderson kick), 9:53. Rams 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 96 yards, 3:42.
  • MIN – Leroy Hoard 4-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:40. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:43.

Third quarter

  • STL – Tony Horne 95-yard kickoff return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 14:42. Rams 21–17. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:18.
  • STL – Marshall Faulk 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:28. Rams 28–17. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:59.
  • STL – Jeff Robinson 13-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 0:22. Rams 35–17. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:23.

Fourth quarter

  • STL – Ryan Tucker 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:36. Rams 42–17. Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 1:33.
  • STL – Roland Williams 2-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:13. Rams 49–17. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 4:01.
  • MIN – Jake Reed 4-yard pass from Jeff George (Leroy Hoard run), 4:56. Rams 49–25. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:17.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 44-yard pass from Jeff George (pass failed), 3:48. Rams 49–31. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 1:08.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 2-yard pass from Jeff George (pass failed), 0:31. Rams 49–37. Drive: 16 plays, 85 yards, 2:09.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Robert Smith – 20 rushes, 64 yards
  • STL – Marshall Faulk – 11 rushes, 21 yards, TD

Top receivers

Statistics

Team leaders

Category Player(s) Value
Passing yards Jeff George 2,816
Passing touchdowns Jeff George 23
Rushing yards Robert Smith 1,015
Rushing touchdowns Leroy Hoard 10
Receiving yards Randy Moss 1,413
Receiving touchdowns Cris Carter 13
Points Gary Anderson 103
Kickoff return yards Robert Tate 627
Punt return yards Randy Moss 162
Tackles Robert Griffith 128
Sacks John Randle 10
Interceptions Robert Griffith 3
Forced fumbles John Randle 4

League rankings

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 31)
Passing offense 3,989 249.3 5th
Rushing offense 1,804 112.8 14th
Total offense 5,793 362.1 3rd
Passing defense 3,980 248.8 30th
Rushing defense 1,617 101.1 14th
Total defense 5,597 349.8 27th

References

  1. ^ 2009 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide. p. 251. Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
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