2001 Minnesota Vikings season

NFL team season

2001 Minnesota Vikings season
OwnerRed McCombs
General managerDennis Green
Head coachDennis Green (Weeks 1–16)
Mike Tice (Week 17)
Home fieldHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record5–11
Division place4th NFC Central
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
2
  • TE Byron Chamberlain (bench)
  • C Matt Birk
Uniform

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

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

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

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

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

Offseason

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

2001 Draft

Pro Bowler
2001 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order Player name Position College Notes
Round Selection
1 27 Michael Bennett Running back Wisconsin
2 57 Willie Howard Defensive end Stanford
3 69 Eric Kelly Cornerback Kentucky From Patriots[a]
86 Traded to the New England Patriots[a]
4 119 Traded to the New England Patriots[a]
130 Shawn Worthen Defensive tackle Texas Christian Compensatory pick[b]
131 Cedric James Wide receiver Texas Christian Compensatory pick[b]
5 157 Patrick Chukwurah Linebacker Wyoming
6 189 Carey Scott Cornerback Kentucky State
7 225 Brian Crawford Defensive tackle Western Oregon
^[a] The Vikings traded their third- and fourth-round selections (86th and 119th overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for New England's third-round selection (69th overall).
^[b] The Vikings were awarded two compensatory picks in the fourth round for the losses of Jeff Christy, Duane Clemons, Jeff George and Jimmy Hitchcock.

Undrafted free agents

2001 Undrafted Free Agents
Player Position College
Brian Russell Safety San Diego State
Mike Solwold Long snapper/Tight end Wisconsin

Staff

2001 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive coordinator – Sherman Lewis
  • Quarterbacks – Alex Wood
  • Running backs – Carl Hargrave
  • Wide receivers – Charlie Baggett
  • Tight ends – John Tice
  • Assistant offensive line/quality control – Dean Dalton
 Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Emmitt Thomas
  • Defensive line – Brian Baker
  • Inside linebackers – Richard Solomon
  • Outside linebackers – Chuck Knox Jr.
  • Defensive assistant – Trent Walters

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

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

[1]

Roster

2001 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 9 inactive, 5 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

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

Game summaries

Week 1: at New Orleans Saints

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 14 0728
Saints 7 0 7721

at Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 60-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 7:36. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:38.
  • NO – Willie Jackson 23-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick), 2:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 4:40.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 11-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:53. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 5:03.
  • MIN – Michael Bennett 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:39. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 0:45.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Michael Bennett 5-yard run (Andy Crosland kick), 12:53. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:57.
  • NO – Onomo Ojo 6-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Jon Hilbert kick), 8:43. Vikings 28–21. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:10.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 9 rushes, 79 yards, 2 TD
  • NO – James Fenderson – 4 rushes, 14 yards

Top receivers

Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 0 3010
Vikings 0 17 0724

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 5:10. Tied 7–7. Drive: 17 plays, 84 yards, 9:52.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 1:55. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 57 yards, 0:41.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 39-yard field goal, 0:05. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 11 yards, 0:44.

Third quarter

  • PIT – Kris Brown 42-yard field goal, 8:21. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:39.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Lamanzer Williams 21-yard fumble return (Andy Crosland kick), 0:35. Vikings 24–10.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • PIT – Amos Zereoué – 7 rushes, 40 yards
  • MIN – James Wofford – 7 rushes, 33 yards

Top receivers

Week 3: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Colts 10 0 8321
Vikings 0 14 7728

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • IND – Jerome Pathon 15-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 10:59. Colts 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 4:01.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 28-yard field goal, 2:09. Colts 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 3:47.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Michael Bennett 14-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:36. Colts 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 2:28.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 74-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:35. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 1 play, 74 yards, 0:14.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 54-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 13:04. Vikings 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:56.
  • IND – Jim Finn 45-yard pass from Mark Rypien (Brett Millican run), 8:06. Vikings 21–18. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 4:58.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 43-yard field goal, 14:50. Tied 21–21. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:21.
  • MIN – Nate Jacquet 76-yard punt return (Andy Crosland kick), 11:14. Viking 28–21.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • IND – Edgerrin James – 11 rushes, 44 yards
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 6 rushes, 33 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 4: at Miami Dolphins

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 10 3720
Dolphins 0 7 007

at Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida

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

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIA – Ray Lucas 1-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 14:09. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:28.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 6-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:00. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:09.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 2:04.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 43-yard field goal, 0:03. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 5 yards, 1:28.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Doug Chapman 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:29. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:23.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 4 rushes, 55 yards
  • MIA – Travis Minor – 8 rushes, 46 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Cris Carter – 1 reception, 35 yards
  • MIA – James McKnight – 2 receptions, 23 yards

Regular season

Schedule

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

Notes

  • Intradivision opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 1: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 3 7724
Vikings 0 0 13013

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CAR – John Kasay 23-yard field goal, 11:43. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:34.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:09. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 3:09.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 12-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (kick blocked), 6:05. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:03.
  • CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 16-yard pass from Chris Weinke (John Kasay kick), 2:53. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:12.

Fourth quarter

  • CAR – Chris Weinke 1-yard run (John Kasay kick), 9:52. Panthers 24–13. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:45.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • CAR – Nick Goings – 25 rushes, 86 yards
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 12 rushes, 57 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 2: at Chicago Bears

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 7010
Bears 0 0 31417

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 20-yard field goal, 6:05. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 3:32.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Andrew Jordan 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:34. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:26.
  • CHI – Paul Edinger 45-yard field goal, 6:15. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:19.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – Marty Booker 15-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 9:29. Tied 10–10. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:29.
  • CHI – Marcus Robinson 24-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 3:39. Bears 17–10. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:52.

Top passers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/36, 233 yards, TD
  • CHI – Jim Miller – 18/29, 204 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 56 yards
  • CHI – James Allen – 15 rushes, 45 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 81 yards
  • CHI – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 99 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 3 3716
Vikings 7 3 3720

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • TB – Martín Gramática 25-yard field goal, 7:39. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 4:14.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:44. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:55.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 2:55. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 18 plays, 74 yards, 10:33.
  • TB – Martín Gramática 25-yard field goal, 0:16. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:39.

Third quarter

  • TB – Martín Gramática 49-yard field goal, 6:57. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:50.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 29-yard field goal, 1:44. Vikings 13–9. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:13.

Fourth quarter

  • TB – Warrick Dunn 6-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 12:40. Buccaneers 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 8-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:03. Vikings 20–16. Drive: 11 plays, 96 yards, 5:18.

Top passers

  • TB – Brad Johnson – 20/34, 224 yards, INT
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 30/44, 322 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • TB – Warrick Dunn – 11 rushes, 65 yards, TD
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 51 yards

Top receivers

Week 4: at New Orleans Saints

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 8015
Saints 6 9 10328

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

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

First quarter

  • NO – John Carney 50-yard field goal, 10:27. Saints 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:36.
  • NO – John Carney 23-yard field goal, 4:56. Saints 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 3:55.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:19. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:16.

Second quarter

  • NO – Ricky Williams 1-yard run (run failed), 7:50. Saints 12–7. Drive: 15 plays, 74 yards, 7:29.
  • NO – John Carney 45-yard field goal, 4:29. Saints 15–7. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:06.

Third quarter

  • NO – John Carney 29-yard field goal, 10:01. Saints 18–7. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:59.
  • NO – Chris Oldham 38-yard fumble return (John Carney kick), 5:38. Saints 25–7.
  • MIN – Byron Chamberlain 19-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper run), 0:14. Saints 25–15. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:24.

Fourth quarter

  • NO – John Carney 33-yard field goal, 8:37. Saints 28–15. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 6:37.

Top passers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 23/34, 332 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • NO – Aaron Brooks – 15/30, 210 yards, INT

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 8 rushes, 24 yards
  • NO – Ricky Williams – 30 rushes, 136 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • MIN – Cris Carter – 4 receptions, 84 yards
  • NO – Willie Jackson – 6 receptions, 95 yards

Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 5: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 3 3 71326
Vikings 7 17 7031

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 8:29. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:31.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 19-yard field goal, 3:59. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:30.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Travis Prentice 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 14:46. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:13.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 41-yard field goal, 10:42. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 2:34.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 51-yard field goal, 7:23. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:19.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 33-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 0:25. Vikings 24–6. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 0:34.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 47-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:25. Vikings 31–6. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:12.
  • DET – James "Little Man" Stewart 15-yard pass from Charlie Batch (Jason Hanson kick), 5:40. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:45.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Germane Crowell 16-yard pass from Charlie Batch (pass failed), 14:20. Vikings 31–19. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:23.
  • DET – Johnnie Morton 20-yard pass from Charlie Batch (Jason Hanson kick), 6:18. Vikings 31–26. Drive: 12 plays, 93 yards, 4:01.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 6: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Packers 0 0 7613
Vikings 0 20 01535

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 8:18. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:47.
  • MIN – Kailee Wong 27-yard interception return (Gary Anderson kick), 7:56. Vikings 14–0.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 3:29. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:31.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 36-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 20–0. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 1:30.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 14-yard run (Daunte Culpepper–Jake Reed pass), 14:07. Vikings 28–7. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 6:33.
  • MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:47. Vikings 35–7. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 9:34.
  • GB – Charles Lee 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (pass failed), 0:45. Vikings 35–13. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:02.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • GB – Ahman Green – 11 rushes, 73 yards
  • MIN – Doug Chapman – 22 rushes, 90 yards

Top receivers

Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 8614
Buccaneers 7 21 13041

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • TB – Mike Alstott 6-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 9:00. Buccaneers 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:41.
  • TB – Aaron Stecker 35-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 3:34. Buccaneers 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 3:05.
  • TB – Dave Moore 5-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martín Gramática kick), 0:13. Buccaneers 28–0. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 2:00.

Third quarter

  • TB – Martín Gramática 44-yard field goal, 12:18. Buccaneers 31–0. Drive: 4 plays, −1 yard, 1:51.
  • TB – Martín Gramática 48-yard field goal, 10:05. Buccaneers 34–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:23.
  • MIN – Travis Prentice 1-yard run (Daunte Culpepper run), 6:28. Buccaneers 34–8. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 3:37.
  • TB – Mike Alstott 10-yard run (Martín Gramática kick), 2:18. Buccaneers 41–8. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 4:10.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 25-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (pass failed), 5:58. Buccaneers 41–14. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:22.

Top passers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 13/24, 150 yards, TD, INT
  • TB – Brad Johnson – 18/25, 214 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 9 rushes, 49 yards
  • TB – Mike Alstott – 28 rushes, 129 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 10 0717
Eagles 7 24 71048

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • PHI – Donovan McNabb 12-yard run (David Akers kick), 14:53. Eagles 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 5:53.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 43-yard field goal, 9:02. Eagles 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, −2 yards, 1:12.
  • PHI – David Akers 36-yard field goal, 6:10. Eagles 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 2:52.
  • PHI – James Thrash 17-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 4:28. Eagles 24–3. Drive: 2 plays, 18 yards, 0:42.
  • PHI – Correll Buckhalter 1-yard run (David Akers kick), 2:20. Eagles 31–3. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 1:51.
  • MIN – Cris Carter 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:02. Eagles 31–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 2:18.

Third quarter

  • PHI – Duce Staley 44-yard run (David Akers kick), 13:04. Eagles 38–10. Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 0:51.

Fourth quarter

  • PHI – David Akers 21-yard field goal, 12:30. Eagles 41–10. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:01.
  • PHI – Mike Bartrum 4-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 9:30. Eagles 48–10. Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 2:01.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:51. Eagles 48–17. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:39.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 6 rushes, 21 yards
  • PHI – Duce Staley – 17 rushes, 146 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 95 yards, TD
  • PHI – Duce Staley – 6 receptions, 85 yards

Week 10: vs. New York Giants

Week 10: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Giants 10 3 3016
Vikings 7 7 01428

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 28-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 12:31. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 76 yards, 2:29.
  • NYG – Morten Andersen 43-yard field goal, 6:46. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 5:45.
  • NYG – Tiki Barber 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 0:04. Giants 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:36.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 25-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 3:54. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:59.
  • NYG – Morten Andersen 36-yard field goal, 1:05. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:49.

Third quarter

  • NYG – Morten Andersen 51-yard field goal, 11:28. Giants 16–14. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:32.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Cris Carter 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 9:03. Vikings 21–16. Drive: 14 plays, 62 yards, 8:54.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 57-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 6:32. Vikings 28–16. Drive: 3 plays, 52 yards, 1:23.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • NYG – Tiki Barber – 8 rushes, 55 yards, TD
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 11 rushes, 33 yards

Top receivers

Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 11: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bears 0 10 0313
Vikings 0 0 336

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • CHI – Leon Johnson 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 9:43. Bears 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:14.
  • CHI – Paul Edinger 30-yard field goal, 0:44. Bears 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 0:54.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 7:52. Bears 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 5:13.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – Paul Edinger 43-yard field goal, 13:29. Bears 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 2:49.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 21-yard field goal, 3:17. Bears 13–6. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 6:37.

Top passers

  • CHI – Jim Miller – 10/21, 97 yards
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 26/46, 209 yards, INT

Top rushers

  • CHI – James Allen – 27 rushes, 107 yards
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 12 rushes, 75 yards

Top receivers

  • CHI – David Terrell – 2 receptions, 51 yards
  • MIN – Byron Chamberlain – 7 receptions, 56 yards

Week 12: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 01316
Steelers 0 7 14021

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 25-yard field goal, 1:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:16.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • PIT – Troy Edwards 12-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 7:04. Steelers 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:47.
  • PIT – Amos Zereoué 4-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 0:44. Steelers 21–3. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 6:06.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Michael Bennett 80-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 6:29. Steelers 21–10. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:15.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 12-yard pass from Todd Bouman (pass failed), 3:22. Steelers 21–16. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 0:57.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 34 yards
  • PIT – Jerome Bettis – 19 rushes, 81 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 13: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Titans 10 0 01424
Vikings 0 14 141442

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • TEN – Eddie George 13-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 8:06. Titans 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:54.
  • TEN – Joe Nedney 37-yard field goal, 1:10. Titans 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:52.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Byron Chamberlain 6-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 7:40. Titans 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:54.
  • MIN – Jake Reed 20-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 0:40. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:29.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Michael Bennett 31-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:36. Vikings 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 2:24.
  • MIN – Doug Chapman 38-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 10:29. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 1 play, 38 yards, 0:11.

Fourth quarter

  • TEN – Derrick Mason 15-yard pass from Steve McNair (Joe Nedney kick), 14:07. Vikings 28–17. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:50.
  • MIN – Michael Bennett 10-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 7:53. Vikings 35–17. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 6:14.
  • TEN – Frank Wycheck 9-yard pass from Steve McNair (Joe Nedney kick), 2:57. Vikings 35–24. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 3:22.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 73-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 2:35. Vikings 42–24. Drive: 2 plays, 72 yards, 0:22.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • TEN – Eddie George – 21 rushes, 96 yards, TD
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 113 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

Week 14: at Detroit Lions

Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 17024
Lions 14 6 0727

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

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

First quarter

  • DET – Todd Lyght 59-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 6:18. Lions 7–0.
  • MIN – Tyrone Carter 46-yard fumble return (Gary Anderson kick), 2:11. Tied 7–7.
  • DET – Mike McMahon 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 0:55. Lions 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:16.

Second quarter

  • DET – Jason Hanson 44-yard field goal, 9:06. Lions 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:30.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Lions 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 2:48.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 27-yard field goal, 12:23. Lions 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 2:37.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 66-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 7:12. Lions 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 90 yards, 2:42.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 13-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 1:51. Vikings 24–20. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:39.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Cory Schlesinger 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 10:36. Lions 27–24. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:15.

Top passers

  • MIN – Todd Bouman – 18/38, 243 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • DET – Mike McMahon – 15/28, 241 yards

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 15: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 15: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 10 6 71033
Vikings 0 3 003

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • JAX – Mike Hollis 39-yard field goal, 11:02. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:58.
  • JAX – Stacey Mack 3-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 8:42. Jaguars 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:46.

Second quarter

  • JAX – Mike Hollis 23-yard field goal, 11:15. Jaguars 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:29.
  • JAX – Mike Hollis 21-yard field goal, 4:54. Jaguars 16–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 3:56.
  • MIN – Gary Anderson 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 16–3. Drive: 15 plays, 62 yards, 4:54.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • JAX – Mike Hollis 21-yard field goal, 12:09. Jaguars 26–3. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:03.
  • JAX – Stacey Mack 2-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 2:12. Jaguars 33–3. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 7:07.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • JAX – Stacey Mack – 27 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 11 rushes, 17 yards

Top receivers

  • JAX – Jimmy Smith – 8 receptions, 122 yards
  • MIN – Cris Carter – 7 receptions, 88 yards

Week 16: at Green Bay Packers

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 3713
Packers 0 7 01724

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 8:16. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:47.
  • GB – Donald Driver 31-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:18. Packers 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 4:58.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 5:07. Packers 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:14.

Fourth quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 24-yard field goal, 11:57. Packers 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:55.
  • MIN – Byron Chamberlain 47-yard pass from Spergon Wynn (Gary Anderson kick), 10:03. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 1:54.
  • GB – Ahman Green 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:28. Packers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:35.
  • GB – Mike McKenzie 38-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:25. Packers 24–13.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 25 rushes, 104 yards
  • GB – Ahman Green – 16 rushes, 31 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 17: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 003
Ravens 0 9 3719

at PSINet Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Gary Anderson 26-yard field goal, 5:50. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:56.

Second quarter

  • BAL – Matt Stover 21-yard field goal, 14:57. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:53.
  • BAL – Matt Stover 20-yard field goal, 6:29. Ravens 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:47.
  • BAL – Matt Stover 38-yard field goal, 0:00. Ravens 9–3. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 0:58.

Third quarter

  • BAL – Matt Stover 20-yard field goal, 3:52. Ravens 12–3. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 5:22.

Fourth quarter

  • BAL – Jamie Sharper 8-yard fumble return (Matt Stover kick), 1:37. Ravens 19–3.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 52 yards
  • BAL – Terry Allen – 23 rushes, 133 yards

Top receivers

Standings

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

Statistics

Team leaders

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

League rankings

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

Notes

  1. ^ a b The Vikings were originally scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens during Week 2 of the original NFL schedule (September 17) at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore. However, due to the September 11 attacks, the game was rescheduled to Week 17.

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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