2004 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2004 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 44th in the National Football League. The Vikings finished the 2004 season going 3–7 over the final 10 weeks, just like they did in 2003; however, they made the playoffs with an overall 8–8 record. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper amassed MVP-level statistics, throwing for 4,717 passing yards (leading the NFL), 39 passing touchdowns (a franchise record) and 5,123 total yards (an NFL record).

2004 Minnesota Vikings season
Owner	Red McCombs
General manager	Rob Brzezinski
Head coach	Mike Tice
Home stadium	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record	8–8
Division place	2nd NFC North
Playoffs	Won Wild Card Playoffs (at Packers) 31–17 Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Eagles) 14–27
Pro Bowlers	QB Daunte Culpepper C Matt Birk
All-Pros	DT Kevin Williams
Uniform
← 2003 Vikings seasons 2005 →

In the wildcard round of the playoffs, the Vikings defeated their rival Green Bay Packers 31–17 in their first ever playoff meeting, making them the second team in NFL history to have a .500 record (8–8) in the regular season and win a playoff game (following the St. Louis Rams, who had beaten the Seattle Seahawks the previous day). In the divisional round, the Vikings were defeated 27–14 by the eventual NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles and did not return to the playoffs for four years.

Following the season, Randy Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders; he returned briefly to the Vikings in 2010.

Offseason

2004 draft

Main article: 2004 NFL draft

2004 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order		Player name	Position	College	Notes
Round	Overall
1	19	Traded to the Miami Dolphins[A]
	20	Kenechi Udeze	Defensive end	USC	From Dolphins[A]
2	48	Dontarrious Thomas	Linebacker	Auburn	From Saints[B]
	50	Traded to the New Orleans Saints[B]
3	82	Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[C]
	88	Darrion Scott	Defensive end	Ohio State	From Ravens[C]
4	115	Nat Dorsey	Offensive tackle	Georgia Tech
	119	Mewelde Moore	Running back	Tulane	From Dolphins[A]
5	151	Traded to the New Orleans Saints[B]
	155	Rod Davis	Linebacker	Southern Miss	From Ravens[C]
6	184	Deandre Eiland	Strong safety	South Carolina
7	220	Jeff Dugan	Tight end	Maryland

Notes:

1. The Vikings traded their first-round selection (19th overall) to the Dolphins in exchange for a first- and fourth-round selections (20th and 119th overall).
2. The Vikings traded their second- and fifth-round selections (50th and 151st overall) to the Saints in exchange for a second-round selection (48th overall).
3. The Vikings traded their third-round selection (82nd overall) to the Ravens in exchange for a third- and fifth-round selections (88th and 155th overall).

Staff

2004 Minnesota Vikings staff

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

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator/linebackers – Ted Cottrell Defensive line – Brian Baker Secondary – Chuck Knox Jr. Assistant secondary – Kevin Ross Defensive assistant/assistant linebackers – Pete Bercich Defensive quality control – Jim Panagos Special teams coaches Special teams – Rusty Tillman Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Kurtis Shultz Assistant strength and conditioning – Mark Ellis

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Final roster

2004 Minnesota Vikings roster

Quarterbacks (QB) 11 Daunte Culpepper 12 Gus Frerotte 13 Shaun Hill Running backs (RB) 23 Michael Bennett 30 Mewelde Moore 29 Larry Ned 32 Onterrio Smith 20 Moe Williams Wide receivers (WR) 81 Nate Burleson PR 16 Kelly Campbell KR 84 Randy Moss 87 Marcus Robinson Tight ends (TE) 44 Sean Berton 83 Jeff Dugan 49 Richard Owens 85 Jermaine Wiggins

Offensive linemen (OL) 78 Matt Birk C 63 Bill Conaty C 71 David Dixon G 65 Nat Dorsey T 73 Adam Goldberg T 72 Adam Haayer T 64 Anthony Herrera G 76 Chris Liwienski G 74 Bryant McKinnie T 60 Cory Withrow C Defensive linemen (DL) 99 Chris Hovan DT 97 Spencer Johnson DT 51 Lance Johnstone DE 90 Steve Martin DT 79 Kenny Mixon DE 98 Darrion Scott DE 95 Kenechi Udeze DE 93 Kevin Williams DT

Linebackers (LB) 55 Chris Claiborne OLB 50 Rod Davis OLB 56 E. J. Henderson MLB 59 Mike Nattiel OLB 52 Keith Newman OLB 54 Dontarrious Thomas MLB Defensive backs (DB) 33 Ralph Brown CB 21 Corey Chavous SS 31 Rushen Jones CB 38 Rhett Nelson CB 24 Willie Offord SS 27 Brian Russell FS 25 Terrance Shaw CB 29 Brian Williams CB 26 Antoine Winfield CB Special teams (ST)  7 Morten Andersen K  2 Darren Bennett P  1 José Cortez K 46 Cullen Loeffler LS

Practice squad -- Skyler Fulton WR 18 Ryan Hoag WR -- Aaron Hosack WR -- Will Hunter S 17 Ben Nelson WR -- Brandon Newton C -- Shannon Snell G 34 Butchie Wallace RB Reserve 86 Richard Angulo TE (IR) 89 Kenny Clark WR (IR)  8 Aaron Elling K (IR) 15 Blake Elliott WR (IR) 82 Keenan Howry WR (IR) 22 Ken Irvin CB (IR) 40 Jim Kleinsasser TE (IR) 75 Mike Rosenthal T (IR) 57 Raonall Smith LB (IR) 91 Grant Wiley LB (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 10 reserve, 8 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	August 14	Arizona Cardinals	W 23–6	1–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,658	Recap
2	August 20	at Atlanta Falcons	L 24–27	1–1	Georgia Dome	70,623	Recap
3	August 27	San Francisco 49ers	W 23–10	2–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	63,960	Recap
4	September 2	at Seattle Seahawks	L 21–23	2–2	Qwest Field	50,198	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	3	0	3	0	6
Vikings	0	13	7	3	23

Game information

First quarter ARI – Neil Rackers 46-yard field goal, 3:58. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 4:16. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 48-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 13:24. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 79 yards, 1:24. MIN – Aaron Elling 30-yard field goal, 8:45. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 2:55. MIN – Aaron Elling 36-yard field goal, 1:57. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:40. Third quarter ARI – Neil Rackers 33-yard field goal, 2:27. Vikings 13–6. Drive: 10 plays, 30 yards, 4:49. MIN – Mewelde Moore 39-yard run (Dan Orner kick), 0:51. Vikings 20–6. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 1:36. Fourth quarter MIN – Dan Orner 46-yard field goal, 6:36. Vikings 23–6. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:49. Top passers ARI – John Navarre – 6/7, 76 yards MIN – Gus Frerotte – 9/18, 136 yards, INT Top rushers ARI – Larry Croom – 8 rushes, 37 yards MIN – Mewelde Moore – 3 rushes, 52 yards, TD Top receivers ARI – Fabian Davis – 1 reception, 32 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 3 receptions, 61 yards, TD

Week 1: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 14
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,658
• Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	14	3	7	0	24
Falcons	0	13	7	7	27

Game information

First quarter MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 13:07. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:53. MIN – Randy Moss 67-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 7:19. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 94 yards, 3:08. Second quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 47-yard field goal, 12:49. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, −2 yards, 1:02. ATL – Jay Feely 28-yard field goal, 8:16. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:33. ATL – Michael Jenkins 47-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Jay Feely kick), 7:21. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 2 plays, 58 yards, 0:55. ATL – Jay Feely 34-yard field goal, 0:32. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 5:08. Third quarter MIN – Kelly Campbell 83-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 12:38. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 2:22. ATL – Stanley Pritchett 1-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Damon Duval kick), 5:57. Vikings 24–20. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:41. Fourth quarter ATL – Jimmy Farris 1-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Damon Duval kick), 6:47. Falcons 27–24. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:32. Top passers MIN – Gus Frerotte – 6/8, 126 yards, TD ATL – Matt Schaub – 16/19, 205 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Mewelde Moore – 7 rushes, 38 yards ATL – Warrick Dunn – 8 rushes, 72 yards Top receivers MIN – Kelly Campbell – 3 receptions, 100 yards, TD ATL – Michael Jenkins – 2 receptions, 63 yards, TD

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: August 20
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,623
• Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 3: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	0	7	3	10
Vikings	13	3	0	7	23

Game information

First quarter MIN – Nate Burleson 17-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 13:00. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 2:00. MIN – Kelly Campbell 26-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (kick failed, wide left), 8:38. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 3:11. Second quarter MIN – Aaron Elling 35-yard field goal, 10:24. Vikings 16–0. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:29. Third quarter SF – Jamal Robertson 6-yard run (Todd Peterson kick), 10:00. Vikings 16–7. Drive: 2 plays, 46 yards, 0:34. Fourth quarter SF – Kirk Yliniemi 44-yard field goal, 11:39. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 6:26. MIN – Larry Ned 24-yard run (Dan Orner kick), 3:38. Vikings 23–10. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:00. Top passers SF – Tim Rattay – 7/10, 51 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 20/27, 204 yards, 2 TD Top rushers SF – Jamal Robertson – 5 rushes, 53 yards, TD MIN – Michael Bennett – 3 rushes, 52 yards, TD Top receivers SF – Maurice Hicks – 2 receptions, 30 yards MIN – Nate Burleson – 5 receptions, 89 yards, TD

Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 27
• Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 63,960
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	0	14	0	21
Seahawks	0	14	3	6	23

Game information

First quarter MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 22-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Brett Conway kick), 5:49. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:41. Second quarter SEA – Jason Willis 5-yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Josh Brown kick), 2:42. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:16. SEA – Antoine Burns 7-yard pass from Trent Dilfer (Josh Brown kick), 1:15. Seahawks 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 84 yards, 0:25. Third quarter SEA – Josh Brown 39-yard field goal, 10:36. Seahawks 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 3:10. MIN – Larry Ned 1-yard run (Brett Conway kick), 4:24. Seahawks 17–14. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 6:12. MIN – Larry Ned 10-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Brett Conway kick), 0:26. Vikings 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:59. Fourth quarter SEA – Josh Brown 41-yard field goal, 5:21. Vikings 21–20. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 4:24. SEA – Josh Brown 28-yard field goal, 0:00. Seahawks 23–21. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 2:57. Top passers MIN – Shaun Hill – 14/18, 137 yards, TD SEA – Trent Dilfer – 17/20, 211 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Larry Ned – 15 rushes, 55 yards, TD SEA – Maurice Morris – 10 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers MIN – Mewelde Moore – 2 receptions, 56 yards SEA – Antoine Burns – 5 receptions, 96 yards, TD

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: September 2
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT/8:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly sunny, 66 °F (19 °C)
• Game attendance: 50,198
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• Recap, Game Book

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
1	September 12	Dallas Cowboys	W 35–17	1–0	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,105	Recap
2	September 20	at Philadelphia Eagles	L 16–27	1–1	Lincoln Financial Field	67,676	Recap
3	September 26	Chicago Bears	W 27–22	2–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,163	Recap
4	Bye
5	October 10	at Houston Texans	W 34–28 (OT)	3–1	Reliant Stadium	70,718	Recap
6	October 17	at New Orleans Saints	W 38–31	4–1	Louisiana Superdome	64,900	Recap
7	October 24	Tennessee Titans	W 20–3	5–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,108	Recap
8	October 31	New York Giants	L 13–34	5–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,012	Recap
9	November 8	at Indianapolis Colts	L 28–31	5–3	RCA Dome	57,307	Recap
10	November 14	at Green Bay Packers	L 31–34	5–4	Lambeau Field	70,671	Recap
11	November 21	Detroit Lions	W 22–19	6–4	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,156	Recap
12	November 28	Jacksonville Jaguars	W 27–16	7–4	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,004	Recap
13	December 5	at Chicago Bears	L 14–24	7–5	Soldier Field	62,051	Recap
14	December 12	Seattle Seahawks	L 23–27	7–6	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,110	Recap
15	December 19	at Detroit Lions	W 28–27	8–6	Ford Field	62,337	Recap
16	December 24	Green Bay Packers	L 31–34	8–7	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	64,311	Recap
17	January 2	at Washington Redskins	L 18–21	8–8	FedExField	76,876	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	3	7	7	0	17
Vikings	0	14	14	7	35

Game information

First quarter DAL – Billy Cundiff 27-yard field goal, 11:02. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:58. Second quarter MIN – Onterrio Smith 63-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 11:26. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 72 yards, 1:32. MIN – Marcus Robinson 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 0:30. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 15 plays, 85 yards, 9:03. DAL – Terry Glenn 32-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Billy Cundiff kick), 0:05. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 0:25. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 12:25. Vikings 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:35. DAL – ReShard Lee 7-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), 10:36. Vikings 21–17. Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards, 1:49. MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 6:01. Vikings 28–17. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:35. Fourth quarter MIN – Kelly Campbell 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 6:56. Vikings 35–17. Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 2:39. Top passers DAL – Vinny Testaverde – 29/50, 355 yards, TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 17/23, 242 yards, 5 TD Top rushers DAL – ReShard Lee – 5 rushes, 35 yards, TD MIN – Onterrio Smith – 15 rushes, 76 yards Top receivers DAL – Antonio Bryant – 8 receptions, 112 yards MIN – Onterrio Smith – 1 reception, 63 yards, TD

Week 1: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 12
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,105
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• Recap, Game Book

The Vikings kicked off the season hosting the Bill Parcells coached Dallas Cowboys. After an opening quarter that only saw the Cowboys recording a field goal, Daunte Culpepper caught fire, throwing two-second quarter touchdowns to Onterrio Smith and Marcus Robinson. Vinny Testaverde responded down 14–3, finding Terry Glenn for a 32-yard touchdown as the half expired. Randy Moss found his groove in the third quarter, finding himself on the receiving end of two Daunte Culpepper touchdowns. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys drove into the red zone down 28–17, but Antoine Winfield forced and recovered a Richie Anderson fumble, which led to Daunte Culpepper's fifth touchdown pass, via a 43-yard pass to Kelly Campbell. Onterrio Smith helped ice the game away, finishing with 76 yards rushing, giving him 139 yards from scrimmage. The Vikings defense did show some holes in the win, allowing 41-year-old Vinny Testaverde to pass for 355 yards, while also allowing 71 yards rushing on the day.

Week 2: at Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	3	3	7	16
Eagles	7	3	7	10	27

Game information

First quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 42-yard field goal, 11:20. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:40. PHI – L. J. Smith 11-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 5:43. Eagles 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 5:37. Second quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 19-yard field goal, 12:06. Eagles 7–6. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 8:37. PHI – David Akers 37-yard field goal, 6:36. Eagles 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 5:30. Third quarter PHI – Donovan McNabb 20-yard run (David Akers kick), 11:22. Eagles 17–6. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 3:38. MIN – Morten Andersen 39-yard field goal, 4:37. Eagles 17–9. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 6:45. Fourth quarter PHI – Terrell Owens 45-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 7:40. Eagles 24–9. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 1:34. MIN – Randy Moss 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 3:32. Eagles 24–16. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:08. PHI – David Akers 47-yard field goal, 1:11. Eagles 27–16. Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 2:21. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 37/47, 343 yards, TD, INT PHI – Donovan McNabb – 19/28, 245 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 8 rushes, 41 yards PHI – Brian Westbrook – 12 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 8 receptions, 69 yards, TD PHI – Terrell Owens – 4 receptions, 79 yards, TD

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: September 20
• Game time: 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Clear, 61 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 67,676
• Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
• Recap, Game Book

The Vikings traveled to Philadelphia for a Monday night showdown with the NFC favorite Eagles. The Vikings started the game with a Morten Andersen field goal. The Eagles then responded with a strong drive by Brian Westbrook, resulting in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Donovan McNabb to L. J. Smith. The remaining second half resulted in a series of frustrations for the Vikings, twice having a 1st-and-goal within the 2-yard line, only to result in a field goal and a Culpepper fumble. In the second half, the Eagles scored on their opening possession, capped off with a 20-yard touchdown run by Donovan McNabb. Morten Andersen then missed a field goal with the Vikings down 17–9, which the Eagles responded to with a 45-yard touchdown reception by Terrell Owens three plays later. The Vikings finally found the end zone with three minutes remaining on a 4-yard Randy Moss reception to bring the Vikings within 8, only to be countered by a David Akers field goal with 1:15 remaining, putting the game away. The Vikings defense put together a second-straight poor effort, allowing 353 yards of offense. Daunte Culpepper continued his strong start in the loss, throwing for 348 yards, while also being the Vikings leading rusher, finishing with 41 yards.

Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	3	3	0	16	22
Vikings	0	10	7	10	27

Game information

First quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 34-yard field goal, 8:08. Bears 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 6:52. Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 23-yard field goal, 13:41. Bears 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:19. MIN – Randy Moss 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 8:57. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:44. MIN – Morten Andersen 42-yard field goal, 5:09. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:23. Third quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 10:58. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 4:02. Fourth quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 32-yard field goal, 14:46. Vikings 17–9. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:14. MIN – Morten Andersen 24-yard field goal, 11:20. Vikings 20–9. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:26. CHI – Thomas Jones 1-yard run (pass failed), 6:20. Vikings 20–15. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 5:00. MIN – Randy Moss 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 5:39. Vikings 27–15. Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 0:41. CHI – Rex Grossman 6-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 2:00. Vikings 27–22. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:39. Top passers CHI – Rex Grossman – 21/31, 248 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/30, 360 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CHI – Thomas Jones – 22 rushes, 110 yards, TD MIN – Onterrio Smith – 17 rushes, 94 yards Top receivers CHI – Bobby Wade – 4 receptions, 71 yards MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 119 yards

Week 3: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: September 26
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,163
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• Recap, Game Book

The Vikings returned home in week 3 to face the 1–1 Bears. The Bears scored a field goal on the opening drive, with the game devolving to a slop fest over the next quarter. The Vikings missed a field goal, responded with Lance Johnstone forcing a Rex Grossman fumble, only for Onterrio Smith to fumble on the following play. After falling behind 6–0, the Vikings finally found offensive success, with Culpepper finding Kelly Campbell for 40 yards, followed several plays later with a 3-yard Randy Moss touchdown. The Vikings extended their lead following a long third quarter drive, culminating with a 1-yard Culpepper touchdown run, giving the Vikings a 17–6 lead. After trading field goals, the Bears cut the lead to 20–16 on a Thomas Jones touchdown run. The Vikings again responded, with Culpepper throwing a 63-yard pass to Nate Burleson, setting up a 2-yard touchdown connection to Randy Moss. Rex Grossman led the Bears in their comeback attempt, as he dove for the pylon, and appeared to fumble out of the back of the end zone. A Lovie Smith challenge showed Grossman crossed the plane prior to fumbling, but Grossman tore his ACL on the play, ending his 2004 season. The Bears got the ball with 1:16 left trailing 27–22, but backup quarterback Jonathan Quinn threw three consecutive incompletions, and then be sacked on fourth down by Kevin Williams, sealing the victory for the Vikings. Daunte Culpepper continued to have stellar numbers, throwing for 360 yards, with Randy Moss having 119 yards receiving, and Onterrio Smith having 104 yards receiving, and 94 yards rushing. The defense continued to act as a sieve, with Grossman throwing for 248 yards, and running back Thomas Jones rushing for 110 yards, and adding 71 yards receiving.

Week 5: at Houston Texans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Vikings	0	14	7	7	6	34
Texans	0	0	7	21	0	28

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 14:11. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:40. MIN – Nate Burleson 5-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 0:36. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 2:23. Third quarter MIN – Marcus Robinson 10-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 11:50. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 0:46. HOU – Andre Johnson 2-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 6:52. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 94 yards, 4:58. Fourth quarter HOU – Domanick Davis 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 11:31. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:11. MIN – Randy Moss 50-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 6:49. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 3 plays, 59 yards, 0:59. HOU – Derick Armstrong 11-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 3:11. Vikings 28–21. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 3:38. HOU – Andre Johnson 22-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 1:53. Tied 28–28. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 0:28. Overtime MIN – Marcus Robinson 50-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper, 7:05. Vikings 34–28. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:30. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 36/50, 396 yards, 5 TD HOU – David Carr – 27/42, 372 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Mewelde Moore – 20 rushes, 92 yards HOU – Domanick Davis – 14 rushes, 31 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Marcus Robinson – 9 receptions, 150 yards, 2 TD HOU – Andre Johnson – 12 receptions, 170 yards, 2 TD

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

• Date: October 10
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 70,718
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• Recap, Game Book

The Vikings came out of their bye week to face the 2–2 Houston Texans for the first time in franchise history. The Vikings defense appeared fresh, shutting down David Carr and the Texans in the first half, while Daunte Culpepper and the Vikings offense continued humming, with Culpepper finding Nate Burleson and Randy Moss for second quarter touchdowns, giving the Vikings a 14–0 halftime advantage. The Vikings defense continued strongly in the second half, forcing a three-and-out, which the Vikings followed with three Culpepper completions, capped off with a 10-yard Burleson touchdown. David Carr found some success, leading the Texans on two long scoring drives, resulting in touchdowns by Andre Johnson and Dominack Williams. The Vikings seemingly put the game out of reach on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Culpepper to Randy Moss with 6:58 remaining. David Carr continued his career best game, leading two long drives, capping them off with touchdown passes to Derrick Armstrong and David Carr, sandwiching a Vikings three-and-out, forcing overtime. In overtime, the Vikings won the toss, and the teams traded punts. On the Vikings second possession of overtime, Culpepper found Marcus Robinson on a post on 3rd-and-12 from the 50, earning the walk-off win for the Vikings. Culpepper finished with 396 yards passing and five touchdowns, with Mewelde Moore adding 92 yards rushing and 90 yards receiving. The defense ended up allowing David Carr to pass for 372 yards and three touchdowns, with Andre Johnson burning the Vikings for 170 yards receiving on 12 catches. The win did bring the Vikings record to 3–1.

Week 6: at New Orleans Saints

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	14	10	7	38
Saints	0	14	7	10	31

Game information

First quarter MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 7:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:42. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 14:03. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 1:03. NO – Deuce McAllister 2-yard run (John Carney kick), 6:29. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 1:19. MIN – Marcus Robinson 16-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 1:53. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:31. NO – Joe Horn 7-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick), 0:21. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:32. Third quarter MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 9-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 10:48. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 2:39. NO – Deuce McAllister 1-yard run (John Carney kick), 6:13. Vikings 28–21. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 4:35. MIN – Morten Andersen 39-yard field goal, 2:26. Vikings 31–21. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:47. Fourth quarter NO – John Carney 45-yard field goal, 13:08. Vikings 31–24. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:18. MIN – Marcus Robinson 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 7:04. Vikings 38–24. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:04. NO – Aaron Brooks 5-yard run (John Carney kick), 2:51. Vikigns 38–31. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 4:13. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 26/37, 425 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT NO – Aaron Brooks – 22/38, 249 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Mewelde Moore – 15 rushes, 109 yards NO – Deuce McAllister – 18 rushes, 78 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIN – Nate Burleson – 6 receptions, 134 yards NO – Jerome Pathon – 4 receptions, 92 yards

Week 6: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: October 17
• Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 76 °F (24 °C)
• Game attendance: 64,900
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 7: vs. Tennessee Titans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Titans	3	0	0	0	3
Vikings	3	14	0	3	20

Game information

First quarter TEN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 8:19. Titans 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 4:38. MIN – Morten Andersen 29-yard field goal, 0:38. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 7:41. Second quarter MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 11:34. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 3:09. MIN – Marcus Robinson 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 0:23. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:50. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 29-yard field goal, 10:17. Vikings 20–3. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:35. Top passers TEN – Billy Volek – 17/36, 190 yards, 3 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/30, 183 yards, TD Top rushers TEN – Chris Brown – 14 rushes, 55 yards MIN – Mewelde Moore – 20 rushes, 138 yards Top receivers TEN – Derrick Mason – 8 receptions, 85 yards MIN – Nate Burleson – 6 receptions, 53 yards

Week 7: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 24
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,108
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• Recap, Game Book

The Vikings returned home to host the 2–4 Titans. After a Darren Bennett punt, Steve McNair led the Titans down the field, setting up a Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal. The Vikings immediately responded with an eight-minute drive of their own, resulting in a 29-yard Morten Andersen field goal. Steve McNair was injured on the ensuing drive, and was replaced by Billy Volek. Volek was overwhelmed by the Vikings defense, throwing three interceptions, and getting sacked twice. Moe Williams and Marcus Robinson scored on short touchdowns for the Vikings, and Mewelde Moore added 138 yards rushing to ice a defensive second half. The Vikings defense had their season best performance, holding the Titans to 243 yards in the victory, which improved their record to 4–1.

Week 8: vs. New York Giants

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	10	10	7	7	34
Vikings	0	0	0	13	13

Game information

First quarter NYG – Steve Christie 50-yard field goal, 11:16. Giants 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, −10 yards, 1:46. NYG – Tiki Barber 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 8:15. Giants 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 2:01. Second quarter NYG – Tiki Barber 5-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 13:20. Giants 17–0. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 1:55. NYG – Steve Christie 30-yard field goal, 0:05. Giants 20–0. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 4:01. Third quarter NYG – Mike Cloud 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 5:39. Giants 27–0. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:09. Fourth quarter NYG – Mike Cloud 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 12:08. Giants 34–0. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:42. MIN – Michael Bennett 10-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 9:01. Giants 34–7. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:07. MIN – Nate Burleson 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (pass failed), 2:44. Giants 34–13. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 2:15. Top passers NYG – Kurt Warner – 13/21, 144 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/41, 231 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers NYG – Tiki Barber – 24 rushes, 101 yards, 2 TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 5 rushes, 32 yards Top receivers NYG – Jeremy Shockey – 3 receptions, 60 yards MIN – Marcus Robinson – 4 receptions, 91 yards

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

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 31
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,012
• Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 9: at Indianapolis Colts

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	6	8	14	28
Colts	7	7	7	10	31

Game information

First quarter IND – Reggie Wayne 5-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:09. Colts 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:39. Second quarter IND – Marcus Pollard 10-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 14:54. Colts 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 6:31. MIN – Morten Andersen 42-yard field goal, 12:43. Colts 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 2:11. MIN – Morten Andersen 23-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 14–6. Drive: 13 plays, 87 yards, 5:16. Third quarter MIN – Nate Burleson 91-yard punt return (Daunte Culpepper run), 10:49. Tied 14–14. IND – Dallas Clark 4-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 2:07. Colts 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 3:13. Fourth quarter MIN – Nate Burleson 8-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 11:27. Tied 21–21. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:40. IND – Marcus Pollard 19-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 7:24. Colts 28–21. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 4:03. MIN – Onterrio Smith 24-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 2:54. Tied 28–28. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 4:30. IND – Mike Vanderjagt 35-yard field goal, 0:02. Colts 31–28. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 2:52. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 16/19, 169 yards, TD IND – Peyton Manning – 23/29, 268 yards, 4 TD Top rushers MIN – Onterrio Smith – 13 rushes, 80 yards, TD IND – Edgerrin James – 26 rushes, 123 yards Top receivers MIN – Jermaine Wiggins – 5 receptions, 63 yards IND – Marvin Harrison – 6 receptions, 81 yards

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: November 8
• Game time: 9:00 p.m. EST/8:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 57,307
• Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	3	7	14	31
Packers	7	17	0	10	34

Game information

First quarter GB – Javon Walker 50-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:08. Packers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:52. MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 6:25. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:43. Second quarter GB – Tony Fisher 2-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:09. Packers 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:39. MIN – Morten Andersen 21-yard field goal, 8:47. Packers 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:22. GB – Bubba Franks 17-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:27. Packers 21–10. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:20. GB – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 24–10. Drive: 14 plays, 63 yards, 4:32. Third quarter MIN – Nate Burleson 8-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 2:39. Packers 24–17. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 2:14. Fourth quarter GB – William Henderson 6-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:24. Packers 31–17. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 4:15. MIN – Onterrio Smith 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 2:53. Packers 31–24. Drive: 16 plays, 86 yards, 5:56. MIN – Moe Williams 17-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 1:20. Tied 31–31. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 0:58. GB – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 34–31. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:20. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 27/44, 363 yards, 4 TD GB – Brett Favre – 20/29, 236 yards, 4 TD Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 5 rushes, 21 yards MIN – Onterrio Smith – 5 rushes, 21 yards GB – Ahman Green – 21 rushes, 145 yards Top receivers MIN – Nate Burleson – 11 receptions, 141 yards, TD GB – Javon Walker – 3 receptions, 74 yards, TD

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: November 14
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
• Game attendance: 70,671
• Referee: Ron Winter (14)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	14	3	2	0	19
Vikings	7	0	0	15	22

Game information

First quarter DET – Eddie Drummond 92-yard kickoff return (Jason Hanson kick), 14:48. Lions 7–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12. MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 8-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 13:18. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:30. DET – Stephen Alexander 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 5:53. Lions 14–7. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 7:25. Second quarter DET – Jason Hanson 48-yard field goal, 3:33. Lions 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:27. Third quarter DET – Onterrio Smith tackled in the end zone by Cory Redding for a safety, 9:29. Lions 19–7. Fourth quarter MIN – Nate Burleson 6-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Nate Burleson pass), 14:17. Lions 19–15. Drive: 17 plays, 78 yards, 8:11. MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 5:27. Vikings 22–19. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 6:30. Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 12/19, 91 yards, TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 22/32, 233 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers DET – Kevin Jones – 19 rushes, 100 yards MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 11 rushes, 35 yards Top receivers DET – Stephen Alexander – 4 receptions, 27 yards MIN – Kelly Campbell – 1 reception, 61 yards

Week 11: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 21
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,156
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jaguars	0	13	0	3	16
Vikings	3	10	7	7	27

Game information

First quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 25-yard field goal, 6:32. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 3:56. Second quarter JAX – Brian Jones 26-yard pass from Byron Leftwich (Josh Scobee kick), 13:39. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:38. JAX – Josh Scobee 33-yard field goal, 11:23. Jaguars 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 2:03. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 6:15. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:08. JAX – Josh Scobee 32-yard field goal, 1:09. Jaguars 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:06. MIN – Morten Andersen 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 13–13. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 1:09. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 5:34. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 9:26. Fourth quarter JAX – Josh Scobee 42-yard field goal, 13:28. Vikings 20–16. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:56. MIN – Kevin Williams 77-yard fumble return (Morten Andersen kick), 1:59. Vikings 27–16. Top passers JAX – Byron Leftwich – 19/34, 235 yards, TD MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/27, 235 yards, TD, INT Top rushers JAX – Fred Taylor – 22 rushes, 147 yards MIN – Onterrio Smith – 20 rushes, 72 yards Top receivers JAX – Jimmy Smith – 4 receptions, 68 yards MIN – Jermaine Wiggins – 4 receptions, 55 yards

Week 12: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: November 28
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,004
• Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 13: at Chicago Bears

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	0	0	14
Bears	7	10	0	7	24

Game information

First quarter CHI – Desmond Clark 6-yard pass from Chad Hutchinson (Paul Edinger kick), 4:47. Bears 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:31. MIN – Nate Burleson 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 1:19. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:28. Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 53-yard field goal, 11:22. Bears 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 4:57. MIN – Marcus Robinson 40-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 2:23. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:33. CHI – David Terrell 15-yard pass from Chad Hutchinson (Paul Edinger kick), 0:22. Bears 17–14. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 2:01. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter CHI – Jason McKie 5-yard pass from Chad Hutchinson (Paul Edinger kick), 10:23. Bears 24–14. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:43. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 23/33, 279 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT CHI – Chad Hutchinson – 18/30, 213 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Onterrio Smith – 13 rushes, 79 yards CHI – Anthony Thomas – 15 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers MIN – Marcus Robinson – 6 receptions, 90 yards, TD CHI – Desmond Clark – 6 receptions, 58 yards, TD

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: December 5
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 45 °F (7 °C)
• Game attendance: 62,051
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	7	14	3	3	27
Vikings	10	10	3	0	23

Game information

First quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 48-yard field goal, 10:42. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 4:18. MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 3:42. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:23. SEA – Bobby Engram 35-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 1:12. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:30. Second quarter SEA – Shaun Alexander 12-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 12:13. Seahawks 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:29. MIN – Morten Andersen 32-yard field goal, 9:48. Seahawks 14–13. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:25. MIN – Randy Moss 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 5:06. Vikings 20–14. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:29. SEA – Darrell Jackson 19-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 3:05. Seahawks 21–20. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:01. Third quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 31-yard field goal, 11:58. Vikings 23–21. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:57. SEA – Josh Brown 33-yard field goal, 6:42. Seahawks 24–23. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:16. Fourth quarter SEA – Josh Brown 28-yard field goal, 3:40. Seahawks 27–23. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 2:49. Top passers SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 23/34, 334 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/33, 270 yards, TD Top rushers SEA – Shaun Alexander – 27 rushes, 112 yards MIN – Onterrio Smith – 14 rushes, 56 yards, TD Top receivers SEA – Darrell Jackson – 10 receptions, 135 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 4 receptions, 104 yards, TD

Week 14: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 12
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,110
• Referee: Bill Vinovich (52)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 15: at Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	0	0	14
Lions	7	10	0	7	24

Game information

First quarter DET – Jason Hanson 32-yard field goal, 8:34. Lions 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 6:26. MIN – Nate Burleson 36-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 1:58. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 6:36. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 82-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 9:53. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:11. DET – Kevin Jones 16-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 3:21. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 6:32. DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 0:30. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 1:26. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Nate Burleson 37-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 8:44. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:55. DET – Roy Williams 9-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Joey Harrington–Tai Streets pass), 6:11. Tied 21–21. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 2:33. MIN – Moe Williams 11-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 1:37. Vikings 28–21. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 4:34. DET – Roy Williams 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (kick aborted), 0:08. Vikings 28–27. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 1:29. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 25/35, 404 yards, 3 TD, INT DET – Joey Harrington – 25/44, 361 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 51 yards DET – Kevin Jones – 19 rushes, 79 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Nate Burleson – 5 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TD DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 4 receptions, 108 yards

Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: December 19
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,337
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	0	17	7	10	34
Vikings	0	21	0	10	31

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Randy Moss 12-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 14:49. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:43. GB – Ahman Green 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:37. Tied 7–7. Drive: 16 plays, 73 yards, 8:12. MIN – Nate Burleson 68-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 6:15. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 68 yards, 0:22. GB – Bubba Franks 22-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:17. Tied 14–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:58. MIN – Michael Bennett 38-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 0:58. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 1 play, 38 yards, 0:19. GB – Ryan Longwell 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 21–17. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:58. Third quarter GB – Javon Walker 9-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:41. Packers 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 89 yards, 4:18. Fourth quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 29-yard field goal, 14:57. Tied 24–24. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 7:44. MIN – Chris Claiborne 15-yard interception return (Morten Andersen kick), 8:18. Vikings 31–24. GB – Donald Driver 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:34. Tied 31–31. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:44. GB – Ryan Longwell 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 34–31. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 1:35. Top passers GB – Brett Favre – 30/43, 365 yards, 3 TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 16/23, 285 yards, 3 TD Top rushers GB – Ahman Green – 19 rushes, 64 yards, TD MIN – Michael Bennett – 17 rushes, 92 yards Top receivers GB – Donald Driver – 11 receptions, 162 yards, TD MIN – Nate Burleson – 2 receptions, 110 yards, TD

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

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 2:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,311
• Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
• Recap, Game Book

Week 17: at Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	3	7	8	18
Redskins	7	7	0	7	21

Game information

First quarter WAS – Chris Cooley 6-yard pass from Patrick Ramsey (Jeff Chandler kick), 10:41. Redskins 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:19. Second quarter MIN – Morten Andersen 23-yard field goal, 11:32. Redskins 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 7:32. WAS – Robert Royal 4-yard pass from Patrick Ramsey (Jeff Chandler kick), 1:17. Redskins 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:55. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 28-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 5:41. Redskins 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:49. Fourth quarter WAS – Ladell Betts 1-yard run (Jeff Chandler kick), 10:41. Redskins 21–10. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:30. MIN – Marcus Robinson 38-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Onterrio Smith pass), 0:02. Redskins 21–18. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 1:56. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 27/44, 299 yards, 2 TD WAS – Patrick Ramsey – 17/26, 216 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 2 rushes, 24 yards WAS – Ladell Betts – 26 rushes, 118 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 5 receptions, 66 yards, TD WAS – James Thrash – 5 receptions, 81 yards

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

• Date: January 2
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
• Game attendance: 76,876
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• Recap, Game Book

Standings

NFC North
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(3) Green Bay Packers	10	6	0	.625	5–1	9–3	424	380	W2
(6) Minnesota Vikings	8	8	0	.500	3–3	5–7	405	395	L2
Detroit Lions	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	296	350	L1
Chicago Bears	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	231	331	L4

NFC[2] view talk edit
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1	Philadelphia Eagles	East	13	3	0	.813	6–0	11–1	.453	.409	L2
2	Atlanta Falcons	South	11	5	0	.688	4–2	8–4	.420	.432	L2
3	Green Bay Packers	North	10	6	0	.625	5–1	9–3	.457	.419	W2
4	Seattle Seahawks	West	9	7	0	.563	3–3	8–4	.445	.368	W2
Wild cards
5[a]	St. Louis Rams	West	8	8	0	.500	5–1	7–5	.488	.438	W2
6[a][b]	Minnesota Vikings	North	8	8	0	.500	3–3	5–7	.480	.406	L2
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[a][b]	New Orleans Saints	South	8	8	0	.500	3–3	6–6	.465	.427	W4
8	Carolina Panthers	South	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	.496	.366	L1
9[c]	Detroit Lions	North	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	.496	.417	L2
10[c]	Arizona Cardinals	West	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	.461	.417	W1
11[c][d]	New York Giants	East	6	10	0	.375	3–3	5–7	.516	.417	W1
12[c][d][e]	Dallas Cowboys	East	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	.516	.375	L1
13[c][d][e]	Washington Redskins	East	6	10	0	.375	1–5	6–6	.477	.333	W1
14[f]	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	.477	.413	L4
15[f]	Chicago Bears	North	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	.465	.388	L4
16	San Francisco 49ers	West	2	14	0	.125	2–4	2–10	.488	.375	L3
Tiebreakers[g]
St. Louis clinched the NFC #5 seed instead of Minnesota or New Orleans based on better conference record (7–5 to Minnesota’s 5–7 to New Orleans’ 6–6). Minnesota clinched the NFC #6 seed instead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory. Detroit finished ahead of Arizona and New York Giants based upon head-to-head record (2–0 versus Arizona’s 1–1 and New York Giants’ 0–2). Division tiebreak was initially used to eliminate Dallas and Washington. New York Giants finished ahead of Dallas and Washington in the NFC East based on better head-to-head record (3–1 to Dallas‘ 2–2 to Washington’s 1–3). Dallas finished ahead of Washington in the NFC East based on head-to-head sweep. Tampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago based upon head-to-head victory. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Postseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	NFL.com recap
Wild Card	January 9	at Green Bay Packers	W 31–17	1–0	Lambeau Field	71,075	Recap
Division	January 16	at Philadelphia Eagles	L 14–27	1–1	Lincoln Financial Field	67,722	Recap

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Round: at Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	17	7	0	7	31
Packers	3	7	0	7	17

Game information

First quarter MIN – Moe Williams 68-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 13:20. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 76 yards, 1:40. MIN – Randy Moss 20-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 9:50. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:55. MIN – Morten Andersen 35-yard field goal, 6:06. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:38. GB – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 2:42. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 3:24. Second quarter GB – Bubba Franks 4-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:24. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 5:14. MIN – Nate Burleson 19-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 6:33. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 2 plays, 28 yards, 0:41. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter GB – Najeh Davenport 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:37. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:16. MIN – Randy Moss 34-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 10:18. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 3:19. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 19/29, 284 yards, 4 TD GB – Brett Favre – 22/32, 216 yards, TD, 4 INT Top rushers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7 rushes, 47 yards GB – Ahman Green – 20 rushes, 80 yards Top receivers MIN – Moe Williams – 2 reception, 72 yards, TD GB – Donald Driver – 7 receptions, 78 yards

NFC Wild Card Round: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: January 9
• Game time: 3:35 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 26 °F (−3 °C)
• Game attendance: 71,075
• Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
• Recap, Game Book

NFC Divisional Round: at Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	7	0	7	14
Eagles	7	14	0	6	27

Game information

First quarter PHI – Freddie Mitchell 2-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 6:18. Eagles 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:34. Second quarter PHI – Brian Westbrook 7-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 14:16. Eagles 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 92 yards, 3:57. MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 10:37. Eagles 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:39. PHI – Freddie Mitchell fumble recovery in the end zone (David Akers kick), 10:08. Eagles 21–7. Drive: 2 plays, 46 yards, 0:29. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter PHI – David Akers 21-yard field goal, 13:20. Eagles 24–7. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:24. PHI – David Akers 23-yard field goal, 6:39. Eagles 27–7. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:36. MIN – Marcus Robinson 32-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick), 1:59. Eagles 27–14. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:40. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 24/46, 316 yards, TD, 2 INT PHI – Donovan McNabb – 21/33, 286 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 8 rushes, 37 yards PHI – Brian Westbrook – 12 rushes, 70 yards Top receivers MIN – Marcus Robinson – 5 receptions, 119 yards, TD PHI – Freddie Mitchell – 5 receptions, 65 yards, TD

NFC Divisional Round: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: January 16
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 31 °F (−1 °C)
• Game attendance: 67,722
• Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
• Recap, Game Book

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Value
Passing yards	Daunte Culpepper	4,717 *
Passing touchdowns	Daunte Culpepper	39 *
Rushing yards	Onterrio Smith	544
Rushing touchdowns	Moe Williams	3
Receiving yards	Nate Burleson	1,006
Receiving touchdowns	Randy Moss	13
Points	Morten Andersen	99
Kickoff return yards	Kelly Campbell	760
Punt return yards	Nate Burleson	215
Tackles	E. J. Henderson	93
Sacks	Kevin Williams	11.5
Interceptions	Antoine Winfield	3
Forced fumbles	Lance Johnstone	5

• Vikings' single season record.

League rankings

Category	Total yards	Yards per game	NFL rank (out of 32)
Passing offense	4,516	282.2	2nd
Rushing offense	1,823	113.9	18th
Total offense	6,339	396.2	4th
Passing defense	3,896	243.5	29th
Rushing defense	2,006	125.4	21st
Total defense	5,902	368.9	28th