2003 Minnesota Vikings season

NFL team season

2003 Minnesota Vikings season
Head coachMike Tice
Home fieldHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record9–7
Division place2nd NFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
4
  • C Matt Birk
  • FS Corey Chavous
  • QB Daunte Culpepper
  • WR Randy Moss (injured)
AP All-Pros
2
  • C Matt Birk (2nd team)
  • WR Randy Moss (1st team)
Uniform

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

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

Offseason

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

2003 draft

Pro Bowler
2003 Minnesota Vikings draft
Draft order Player name Position College Notes
Round Overall
1 9 Kevin Williams Defensive tackle Oklahoma State in lieu of #7 (time expired)[a]
2 40 E. J. Henderson Linebacker Maryland
3 71 Nate Burleson Wide receiver Nevada
4 105 Onterrio Smith Running back Oregon
5 142 Traded to the Cleveland Browns[b]
6 180 Eddie Johnson Punter Idaho State
190 Mike Nattiel Linebacker Florida from Saints[c]
7 221 Keenan Howry Wide receiver Oregon
^[a] While attempting to agree a trade, the Vikings' time elapsed, allowing the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up and select QB Byron Leftwich. The Carolina Panthers were also able to select OT Jordan Gross before the Vikings ultimately selected DT Kevin Williams.[1]
^[b] The Vikings traded their fifth-round selection (142nd overall) to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Cleveland's 2002 seventh-round selection and defensive lineman Stalin Colinet.
^[c] The Vikings traded quarterback Todd Bouman to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for New Orleans' sixth-round selection (190th overall).

Staff

2003 Minnesota Vikings staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator/defensive line – George O'Leary
  • Linebackers – Brian Baker
  • Secondary – Chuck Knox Jr.
  • Assistant secondary – Kevin Ross
  • Defensive assistant/assistant defensive line – Pete Bercich
  • Defensive quality control – Jim Panagos

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

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

[2]

Roster

2003 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 33 John Avery RB/KR (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 42 Jack Brewer S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 48 Steve Farmer TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad

  • 89 Kenny Clark WR
  • 73 Adam Goldberg T
  • 72 Adam Haayer T
  • 35 Horace Willis CB
  • 50 Max Yates LB


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 3 inactive, 5 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

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

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 13 0316
Vikings 7 0 7014

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • JAX – Seth Marler 29-yard field goal, 4:19. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:10.
  • JAX – Ike Charlton 97-yard fumble return (James Tuthill kick), 0:52. Jaguars 10–7.
  • JAX – Danny Boyd 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 12 yards, 0:36.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • JAX – Seth Marler 43-yard field goal, 11:55. Jaguars 16–14. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:45.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • JAX – Jimmy Smith – 5 receptions, 70 yards
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 2 receptions, 25 yards

Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 3 0616
Chiefs 3 13 3726

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

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

First quarter

  • KC – Morten Andersen 38-yard field goal, 11:58. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 3:02.
  • MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Todd France kick), 8:15. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:46.

Second quarter

  • KC – Morten Andersen 21-yard field goal, 11:31. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 5:29.
  • KC – Marc Boerigter 59-yard pass from Trent Green (Morten Andersen kick), 8:38. Chiefs 13–7. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 0:34.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 48-yard field goal, 1:07. Chiefs 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 1:57.
  • KC – Morten Andersen 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 16–10. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 1:07.

Third quarter

  • KC – José Cortez 46-yard field goal, 2:27. Chiefs 19–10. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:07.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Dwayne Blakley 12-yard pass from Todd Collins (José Cortez kick), 10:48. Chiefs 26–10. Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:50.
  • MIN – Nate Burleson 1-yard pass from Shaun Hill (pass failed), 4:18. Chiefs 26–16. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:01.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Doug Chapman – 6 rushes, 34 yards
  • KC – Derrick Blaylock – 6 rushes, 48 yards

Top receivers

Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 7021
Raiders 0 3 306

at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 20-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 5:30.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:24. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:28.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 10:03. Vikings 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:38.
  • OAK – Joe O'Donnell 33-yard field goal, 0:15. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:12.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – John Avery – 13 rushes, 52 yards
  • OAK – Ronney Jenkins – 6 rushes, 44 yards

Top receivers

Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 4: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 3 7 14731
Vikings 3 10 7727

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • ARI – Bill Gramática 47-yard field goal, 8:10. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 38 yards, 6:50.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 52-yard field goal, 2:29. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 5:41.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Nate Burleson 27-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 11:07. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 2:56.
  • ARI – Damien Anderson 69-yard run (Bill Gramática kick), 10:51. Tied 10–10. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:16.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 28-yard field goal, 0:50. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:03.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Sean Berton 4-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 11:32. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:28.
  • ARI – Preston Parsons 11-yard run (Tim Duncan kick), 8:48. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:44.
  • ARI – Bryant Johnson 20-yard pass from Preston Parsons (Bill Gramática kick), 1:27. Cardinals 24–20. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 4:00.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Larry Ned 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 12:03. Vikings 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:24.
  • ARI – Preston Parsons 1-yard run (Tim Duncan kick), 7:35. Cardinals 31–27. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:28.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – Damien Anderson – 5 rushes, 119 yards, TD
  • MIN – John Avery – 4 rushes, 12 yards

Top receivers

  • ARI – Bryant Johnson – 5 receptions, 65 yards, TD
  • MIN – Kenny Clark – 4 receptions, 47 yards

Regular season

Schedule

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

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 10 10 7330
Packers 0 3 81425

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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

First quarter

  • MIN – John Avery 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 9:28. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:32.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 22-yard field goal, 1:52. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 4:34.

Second quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, 11:02. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:12.
  • MIN – D'Wayne Bates 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 5:34. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:28.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 20–3. Drive: 2 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 13-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:47. Vikings 27–3. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:09.
  • GB – Ahman Green 8-yard run (Brett Favre–Bubba Franks pass), 1:30. Vikings 27–11. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 7:17.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Aaron Elling 34-yard field goal, 10:07. Vikings 30–11. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:23.
  • GB – Ahman Green 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:27. Vikings 30–18. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 3:40.
  • GB – Javon Walker 24-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:55. Vikings 30–25. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 0:29.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 2: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bears 3 7 3013
Vikings 7 10 0724

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 13:57. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards, 1:03.
  • CHI – Paul Edinger 42-yard field goal, 10:35. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 3:22.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Aaron Elling 23-yard field goal, 11:18. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 3:23.
  • MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 3-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 1:55. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 7:12.
  • CHI – David Terrell 14-yard pass from Kordell Stewart (Paul Edinger kick), 0:39. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 1:16.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Paul Edinger 43-yard field goal, 4:43. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 4:53.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 11-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:56. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 16 plays, 93 yards, 9:42.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • CHI – Anthony Thomas – 10 rushes, 53 yards
  • MIN – Moe Williams – 21 rushes, 108 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 3: at Detroit Lions

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 16 7023
Lions 10 0 3013

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

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

First quarter

  • DET – Shawn Bryson 5-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 11:00. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 4:00.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal, 0:52. Lions 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:52.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 14-yard run (kick aborted), 12:02. Lions 10–6. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 0:57.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 4:57. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 98 yards, 2:51.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 21-yard field goal, 0:05. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 0:38.

Third quarter

  • DET – Jason Hanson 37-yard field goal, 10:21. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:21.
  • MIN – Kelly Campbell 72-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 7:52. Vikings 23–13. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:29.'

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIN – Kelly Campbell – 2 receptions, 85 yards, TD
  • DET – Bill Schroeder – 4 receptions, 54 yards

Week 4: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 4: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 077
Vikings 14 14 0735

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 35-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 4:39. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:52.
  • MIN – Nate Burleson 22-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 0:56. Vikings 28–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 0:56.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 59-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 14:52. Vikings 35–0. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:34.
  • SF – Tai Streets 37-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Owen Pochman kick), 7:37. Vikings 35–7. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:16.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 12 151239
Falcons 6 14 0626

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

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

First quarter

  • ATL – Jay Feely 34-yard field goal, 11:57. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:03.
  • ATL – Jay Feely 33-yard field goal, 7:40. Falcons 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 2:12.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 32-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick), 13:35. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 4:19.
  • MIN – Penalty on Doug Johnson enforced in the end zone for a safety, 10:23. Vikings 9–6.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 32-yard field goal, 8:06. Vikings 12–6. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:17.
  • ATL – Warrick Dunn 8-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 6:56. Falcons 13–12. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 1:10.
  • ATL – Peerless Price 6-yard pass from Doug Johnson (Jay Feely kick), 0:10. Falcons 20–12. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:26.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 17-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Gus Frerotte–Onterrio Smith pass), 7:34. Tied 20–20. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:50.
  • MIN – Moe Williams 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:39. Vikings 27–20. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 2:01.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Moe Williams 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 13:05. Vikings 34–20. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:23.
  • MIN – Penalty on Bob Whitfield enforced in the end zone for a safety, 11:38. Vikings 36–20.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 24-yard field goal, 2:52. Vikings 39–20. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:41.
  • ATL – Jimmy Farris 8-yard pass from Doug Johnson (pass failed), 1:43. Vikings 39–26. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 1:09.

Top passers

  • MIN – Gus Frerotte – 14/24, 239 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • ATL – Doug Johnson – 28/40, 352 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 7: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 7 31020
Vikings 7 7 14028

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • MIN – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 9:24. Vikings 21–7. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:36.
  • MIN – Lance Johnstone 33-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 7:57. Vikings 28–7.
  • DEN – Jason Elam 46-yard field goal, 5:20. Vikings 28–10. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 2:37.

Fourth quarter

  • DEN – Jason Elam 46-yard field goal, 14:17. Vikings 28–13. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:14.
  • DEN – Mike Anderson 1-yard pass from Danny Kanell (Jason Elam kick), 6:45. Vikings 28–20. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:38.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 8: vs. New York Giants

Week 8: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Giants 7 6 31329
Vikings 3 7 7017

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NYG – Brett Conway 20-yard field goal, 3:31. Giants 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:12.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 33-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 1:53. Tied 10–10. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 1:38.
  • NYG – Brett Conway 44-yard field goal, 0:04. Giants 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 1:49.

Third quarter

  • NYG – Brett Conway 37-yard field goal, 13:14. Giants 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:46.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 6:22. Vikings 17–16. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:09.

Fourth quarter

  • NYG – Tiki Barber 2-yard run (pass failed), 5:29. Giants 22–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58.
  • NYG – Ike Hilliard 14-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Brett Conway kick), 3:39. Giants 29–17. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 1:36.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 9: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Packers 6 14 01030
Vikings 7 7 6727

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 21-yard field goal, 11:14. Packers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 3:46.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:33. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:41.
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 5:42. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:51.

Second quarter

  • GB – Ahman Green 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:18. Packers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:23.
  • MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:07. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 4:01.
  • GB – Javon Walker 12-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:21. Packers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:46.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Aaron Elling 47-yard field goal, 8:53. Packers 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 6:07.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 37-yard field goal, 2:26. Tied 20–20. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:09.

Fourth quarter

  • GB – Javon Walker 12-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:14. Packers 27–20. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:12.
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, 2:37. Packers 30–20. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 6:40.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:33. Packers 30–27. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 2:04.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • GB – Ahman Green – 5 receptions, 52 yards, TD
  • MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 87 yards, TD

Week 10: at San Diego Chargers

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 01428
Chargers 14 14 7742

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SD – Doug Flutie 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 11:36. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:33.
  • MIN – Nate Burleson 19-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:42. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 6:54.
  • SD – Antonio Gates 4-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 0:25. Chargers 28–14. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:17.

Third quarter

  • SD – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 1:36. Chargers 35–14. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:09.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Moe Williams 31-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 14:48. Chargers 35–21. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:48.
  • SD – Doug Flutie 13-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 8:11. Chargers 42–21. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 2:56.
  • MIN – Moe Williams 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:20. Chargers 42–28. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 3:51.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIN – Moe Williams – 11 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD
  • SD – David Boston – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD

Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 7818
Raiders 7 7 7728

at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIN – Aaron Elling 35-yard field goal, 11:24. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:43.
  • OAK – Zack Crockett 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 8:22. Raiders 14–3. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:07.

Third quarter

  • OAK – Tyrone Wheatley 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 11:23. Raiders 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:37.
  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 2:12. Raiders 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:52.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Kelly Campbell 29-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Daunte Culpepper–Hunter Goodwin pass), 8:32. Raiders 21–18. Drive: 2 plays, 81 yards, 0:44.
  • OAK – Zack Crockett 2-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:16. Raiders 28–18. Drive: 4 plays, 11 yards, 0:30.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 7 rushes, 42 yards, TD
  • OAK – Tyrone Wheatley – 32 rushes, 109 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 12: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 12: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 0 0 7714
Vikings 7 0 01724

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • MIN – Michael Bennett 25-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:29. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:41.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Third quarter

  • DET – Corey Harris 35-yard fumble return (Jason Hanson kick), 12:11. Tied 7–7.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Aaron Elling 24-yard field goal, 2:45. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 8:49.
  • MIN – Corey Chavous 32-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 2:26. Vikings 17–7.
  • MIN – Brian Williams 42-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 2:06. Vikings 24–7.
  • DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 5-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 0:35. Vikings 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 1:31.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • DET – Joey Harrington – 2 rushes, 34 yards
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 15 rushes, 73 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 13: at St. Louis Rams

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 10 0017
Rams 10 10 141448

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

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

First quarter

  • STL – Marshall Faulk 18-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:21. Rams 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 18 yards, 0:07.
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal, 5:40. Rams 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 4:38.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 0:56. Rams 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:44.

Second quarter

  • STL – Isaac Bruce 4-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:50. Rams 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:06.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 28-yard field goal, 5:43. Rams 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 6:07.
  • MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 0:51. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:19.
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Rams 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 0:51.

Third quarter

  • STL – Marshall Faulk 5-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:50. Rams 27–17. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:33.
  • STL – Marc Bulger 12-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 2:39. Rams 34–17. Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:08.

Fourth quarter

  • STL – Aeneas Williams 90-yard fumble return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 12:06. Rams 41–17.
  • STL – Marshall Faulk 7-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 6:48. Rams 48–17. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:59.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 14 rushes, 98 yards
  • STL – Marshall Faulk – 17 rushes, 108 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 14: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 0 707
Vikings 0 13 71434

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 47-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 13:17. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:13.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 36-yard field goal, 3:27. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 8:33.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 2:22.

Third quarter

  • SEA – Shaun Alexander 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 12:42. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:18.
  • MIN – Randy Moss 45-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 9:24. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:18.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Kelly Campbell 43-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 14:53. Vikings 27–7. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 2:18.
  • MIN – Mike Nattiel 80-yard interception return (Aaron Elling kick), 1:34. Vikings 34–7.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • SEA – Shaun Alexander – 14 rushes, 56 yards, TD
  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 25 rushes, 103 yards

Top receivers

Week 15: at Chicago Bears

Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 0710
Bears 3 7 3013

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

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

First quarter

  • CHI – Paul Edinger 38-yard field goal, 13:10. Bears 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:50.

Second quarter

  • CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 10:53. Bears 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:49.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 22-yard field goal, 1:10. Bears 10–3. Drive: 19 plays, 73 yards, 9:43.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 4:09. Bears 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 3:29.

Fourth quarter

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Onterrio Smith – 27 rushes, 148 yards
  • CHI – Anthony Thomas – 19 rushes, 79 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 16: Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 0 71320
Vikings 7 17 71445

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 21-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 10:58. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:27.
  • MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 3:42. Vikings 21–0. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 5:44.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:53.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 11:44. Vikings 31–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:07.
  • KC – Priest Holmes 2-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 5:16. Vikings 31–7. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:28.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Priest Holmes 4-yard run (pass failed), 13:33. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 2:43.
  • KC – Priest Holmes 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 10:05. Vikings 31–20. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:07.
  • MIN – Onterrio Smith 11-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 7:00. Vikings 38–20. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 3:05.
  • MIN – Onterrio Smith 10-yard run (Aaron Elling kick), 6:00. Vikings 45–20. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 0:46.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 17: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 71017
Cardinals 3 3 01218

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

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

First quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 22-yard field goal, 0:51. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 94 yards, 8:00.

Second quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 26-yard field goal, 0:19. Cardinals 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:23.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 7-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 8:54. Vikings 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:56.
  • MIN – Aaron Elling 46-yard field goal, 6:48. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:53.
  • ARI – Steve Bush 2-yard pass from Josh McCown (pass failed), 1:54. Vikings 17–12. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 4:54.
  • ARI – Nate Poole 28-yard pass from Josh McCown (run failed), 0:00. Cardinals 18–17. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 1:54.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • MIN – Michael Bennett – 12 rushes, 63 yards
  • ARI – Josh McCown – 3 rushes, 27 yards

Top receivers

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

Standings

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

Statistics

Team leaders

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

* Vikings single season record

League rankings

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

References

  1. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (April 26, 2003). "Slow on trigger, Vikings miss pick". ESPN. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  2. ^ 2009 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide. p. 251. Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
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