2006 Minnesota Vikings season
Encyclopedia
2006 was the 46th year of season play for the Minnesota Vikings
and the 46th regular season of the National Football League
.
The 2006
Minnesota Vikings
season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005
which was the last under embattled head coach Mike Tice
. It ended with the team posting a 6–10 record and Brad Childress (apparently) convincing new owner Zygi Wilf that it was a rebuilding year.
. Childress previously held the QB coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles
from 1999 to 2002, then was the Offensive Coordinator from 2002 to 2005, and also at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
from 1993 to 1999 under Barry Alvarez
.
Additions- Status (Old Team)
Subtractions- Status (New Team)
Last Updated 3/16/07 (DTR)
on September 11, the first game of a Monday Night Football
doubleheader
on opening weekend. The Vikes would draw first blood as RB Chester Taylor
helped Minnesota score on their opening drive with a 4-yard TD run However, during the extra-point try, Chris Kluwe
fumbled the snap and instead tried to go for a two-point conversion, which failed. The Vikings lead would be cut in half later in the quarter, as Redskins kicker John Hall
made a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, things were starting to look grim for the Vikings, as RB Clinton Portis
and Kicker John Hall provided the Redskins a 5-yard TD run and another 27-yard field goal to make the score 13-6. The Vikings would respod with a last-second field goal by Kicker Ryan Longwell
(from 46 yards out) as time ran out on the first half. In the third quarter, the Vikings would greatly respond as QB Brad Johnson
threw a 20-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson to give Minnesota a 16-13 lead. However, the Redskins would tie the game up on a 22-yard field goal by John Hall. Late in the fourth quarter, Longwell gave the Vikings a 19-16 lead, as kicked a 31-yard field goal. During the final minute of the game, the Vikes held their ground and hung on to give Brad Childress
his first head coaching win, as opposing kicker John Hall missed a 48-yard field goal.
in a low-scoring fight. The Vikings would draw first blood with a 26-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Longwell
. In the second quarter, Carolina got a field goal with opposing kicker John Kasay
. The Vikings would respond with another Longwell field goal (a 22-yard FG), but they fell before halftime with opposing RB DeAngelo Williams
getting a 3-yard run for the Panthers. The Vikings trailed a bit further in the third quarter, as Karney kicked a 26-yard field goal. The Vikings started their own comeback. In the fourth quarter, Longwell faked a field goal try and threw a 16-yard TD pass to FB Richard Owens
to tie the game up going into overtime. In OT, Longwell booted the game-winning 19-yard field goal to give Minnesota the win. it was the first time in Vikings history that a coach started 2-0 in his first year.
. In the first quarter, Minnesota got on the board first with kicker Ryan Longwell
completing a 31-yard field goal. The Bears would tie the game, as kicker Robbie Gould
completed a 41-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Longwell would give the Vikings a small lead, as he nailed a 26-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Minnesota began to trail, as Gould kicked a 24-yard and a 31-yard field goal to give Chicago a small lead. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings retook the lead as CB Antoine Winfield
returned an interception 7 yards for a touchdown. Gould would give the Bears a 49-yard field goal, but Longwell answered with a 41-yard field goal for the Vikings. The Vikings fell to their doom, as Chester Taylor
fumbled and the Bears QB Rex Grossman
completed a 24-yard TD pass to WR Rashied Davis
, which would give the Vikings their first loss of the year. Of the first five games played by the Bears in the 2006 season, this was the closest game. All others have been decided by at least 26 points.
for a match-up with the Buffalo Bills
. In the first quarter, the Vikings drew first blood as kicker Ryan Longwell
nailed a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Minnesota got into a tiny hole, as Bills RB Willis McGahee
got a 1-yard TD run. Longwell would give the Vikings a 49-yard field goal as time ran out of the first half, but in the third quarter, the Vikes found themselves in a bit of a hole, as Buffalo QB J.P. Losman
connected with WR Peerless Price
on an 8-yard TD pass for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota trailed even further, as Bills kicker Rian Lindell
got a 28-yard field goal. The Vikings would try and comeback, as QB Brad Johnson
completed a 29-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. The two-point conversion failed and during their next drive, they ran out of time. With their loss, the Vikings fell to 2-2.
. The Vikings struck first with a 26 yard field goal which would be the only points scored in the first quarter. The Vikings wouldn't score again until the 4th quarter. Detroit got close but Napoleon Harris
got his first interception of his five year career at the end of the 1st. In the second quarter, Detroit quarterback Jon Kitna
ran 8 yards to score a touchdown putting the Lions ahead 7-3. Detroit's next drive would result in a field goal to put them ahead 10-3. In the 3rd quarter, Detroit would recover a Viking funble and then go on to score another touchdown to bring their lead to 17-3. In the first minute of the 4th quarter, Viking's Travis Taylor scored a touchdown after a three-yard pass to bring the score to 17-10. The Lion's next drive would end in a forced fumble when Pat Williams burst through the line untouched, and Jon Kitna lost the ball which was picked up by Viking's Ben Leber
and he would run it in for a touchdown, but the extra point was blocked leaving the score at 17-16. Later, the Viking's scored a 20 yard field goal to take the lead 19-17. Detroit would then throw an interception on fourth and ten to E.J. Henderson who would run 45 yards to score a touchdown bringing the score to 26-17 and the Vikings Darren Sharper
got an interception in the last minute to seal the victory, bringing their record up to 3-2.
and took on the Seattle Seahawks
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood with kicker Ryan Longwell
nailing a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Seahawks responded with QB Matt Hasselbeck
completing a 72-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
. In the second quarter, Seattle improved its lead with kicker Josh Brown kicking a 42-yard field goal. Minnesota responded with QB Brad Johnson
completing a 40-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings managed to retake the lead with RB Mewelde Moore
throwing a 15-yard option pass to TE Jermaine Wiggins
, while RB Chester Taylor
ran 95 yards for a touchdown (the longest rushing TD play in franchise history). In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks would have Brown kick a 26-yard field goal. The Vikes pulled away and won with DT Kevin Williams recovering a Seattle fumble in their endzone. With the win, Minnesota improved to 4-2.
to the New England Patriots
.
The Pats, who came out passing instead of bothering to even try challenging the Vikings rush defense, got out to an early lead on the opening drive as QB Tom Brady
hit WR Reche Caldwell
for a 6 yard touchdown pass. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski
connected on a 23 yard field goal early in the second quarter. Brady threw his second of what would turn out to be four touchdown passes, this time to TE Benjamin Watson
just before halftime to give the Pats a 17-0 lead. The Vikes finally got on the board as RB Mewelde Moore
returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter. That would be all the Vikes could muster as Brady threw his final two touchdowns to WR's Troy Brown
and Chad Jackson
respectively to close out the scoring.
for a Week 9 clash with the San Francisco 49ers
. In the first quarter, the Vikings would draw blood, as kicker Ryan Longwell
completed a 21-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 49ers get two Joe Nedney
field goals (a 25-yarder and a 30-yarder) and take the lead. After a scoreless third quarter, Nedney would put the game away for San Francisco as he nailed a 51-yard field goal. With yet another disappointing loss, the Vikes fell 4-4.
. In the first quarter, the Vkings trailed early as Packers kicker Dave Rayner
nailed a 20-yard field goal, while QB Brett Favre
completed a 5-yard TD pass to RB Noah Herron
. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead as QB Brad Johnson
completed a 40-yard TD pass to WR Billy McMullen
. Afterwards, McMullen recovered a fumble within the Packers end zone for another touchdown. However, Green Bay retook the lead with Favre completing an 82-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver
. In the third quarter, Rayner helped the Packers with a 24-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Rayner would boot one more field goal for Green Bay, as he kicked a 29-yard field goal. Minnesota tried to fight back, but all they could get was kicker Ryan Longwell
nailing a 34-yard field goal. With their third-straight loss, the Vikings fell to 4-5.
for an interconference fight with the Miami Dolphins
. In the first quarter, the Vikes struck first with RB Chester Taylor
getting a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Dolphins took the lead with kicker Olindo Mare
getting a 44-yard field goal, while QB Joey Harrington
completed a 11-yard TD pass to TE Justin Peelle
. In the third quarter, Minnesota tied the game with kicker Ryan Longwell
nailing a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, Longwell would kick a 19-yard field goal to help the Vikings retake the lead. However, Miami's defense made some huge stops on the Vikes, with Free Safety Renaldo Hill
returning a fumble 48 yards for a touchdown, while DE Jason Taylor returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. The only response that Minnesota could whip up was on the final offensive play of the game, as Taylor got another 1-yard TD run. With their fourth-straight loss, the Vikings fell 4-6.
. This game was notable for the return of Head Coach Dennis Green
, who formerly coached the Vikings and now works for the Cardinals. Right out of the gate, the Vikes trailed early as Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington
returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings would respond with RB Chester Taylor
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Cards kicker Neil Rackers
helped increase Arizona's lead with a 21-yard and a 50-yard field goal. Afterwards, Minnesota struck back with QB Brad Johnson
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Johnson completing a 9-yard TD pass to rookie WR Billy McMullen
, while kicker Ryan Longwell
nailed a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Vikes managed to put the icing on the game with Johnson completing a 3-yard TD pass to FB Jeff Dugan
. The Cardinals tried to fight back, with Strong Safety Adrian Wilson returning a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion) and QB Matt Leinart
completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
. Minnesota held on to snap its four-game losing streak. With the win, the Vikings improved to 5-6.
for an NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears
. After a scoreless first quarter, the Bears drew first blood in the second quarter with DB Devin Hester
returning a punt 45 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Minnesota had kicker Ryan Longwell
nail a 23-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Longwell would kick a 30-yard field goal, but that would be as close as the Vikings got to Chicago in the game, because after Longwell's field goal, the Bears took over with DB Ricky Manning, Jr.
returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, while RB Cedric Benson
got a 24-yard TD run. By the time the fourth quarter came around, QB Brad Johnson
was benched for the game, due to throwing four interceptions. Back-Up QB Brooks Bollinger
took over, but he fare any better, as he got sacked in his own end zone by NT Tank Johnson
for a safety. Afterwards, the Vikings would have their only successful drive of the game with RB Ciatrick Fason
getting a 4-yard TD run. Afterwards, Bollinger would get his left arm sprained during a sack, so rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson
came in to finish the game. With the loss, Minnesota fell to 5-7.
for an NFC North rematch with the Detroit Lions
. In the first quarter, RB Artose Pinner
(a former Lion) helped Minnesota gain an early lead with a 3-yard and a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, QB Brad Johnson
got a 3-yard TD run, yet it was followed up with a failed 2-point conversion. Detroit would retaliate with DB Jamar Fletcher
returning an interception 88 yards for a touchdown, while kicker Jason Hanson
kicked a 53-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Vikes got a 30-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell
, yet Detroit's Hanson nailed a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Pinner helped wrap the game up with a 1-yard TD run. Even though Lions QB Jon Kitna
would complete a 23-yard TD pass to RB Kevin Jones
, Minnesota held on to sweep Detroit. With the win, the Vikings improved to 6-7.
. In the first quarter, the Vikes took an early lead with QB Brad Johnson
completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Travis Taylor. However, the Jets struck back with RB Cedric Houston
with a 6-yard TD run. In the second quarter, things got bad for Minnesota. First, New York got a 25-yard field goal from kicker Mike Nugent
. Then, QB Chad Pennington
completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles
. Afterwards, Nugent would kick a 52-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Jets' lead increased with Nugent's 20-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson
came in a completed a 35-yard TD pass to RB Mewelde Moore
. That would be the only response from the Purple People Eaters. With the loss, the Vikings fell to 6-8.
for an NFC North rematch with the Green Bay Packers
in a Thursday night fight. For this game, Minnesota gave rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson
the start. In the first half, the Packers took an early lead as kicker Dave Rayner
nailed a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 44-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Vikes took the lead with CB Fred Smoot
returning an interception 47 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Rayner gave Green Bay the win with a 44-yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Vikings fall to 6-9, but they also got eliminated from the NFC playoff race.
A huge cause for Minnesota's loss was that the offense was only able to get three first downs the entire game. Also, keeping with the fact that the Vikings are the most penalized team in the league this season, they committed 10 penalties for a loss of 68 yards.
. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Rams DB Ronald Bartell
returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown. Also, kicker Jeff Wilkins
helped St. Louis with a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Vikings managed to score with QB Tarvaris Jackson
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, in the second quarter, things got worse for the Vikes as Rams RB Steven Jackson
got a 4-yard TD run and even a 10-yard TD pass from QB Marc Bulger
. In the third quarter, things continued to get worse for Minnesota as Wilkins kicked a 53-yard field goal, while Jackson got a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis wrapped up its domination with Jackson with a 59-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Vikes got its remaining points with RB Chester Taylor
getting a 1-yard TD run, while Tarvaris Jackson completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Travis Taylor. With three-straight losses to close out the season, the Vikings finished at 6-10.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
and the 46th regular season of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
.
The 2006
2006 NFL season
The 2006 NFL season was the 87th regular season of the National Football League.Regular season play was held from September 7 to December 31, 2006...
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
which was the last under embattled head coach Mike Tice
Mike Tice
Michael Peter Tice is an American football National Football League coach, best known as the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He is currently the offensive line coach for the Chicago Bears.-Playing career:...
. It ended with the team posting a 6–10 record and Brad Childress (apparently) convincing new owner Zygi Wilf that it was a rebuilding year.
Offseason
On January 6, 2006, the Vikings were the first NFL organization to hire a new head coach during the 2006 offseason, Brad ChildressBrad Childress
Brad "Chilly" Childress is the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He attended high school at the Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois...
. Childress previously held the QB coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
from 1999 to 2002, then was the Offensive Coordinator from 2002 to 2005, and also at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
from 1993 to 1999 under Barry Alvarez
Barry Alvarez
Barry Alvarez is a former American football player and coach and currently the Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He served as the head football coach at Wisconsin for 16 seasons from 1990 to 2005, compiling a career college football record of 118–73–4...
.
2006 Draft
| Round | Pick | Name | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (17) | Chad Greenway Chad Greenway Chad Greenway is an American football player who plays linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2002 to 2005.... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Iowa University of Iowa The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees... |
| 2 | (48) | Cedric Griffin Cedric Griffin Cedric Leonard Griffin is an American football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.He was born in Natchez, Mississippi and graduated from Holmes High School in San Antonio, Texas. He played college football for The University of Texas Longhorns and was a stand-out... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Texas |
| 2 | (51) | Ryan Cook | Center Center (American football) Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense... |
New Mexico University of New Mexico The University of New Mexico at Albuquerque is a public research university located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the United States. It is the state's flagship research institution... |
| 2 | (64) | Tarvaris Jackson Tarvaris Jackson Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
Quarterback Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line... |
Alabama State Alabama State University Alabama State University, founded 1867, is a historically black university located in Montgomery, Alabama. ASU is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.- History :... |
| 4 | (127) | Ray Edwards Ray Edwards Raymond James Edwards, Jr. is an American football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-Early years:Edwards attended Woodward High School in... |
Defensive End Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Purdue Purdue University Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and... |
| 5 | (149) | Greg Blue Greg Blue Gregory B. Blue, Jr. is a safety in the Canadian Football League who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
Safety | Georgia University of Georgia The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States... |
2006 Vikings Player Movement
Re-signed- Status- Bryant McKinnieBryant McKinnieBryant McKinnie is a American football offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, OT Contract Extension 7-years ($48.5 Million) - E.J. Henderson, LB Contract Extension 5-years ($25 Million)
- Kevin Williams, DT Contract Extension 7-years ($50 Million)
- Cullen LoefflerCullen LoefflerCullen Crawford Loeffler is an American football long snapper for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns.-Early years:Loeffler attended Ingram Tom Moore High School...
, LS Contract Extension - Jeff DuganJeff DuganJeffery Stephen Dugan is a National Football League tight end/fullback who is currently a free agent....
, FB Contract Extension 5-years ($4.5 Million)
Additions- Status (Old Team)
- Ben LeberBen LeberBen Leber is an American football linebacker for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, LB Free Agent (SD) 5-years ($20 Million) - Ryan LongwellRyan LongwellRyan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
, K Free Agent (GB) 5-years ($10 Million) - Chester TaylorChester TaylorChester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, RB Free Agent (BAL) 4-years ($14.1 Million) - Steve Hutchinson, G Restricted (SEA) 7-years ($49 Million)
- Tony Richardson, FB Unrestricted (KC) 2-years ($2.5 Million)
- Tank WilliamsTank WilliamsClevan "Tank" Williams is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, SS Free Agent (TEN) 1-year ($900,000) - Jason WhittleJason WhittleJason Whittle is an American football Guard who is currently a free agent. He went to high school in Camdenton, Missouri and played for the Camdenton Lakers...
, G Free Agent (NYG) 1-year ($695,000) - Ronyell WhitakerRonyell WhitakerRonyell Whitaker is an American football cornerback free agent. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
, CB Free Agent (TB) - Dwight Smith, FS Free Agent (NO)
- Artis HicksArtis HicksArtis Hicks is an American football guard for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
, G Trade (PHI) - Billy McMullenBilly McMullenWilbur "Billy" Anthony McMullen, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, WR Trade (PHI) - Artose PinnerArtose PinnerArtose Deonce Pinner is an American football running back who is currently a free-agent. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, RB Claimed off Waivers (DET) - Ross KolodziejRoss KolodziejRoss Anthony Kolodziej is an American football defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, DT Free Agent (ARI) - Jason GlennJason GlennJason Glenn was an NFL linebacker who played for the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins, and the Minnesota Vikings between 2001-2006...
, LB Free Agent (NYJ) - Bethel JohnsonBethel JohnsonBethel Johnson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M....
, WR Free Agent (NO) - Rod Davis, LB Free Agent (CAR)
- Naufahu TahiNaufahu TahiNaufahu Anitoni Tahi is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at BYU...
, FB Signed from practice squad (CIN) - Brooks BollingerBrooks BollingerBrooks Bollinger is a retired American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, QB Trade (NYJ) - Mike Hawkins, CB Claimed off Waivers (CLE)
- Martin NanceMartin NanceMartin Nance is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Miami University....
, WR Free Agent (BUF) - Maurice MannMaurice MannMaurice Mann is a Canadian football wide receiver for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, WR Free Agent (SEA)
Subtractions- Status (New Team)
- Michael Bennett, RB Free Agent (KC)
- Brian WilliamsBrian Williams (cornerback)Brian Williams is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, CB Free Agent (JAC) - Corey ChavousCorey ChavousCorey Lamonte Chavous is an American football safety who is currently retired. Chavous played 11 years in the NFL for three different teams, primarily as a safety but also as a cornerback. Chavous was known as one of the most instinctive safeties of his era and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2003....
, SS Free Agent (STL) - Daunte CulpepperDaunte CulpepperDaunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
, QB Trade (MIA) - Melvin FowlerMelvin FowlerMelvin Thaddeus Fowler, Jr. is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, C Unrestricted (BUF) - Nate BurlesonNate BurlesonNathaniel Burleson is an American football player, who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . Burleson played college football for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL...
, WR Free Agent (SEA) - Raonall SmithRaonall SmithRaonall Carrig Smith is an American Football who plays for the National Football League St. Louis Rams. Previously, he played with the Minnesota Vikings. Smith played college football at Washington State University.Raonall Smith attended Harbor Ridge Middle School...
, LB Unrestricted (STL) - Lance JohnstoneLance JohnstoneLance Johnstone is a former American football defensive end. He was a four-year letterman for Temple University, playing his final three seasons at linebacker and serving as team captain in 1994 and 1995...
, DE Unrestricted (OAK) - Hank BaskettHank BaskettHenry Randall "Hank" Baskett III is a wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Baskett has played for three NFL teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts....
, WR Trade (PHI) - Shaun HillShaun HillShaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
, QB Unrestricted (SF) - Cory WithrowCory WithrowCory Withrow is an American football center for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Washington State.Withrow has also played for the San Diego Chargers and St...
, C Unrestricted (SD) - Koren RobinsonKoren RobinsonKoren Lynard Robinson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seahawks ninth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina State....
, WR Free Agent (GB) - Chris LiwienskiChris LiwienskiChris Liwienski is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, G Free Agent (ARI) - Dustin FoxDustin FoxDustin Erik Fox is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, CB Free Agent (PHI) - C.J. Mosley, DT Trade (NYJ)
Last Updated 3/16/07 (DTR)
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 11, 2006 | at Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
W 19-16 |
| 2 | September 17, 2006 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
W 16-13 |
| 3 | September 24, 2006 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 19-16 |
| 4 | October 1, 2006 | at Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 17-12 |
| 5 | October 8, 2006 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 26-17 |
| 6 | Bye | ||
| 7 | October 22, 2006 | at Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
W 31-13 |
| 8 | October 30, 2006 | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 31-7 |
| 9 | November 5, 2006 | at San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
L 9-3 |
| 10 | November 12, 2006 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
L 23-17 |
| 11 | November 19, 2006 | at Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 24-20 |
| 12 | November 26, 2006 | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 31-26 |
| 13 | December 3, 2006 | at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 23-13 |
| 14 | December 10, 2006 | at Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 30-20 |
| 15 | December 17, 2006 | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 26-13 |
| 16 | December 21, 2006 | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
L 9-7 |
| 17 | December 31, 2006 | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
L 41-21 |
Week 1: at Washington Redskins
The Vikings start the regular season on the road against the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
on September 11, the first game of a Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
doubleheader
Doubleheader (television)
Doubleheader is used by network television to refer to two games in any sport aired back-to-back on the same network, even though they do not involve the same two teams . A doubleheader purposely coincides with a league's scheduling of "early" and "late" games...
on opening weekend. The Vikes would draw first blood as RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
helped Minnesota score on their opening drive with a 4-yard TD run However, during the extra-point try, Chris Kluwe
Chris Kluwe
Christopher James "Chris" Kluwe is a punter for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks, as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
fumbled the snap and instead tried to go for a two-point conversion, which failed. The Vikings lead would be cut in half later in the quarter, as Redskins kicker John Hall
John Hall (American football)
John Hall is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League. He kicked for Port Charlotte High School and played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While at Wisconsin, Hall played and won three bowl games...
made a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, things were starting to look grim for the Vikings, as RB Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
and Kicker John Hall provided the Redskins a 5-yard TD run and another 27-yard field goal to make the score 13-6. The Vikings would respod with a last-second field goal by Kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
(from 46 yards out) as time ran out on the first half. In the third quarter, the Vikings would greatly respond as QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
threw a 20-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson to give Minnesota a 16-13 lead. However, the Redskins would tie the game up on a 22-yard field goal by John Hall. Late in the fourth quarter, Longwell gave the Vikings a 19-16 lead, as kicked a 31-yard field goal. During the final minute of the game, the Vikes held their ground and hung on to give Brad Childress
Brad Childress
Brad "Chilly" Childress is the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He attended high school at the Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois...
his first head coaching win, as opposing kicker John Hall missed a 48-yard field goal.
Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
In their Week 2 home-opener, the Vikings faced the Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
in a low-scoring fight. The Vikings would draw first blood with a 26-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
. In the second quarter, Carolina got a field goal with opposing kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
. The Vikings would respond with another Longwell field goal (a 22-yard FG), but they fell before halftime with opposing RB DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
getting a 3-yard run for the Panthers. The Vikings trailed a bit further in the third quarter, as Karney kicked a 26-yard field goal. The Vikings started their own comeback. In the fourth quarter, Longwell faked a field goal try and threw a 16-yard TD pass to FB Richard Owens
Richard Owens
Richard Owens is a former professional football player. He played tight end for the Minnesota Vikings, who acquired him as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Louisville....
to tie the game up going into overtime. In OT, Longwell booted the game-winning 19-yard field goal to give Minnesota the win. it was the first time in Vikings history that a coach started 2-0 in his first year.
Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears
Staying at home, the Vikings played a fierce NFC North fight with the Chicago BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Minnesota got on the board first with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
completing a 31-yard field goal. The Bears would tie the game, as kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
completed a 41-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Longwell would give the Vikings a small lead, as he nailed a 26-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Minnesota began to trail, as Gould kicked a 24-yard and a 31-yard field goal to give Chicago a small lead. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings retook the lead as CB Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield is an American football cornerback in the NFL. He played college football at The Ohio State University, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 1998. Winfield was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Since 2004, he...
returned an interception 7 yards for a touchdown. Gould would give the Bears a 49-yard field goal, but Longwell answered with a 41-yard field goal for the Vikings. The Vikings fell to their doom, as Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
fumbled and the Bears QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
completed a 24-yard TD pass to WR Rashied Davis
Rashied Davis
Rashied Khalid Davis is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at San José State...
, which would give the Vikings their first loss of the year. Of the first five games played by the Bears in the 2006 season, this was the closest game. All others have been decided by at least 26 points.
Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
Hoping to rebound from last week's heart-breaking loss, the Vikings traveled to Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
for a match-up with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Vikings drew first blood as kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailed a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Minnesota got into a tiny hole, as Bills RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. Longwell would give the Vikings a 49-yard field goal as time ran out of the first half, but in the third quarter, the Vikes found themselves in a bit of a hole, as Buffalo QB J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
connected with WR Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
on an 8-yard TD pass for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota trailed even further, as Bills kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
got a 28-yard field goal. The Vikings would try and comeback, as QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
completed a 29-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. The two-point conversion failed and during their next drive, they ran out of time. With their loss, the Vikings fell to 2-2.
Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions
After dropping two straight games, the Vikings came home for an NFC North fight with the Detroit LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. The Vikings struck first with a 26 yard field goal which would be the only points scored in the first quarter. The Vikings wouldn't score again until the 4th quarter. Detroit got close but Napoleon Harris
Napoleon Harris
Napoleon Bill Harris is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Northwestern and was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in the 2002 NFL Draft....
got his first interception of his five year career at the end of the 1st. In the second quarter, Detroit quarterback Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
ran 8 yards to score a touchdown putting the Lions ahead 7-3. Detroit's next drive would result in a field goal to put them ahead 10-3. In the 3rd quarter, Detroit would recover a Viking funble and then go on to score another touchdown to bring their lead to 17-3. In the first minute of the 4th quarter, Viking's Travis Taylor scored a touchdown after a three-yard pass to bring the score to 17-10. The Lion's next drive would end in a forced fumble when Pat Williams burst through the line untouched, and Jon Kitna lost the ball which was picked up by Viking's Ben Leber
Ben Leber
Ben Leber is an American football linebacker for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
and he would run it in for a touchdown, but the extra point was blocked leaving the score at 17-16. Later, the Viking's scored a 20 yard field goal to take the lead 19-17. Detroit would then throw an interception on fourth and ten to E.J. Henderson who would run 45 yards to score a touchdown bringing the score to 26-17 and the Vikings Darren Sharper
Darren Sharper
Darren Mallory Sharper is an American football safety who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at William & Mary....
got an interception in the last minute to seal the victory, bringing their record up to 3-2.
Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks
Coming off their Bye Week, the Vikings flew to Qwest FieldQwest Field
CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer...
and took on the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailing a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Seahawks responded with QB Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
completing a 72-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons...
. In the second quarter, Seattle improved its lead with kicker Josh Brown kicking a 42-yard field goal. Minnesota responded with QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
completing a 40-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings managed to retake the lead with RB Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
throwing a 15-yard option pass to TE Jermaine Wiggins
Jermaine Wiggins
Jermaine Wiggins is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Georgia....
, while RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
ran 95 yards for a touchdown (the longest rushing TD play in franchise history). In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks would have Brown kick a 26-yard field goal. The Vikes pulled away and won with DT Kevin Williams recovering a Seattle fumble in their endzone. With the win, Minnesota improved to 4-2.
Week 8: vs. New England Patriots
The Vikes fell to 4-3 with a loss at home on Monday Night FootballMonday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
to the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
.
The Pats, who came out passing instead of bothering to even try challenging the Vikings rush defense, got out to an early lead on the opening drive as QB Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
hit WR Reche Caldwell
Reche Caldwell
Donald Reche Caldwell, Jr. is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for six seasons in the early 2000s...
for a 6 yard touchdown pass. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
connected on a 23 yard field goal early in the second quarter. Brady threw his second of what would turn out to be four touchdown passes, this time to TE Benjamin Watson
Benjamin Watson
Benjamin Watson is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia.-Early years:Watson attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South...
just before halftime to give the Pats a 17-0 lead. The Vikes finally got on the board as RB Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter. That would be all the Vikes could muster as Brady threw his final two touchdowns to WR's Troy Brown
Troy Brown
Troy Fitzgerald Brown is a former NFL wide receiver, cornerback and punt returner in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the eighth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall...
and Chad Jackson
Chad Jackson
-New England Patriots:On the first day of the 2006 NFL Draft, the Patriots traded draft picks with the Green Bay Packers to move up sixteen places in the second round to select Jackson, giving up a third-round pick acquired in a trade...
respectively to close out the scoring.
Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers
Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss to the Patriots, the Vikings flew to Monster ParkMonster Park
Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000...
for a Week 9 clash with the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. In the first quarter, the Vikings would draw blood, as kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
completed a 21-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 49ers get two Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
field goals (a 25-yarder and a 30-yarder) and take the lead. After a scoreless third quarter, Nedney would put the game away for San Francisco as he nailed a 51-yard field goal. With yet another disappointing loss, the Vikes fell 4-4.
Week 10: vs. Green Bay Packers
Trying to end their two-game skid, the Vikings flew home for an NFC North fight with the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, the Vkings trailed early as Packers kicker Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
nailed a 20-yard field goal, while QB Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
completed a 5-yard TD pass to RB Noah Herron
Noah Herron
Noah Scott Herron is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead as QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
completed a 40-yard TD pass to WR Billy McMullen
Billy McMullen
Wilbur "Billy" Anthony McMullen, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Afterwards, McMullen recovered a fumble within the Packers end zone for another touchdown. However, Green Bay retook the lead with Favre completing an 82-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
. In the third quarter, Rayner helped the Packers with a 24-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Rayner would boot one more field goal for Green Bay, as he kicked a 29-yard field goal. Minnesota tried to fight back, but all they could get was kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailing a 34-yard field goal. With their third-straight loss, the Vikings fell to 4-5.
Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
Trying to stop a three-game skid, the Vikings flew to Dolphin StadiumDolphin Stadium
Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
for an interconference fight with the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes struck first with RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Dolphins took the lead with kicker Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
getting a 44-yard field goal, while QB Joey Harrington
Joey Harrington
John Joseph "Joey" Harrington, Jr. is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he played for most of his professional career. He ranks third all-time in Detroit history in pass completions, with 986...
completed a 11-yard TD pass to TE Justin Peelle
Justin Peelle
Justin Morris Peelle is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. In the third quarter, Minnesota tied the game with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailing a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, Longwell would kick a 19-yard field goal to help the Vikings retake the lead. However, Miami's defense made some huge stops on the Vikes, with Free Safety Renaldo Hill
Renaldo Hill
Renaldo Hill is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State....
returning a fumble 48 yards for a touchdown, while DE Jason Taylor returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. The only response that Minnesota could whip up was on the final offensive play of the game, as Taylor got another 1-yard TD run. With their fourth-straight loss, the Vikings fell 4-6.
Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Hoping to end their four-game skid, the Vikings returned home for a Week 12 fight against the Arizona CardinalsArizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. This game was notable for the return of Head Coach Dennis Green
Dennis Green
Dennis "Denny" Green is an American football head coach for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League...
, who formerly coached the Vikings and now works for the Cardinals. Right out of the gate, the Vikes trailed early as Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington
J.J. Arrington
Johnathan Jerone "J. J." Arrington is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings would respond with RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Cards kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
helped increase Arizona's lead with a 21-yard and a 50-yard field goal. Afterwards, Minnesota struck back with QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Johnson completing a 9-yard TD pass to rookie WR Billy McMullen
Billy McMullen
Wilbur "Billy" Anthony McMullen, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, while kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailed a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Vikes managed to put the icing on the game with Johnson completing a 3-yard TD pass to FB Jeff Dugan
Jeff Dugan
Jeffery Stephen Dugan is a National Football League tight end/fullback who is currently a free agent....
. The Cardinals tried to fight back, with Strong Safety Adrian Wilson returning a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion) and QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
. Minnesota held on to snap its four-game losing streak. With the win, the Vikings improved to 5-6.
Week 13: at Chicago Bears
Trying to build on their win over the Cardinals, the Vikings flew to Soldier FieldSoldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
for an NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, the Bears drew first blood in the second quarter with DB Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
returning a punt 45 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Minnesota had kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nail a 23-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Longwell would kick a 30-yard field goal, but that would be as close as the Vikings got to Chicago in the game, because after Longwell's field goal, the Bears took over with DB Ricky Manning, Jr.
Ricky Manning, Jr.
Richard "Ricky" Manning, Jr. is an American football cornerback for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.Manning has also been a member of the Chicago Bears, St...
returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, while RB Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
got a 24-yard TD run. By the time the fourth quarter came around, QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
was benched for the game, due to throwing four interceptions. Back-Up QB Brooks Bollinger
Brooks Bollinger
Brooks Bollinger is a retired American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
took over, but he fare any better, as he got sacked in his own end zone by NT Tank Johnson
Tank Johnson
Terry "Tank" Johnson is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington....
for a safety. Afterwards, the Vikings would have their only successful drive of the game with RB Ciatrick Fason
Ciatrick Fason
Ciatrick Antione Fason is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League for two seasons in the early 2000s...
getting a 4-yard TD run. Afterwards, Bollinger would get his left arm sprained during a sack, so rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
came in to finish the game. With the loss, Minnesota fell to 5-7.
Week 14: at Detroit Lions
After getting swept by the Bears, the Vikings flew to Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
for an NFC North rematch with the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. In the first quarter, RB Artose Pinner
Artose Pinner
Artose Deonce Pinner is an American football running back who is currently a free-agent. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
(a former Lion) helped Minnesota gain an early lead with a 3-yard and a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
got a 3-yard TD run, yet it was followed up with a failed 2-point conversion. Detroit would retaliate with DB Jamar Fletcher
Jamar Fletcher
Jamar Mondell Fletcher is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent and lives in south Florida. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins 26th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin...
returning an interception 88 yards for a touchdown, while kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
kicked a 53-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Vikes got a 30-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
, yet Detroit's Hanson nailed a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Pinner helped wrap the game up with a 1-yard TD run. Even though Lions QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
would complete a 23-yard TD pass to RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
, Minnesota held on to sweep Detroit. With the win, the Vikings improved to 6-7.
Week 15: vs. New York Jets
Following their win over the Lions, the Vikings went home for a Week 15 interconference fight with the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Vikes took an early lead with QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Travis Taylor. However, the Jets struck back with RB Cedric Houston
Cedric Houston
Cedric Leonard Houston is a former American football running back of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.-Early years:...
with a 6-yard TD run. In the second quarter, things got bad for Minnesota. First, New York got a 25-yard field goal from kicker Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Then, QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Leon Coles is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University....
. Afterwards, Nugent would kick a 52-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Jets' lead increased with Nugent's 20-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
came in a completed a 35-yard TD pass to RB Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. That would be the only response from the Purple People Eaters. With the loss, the Vikings fell to 6-8.
Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
Trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the Vikings flew to Lambeau FieldLambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
for an NFC North rematch with the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
in a Thursday night fight. For this game, Minnesota gave rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
the start. In the first half, the Packers took an early lead as kicker Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
nailed a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 44-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Vikes took the lead with CB Fred Smoot
Fred Smoot
Fredrick "Fred" Duayne Smoot is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
returning an interception 47 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Rayner gave Green Bay the win with a 44-yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Vikings fall to 6-9, but they also got eliminated from the NFC playoff race.
A huge cause for Minnesota's loss was that the offense was only able to get three first downs the entire game. Also, keeping with the fact that the Vikings are the most penalized team in the league this season, they committed 10 penalties for a loss of 68 yards.
Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams
Trying to end their season on a high note, the Vikings went home for a Week 17 intraconference fight with the St. Louis RamsSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Rams DB Ronald Bartell
Ronald Bartell
Ronald Bartell is an American football cornerback for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football atHoward....
returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown. Also, kicker Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins
For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...
helped St. Louis with a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Vikings managed to score with QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, in the second quarter, things got worse for the Vikes as Rams RB Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
got a 4-yard TD run and even a 10-yard TD pass from QB Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
. In the third quarter, things continued to get worse for Minnesota as Wilkins kicked a 53-yard field goal, while Jackson got a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis wrapped up its domination with Jackson with a 59-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Vikes got its remaining points with RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run, while Tarvaris Jackson completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Travis Taylor. With three-straight losses to close out the season, the Vikings finished at 6-10.