2006 Minnesota Vikings season

NFL team season August 2023 March 2026 Minnesota Vikings 2006 Brad Childress Zygi Wilf Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 6–10 3rd NFC North Did not qualify 4 G Steve Hutchinson C Matt Birk DT Kevin Williams DT Pat Williams (bench) 2 G Steve Hutchinson (2nd team) DT Kevin Williams (1st team) File:Vikings 2006-2011.png Vikings seasons The 2006 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 46th in the National Football League (NFL). Under new head coach Brad Childress, the team finished with a 6–10 record; however, they led the league in rushing defense, surrendering only 985 rushing yards; they are one of only two franchises in NFL history to allow fewer than 1,000 rushing yards in a 16-game season (the other was the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in 2000). 3 Offseason On January 6, 2006, the Vikings hired Brad Childress to take over from Mike Tice as head coach, making them the first team to hire a new head coach during the 2006 offseason. Childress previously held the quarterbacks coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999 to 2002, and was the offensive coordinator from 2002 to 2005; he was also offensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers from 1993 to 1999 under Barry Alvarez. 2006 draft 2006 NFL draft Pro Bowler 2006 Minnesota Vikings Draft Draft order Player name Position College Contract Notes Round Selection 1 17 Chad Greenway Linebacker Iowa 5 years 2 48 Cedric Griffin Cornerback Texas 4 years 51 Ryan Cook Center New Mexico 4 years From DolphinsDolphins trade The Vikings traded QB Daunte Culpepper to the Dolphins in exchange for a second-round selection (51st overall). 64 Tarvaris Jackson Quarterback Alabama State 4 years From SteelersSteelers trade The Vikings traded two third-round selections (83rd and 95th overall) to the Steelers in exchange for a second-round selection (64th overall). 3 83 Traded to the Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers trade 95 Traded to the Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers trade From SeahawksSeahawks trade The Vikings received a third-round selection (95th overall) from the Seahawks as compensation for restricted free agent WR Nate Burleson. 4 115 Traded to the Philadelphia EaglesEagles trade The Vikings traded fourth- and sixth-round selections (115th and 185th overall) to the Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round selection (127th overall) and G Artis Hicks. 127 Ray Edwards Defensive end Purdue 4 years From Colts, via EaglesEagles trade 5 149 Greg Blue Safety Georgia 4 years 6 185 Traded to the Philadelphia EaglesEagles trade 7 227 Traded to the San Diego ChargersThe Vikings traded their seventh-round selection (227th overall) to the Chargers in exchange for G Toniu Fonoti. Notes: Transactions + Re-signed Player Position Status Contract Bryant McKinnie OT Free agent 7 years ($48.5 million) E.J. Henderson LB Free agent 5 years ($25 million) Kevin Williams DT Free agent 7 years ($50 million) Cullen Loeffler LS Free agent Jeff Dugan FB Free agent 5 years ($4.5 million) +AdditionsPlayerPositionStatus (previous team)ContractBen LeberLBFree agent (SD)5 years ($20 million)Ryan LongwellKFree agent (GB)5 years ($10 million)Chester TaylorRBFree agent (BAL)4 years ($14.1 million)Steve HutchinsonGRestricted (SEA)7 years ($49 million)Tony RichardsonFBUnrestricted (KC)2 years ($2.5 million)Tank WilliamsSSFree agent (TEN)1 year ($900,000)Jason WhittleGFree agent (NYG)1 year ($695,000)Ronyell WhitakerCBFree agent (TB)Dwight SmithFSFree agent (NO)Artis HicksGTrade (PHI)Billy McMullenWRTrade (PHI)Artose PinnerRBClaimed off waivers (DET)Ross KolodziejDTFree agent (ARI)Jason GlennLBFree agent (NYJ)Bethel JohnsonWRFree agent (NO)Rod DavisLBFree agent (CAR)Naufahu TahiFBSigned from practice squad (CIN)Brooks BollingerQBTrade (NYJ)Mike HawkinsCBClaimed off waivers (CLE)Martin NanceWRFree agent (BUF)Maurice MannWRFree agent (SEA) +DeparturesPlayerPositionStatus (new team)ContractMichael BennettRBFree agent (KC)Brian WilliamsCBFree agent (JAC)Corey ChavousSSFree agent (STL)Daunte CulpepperQBTrade (MIA)Melvin FowlerCUnrestricted (BUF)Nate BurlesonWRRestricted free agent (SEA)Raonall SmithLBUnrestricted (STL)Lance JohnstoneDEUnrestricted (OAK)Hank BaskettWRTrade (PHI)Shaun HillQBUnrestricted (SF)Cory WithrowCUnrestricted (SD)Koren RobinsonWRFree agent (GB)Chris LiwienskiGFree agent (ARI)Dustin FoxCBFree agent (PHI)C. J. MosleyDTTrade (NYJ) Staff 2006 Minnesota Vikings Owner/chairman – Zygi Wilf Owner/president – Mark Wilf Owner/vice chairman – Leonard Wilf Vice president of football operations – Rob Brzezinski Vice president of player personnel – Rick Spielman Director of player personnel – George Paton Director of college scouting – Scott Studwell Assistant director of college scouting – Jamaal Stephenson Head coach – Brad Childress Assistant to the head coach – Kevin Stefanski Coaches assistant – Todd Nielson Offensive coordinator – Darrell Bevell Quarterbacks – Kevin Rogers Running backs – Eric Bieniemy Wide receivers – Darrell Wyatt Tight ends – Jimmie Johnson Offensive line – Pat Morris Assistant offensive line – Jim Hueber Offensive assistant – Clay Matchett and Chad O'Shea Defensive coordinator – Mike Tomlin Defensive line – Karl Dunbar Assistant defensive line – Brendan Daly Linebackers – Fred Pagac Defensive backs/secondary – Joe Woods Defensive assistant – Jeff Imamura Special teams coordinator – Paul Ferraro Assistant special teams – Brian Murphy Head athletic trainer/director of sports medicine – Eric Sugarman Strength and conditioning – Tom Kanavy Assistant strength and conditioning – Martin Streight Assistant strength and conditioning – Juney Barnett Final roster 2006 Minnesota Vikings 53 10 8  9 Brooks Bollinger  7 Tarvaris Jackson y 14 Brad Johnson American football 35 Ciatrick Fason 34 Wendell Mathis y 30 Mewelde Moore PR 22 Artose Pinner 38 Naufahu Tahi FB y 29 Chester Taylor 11 Jason Carter gridiron football y 81 Bethel Johnson KR 12 Billy McMullen 15 Martin Nance y 89 Travis Taylor American football 82 Troy Williamson KR 83 Jeff Dugan 40 Jim Kleinsasser 45 Richard Owens American football 85 Jermaine Wiggins 78 Matt Birk C 62 Ryan Cook American football C y 64 Anthony Herrera American football G 79 Artis Hicks G 76 Steve Hutchinson American football G 72 Marcus Johnson offensive lineman T 74 Bryant McKinnie T 75 Mike Rosenthal T 65 Jason Whittle G 91 Ray Edwards American football DE y 96 Ross Kolodziej DT 92 Jayme Mitchell DE y 98 Darrion Scott DE 90 Khreem Smith DE 95 Kenechi Udeze DE 93 Kevin Williams defensive tackle DT 94 Pat Williams American football DT 50 Rod Davis gridiron football MLB 59 Heath Farwell OLB 58 Napoleon Harris MLB 56 E. J. Henderson OLB 51 Ben Leber OLB 54 Dontarrious Thomas MLB/OLB 20 Greg Blue FS y 41 Charles Gordon American football CB y 37 Mike Hawkins cornerback CB 31 Will Hunter SS 42 Darren Sharper SS 20 Dwight Smith American football FS 27 Ronyell Whitaker CB 26 Antoine Winfield Sr. CB  5 Chris Kluwe P 46 Cullen Loeffler LS  8 Ryan Longwell K 36 Dovonte Edwards CB IR 55 Jason Glenn LB IR -- Joey Goodspeed FB IR 52 Chad Greenway y LB IR 23 Cedric Griffin CB IR y 99 Erasmus James DE IR 97 Spencer Johnson American football DT IR 49 Tony Richardson American football FB IR 21 Fred Smoot CB NF-Inj. 25 Tank Williams S IR 32 Patrick Body CB/S -- C.J. Brooks G 61 Alex Guerrero lineman y DT  2 Drew Henson QB 66 Norm Katnik C 17 Maurice Mann WR -- Jimmy Martin American football y T 24 Dimitri Patterson CB Preseason Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.comrecap 1 August 14 Oakland Raiders L 13–16 0–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,278 Recap 2 August 19 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 17–10 1–1 Heinz Field 57,813 Recap 3 August 25 Baltimore Ravens W 30–7 2–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,257 Recap 4 August 31 at Dallas Cowboys T 10–10 (OT) 2–1–1 Texas Stadium 60,299 Recap Game summaries Week 1: vs. Oakland Raiders Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 1: Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary August 14 Raiders 6 7 0 3 Vikings 7 3 3 0 7:10 p.m. CDT None (indoor stadium) Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 63,278 Bill Leavy Recap, Game Book First quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 27-yard field goal, 13:26. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:27. MIN – Tony Richardson 3-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:11. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:25. OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 55-yard field goal, 4:10. Vikings 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:01. Second quarter OAK – Johnnie Morant 67-yard pass from Andrew Walter (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 5:19. Raiders 13–7. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:32. MIN – Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal, 0:00. Raiders 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 0:31. Third quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 28-yard field goal, 0:55. Tied 13–13. Drive: 12 plays, 37 yards, 4:57. Fourth quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 28-yard field goal, 8:30. Raiders 16–13. Drive: 13 plays, 49 yards, 7:25. Top passers OAK – Andrew Walter – 10/19, 148 yards, TD, 2 INT MIN – J. T. O'Sullivan – 8/17, 100 yards, INT Top rushers OAK – ReShard Lee – 10 rushes, 34 yards MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 3 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers OAK – Johnnie Morant – 5 receptions, 108 yards, TD MIN – Josh Davis – 3 receptions, 64 yards Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary August 19 Vikings 7 3 7 0 Steelers 7 0 3 0 8:15 p.m. EDT Fair, 76 F C Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 57,813 Walt Coleman Recap, Game Book First quarter PIT – Cedrick Wilson 16-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), 10:12. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:32. MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 12-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:38. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:34. Second quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 38-yard field goal, 12:56. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 13 plays, 40 yards, 5:33. Third quarter MIN – Jason Carter 6-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:20. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:12. PIT – Jeff Reed 32-yard field goal, 0:38. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 3:31. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 9/11, 80 yards, TD PIT – Charlie Batch – 8/14, 103 yards, INT Top rushers MIN – Wendell Mathis – 8 rushes, 36 yards PIT – John Kuhn – 8 rushes, 30 yards Top receivers MIN – Jason Carter – 2 receptions, 48 yards, TD PIT – Nate Washington – 3 receptions, 53 yards Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 3: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary August 25 Ravens 0 0 7 0 Vikings 3 7 3 17 7:05 p.m. CDT None (indoor stadium) Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 63,257 Gerald Austin Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 45-yard field goal, 11:47. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:13. Second quarter MIN – Fred Smoot 69-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:50. Vikings 10–0. Third quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 38-yard field goal, 5:15. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:06. BAL – Kyle Boller 1-yard run (Matt Stover kick), 0:49. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:26. Fourth quarter MIN – Jason Carter 77-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:47. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 2:01. MIN – Ryan Longwell 23-yard field goal, 2:21. Vikings 23–7. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 2:48. MIN – Khreem Smith 29-yard fumble return (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:30. Vikings 30–7. Top passers BAL – Kyle Boller – 9/15, 105 yards MIN – Brad Johnson – 9/15, 95 yards Top rushers BAL – Cory Ross – 6 rushes, 23 yards MIN – Wendell Mathis – 10 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers BAL – Clarence Moore – 2 receptions, 60 yards MIN – Jason Carter – 2 receptions, 107 yards, TD Week 4: at Dallas Cowboys Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary August 31 Vikings 0 7 0 3 0 Cowboys 0 3 0 7 0 7:05 p.m. EDT Clear, 94 F C Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas 60,299 Gene Steratore Recap, Game Book First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Marcus Robinson 24-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:54. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 98 yards, 4:59. DAL – Mike Vanderjagt 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 3:07. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 24-yard field goal, 6:09. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 7:27. DAL – Tyson Thompson 2-yard pass from Tony Romo (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:17. Tied 10–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 5:52. Overtime No scoring plays. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 11/13, 135 yards, TD DAL – Tony Romo – 30/45, 349 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Ciatrick Fason – 11 rushes, 36 yards DAL – Tyson Thompson – 10 rushes, 56 yards Top receivers MIN – Troy Williamson – 1 reception, 40 yards DAL – Sam Hurd – 6 receptions, 110 yards Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.comrecap1September 11at Washington RedskinsW 19–161–0FedExField90,608Recap2September 17Carolina PanthersW 16–13 (OT)2–0Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,623Recap3September 24Chicago BearsL 16–192–1Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,754Recap4October 1at Buffalo BillsL 12–172–2Ralph Wilson Stadium71,972Recap5October 8Detroit LionsW 26–173–2Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,906 Recap6Bye7October 22at Seattle SeahawksW 31–134–2Qwest Field68,118Recap8October 30New England Patriots L 7–314–3Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,819Recap9November 5at San Francisco 49ersL 3–94–4Monster Park68,088Recap10November 12Green Bay PackersL 17–234–5Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,924Recap11November 19at Miami DolphinsL 20–244–6Dolphin Stadium73,070Recap12November 26Arizona CardinalsW 31–265–6Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,483Recap13December 3at Chicago BearsL 13–235–7Soldier Field62,221Recap14December 10at Detroit LionsW 30–206–7Ford Field60,861 Recap15December 17New York JetsL 13–266–8Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,677Recap16December 21at Green Bay PackersL 7–96–9Lambeau Field70,864Recap17December 31St. Louis RamsL 21–416–10Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome63,557 Recap Game summaries Week 1: at Washington Redskins Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary September 11 Vikings 6 3 7 3 Redskins 3 10 3 0 7:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT Cloudy, 65 F C FedExField, Landover, Maryland ESPN Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Tony Kornheiser and Joe Theismann (color commentators) 90,608 Mike Carey Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Chester Taylor 4-yard run (run failed), 10:05. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:55. WAS – John Hall 27-yard field goal, 1:55. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 8:10. Second quarter WAS – Clinton Portis 5-yard run (John Hall kick), 8:06. Redskins 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 4:04. WAS – John Hall 27-yard field goal, 1:05. Redskins 13–6. Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 1:16. MIN – Ryan Longwell 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Redskins 13–9. Drive: 6 plays, 28 yards, 1:05. Third quarter MIN – Marcus Robinson 20-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:38. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:10. WAS – John Hall 22-yard field goal, 4:25. Tied 16–16. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:13. Fourth quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 1:00. Vikings 19–16. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:34. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 16/30, 223 yards, TD WAS – Mark Brunell – 17/28, 163 yards Top rushers MIN – Chester Taylor – 31 rushes, 88 yards, TD WAS – Clinton Portis – 10 rushes, 39 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Troy Williamson – 4 receptions, 77 yards WAS – Santana Moss – 3 receptions, 69 yards The Vikings started the regular season on the road against the Washington Redskins on September 11, the first game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader on opening weekend. The Vikings drew first blood as running back Chester Taylor ran in a 4-yard touchdown on their opening drive; however, during the extra-point try, holder Chris Kluwe fumbled the snap and instead tried to go for a two-point conversion, which failed. The Vikings lead was 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 Redskins running back Clinton Portis and kicker Hall gave the Redskins a 5-yard touchdown run and another 27-yard field goal to make the score 13–6. The Vikings responded with a last-second 46-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell to close the first half. In the third quarter, the Vikings continued their comeback as quarterback Brad Johnson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson to give Minnesota a 16–13 lead. However, the Redskins tied the game up on a 22-yard field goal by Hall. Late in the fourth quarter, Longwell gave the Vikings a 19–16 lead, as he kicked a 31-yard field goal. During the final minute of the game, the Vikings held their ground and hung on to give Brad Childress his first head coaching win, as Hall missed a 48-yard field goal for the home side. Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary September 17 Panthers 0 10 3 0 0 Vikings 3 3 0 7 3 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota Fox Steve Byrnes (play-by-play) and Bill Maas (color commentator) 63,623 Bill Leavy Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 8:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 6:32. Second quarter CAR – John Kasay 25-yard field goal, 12:12. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:04. MIN – Ryan Longwell 22-yard field goal, 5:25. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:53. CAR – DeAngelo Williams 3-yard run (John Kasay kick), 0:17. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 5:08. Third quarter CAR – John Kasay 26-yard field goal, 2:51. Panthers 13–6. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:09. Fourth quarter MIN – Richard Owens 16-yard pass from Ryan Longwell (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:48. Tied 13–13. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:02. Overtime MIN – Ryan Longwell 19-yard field goal, 7:25. Vikings 16–13. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:40. Top passers CAR – Jake Delhomme – 17/33, 181 yards MIN – Brad Johnson – 19/31, 243 yards, INT Top rushers CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 13 rushes, 74 yards, TD MIN – Chester Taylor – 24 rushes, 113 yards Top receivers CAR – Keyshawn Johnson – 5 receptions, 106 yards MIN – Troy Williamson – 6 receptions, 102 yards In their Week 2 home-opener, the Vikings faced the Carolina Panthers in a low-scoring fight. The Vikings drew 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 responded with another Longwell field goal from 22 yards, but they fell before halftime with opposing running back 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 touchdown pass to fullback Richard Owens to tie the game up going into overtime. In the extra period, 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 Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 3: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary September 24 Bears 3 0 6 10 Vikings 3 3 0 10 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota Fox Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator) and Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter) 63,754 Scott Green Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 10:49. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 4:11. CHI – Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal, 6:20. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 4:29. Second quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 1:08. Vikings 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:24. Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 24-yard field goal, 10:53. Tied 6–6. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:07. CHI – Robbie Gould 31-yard field goal, 3:18. Bears 9–6. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 5:14. Fourth quarter MIN – Antoine Winfield 7-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:53. Vikings 13–9. CHI – Robbie Gould 49-yard field goal, 10:37. Vikings 13–12. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:16. MIN – Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal, 7:27. Vikings 16–12. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:10. CHI – Rashied Davis 24-yard pass from Rex Grossman (Robbie Gould kick), 1:53. Bears 19–16. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:32. Top passers CHI – Rex Grossman – 23/41, 278 yards, TD, 2 INT MIN – Brad Johnson – 21/31, 194 yards Top rushers CHI – Thomas Jones – 18 rushes, 54 yards MIN – Chester Taylor – 20 rushes, 74 yards Top receivers CHI – Muhsin Muhammad – 9 receptions, 118 yards MIN – Travis Taylor – 6 receptions, 82 yards Staying at home, the Vikings played a fierce NFC North fight with the Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, Minnesota got on the board first with kicker Ryan Longwell completing a 31-yard field goal, but the Bears tied it up via a 41-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. In the second quarter, Longwell put the Vikings back in front with a 26-yard field goal, 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 cornerback Antoine Winfield returned an interception 7 yards for a touchdown. Gould kicked 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 quarterback Rex Grossman completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashied Davis, which gave 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 Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills – Game summary October 1 Vikings 3 3 0 6 Bills 0 7 7 3 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Sunny, 58 F C Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, New York Fox Ron Pitts (play-by-play) and Terry Donahue (color commentator) 71,972 Ron Winter Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal, 8:40. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:20. Second quarter BUF – Willis McGahee 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 13:08. Bills 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 7:21. MIN – Ryan Longwell 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 0:42. Third quarter BUF – Peerless Price 8-yard pass from J. P. Losman (Rian Lindell kick), 9:12. Bills 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:48. Fourth quarter BUF – Rian Lindell 28-yard field goal, 14:05. Bills 17–6. Drive: 10 plays, 22 yards, 5:44. MIN – Marcus Robinson 29-yard pass from Brad Johnson (pass failed), 3:07. Bills 17–12. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 1:03. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 25/44, 267 yards, TD, 2 INT BUF – J. P. Losman – 23/32, 224 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Chester Taylor – 10 rushes, 23 yards BUF – Willis McGahee – 28 rushes, 78 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Marcus Robinson – 5 receptions, 78 yards, TD BUF – Lee Evans – 7 receptions, 92 yards Hoping to rebound from the previous week's loss, the Vikings traveled to Ralph Wilson Stadium 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 running back Willis McGahee got a 1-yard touchdown run. Longwell gave 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 quarterback J. P. Losman connected with wide receiver Peerless Price on an 8-yard touchdown 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 tried to come back, as quarterback Brad Johnson completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver 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 Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 5: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary October 8 Lions 0 10 7 0 Vikings 3 0 0 23 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota Fox Sam Rosen (play-by-play), Tim Ryan (color commentator) and Chris Myers (sideline reporter) 63,906 Gerald Austin Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal, 4:23. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:48. Second quarter DET – Jon Kitna 8-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 2:17. Lions 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:58. DET – Jason Hanson 53-yard field goal, 0:33. Lions 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 0:41. Third quarter DET – Dan Campbell 12-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Jason Hanson kick), 5:11. Lions 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:24. Fourth quarter MIN – Travis Taylor 3-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:14. Lions 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:57. MIN – Ben Leber fumble recovery in the end zone (kick blocked), 13:12. Lions 17–16. MIN – Ryan Longwell 20-yard field goal, 3:00. Vikings 19–17. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:07. MIN – E. J. Henderson 45-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:31. Vikings 26–17. Top passers DET – Jon Kitna – 23/42, 225 yards, TD, 3 INT MIN – Brad Johnson – 26/34, 201 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DET – Jon Kitna – 1 rush, 8 yards, TD MIN – Chester Taylor – 26 rushes, 123 yards Top receivers DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 8 receptions, 92 yards MIN – Travis Taylor – 4 receptions, 44 yards, TD After dropping two straight games, the Vikings came home for an NFC North fight with the Detroit Lions. The Vikings struck first with a 26-yard field goal, which were the only points scored in the first quarter. The Vikings did not score again until the fourth quarter. Detroit got close, but Napoleon Harris got the first interception of his five-year career at the end of the first. 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 resulted in a field goal to put them ahead 10–3. In the third quarter, Detroit recovered a Vikings fumble and then go on to score another touchdown to bring their lead to 17–3. In the first minute of the fourth quarter, the Vikings' Travis Taylor scored a touchdown on a three-yard reception to bring the score to 17–10. The Lions' next drive ended in a forced fumble when Pat Williams burst through the line untouched and Kitna lost the ball, which was picked up by the Vikings' Ben Leber in the end zone for a touchdown; however, the extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 17–16. With a 4th-and-1 for the Vikings on the Lions' 34, kicker Ryan Longwell pooch-punted the ball to the Lions' 7. Later, the Vikings scored a 20-yard field goal to take the lead at 19–17. Detroit then threw an interception on 4th-and-10 to E.J. Henderson, who ran 45 yards to score a touchdown, bringing the score to 26–17. The Vikings' Darren Sharper got an interception in the last minute to seal the victory, bringing the Vikings' record up to 3–2. Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary October 22 Vikings 3 7 14 7 Seahawks 7 3 0 3 4:15 p.m. EDT/3:15 p.m. CDT Sunny, 60 F C Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington Fox Ron Pitts (play-by-play) and Terry Donahue (color commentator) 68,118 Walt Anderson Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 11:40. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 3:20. SEA – Darrell Jackson 72-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 10:01. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:39. Second quarter SEA – Josh Brown 42-yard field goal, 14:13. Seahawks 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:18. MIN – Marcus Robinson 40-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:55. Tied 10–10. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 6:18. Third quarter MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 15-yard pass from Mewelde Moore (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:51. Vikings 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:10. MIN – Chester Taylor 95-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:50. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 95 yards, 0:16. Fourth quarter SEA – Josh Brown 26-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:39. MIN – Kevin Williams fumble recovery in the end zone (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:48. Vikings 31–13. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 15/24, 171 yards, TD SEA – Seneca Wallace – 14/25, 134 yards, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Chester Taylor – 26 rushes, 169 yards, TD SEA – Maurice Morris – 17 rushes, 49 yards Top receivers MIN – Marcus Robinson – 4 receptions, 77 yards, TD SEA – Darrell Jackson – 7 rushes, 136 yards, TD Coming off their bye week, the Vikings flew to Qwest Field 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 quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completing a 72-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darrell Jackson. In the second quarter, Seattle improved its lead with kicker Josh Brown kicking a 42-yard field goal. Minnesota responded with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings managed to retake the lead with running back Mewelde Moore throwing a 15-yard option pass to tight end Jermaine Wiggins, while running back Chester Taylor ran 95 yards for a touchdown (the longest rushing touchdown play in franchise history). In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks had Brown kick a 26-yard field goal. The Vikes pulled away and won with defensive tackle Kevin Williams recovering a Seattle fumble in their endzone. With the win, Minnesota improved to 4–2. Week 8: vs. New England Patriots Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 8: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary October 30 Patriots 7 10 14 0 Vikings 0 0 7 0 8:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. CST Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota ESPN Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Tony Kornheiser and Joe Theismann (color commentators) 63,819 Larry Nemmers Recap, Game Book First quarter NE – Reche Caldwell 6-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:07. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 3:53. Second quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 23-yard field goal, 12:09. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards, 3:27. NE – Benjamin Watson 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:25. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 3:57. Third quarter MIN – Mewelde Moore 71-yard punt return (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:36. Patriots 17–7. NE – Troy Brown 7-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:03. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:33. NE – Chad Jackson 10-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:05. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:48. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers NE – Tom Brady – 29/43, 372 yards, 4 TD, INT MIN – Brad Johnson – 20/33, 185 yards, 3 INT Top rushers NE – Heath Evans – 1 rush, 35 yards MIN – Chester Taylor – 10 rushes, 22 yards Top receivers NE – Benjamin Watson – 7 receptions, 95 yards, TD MIN – Mewelde Moore – 4 receptions, 91 yards The Vikes fell to 4–3 with a loss at home on Monday Night Football 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 quarterback Tom Brady hit wide receiver 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 turned out to be four touchdown passes, this time to tight end Benjamin Watson just before halftime to give the Pats a 17–0 lead. The Vikes finally got on the board as running back Mewelde Moore returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter. That was all the Vikings could muster as Brady threw his final two touchdowns to wide receivers Troy Brown and Chad Jackson respectively to close out the scoring. Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary November 5 Vikings 3 0 0 0 49ers 0 6 0 3 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST Sunny, 62 F C Monster Park, San Francisco, California Fox Sam Rosen (play-by-play), Tim Ryan (color commentator) and Chris Myers (sideline reporter) 68,088 Ed Hochuli Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 21-yard field goal, 3:51. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 16 plays, 69 yards, 9:00. Second quarter SF – Joe Nedney 25-yard field goal, 13:22. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 5:29. SF – Joe Nedney 30-yard field goal, 8:18. 49ers 6–3. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:29. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SF – Joe Nedney 51-yard field goal, 7:15. 49ers 9–3. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 4:54. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 21/31, 136 yards, INT SF – Alex Smith – 13/21, 105 yards, INT Top rushers MIN – Chester Taylor – 26 rushes, 96 yards SF – Frank Gore – 19 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers MIN – Chester Taylor – 8 receptions, 45 yards SF – Frank Gore – 5 receptions, 36 yards Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss to the Patriots, the Vikings flew to Monster Park for a Week 9 clash with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, the Vikings scored first, 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 put the game away for San Francisco as he nailed a 51-yard field goal. With another loss, the Vikes fell to 4–4. Week 10: vs. Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 10: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary November 12 Packers 10 7 3 3 Vikings 0 14 0 3 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota Fox Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Brian Baldinger (color commentator) and Jay Glazer (sideline reporter) 63,924 Terry McAulay Recap, Game Book First quarter GB – Dave Rayner 20-yard field goal, 6:40. Packers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 6:54. GB – Noah Herron 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Dave Rayner kick), 3:34. Packers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 2:55. Second quarter MIN – Billy McMullen 40-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:52. Packers 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:42. MIN – Billy McMullen fumble recovery in the end zone (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:52. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:20. GB – Donald Driver 82-yard pass from Brett Favre (Dave Rayner kick), 0:48. Packers 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 97 yards, 1:02. Third quarter GB – Dave Rayner 24-yard field goal, 4:38. Packers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:33. Fourth quarter GB – Dave Rayner 29-yard field goal, 2:11. Packers 23–14. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:35. MIN – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 0:58. Packers 23–17. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 1:13. Top passers GB – Brett Favre – 24/42, 347 yards, 2 TD MIN – Brad Johnson – 18/30, 257 yards, TD, INT Top rushers GB – Ahman Green – 22 rushes, 55 yards MIN – Chester Taylor – 20 rushes, 75 yards Top receivers GB – Donald Driver – 6 receptions, 191 yards, TD MIN – Bethel Johnson – 2 receptions, 75 yards Trying to end their two-game skid, the Vikings flew home for an NFC North fight with the Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, the Vikings trailed early as Packers kicker Dave Rayner nailed a 20-yard field goal, while quarterback Brett Favre completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Noah Herron. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead as quarterback Brad Johnson completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver 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 touchdown pass to wide receiver 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 kicked 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. Week 11: at Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at Miami Dolphins – Game summary November 19 Vikings 7 0 3 10 Dolphins 0 10 0 14 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Sunny, 68 F C Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida Fox Sam Rosen (play-by-play) and Tim Ryan (color commentator) 73,070 Jeff Triplette Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:02. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 96 yards, 6:19. Second quarter MIA – Olindo Mare 44-yard field goal, 14:09. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:10. MIA – Justin Peelle 11-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Olindo Mare kick), 5:34. Dolphins 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:32. Third quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 35-yard field goal, 6:09. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 3:59. Fourth quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 19-yard field goal, 14:12. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:56. MIA – Renaldo Hill 48-yard fumble return (Olindo Mare kick), 9:27. Dolphins 17–13. MIA – Jason Taylor 51-yard interception return (Olindo Mare kick), 3:25. Dolphins 24–13. MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:00. Dolphins 24–20. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 26/44, 262 yards, INT MIA – Joey Harrington – 26/42, 254 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Chester Taylor – 28 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD MIA – Ronnie Brown – 11 rushes, 5 yards Top receivers MIN – Travis Taylor – 8 receptions, 67 yards MIA – Marty Booker – 6 receptions, 84 yards Trying to stop a three-game skid, the Vikings flew to Dolphin Stadium for an interconference fight with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, the Vikes struck first with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown 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 quarterback Joey Harrington completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end 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 kicked 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 defensive end Jason Taylor returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. The only response that Minnesota could muster was on the final offensive play of the game, as Taylor got another 1-yard touchdown run. With their fourth-straight loss, the Vikings fell 4–6. Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 12: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary November 26 Cardinals 7 6 0 13 Vikings 7 7 10 7 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota Fox Matt Vasgersian (play-by-play) and J.C. Pearson (color commentator) 63,483 Jerome Boger Recap, Game Book First quarter ARI – J. J. Arrington 99-yard kickoff return (Neil Rackers kick), 14:44. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:16. MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:42. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:02. Second quarter ARI – Neil Rackers 21-yard field goal, 13:28. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 3:04. ARI – Neil Rackers 50-yard field goal, 3:48. Cardinals 13–7. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:40. MIN – Marcus Robinson 17-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:31. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:17. Third quarter MIN – Billy McMullen 9-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:37. Vikings 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:23. MIN – Ryan Longwell 40-yard field goal, 6:38. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 3:38. Fourth quarter MIN – Jeff Dugan 3-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:00. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:02. ARI – Adrian Wilson 99-yard fumble return (pass failed), 10:08. Vikings 31–19. ARI – Anquan Boldin 9-yard pass from Matt Leinart (Neil Rackers kick), 0:39. Vikings 31–26. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 1:10. Top passers ARI – Matt Leinart – 31/51, 405 yards, TD, 2 INT MIN – Brad Johnson – 27/41, 271 yards, 3 TD Top rushers ARI – Edgerrin James – 4 rushes, 15 yards MIN – Chester Taylor – 27 rushes, 136 yards, TD Top receivers ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 11 receptions, 172 yards MIN – Marcus Robinson – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD Hoping to end their four-game skid, the Vikings returned home for a Week 12 fight against the Arizona Cardinals. 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 running back J. J. Arrington returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings responded with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown 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 quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Johnson completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver 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 touchdown pass to fullback 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 quarterback Matt Leinart completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Minnesota held on to snap its four-game losing streak. With the win, the Vikings improved to 5–6. Week 13: at Chicago Bears Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary December 3 Vikings 0 3 3 7 Bears 0 7 14 2 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Mostly cloudy, 20 F C Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Fox Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator) and Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter) 62,221 Tony Corrente Recap, Game Book First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter CHI – Devin Hester 45-yard punt return (Robbie Gould kick), 12:20. Bears 7–0. MIN – Ryan Longwell 23-yard field goal, 8:54. Bears 7–3. Third quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 30-yard field goal, 10:07. Bears 7–6. CHI – Ricky Manning 54-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), 4:33. Bears 14–6. CHI – Cedric Benson 24-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 3:04. Bears 21–6. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 1:16. Fourth quarter CHI – Ciatrick Fason tackled in the end zone by Tank Johnson for a safety, 13:59. Bears 23–6. MIN – Ciatrick Fason 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:40. Bears 23–13. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 11/26, 73 yards, 4 INT CHI – Rex Grossman – 6/19, 34 yards, 3 INT Top rushers MIN – Chester Taylor – 17 rushes, 99 yards CHI – Cedric Benson – 9 rushes, 60 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Mewelde Moore – 5 receptions, 51 yards CHI – Bernard Berrian – 4 receptions, 21 yards Trying to build on their win over the Cardinals, the Vikings flew to Soldier Field for an NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears. After a scoreless first quarter, the Bears drew first blood in the second quarter with defensive back 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 kicked a 30-yard field goal, but that was as close as the Vikings got to Chicago in the game, because after Longwell's field goal, the Bears took over with defensive back Ricky Manning, Jr. returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, while running back Cedric Benson got a 24-yard touchdown run. By the time the fourth quarter came around, quarterback Brad Johnson was benched for the game, due to throwing four interceptions. Back-up quarterback Brooks Bollinger took over, but he fare any better, as he got sacked in his own end zone by defensive tackle Tank Johnson for a safety. Afterwards, the Vikings had their only successful drive of the game with running back Ciatrick Fason getting a 4-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Bollinger sprained his left arm during a sack, so rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson came in to finish the game. With the loss, Minnesota fell to 5–7. Week 14: at Detroit Lions Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary December 10 Vikings 14 6 3 7 Lions 0 10 3 7 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Indoors Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan Fox Ron Pitts (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (color commentator) and Jennifer Hammond (sideline reporter) 60,861 Bill Carollo Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Artose Pinner 3-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:01. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:59. MIN – Artose Pinner 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:32. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:48. Second quarter MIN – Brad Johnson 3-yard run (pass failed), 13:41. Vikings 20–0. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:27. DET – Jamar Fletcher 88-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 8:04. Vikings 20–7. DET – Jason Hanson 53-yard field goal, 1:30. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:01. Third quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 30-yard field goal, 12:33. Vikings 23–10. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:32. DET – Jason Hanson 45-yard field goal, 7:27. Vikings 23–13. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 5:06. Fourth quarter MIN – Artose Pinner 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:46. Vikings 30–13. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:15. DET – Kevin Jones 23-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Jason Hanson kick), 10:48. Vikings 30–20. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:58. Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 14/22, 159 yards, INT DET – Jon Kitna – 28/41, 294 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers MIN – Artose Pinner – 29 rushes, 125 yards, 3 TD DET – Arlen Harris – 1 rush, 0 yards Top receivers MIN – Marcus Robinson – 3 receptions, 45 yards DET – Mike Furrey – 9 receptions, 84 yards After getting swept by the Bears, the Vikings flew to Ford Field for an NFC North rematch with the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, running back Artose Pinner (a former Lion) helped Minnesota gain an early lead with a 3-yard and a 4-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, quarterback Brad Johnson got a 3-yard touchdown run, yet it was followed up with a failed two-point conversion. Detroit retaliated with defensive back 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 touchdown run. Even though Lions quarterback Jon Kitna completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to running back Kevin Jones, Minnesota held on to sweep Detroit. With the win, the Vikings improved to 6–7. Week 15: vs. New York Jets Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 15: New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 17 Jets 7 16 3 0 Vikings 7 0 0 6 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota CBS Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) and Dan Dierdorf (color commentator) 63,677 Bill Vinovich Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Travis Taylor 30-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:21. NYJ – Cedric Houston 6-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 6:20. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:33. Second quarter NYJ – Mike Nugent 25-yard field goal, 11:39. Jets 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:38. NYJ – Laveranues Coles 21-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Mike Nugent kick), 6:12. Jets 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:18. NYJ – Mike Nugent 52-yard field goal, 2:48. Jets 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:37. NYJ – Mike Nugent 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Jets 23–7. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 0:46. Third quarter NYJ – Mike Nugent 20-yard field goal, 4:27. Jets 26–7. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 7:41. Fourth quarter MIN – Mewelde Moore 35-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (pass failed), 6:15. Jets 26–13. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:41. Top passers NYJ – Chad Pennington – 29/39, 339 yards, TD, INT MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 14/23, 177 yards, TD, INT Top rushers NYJ – Cedric Houston – 21 rushes, 53 yards, TD MIN – Chester Taylor – 11 rushes, 38 yards Top receivers NYJ – Laveranues Coles – 12 receptions, 144 yards, TD MIN – Travis Taylor – 6 receptions, 81 yards, TD Following their win over the Lions, the Vikings went home for a Week 15 interconference fight with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, the Vikes took an early lead with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Taylor. However, the Jets struck back with running back Cedric Houston with a 6-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, things got bad for Minnesota. First, New York got a 25-yard field goal from kicker Mike Nugent. Then, quarterback Chad Pennington completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laveranues Coles. Afterwards, Nugent kicked 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 quarterback Tarvaris Jackson came in a completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to running back Mewelde Moore. That was the only response from the Purple People Eaters. With the loss, the Vikings fell to 6–8. Week 16: at Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary December 21 Vikings 0 0 7 0 Packers 3 3 0 3 8:00 p.m. EST/7:00 p.m. CST Rain, 36 F C Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin NFLN Bryant Gumbel (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (color commentator) 70,864 Gene Steratore Recap, Game Book First quarter GB – Dave Rayner 38-yard field goal, 9:09. Packers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:42. Second quarter GB – Dave Rayner 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:14. Third quarter MIN – Fred Smoot 47-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 5:10. Vikings 7–6. Fourth quarter GB – Dave Rayner 44-yard field goal, 1:34. Packers 9–7. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:13. Top passers MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 10/20, 50 yards, INT GB – Brett Favre – 26/50, 285 yards, 2 INT Top rushers MIN – Chester Taylor – 15 rushes, 49 yards GB – Ahman Green – 18 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers MIN – Chester Taylor – 3 receptions, 18 yards GB – Donald Driver – 9 receptions, 99 yards Trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the Vikings flew to Lambeau Field for an NFC North rematch with the Green Bay Packers in a Thursday night fight. For this game, Minnesota gave rookie quarterback 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 cornerback 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, in keeping with the fact that the Vikings were the most penalized team in the league in 2006, they committed 10 penalties for a loss of 68 yards. Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams Minnesota Vikings 2006 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 17: St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 31 Rams 10 14 10 7 Vikings 7 0 0 14 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Indoors Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota Fox Dan McLaughlin (play-by-play) and Tony Boselli (color commentator) 63,557 Pete Morelli Recap, Game Book First quarter STL – Ron Bartell 38-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:38. Rams 7–0. STL – Jeff Wilkins 42-yard field goal, 6:44. Rams 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 5:13. MIN – Tarvaris Jackson 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:04. Rams 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:40. Second quarter STL – Steven Jackson 4-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 8:12. Rams 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:25. STL – Steven Jackson 10-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 1:15. Rams 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 5:04. Third quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 53-yard field goal, 11:24. Rams 27–7. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:36. STL – Steven Jackson 2-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:16. Rams 34–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:04. Fourth quarter STL – Steven Jackson 59-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:09. Rams 41–7. Drive: 4 plays, 86 yards, 2:23. MIN – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 9:28. Rams 41–14. Drive: 3 plays, 35 yards, 1:41. MIN – Travis Taylor 3-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Ryan Longwell kick), 2:21. Rams 41–21. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:38. Top passers STL – Marc Bulger – 19/30, 248 yards, TD MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 20/34, 213 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers STL – Steven Jackson – 25 rushes, 142 yards, 3 TD MIN – Tarvaris Jackson – 7 rushes, 34 yards, TD Top receivers STL – Torry Holt – 9 receptions, 90 yards MIN – Mewelde Moore – 3 receptions, 57 yards Trying to end their season on a high note, the Vikings went home for a Week 17 intraconference fight with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Rams defensive back 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 quarterback Tarvaris Jackson getting a 1-yard touchdown run. However, in the second quarter, things got worse for the Vikes as Rams running back Steven Jackson got a 4-yard touchdown run and even a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback 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 touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis wrapped up its domination with Jackson with a 59-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the Vikes got its remaining points with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run, while Tarvaris Jackson completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Taylor. With three straight losses to close out the season, the Vikings finished at 6–10. Standings Statistics Team leaders Category Player(s) Value Passing yards Brad Johnson 2,750 Passing touchdowns Brad Johnson 9 Rushing yards Chester Taylor 1,216 Rushing touchdowns Chester Taylor 6 Receiving yards Travis Taylor 651 Receiving touchdowns Marcus Robinson 4 Points Ryan Longwell 90 Kickoff return yards Bethel Johnson 1,054 Punt return yards Mewelde Moore 364 Tackles E. J. Henderson 110 Sacks Darrion Scott 5.5 Interceptions Darren Sharper Dwight Smith Antoine Winfield 4 Forced fumbles Ben Leber 3 League rankings Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank(out of 32) Passing offense 3,123 195.2 18th Rushing offense 1,820 113.8 16th Total offense 4,943 308.9 23rd Passing defense 3,818 238.6 31st (tied) Rushing defense 985 61.6 1st Total defense 4,803 300.2 8th References Minnesota Category:Minnesota Vikings seasons Minnesota