(Sportsbooks) - Just over a week ago, the
Minnesota Vikings forged a huge fourth quarter comeback against Green Bay only to come up short. On Sunday, the story had a much different ending at the Metrodome against another NFC North rival in Detroit.
This time, the Vikings trailed 19-7 with just one quarter to play. The good news was that Minnesota had the ball at the Detroit two-yardline to start the final stanza. Just two plays into the quarter, Daunte Culpepper hit Nate Burleson for a six-yard touchdown strike. Following a successful two-point conversion, the Vikings pulled within 19-15.
After the defense forced Detroit to a three-and-out, the Vikings put together a 13-play, 62-yard drive which was culminated by a Moe Williams one-yard touchdown run. Culpepper came up huge under pressure on the drive, as he hit Williams for a 14-yard gain on a 3rd-and-12. With the touchdown, Minnesota posted a 22-19 victory.
"I told them, 'We're the best 'O' in the league. Let's go out and play like it. Let's not look back. Let's look forward.'" said Culpepper of the team's late game regrouping. "Every man had to look at himself down deep to do his own job, and that's what we were able to do in the second half."
Minnesota's defense wouldn't allow Detroit to rally like Green Bay did the previous week. The Vikings forced the Lions into a second consecutive three- and-out and Antoine Winfield intercepted Joey Harrington with just 1:49 left in the contest.
On the play, free safety Brian Russell recognized Detroit's formation from film study and informed Winfield of the likely call.
"They were trying to high-low Antoine," Russell said. "The slot receiver comes to the line, goes inside and sits there. Another receiver comes off him deeper. They are trying to force Antoine to go to one guy or the other. I told him, 'Toine, I think this is what's coming,' but the bottom line was Antoine still had to make the play. Antoine did a great job of setting him up [Harrington]."
The Vikings finally stepped up on the defensive side of the ball in the contest, holding the Lions to 213 total yards. Lance Johnstone had a terrific day with all three Minnesota sacks, while linebacker E.J. Henderson led the squad with seven tackles.
MOSS LIKELY TO PLAY
Vikings star wideout Randy Moss, who has been out for the last 36 days with a partially torn right hamstring, will likely see limited action this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Metrodome.
According to head coach Mike Tice, Moss looked "extremely good" during the series of drills on Monday. Barring a setback this week, Tice will see action in about 25 plays -- mostly in three-receiver sets.
"He did a lot [Monday], and the key is to see how he is [Tuesday] because we pushed it pretty good," Tice said. "The strength in there is excellent. I think endurance is the key."
Moss has caught 26 balls for 394 yards and eight touchdowns this season, ranking fifth on the team in catches.
INJURY REPORT -- Right tackle Mike Rosenthal (right foot), tight end Jim Kleinsasser (right knee) and cornerback Ken Irvin (right Achilles' tendon) already are out for the season. Vikings running back Mewelde Moore (ankle) is week-to-week.
UP NEXT -- The Vikings remain at home to host the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.
