Archives for October 23, 2000

‘Despite the most productive day in his NFL career, Flutie and a fired-up Bills offence couldn’t negate big-play Vikings receivers Randy Moss and Cris Carter. "I felt great, it’s like riding a bike," said Flutie, who completed 28 of 43 attempts for 294 yards in his first start this season in place of the injured Rob Johnson. "You jump back on and you go. "But God, we should have won the ball game. We should have found a way to win it and I thought we would."’

‘With the Vikes trailing 27-21 late in the fourth quarter, Moss raced down the left side, got behind two Bills defenders and hauled in Daunte Culpepper’s toss deep in the end zone, deftly tucking both feet in bounds before falling over the dead-ball line. "That is football. I picked that up from watching Cris Carter," Moss said of Minnesota’s other star receiver. "I learned the position of your footing and watching the ball in the air. "Coach (Dennis) Green brought me here to make plays and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help us win."’

‘Outplayed through three quarters by the visiting Buffalo Bills, and trailing by 11 early in the fourth, the Vikings again played their best when it mattered the most.’

‘"We don’t play like we’re 3-4," said Bills defensive end Marcellus Wiley. "We’re just 3-4. There are teams that don’t play well and win. We’re one of those teams that play well and find a way to lose."’

‘For Moss, who had made a similar prediction before a game-sealing touchdown reception against Miami in Week Two, it was just further proof that you can slow the Vikings receivers some of the time. But not when it matters.’

‘Said defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas: "They were running a lot of pick routes, and we were getting lost. So we changed our personnel, got more defensive backs on the field to help. They had us off balance the whole game, but we hung in there and made some plays at the end."’

‘Of course, just like every other team the Vikings have played this season, the Bills were their own worst enemy, with penalties, fumbles and broken defensive coverages.’

‘The second-year quarterback is already getting a reputation as a clutch performer when the game is on the line. He credited the team’s fourth-quarter success — it has scored 73 of its 184 points in the fourth quarter and has outscored opponents 73-58 in that quarter — to gritty play. "We work hard and we learn," Culpepper said. "That’s the main thing. We learn to stay humble, and we work hard."’

‘"It’s one of the biggest records, probably in sports," said punter and holder Mitch Berger. "And he did it seven years shorter than [Blanda], and that’s without scoring any touchdowns."’

‘"One play, and it’s the difference in the game. We had two guys covering Moss. Obviously, we didn’t have him covered." – Buffalo coach Wade Phillips.’

‘We’re all for making history, but things almost got a little out of hand after Gary Anderson’s 21-yard field goal in the fourth quarter made him the NFL’s all-time leading scorer. The referee stopped the game, Anderson’s sons ran onto the field for pictures, there were handshakes and hugs all around — and there was still 1:04 to play. How about keeping your eyes on the big picture and then celebrating?’

‘The young quarterback made his worst decision of the season. Interceptions were dropped. The visitors dominated possession of the ball and third-down conversions. There was a game-clock mess. A major NFL career record was broken. And, at the end of the blizzard of sloppiness, weirdness and history, there was another fourth-quarter comeback with a spectacular scoring play. When sanity was finally was restored at the Metrodome, the resilient Vikings stood as the NFL’s only unbeaten team after a 31-27 victory over the Buffalo Bills in front 64,116.’

‘With four minutes remaining Sunday and the Vikings trailing the Buffalo Bills 27-21, right tackle Korey Stringer bent over in the team’s huddle, looked at Moss and said, "Somebody has to make a play." Moss accepted the challenge, adding, "Y’all pass protect; I’m going to score this touchdown." The huddle broke, and Moss headed to the left side of the field. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper took the snap and rolled right. Cornerbacks Daryl Porter and Ken Irvin froze, and Moss broke toward the end zone. As he neared the end line, Moss hauled in the 39-yard pass and managed to keep his feet in bounds, Cris Carter style, giving the Vikings a 28-27 lead.’

‘On a day when the Bills’ ball-control offense chained Daunte Culpepper and his gang of playmakers to the bench for three quarters, their defense could have been jailed for allowing two fourth-quarter touchdown passes that let the Vikings escape with a 31-27 victory at the Metrodome.’

‘Turning point: Vikings rookie punt returner Troy Walters’ 28-yard return to the Bills’ 34-yard line with 3:54 to go. Three plays later, quarterback Daunte Culpepper hit Randy Moss in the back of the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown. It gave the Vikings a 28-27 lead with 3:42 remaining in the game.’