Minnesota 21
Detroit 16

SCORING

J.Hanson(45) (26) (28)


Team 1234OTTotal
VISITOR: Minnesota Vikings7770021
HOME: Detroit Lions3337016

Scoring Plays
TeamQtrTimePlay Description (Extra Point) (Drive Info)VisitorHome
Lions18:06J.Hanson 45 yd. Field Goal (13-35, 6:54)03
Vikings17:56K.Robinson 80 yd. pass from B.Johnson (P.Edinger kick) (1-80, 0:10)73
Vikings213:53M.Bennett 7 yd. run (P.Edinger kick) (5-68, 2:12)143
Lions20:08J.Hanson 26 yd. Field Goal (5-10, 0:28)146
Vikings310:45M.Bennett 5 yd. pass from B.Johnson (P.Edinger kick) (9-64, 4:15)216
Lions31:51J.Hanson 28 yd. Field Goal (8-71, 3:34)219
Lions47:38A.Pinner 6 yd. run (J.Hanson kick) (10-73, 5:50)2116

Paid Attendance: 61,375Game Length: 3:05

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
12/4/2005 at Ford Field
Final Individual Statistics
Minnesota Vikings Detroit Lions

 
RUSHINGATTYDSAVGLGTD
M.Bennett22793.6161
C.Fason4133.3150
K.Robinson199.090
B.Johnson482.070
M.Moore1-6-6.0-60
 
Total321033.2161
 
RUSHINGATTYDSAVGLGTD
A.Pinner14644.6121
S.Bryson6294.890
J.Garcia3124.090
 
Total231054.6121

 
PASSINGATTCMPYDSSK/YDTDLGINRT
B.Johnson23172562/142800139.0
 
Total23172562/142800139.0
 
PASSINGATTCMPYDSSK/YDTDLGINRT
J.Garcia35171261/8019145.7
 
Total35171261/8019145.7

 
PASS RECEIVINGNOYDSAVGLGTD
K.Robinson414837.0801
J.Kleinsasser4266.5100
M.Robinson33210.7160
M.Bennett3103.351
N.Burleson22613.0150
T.Taylor11414.0140
 
Total1725615.1802
 
PASS RECEIVINGNOYDSAVGLGTD
R.Williams4348.5130
S.Bryson4266.5100
A.Pinner33913.0190
S.Vines2105.060
M.Pollard2105.070
M.Williams166.060
C.Fitzsimmons111.010
 
Total171267.4190

 
INTERCEPTIONSNOYDSAVGLGTD
C.Chavous100.000
 
Total100.000
 
INTERCEPTIONSNOYDSAVGLGTD
 
Total000.000

 
PUNTINGNOYDSAVGTBIN20LG
C.Kluwe418145.31051
P.Edinger27537.50140
 
Total625642.71151
 
PUNTINGNOYDSAVGTBIN20LG
N.Harris523547.00255
 
Total523547.00255

 
PUNT RETURNSNOYDSAVGFCLGTD
N.Burleson4174.30100
M.Moore177.0070
 
Returns5244.80100
 
PUNT RETURNSNOYDSAVGFCLGTD
E.Drummond36923.00380
[DOWNED]100.0000
[OUT OF BOUNDS]100.0000
[TOUCHBACK]100.0000
 
Returns36923.00380

 
KICKOFF RETURNSNOYDSAVGFCLGTD
K.Robinson37123.70360
R.Owens100.0000
[TOUCHBACK]100.0000
 
Returns47117.80360
 
KICKOFF RETURNSNOYDSAVGFCLGTD
E.Drummond36822.70340
S.Bryson11212.00120
 
Returns48020.00340

 
Minnesota Vikings
FUMBLESFUMOWN-RECYDSTDFORCEDOPP-RECYDSTDOUT-BDS
Total000000000

Detroit Lions
FUMBLESFUMOWN-RECYDSTDFORCEDOPP-RECYDSTDOUT-BDS
J.Garcia10-3000000
S.Bryson010000000
Total11-3000000

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
12/4/2005 at Ford Field
Final Team Statistics
 Visitor
Vikings
Home
Lions

TOTAL FIRST DOWNS2019
   By Rushing87
   By Passing109
   By Penalty23
THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY3-11-27%5-13-38%
FOURTH DOWN EFFICIENCY0-0-0%0-0-0%
TOTAL NET YARDS345223
   Total Offensive Plays (inc. times thrown passing)5759
   Average gain per offensive play6.13.8
NET YARDS RUSHING103105
   Total Rushing Plays3223
   Average gain per rushing play3.24.6
   Tackles for a loss-number and yards8-240-0
NET YARDS PASSING242118
   Times thrown - yards lost attempting to pass2-141-8
   Gross yards passing256126
PASS ATTEMPTS-COMPLETIONS-HAD INTERCEPTED23-17-035-17-1
   Avg gain per pass play (inc.# thrown passing)9.73.3
KICKOFFS Number-In End Zone-Touchbacks4-0-05-2-1
PUNTS Number and Average6-42.75-47.0
   Had Blocked00
FGs - PATs Had Blocked0-00-0
Net Punting Average27.842.2
TOTAL RETURN YARDAGE (Not Including Kickoffs)2469
   No. and Yards Punt Returns5-243-69
   No. and Yards Kickoff Returns4-714-80
   No. and Yards Interception Returns1-00-0
PENALTIES Number and Yards11-943-30
FUMBLES Number and Lost0-01-0
TOUCHDOWNS31
   Rushing11
   Passing20
EXTRA POINTS Made-Attempts3-31-1
   Kicking Made-Attempts3-31-1
FIELD GOALS Made-Attempts0-03-3
RED ZONE EFFICIENCY2-2-100%1-3-33%
GOAL TO GO EFFICIENCY1-1-100%0-1-0%
SAFETIES00
FINAL SCORE2116
TIME OF POSSESSION30:4129:19

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
12/4/2005 at Ford Field
Ball Possession And Drive Chart
Minnesota Vikings

# Time
Recd
Time
Lost
Time
Poss
How Ball
Obtained
Drive
Began
#
Play
Yds
Gain
Yds
Pen
Net
Yds
1st
Down
Last
Scrm
How
Given Up
18:067:560:10KickoffMIN 201800801MIN 20Touchdown
26:502:144:36PuntMIN 16830-5253MIN 41Punt
31:0513:532:12PuntMIN 325680682*DET 7Touchdown
411:2710:021:25PuntMIN 3032020MIN 32Punt
55:500:365:14PuntMIN 6818-5132MIN 19Punt
60:080:000:08KickoffMIN 351130131MIN 35End of Half
715:0010:454:15KickoffMIN 369595646*DET 5Touchdown
88:595:253:34PuntMIN 43523-10131DET 44Punt
91:5113:283:23KickoffMIN 1261115261MIN 38Punt
107:382:464:52KickoffMIN 23840-10303DET 47Punt
110:520:000:52InterceptionMIN 231010MIN 3End of Game

    (255) Average MIN 23       
Detroit Lions

# Time
Recd
Time
Lost
Time
Poss
How Ball
Obtained
Drive
Began
#
Play
Yds
Gain
Yds
Pen
Net
Yds
1st
Down
Last
Scrm
How
Given Up
115:008:066:54KickoffDET 3913305353MIN 26Field Goal
27:566:501:06KickoffDET 2739090DET 36Punt
32:141:051:09PuntDET 3131010DET 32Punt
413:5311:272:26KickoffDET 273-20-20DET 25Punt
510:025:504:12PuntDET 277190192DET 46Punt
60:360:080:28PuntMIN 185100101*MIN 8Field Goal
710:458:591:46KickoffDET 2235-10-50DET 17Punt
85:251:513:34PuntDET 2084823714*MIN 9Field Goal
913:287:385:50PuntDET 27105815735*MIN 6Touchdown
102:460:521:54PuntDET 77425474MIN 46Interception

    (309) Average DET 31       
* inside opponent's 20

Time of Possession by Quarter1st2nd3rd4thOTTotal
Visitor  Minnesota Vikings5:517:549:407:1630:41
Home  Detroit Lions9:097:065:207:4429:19

Kickoff Drive No. - Start AverageVikings: 5 - MIN 25Lions: 4 - DET 29

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
12/4/2005 at Ford Field
Final Defensive Statistics
Minnesota VikingsRegular Defensive PlaysSpecial TeamsMisc

TKLASTCOMBSACK /YRDSINPDFFFR  TKLASTFFFRBL  TKLASTFFFR
E.Henderson426000000  00000  0000
A.Winfield505000000  00000  0000
S.Cowart415000000  00000  0000
E.James404000000  00000  0000
R.Smith314000000  10000  0000
S.Johnson224000100  00000  0000
B.Williams224000100  00000  0000
C.Mosley213180100  00000  0000
C.Chavous213001100  00000  0000
D.Sharper213000000  00000  0000
D.Thomas123000100  00000  0000
D.Scott101000100  00000  0000
R.Brown101000000  10000  0000
L.Johnstone101000000  00000  0000
P.Williams011000000  00000  0000
K.Newman011000000  00000  0000
D.Edwards000000000  20000  0000
W.Hunter000000000  10000  0000
H.Farwell000000000  10000  0000
C.Kluwe000000000  10000  0000
 
Total341549181600  70000  0000

TKL / TK = TackleAST / AS = AssistCOMB = CombinedIN = Interception
PD = Pass DefenseFF = Forced FumbleFR = Fumble RecoveryBL = Blocked

Detroit LionsRegular Defensive PlaysSpecial TeamsMisc

TKLASTCOMBSACK /YRDSINPDFFFR  TKLASTFFFRBL  TKLASTFFFR
K.Kennedy639000000  00000  0000
R.McQuarters516000000  00000  0000
J.Hall404000000  00000  0000
J.Davis314000000  00000  0000
D.Wilkinson314170000  00000  0000
S.Rogers314170000  00000  0000
M.Bell314000000  00000  0000
J.McGraw224000000  10000  0000
D.Bly303000000  00000  0000
W.Rainer213000000  10000  0000
C.Redding213000000  00000  0000
E.Holmes123000000  00000  0000
N.Wayne202000000  00000  0000
A.Goodman101000200  00000  0000
B.Walker101000000  00000  0000
S.Cody011000000  00000  0000
K.Edwards000000100  00000  0000
C.Fitzsimmons000000000  30000  0000
S.Wilson000000000  20000  0000
V.Fox000000000  10000  0000
A.Pinner000000000  10000  0000
R.Williams000000000  00000  1000
S.Bryson000000000  00000  0001
 
Total4115562140300  90000  1001

News: 12/5/05

The paper disguises were available outside Ford Field -- free of charge. The vendors didn't have the heart to bill those who've already been so heavily taxed spiritually.

Why shouldn't the fans "bag it"? They're only following the standard put forth by their team.

garciamin.jpg - 83579 Bytes

Surrender assumed the form of a skipped pass from quarterback to receiver that looked more like a throw from third base to first -- from the leader who supposedly gave the Lions the best chance at victory.

Is it any wonder the fans finally turned their attention Sunday to self-amusement?

The wacky took a hard right toward the ludicrous and then took a nosedive into the surreal as a season's freefall continued with no immediate bottom in sight.

The Lions opted for an interim coach last week, partially due to a lack of development from their young players. Yet their two highest draft picks from the Matt Millen era didn't play. One, receiver Charles Rogers, didn't dress.

And on the other side of the field stood quarterback vagabond, now sage savior, Brad Johnson.

He was the free-agent quarterback Millen reportedly desired, but Steve Mariucci insisted Jeff Garcia was the better move because he was better-equipped to handle the subtleties of Mariucci's interpretation of the West Coast offense.

One slings it downfield.

The other bounces it off the turf.

It's obvious which attribute best fit the Lions' offensive scheme.

Garcia was guilty of first-degree eye-slaughter with some of the ugliest throws imaginable, inspiring a strange chant from the crowd that was initially indiscernible.

Was it "Joe D! Joe D!" ?

garciamin1.jpg - 57481 Bytes

Perhaps it was an impassioned plea for Pistons president Joe Dumars to juggle his basketball responsibilities and assume the tattered reins of the Lions' leadership.

No, it couldn't have been.

It was actually "Joe-y! Joe-y!"

Joey Harrington finally discovered that popularity knows no bounds in this town when you're the quarterback on the sideline.

"It surprised me when I heard it," he said afterward.

But astonishment is no longer an option for this wretched waste of a football season. An interim coach, who isn't going to be around next season, basically endorsed Dré Bly's pointed criticism of Harrington in the wake of Mariucci's dismissal last week.

If Harrington doesn't give you a better chance at winning than the slop masquerading as a passing game against Minnesota, then how bad must Harrington truly be in the minds of coaches and teammates?

firemillen1.jpg - 54614 Bytes

If he's not worth evaluating in what amounts now to nothing more than a glorified exhibition season, then it's pretty obvious that he'll join several others in the revolving door, heading out of town after the season.

The implosion certainly isn't all Harrington's fault, but his tumultuous time in Detroit perfectly symbolizes the disconnect between the Fords and good football sense.

Joey was their guy -- period.

And he remains their biggest blind spot.

The decision to draft Harrington third overall in 2002 has been spun in various directions for the sake of damage control. But Millen and his coaching staff understood the realities of their roster -- they needed numbers far more than they needed a name. They were seriously depleted along the offensive line and the defensive front seven.

But the Fords thought they had a better idea. They were opening a heavily mortgaged new downtown football palace, and through their myopia saw only the unrequited appetites of fans long starving for that franchise quarterback in Detroit.

Deliver them that QB and the fans will flock to the new stadium at top dollar.

There was the alleged phone call to then-head coach Marty Mornhinweg from vice-chairman Bill Ford Jr. during the week before Ford Field's regular-season unveiling in Week 3 of 2002. firemillen.jpg - 77401 BytesFord supposedly demanded that Harrington start in place of Mike McMahon in the nationally televised game against the Green Bay Packers. The rationale was cultivating: The perception that a new stadium coupled with a new quarterback signaled the start of a new culture.

Harrington started against the Packers.

Nowhere has ownership's penchant for intrusion been more evident than with Harrington.

And now they must pay the price. The Lions are basically an expansion team without the promise of better days. They've wasted the bulk of five first-round draft choices in four years devoted exclusively to offensive skill, ignoring the basic football precept of building from the offensive line and defensive front seven.

If there's an ounce of conscience within the organization, the Lions will immediately issue rebates to the season-ticket holders for Sunday's game and the home finale in two weeks against Cincinnati.

The fans finally reached a breaking point Sunday, directing their ire toward Millen.

But my question is, "What took them so long?"

RECAP:


The Minnesota Vikings are back - and Johnson is, too.

Johnson threw two touchdowns, including an 80-yard pass to Koren Robinson that fired up the 37-year-old quarterback, and the Vikings held on to beat the Detroit Lions 21-16 Sunday.

Minnesota's mess is becoming a distant memory. Detroit's is getting worse.

The Vikings (7-5) have won five straight, salvaging their season after a bad start and the now infamous boat party.

''We've gotten ourselves out of a deep, deep hole,'' Johnson said. ''We're back in the ballgame, with four games left.''

Detroit (4-8) has lost five of six and didn't seem to be sparked by Dick Jauron in his debut as interim coach. In just six weeks, the Lions have gone from sharing the division lead to being mathematically eliminated from the race.

Fed-up fans booed quarterback Jeff Garcia throughout the game, and directed their anger toward team president Matt Millen during much of the second half.

''Man, this is supposed to be our home stadium,'' said receiver Roy Williams, shaking his head. ''This felt like a road game.''

The Vikings appeared to be in control leading by 15 early in the third quarter after Michael Bennett's second TD, but the Lions rallied before losing their eighth straight in the series.

Artose Pinner scored on a 6-yard run to make it 21-16 with 7:38 left after cornerback Brian Williams had an interception return for a score negated by a penalty.

The Lions got the ball back at their 7 with 2:46 left after Paul Edinger - punting in place of injured Chris Kluwe - made a low, bouncing kick.

Detroit drove to midfield before Garcia's up-for-grabs lob was intercepted by leaping safety Corey Chavous at Minnesota's 2 with 52 seconds left.

''I was glad we got back on the field because in those situations, you want an opportunity to make a play,'' Chavous said.

The Lions led once - briefly. After Jason Hanson kicked a field goal on the opening drive, Johnson needed only one play to put the Vikings ahead with his long pass to Robinson.

Johnson, who was 17-for-23 for a season-high 256 yards, is 5-0 since starting in place of the injured Daunte Culpepper.

''He's throwing it on time and he's throwing it precise,'' Robinson said. ''He's like Greg Maddux.''

Johnson has thrown eight TDs and just two interceptions after Culpepper had twice as many interceptions (12) as TDs (six) before having season-ending surgery on his right knee.

Bennett had 79 yards rushing and a 7-yard TD, and caught a 5-yard TD to give the Vikings a 21-6 lead in the third quarter. Robinson caught four passes for 148 yards, surpassing his previous season total, and a TD.

The loudest cheers at Ford Field came when a fan held a ''Fire Millen'' sign behind Minnesota's bench in the third quarter.

Security scurried to take the sign away and more messages like it, but ''Fire Mil-len!'' chants could not be stopped. One fan amused the crowd as he ran from section to section, dodging security, holding up an anti-Millen sign.

''That was crazy stuff,'' said Edinger, whose game-winning, season-ending kick while playing for Chicago led to Millen's hiring.

The Lions are an NFL-worst 20-56 since Millen took over the franchise in 2001.

Garcia, who was cheered as Joey Harrington's backup, was booed regularly as Jauron's-picked starter and the rest of his teammates didn't escape the wrath of the crowd.

''We worked on that,'' Minnesota coach Mike Tice joked. ''We talked about getting the crowd to boo them early.''

Garcia finished 17-of-35 for 126 yards and an interception.

''We don't have the confidence in each other that we need to make plays,'' Garcia said.

A play after Hanson's 45-yard field goal gave Detroit its only lead, Johnson lofted a perfect pass to Robinson, who simply ran past cornerback R.W. McQuarters for the score.

''We put that play in on Thursday. We knew it was coming,'' Robinson said. ''They said that they wanted to go at R.W. McQuarters, and he happened to line up on me.''

It was Minnesota's longest play of the year, and was Johnson's longest pass since 1996.

''What a great throw from Brad. He's having hernia surgery tomorrow,'' Tice joked. ''He threw that thing as far as he could throw it.''

When Garcia threw a pass at Williams' feet on the ensuing possession, the crowd chanted ''Jo-ey! Jo-ey!'' in a humorous moment because those same fans have jeered Harrington throughout his career.

Scott's Game Commentary:

Just when you think the Lions hit rock bottom after the Thanksgiving Day fiasco, it gets worse. Never have I remembered the honolulu blue and silver in total disarray. The highlight from the game was watching a disgruntled fan run across the sections with a Fire Millen sign and getting tackled by security. Last week Millen said he wanted to see the young players play more. So what does interim coach Dick Jauron do? He makes Charles Rogers a healthy scratch and starts Jeff Garcia. Just more proof how dysfunctional the organization is from top to bottom. There is not too much to say about the game. Minnesota's first offensive play from scrimmage was a 80 yard touchdown play from QB Brad Johnson, who the Lions could of had instead of Garcia. Johnson has only led the Vikings two five straight wins while Garcia looks like he cannot throw a ball more than ten yards. Garcia looked so dreadful, the crowd started the Joey chant, which I thought was funny. Could Harrington be any worse? Probably not. The Lions got a there only touchdown running the ball. When they had a chance to win the game, Garcia threw an awful pass which was picked off. At that point, I was already on my way home since I knew there was no way the Lions could beat a Vikings team that was the laughing stock of the league only five weeks ago!

Grades:

*Offense: --- D-. Garcia was dreadful. Just when you think Harrington could not be any worse we see a journeyman QB that has no arm strength. Why is Garcia playing when he is definitely not coming back after this season? With Kevin Jones out of the game with an injured shoulder, Artose Pinner and Shawn Bryson did a good job running the ball. The offensive line also played better than it has. Roy Williams and Mike Williams did squat, but what can you expect when Garcia can't throw the ball. Marcus Pollard had his usual big drop - what a disappointment he has been so far.

*Defense: --- C-. With the exception of the first play where R.W. McQuarters got burned for a 80 yard touchdown, the Defense played well. Dre Bly, who was running his trap all last week saying it was all Joey fault, got burned on a few plays. Bly should know better to blame others when he has had a disappointing year himself. Shaun Rogers was dominating as usual - he's the only true pro bowler on the Lions.

*Special Teams: --- B. Probably their best effort of the year. Hanson had three field goals, Nick Harris continues to have his best year a Lion and Eddie Drummond finally brok a few long runs.

*Coaching: --- C-. It looked like the same old offensive plays, but at least they ran the ball more. Not much you can do with a QB that cannot throw a football.

*Overall: --- D. At 4-8, I can only hope the Lions lose their remaining games and can land a top 5 draft pick. The chances are very good of that happening. The Lions are 5.5 point underdogs to the 2-10 Packers and have not won at Lambeau since 1991, the last time they won a playoff game. The last home game is against the Bengals, which is a guaranteed blow out. New Orleans is having an awful year as well, but I don't see the Lions winning on the road. The finale in Pittsburgh? Don't count on it as Pittsburgh will be fighting for a wild card spot. Add it all up and for the fifth straight year, all i'm rooting for is a draft pick, which chances are Millen will blow anyways since the Lions brass has already given up on the 2nd and 3rd picks overall in the 2002 and 2003 drafts.

*Click HERE to go back to my LIONS page!!