Though they were out of the playoffs, the Vikings went into their season
finale determined to secure a winning season, and they
did so with a 34-10 rout of the Chicago Bears. Despite the effort,
the Vikings announced that new owner Zygi Wulf would not renew head coach Mike Tice's contract. "Of course I'm
hurt," Tice said. "I'm a man. I'm not a machine." Brad Johnson completed
27 of 40 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Bennett rushed
for 82 yards and a touchdown, Ciatrick Fason added a rushing touchdown,
and Paul Edinger kicked two field goals. Travis Taylor and Mewelde Moore
had the touchdown catches. After allowing an early field goal, the
Vikings scored the next 27 points. Minnesota, which didn't allow a sack,
outgained Chicago 396-251.
Three Vikings plead not guilty to charges Minnesota Vikings' Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smoot have pleaded not guilty to charges related to the team's bye week boating party, according to court records.
