Monday, December 29, 2025

By the numbers: 20 years ago, the NFL Vikings eliminated an opponent while gaining nearly zero yardage

 The game in which the Vikings eliminated the Lions while gaining little positive yardage is similar in its statistical oddity to a game played 20 years ago. 

First, the recent game. The Vikings won the game in Detroit with 3 net passing yards, winning 23-10. The Lions had 6 turnovers -- 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions. The Vikings' first touchdown came from a fumble recovery on the 16 yard line. All of the yardage on the 16 yard drive came from running plays. The other touchdown came from a 65 yard running play. Meanwhile, Vikings QB Max Brosmer, who played for the University of Minnesota and is thereby a fan favorite, had 51 passing yards but lost 48 yards on 7 sacks, for a net of 3 passing yards. 

On November 13, 2005, the Vikings beat the Giants in the Meadowlands 24-21 without scoring an offensive touchdown. They returned an interception for a touchdown, a kickoff for a touchdown, and a punt for a touchdown. The defense scored 7 points, special teams scored 14 points, and the offense scored 3 points. 


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