7 best single-season performances in Vikings history
By Adam Patrick
2. Daunte Culpepper (2004)
Stats:
- 4,717 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
- 406 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
This performance put on by Daunte Culpepper in 2004 is without a doubt the greatest single season ever by a Vikings quarterback. Culpepper got off to a hot start (1,766 yards and 18 touchdowns in his first five games) and he was on pace to shatter NFL passing records.
He didn’t end up breaking many league records, but he did end up re-writing Minnesota’s all-time record book. Culpepper’s passing yardage and touchdowns are still the most ever in a single season by a Vikings quarterback.
Best Game: Week 5 at Houston
In this matchup with the Texans, Culpepper threw not one, not two, not three, not even four, but five touchdown passes.
The game ended up going into overtime and after Minnesota’s defense prevented Houston from scoring on their first drive of the extra period, the talented quarterback was given the opportunity to lead his team to a win. Culpepper did just that as he tossed a 50-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Vikings receiver Marcus Robinson.
The Minnesota quarterback finished his day with 396 passing yards and five touchdowns. This win over the Texans was one of three games in 2004 in which Culpepper threw for at least five scores.