3 best Minnesota Vikings Week 1 victories since 2000
By Ben Donahue
Best Week 1 Game No. 2
2006 Season: Vikings beat Washington 19-16
In 2006, Minnesota was led by first-year head coach Brad Childress. Childress arrived in Minny after seven years as the Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
One season prior, the Vikings ended the Mike Tice era with a 9-7 record and a 19th overall ranking in offense, hence the reason for Childress’ hiring. Minnesota was also looking for a fresh start after the team’s “Love Boat” scandal in 2005.
On the fifth anniversary of one of the most horrific events in U.S. history, Minnesota traveled east to play Washington on "Monday Night Football".
Both teams trotted out quarterbacks that were long-in-the-tooth, namely, Brad Johnson for Minnesota and Mark Brunell for Washington. However, the contest began with the running backs and kickers taking center stage.
The Vikings struck first when running back Chester Taylor ran in a touchdown from four yards out. The point after try was bobbled by punter/holder Chris Kluwe. Kluwe then tried to run to the end zone but was tackled short.
With Minnesota holding a 6-0 lead, Washington scored three consecutive times on two John Hall field goals and a Clinton Portis five-yard rushing touchdown. Just before the half, Minnesota’s Ryan Longwell booted a 46-yard try to put the halftime score at 13-9, Washington.
Minny opened the second half with Johnson connecting with receiver Marcus Robinson for a 20-yard touchdown that put the team back in the lead, 16-13. Minutes later, Hall nailed a 22-yard field goal to tie the score at 16.
Both teams battled in the fourth quarter before Longwell was successful on a 31-yard try for a 19-16 lead. With 12 seconds remaining, Hall attempted to tie the game with a 48-yard field goal but missed wide left. Minnesota left Maryland with a 1-0 record and a sigh of relief from Childress.
"I am tremendously humble and was a little emotional after the game. I'm just happy for those guys in the locker room. They faced a lot of adversity tonight. It was an away game, a Monday night, [against] Hall of Fame coach [Joe Gibbs]. I'm just pleased with what they accomplished."
- Brad Childress
Unfortunately, the Week 1 victory was one of the few highlights for Minnesota in 2006. After beginning the year 2-0, the Vikes would win just four more times and limp to the finish line with a 6-10 record.