In a Game of Giveaway, Vikings Take 26-7 Win

There were 11 turnovers, six by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But Minnesota quarterback Tommy Kramer, whose two interceptions were offset by his 309-yard passing performance, said the Vikings’ 26-7 victory over the Bucs Sunday was not necessarily sloppy.

“I don’t think there were a lot of mental mistakes offensively (for the Vikings),” he said. “I threw two interceptions trying to make big plays. And there was some hard hitting out there. It was crazy, all the turnovers. But we were like that in the Detroit game (a 41-21 loss), except we didn’t get them back like we did today.”

Tampa Bay Coach Leeman Bennett, whose team fell to 2-12, said: “First time I’ve ever seen anything like it.”

Said Viking Coach Bud Grant: “It should be in one of those funny films.”

Jan Stenerud kicked four short field goals for the Vikings (7-7).

Minnesota’s defense produced interceptions by Chris Doleman, Tim Newton and Willie Teal, fumble recoveries by Doleman, Dennis Fowlkes and Doug Martin and two sacks by Keith Millard. The Bucs also lost 76 yards on 10 penalties.

Rookie quarterback Steve Young, in his third NFL start, completed 13 of 32 passes for 187 yards for the Bucs. His seven-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Magee 8:26 into the third quarter accounted for Tampa’s only scoring.

James Wilder gained 94 yards, becoming the first Tampa Bay player to surpass the 4,000-yard career rushing mark. He has 1,156 yards this season and 4,034 in his career.

Kramer hit 21 of 36 pass attempts, connecting with eight different receivers. Mike Jones hauled in four passes for 104 yards.

Stenerud kicked a pair of 24-yard field goals to give Minnesota a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

After Doleman’s second-quarter interception, Kramer hit Jones for a 41-yard gain, setting up Darrin Nelson’s one-yard touchdown plunge 6:09 into the period.

Newton’s diving interception preceded Stenerud’s 25-yarder, putting Minnesota ahead, 16-0, at halftime.

Stenerud’s 35-yarder 2:52 into the third quarter gave the Vikes a 19-0 lead. It came after an incredible display of ineptitude by both teams.

Wilder fumbled on the second play of the quarter. Two plays later, Nelson fumbled. On the next play, Wilder fumbled again. On Minnesota’s next play, however, Kramer was intercepted by Cecil Johnson. But Tampa again couldn’t hang onto the ball, as Young fumbled the snap. Finally, Minnesota was unable to drive, necessitating Stenerud’s kick.