NFL Exhibition Roundup : Third-String QB Proves First-Rate in Viking Win

Third-string quarterback Rich Gannon ran and passed Minnesota to a 17-point, fourth-quarter outburst, and the injury-riddled Vikings rallied to defeat the Denver Broncos, 27-17, in a National Football League exhibition game Thursday night at Denver.

The Vikings, playing without quarterback Tommy Kramer and five other starters, overcame a 17-10 third-quarter deficit behind Gannon, a rookie who replaced Wade Wilson at quarterback late in the first half.

The Vikings finished the exhibition season 2-2, while Denver wound up 3-2.

Quarterback John Elway had an off night in his final tuneup. He tossed two short touchdown passes in the first half but finished with four interceptions and one fumble. Elway, who played the entire game, completed 21 of 40 passes for 215 yards.

Trailing, 17-10, Gannon directed an 80-yard, 12-play scoring drive that end with his eight-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Greg Richardson, drawing the Vikings into a 17-17 tie with 12:13 left in the game. Gannon’s seven-yard scramble on a third-and-six play set up the touchdown.

The Vikings’ clinching score--a one-yard plunge by Gannon with 1:55 left--was set up by safety Neal Guggemos’ interception.

Detroit 36, Philadelphia 3--The Lions’ Chuck Long threw two touchdown passes, while the defense intercepted two passes and made seven sacks at Philadelphia.

Long completed 14 of 18 passes for 248 yards as the Lions finished their exhibition season 2-2.

The Eagles dropped to 1-3 and for the second straight game scored only on a field goal by Paul McFadden. They lost to Miami, 35-3, Saturday night.