Kramer Lifts Vikings to Win, 17-3

Tommy Kramer and Leo Lewis, one of the top passing combinations in the mid-1980s, relived a little nostalgia on Sunday.

Kramer, 34, replaced injured Wade Wilson and threw two touchdown passes--including one to 33-year-old Lewis--as the Minnesota Vikings beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17-3.

Lewis, who was cut and brought back during training camp, caught three passes for 32 yards and had a 65-yard punt return to set up a field goal. He returned six punts for 101 yards, six yards shy of Charlie West’s 21-year-old club record.

“It was a pretty good game for the old-timers,” said Lewis, whose playing time increased because of Hassan Jones’ groin pull. “You feel a little uneasy when you have to come off the bench, as Tommy would tell you.”

Kramer completed 18 of 32 passes for 190 yards after Wilson chipped a bone in his left ring finger during a sack 5:44 into the game.

“I felt rusty early but I got better as the game wore on,” said Kramer, the team’s starter from the time Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season until the 1987 exhibition season, when he suffered the first of a series of injuries.

“It’s a luxury to have two experienced quarterbacks. I don’t think we lose a thing when I come in.”

Wilson had two screws inserted into the fractured knuckle and is expected to miss at least two games. Coach Jerry Burns hinted that Kramer might be able to win his old job back if he performs well during Wilson’s absence.

Wilson had two screws insertedinto the fractured knuckle is expected to miss at least two games.

Coach Jerry Burns said Kramer might be able to win his old job back if he performs well during Wilson’s absence.

“I’ll make that decision at a later date,” he said. “I’m happy we have Tommy.”