Big Play Back in Vikings’ Repertoire

For 13 NFL seasons, Cris Carter has been a big-play artist. So when he says Sunday was a special performance, it means something.

Carter, helped by Leroy Hoard and Randy Moss, brought the big play back to Minnesota’s offense in a 23-20 victory over Denver. Gary Anderson kicked the game-deciding 23-yard field goal with one second left as the Vikings went 73 yards in 13 plays--some of the most significant involving Carter.

“It was one of those kind of games that are hard to describe,” Carter said after he had eight receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns. “It was as if it was in slow motion, and on some plays the ball was just hanging there for me.”

Carter made five of his receptions for 87 yards in the fourth quarter.

“That’s why he is Cris Carter and he’s going to the Hall of Fame,” Jeff George said. “A quarterback in the clutch needs guys he knows will be there. Cris has a great feel for the open area.”

Hoard found lots of open area too, rushing for 84 yards. He got 53 in stunning fashion, on a third-and-37 in the second quarter.

Moss was double-covered all game, but he did make a 23-yard reception to start the final drive. Then he caught a ball tipped by cornerback Ray Crockett to convert a third-and-10 situation.

Minnesota, which made numerous big plays in scoring an NFL-record 556 points and going a league-best 15-1 last season, improved to 4-4. Denver, which has won the last two Super Bowls, is 2-6--its worst record after eight games since 1972.