Bad Pass by Moss Costs the Vikings

The Seattle Seahawks finally figured out how to finish a game and left the Minnesota Vikings desperately searching for a better way to finish their season.

Michael Boulware intercepted an ill-advised pass by Randy Moss in the end zone just before the two-minute warning, allowing the Seahawks to hang on for a 27-23 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.

“It’s nice to be on the winning end of one of these for a change,” said Matt Hasselbeck, whose three first-half touchdown passes proved to be enough for Seattle (7-6). The Seahawks’ fourth win in the last 10 games gave their playoff hopes a big boost.

Meanwhile, Minnesota (7-6) lost for the fifth time in seven games and watched its postseason plans take a hit.

Moss, who caught four passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, rolled right on a reverse handoff from Daunte Culpepper on first and 10 at the Seattle 20. Near the sideline with a defender closing in, Moss floated a pass into the back of the end zone, where Marcus Robinson was covered by two Seahawks.

“I take responsibility for calling that play,” Viking offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. “I wish I could have it back.”

After Boulware’s interception, Minnesota managed to force a punt and get the ball back at its 10 with 44 seconds left and no timeouts. A 36-yard pass to Moss and an offside call on Seattle as Culpepper spiked the ball gave the Vikings possession at the Seahawk 28 for one last try with four seconds left.

Culpepper appeared to be sacked by Antonio Cochran, but the play wasn’t stopped, and his heave into the end zone was nearly caught by Jermaine Wiggins as the game ended.

Seattle’s Darrell Jackson had 10 receptions for 135 yards and a score after learning in the morning that his father had died of cancer. Jackson joined the team Saturday night after spending the day with his father in Florida.