Minnesota’s defense came up with a goal-line stand in the final minute to secure the Vikings’ 34-27 victory over the Washington Redskins. Robert Griffin the Third and the Redskins took over from their own 20 with 3:36 to play. Despite having no timeouts, Washington was able to move the ball down the field. Jordan Reed’s 17-yard catch moved the ball to the 8-yard line. Following a run by Roy Helu and two incomplete passes, Griffin lofted a fourth-down pass to Santana Moss. The wide receiver caught the ball but was out of bounds. Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder completed 17-of-21 passes for 174 yards, two touchdowns and an interception before leaving late in the third quarter with a left shoulder injury. Matt Cassel connected on 4-of-6 passes for 47 yards in relief. Adrian Peterson carried the ball 20 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns for the Vikings, who snapped a four-game skid. John Carlson caught seven passes for 98 yards and a score for Minnesota.
Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter was honored at halftime of the Minnesota Vikings’ 34-27 win over Washington on “Thursday Night Football.” The former Minnesota wide out was presented his Hall of Fame ring in front of the home crowd by Pro Football Hall of Fame executives. He was enshrined in Canton during the August ceremony. The Ohio State product played 12 seasons in Minnesota after three in Philadelphia to start his career. Carter is fourth on the all-time receptions list and fourth on the all-time list for receiving touchdowns.