vikings/nfl

GAME BALLS

Dwight Smith, Vikings: Remember when the veteran safety had two INT returns for TDs in Super Bowl XXXVII and wasn't the MVP? Well, two key picks, including a 93-yard TD, is enough for us.

Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings: Note to the "quarterback of the future:" The future is now.

PLAY OF THE GAME

First quarter, 3:26 left, scored tied 7-7

Giants third-and-7 on their own 13

The play: Eli Manning's pass, in the general direction of tight end Jeremy Shockey, was picked off by Darren Sharper at the 20. Sharper stumbled, righted himself, and raced left for a touchdown.

The result: Manning was shaken and threw three more interceptions before his nightmarish day ended.

MONDAY MORNING QB, ON THE QBS

This week's starter: Tarvaris Jackson

Play: A couple of scrambles were very Tarkenton-like (yeah, we remember the '70s). Grade: Fran

Leadership: Supported by a high-scoring defense, T-Jack avoided big mistakes. He's not getting Pro Bowl votes, but he is 5-2 as a starter this year. Grade: Wade

Stats: Early 60-yard TD toss helped him to a lofty 139.2 rating. Only threw 12 passes, no picks, a fumble and four sacks. Grade: Wade

Overall: Did you know Jackson has only three TD passes this season, but all of them have been for exactly 60 yards? Grade: Wade

DÉJÀ VU?

The Vikings played the Giants on Nov. 13, 2005 in the Meadowlands and won 24-21 by becoming the first team in NFL history score on an interception return (Darren Sharper), a kickoff return (Koren Robinson) and a punt return (Mewelde Moore). They also scored on three interception returns Sunday ... none of that makes up for 41-donut, however.

NEXT WEEK

Vikings vs. Detroit Lions • Noon Sunday

Metrodome • Ch. 9 • 1130-AM, 100.3-FM

About the Lions: Detroit (6-5) lost to the Packers 37-26 on Turkey Day and is a game up on the Vikings in the NFC North.

Dangerous player: Veteran quarterback Jon Kitna, who guaranteed the Lions would win 10 games before the season started, has been good for Detroit (14 touchdown passes and 2,897 passing yards) and good for the opposition (12 interceptions and 11 fumbles). He suffered a concussion in the teams' first meeting, but came off the bench to lead the Lions to a 20-17 overtime victory on Sept. 16 in Detroit.