In the Metrodome’s final event, the Vikings did their 31-year home justice in the end, picking up their fifth win of the year with a 14-13 win over the Detroit Lions.
The day inside the always-pleasantly-heated Dome was all about looking back on the Vikings time in the venue, and remembering the players and plays that made it such a historical place.
Former running back Robert Smith, once-center Matt Birk, and the legendary Bud Grant were just a few that spoke at halftime and in the postgame “closing ceremony.”
But during the game, it was all about looking forward to a future star, as Cordarrelle Patterson put Minnesota on his back and carried the Vikings to victory.
Among the slew of records Patterson set on the day, his 50-yard rushing touchdown on a cutback toss set the single-season franchise record for most rushing touchdowns by a receiver (three), and the run was also the longest in Vikings history by a wideout.
Later in the game, Patterson returned his first kick of the day 20 yards to break the franchise record for most kickoff return yards in a season, passing Buster Rhymes record.
“Flash” capped off his big day by getting his second touchdown of the game in the fourth-quarter, an eight-yard back shoulder fade, which would conclude the scoring for the two teams.
Patterson finished with 54 receiving yards and 31 rushing yards, while running back Matt Asiata, filling in for the injured Adrian Peterson, led Minnesota’s ground attack with 115 yards on 14 carries.
Matt Cassel, who likely played his last game as a Viking Sunday, threw for 189 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Minnesota put up their best performance of the year, led by Jared Allen’s two sacks and a pass deflection, and the unit avoided the title of most futile in franchise history by five points.
Detroit looked lost on offense the entire day without top weapon Calvin Johnson, managing just 55 first-half yards.
The Lions close the season losing six of their last seven, a feat that will likely be the end of Jim Schwartz as Detroit’s head coach.
Minnesota closes 2013 5-10-1 having won three of their last five games, something that may not be enough to keep head coach Leslie Frazier employed either.
With the win, Minnesota secures the eighth pick in May’s NFL draft.
