A good finish could be coming in Minnesota, and that’s something the home team didn’t think would be happening as of halftime.
After an offside penalty on Vikings defensive end Brian Robison gave the Bucs another chance to convert on third down from deep in their own end, Tampa quarterback Josh Freeman connected with receiver Preston Parker on a 51-yard catch-and-run, putting the ball at the Minnesota 20.
Two plays later, a great end-zone catch by receiver Mike Williams was wiped out by an illegal shift penalty. The Bucs eventually settled for a Connor Barth field goal, cutting the lead to 17-10.