The 2002 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 42nd in the National Football League, and the first under head coach Mike Tice. Tice was the third of the Vikings' six head coaches to be promoted from within the team's coaching ranks but the first to have actually played for the team.
This for the first time since 1989, Cris Carter was not on the opening day roster.
The Vikings lost their opening game in Chicago 27âÂÂ23 after surrendering a 20âÂÂ10 halftime lead, and ended up going 0âÂÂ4 before their bye week. Results improved after the bye, but they ultimately went 6âÂÂ6 in their remaining games, including a three-game winning streak to end the season. They finished the season with a 6âÂÂ10 record and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Second-year running back Michael Bennett enjoyed a successful year, rushing for 1,296 yards, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection at the end of the season. After losing Cris Carter to retirement, Randy Moss had a career-high 106 receptions, but only had 7 touchdowns.
Notes:
With the overtime loss, the Vikings fell to 3-9 and 0-3 against the NFC South.
With the loss, the Vikings failed to sweep the Packers and they were eliminated from playoff contention for the second straight year as result. The game had also featured a massive brawl between Green Bay and Minnesota at the end of the game following a game sealing interception.
With the win, the Vikings improved to 4-10 and finished 1-3 against the NFC South.
With the win, the Vikings secured a 1-3 record against the AFC East and finished 4-4 at home.
With the win, the Vikings finished the season at 6-10 (4-2 against the NFC North) and 2-6 on the road.