Three return TDs pace Vikings

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Minnesota Vikings reversed two negative trends Sunday despite having their worst offensive day of the season.

The Vikings became the first team in NFL history to return a punt, kickoff and interception for touchdowns in the same game, then their offense came to life long enough to set up kicker Paul Edinger’s 48-yard field goal with 10 seconds left in a 24-21 win over the New York Giants.

Minnesota entered the game having lost nine of its past 13 games to the Giants, including four of its past five. The Vikings were also 0-4 on the road this season.

“I’m glad the guys figured out that we can win the game on defense and on special teams,” coach Mike Tice said.

Safety Darren Sharper had three interceptions for the Vikings, including one he returned for a 92-yard touchdown in the second quarter. On special teams, Koren Robinson returned the second-half kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown and teammate Mewelde Moore ran a punt back 71 yards for a score later in the quarter.

The Vikings also confused Giants quarterback Eli Manning all afternoon with shifting coverages, and the second-year quarterback finished 23 of 48 for 291 yards and four interceptions.

The Vikings had their worst offensive performance of the season with 137 total yards, and were held to 6 yards in the first half. But the Giants couldn’t capitalize despite racking up 405 yards of offense.

“It was a very poor performance by our team,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. “It’s beyond belief that we would play that poorly.”