NFL: Monday Night Moss

When you see a Monday night game on the Vikings' schedule, you know who will show up to play. In his short but brilliant career, wide receiver Randy Moss has made the highlight reel with his amazing grabs and unbelievable runs after catches. Here's a run-down of how Moss did in key Monday night match-ups so far in his career:

@ Packers, October 5, 1998 Dating back to his rookie season in 1998 when the Vikings-Packers rivalry was at its peak, Moss and the Vikes went into Lambeau Field with a 3-0 record. He finished with five receptions for 190 yards and two flashy touchdowns (44 and 52 yards). That game helped prove that Moss should have been picked higher on the draft board. But what was most important was that the Vikings' came out with a 4-0 after the 37-24 win. They went onto finish that year 15-1 but lost the NFC Championship game to the Falcons at home.

vs. Cowboys, November 8, 1999 Despite falling behind 17-0 to the Cowboys 21 minutes into the game, the Vikings somehow found a way to comeback with the help of Moss. Quarterback Jeff George fired two scores to Moss of four and 47 yards, and they came out with a 27-17 victory. Moss' numbers were the usual for a Monday night game. His six receptions for 91 yards and Cris Carters' nine catches for 119 yards and a touchdown proved to be a winning combination. Moss also handled the punt returning duties in the second half when running back David Palmer went out with a knee injury.

vs. Packers, December 20, 1999 The Vikings' 24-20 victory over the Packers could have been their most important game of the season. Coming off of a two-game losing streak with the help of Moss' catches for 131 and two touchdowns, they moved within a game of the NFC Central leader Tampa Bay. Moss made up for a muffed punt return by hauling in a 36-yard pass from George that set up a Leroy Hoard touchdown. And he also set a Vikings team record with his sixth straight 100-yard receiving game. The win also helped them squeak into the Wildcard playoffs.

vs. Buccaneers, October 9, 2000 The surprising 4-0 Vikings led by quarterback Daunte Culpepper entered this game against a struggling Buccaneers team that was in a must-win situation. Moss, who has already been in four playoff games and several big regular season games, understood what was at stake and he ended up making the difference. Thanks to his leaping 42-yard touchdown catch in the end zone in between two defenders, it gave the Vikings a 30-23 lead midway through the fourth quarter, and it was one they wouldn't lose. Moss proved to be a reliable target for Culpepper, catching five passes for 118 yards and the important score.