Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!enterpoop.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.sports From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Viking's steals seal victory Date: Mon, 23 Nov 92 15:07:21 EST Message-ID: Lines: 55 \SE C;SPORTS;PRO FOOTBALL \SS (WS) \HD Viking's steals seal victory \BY ASSOCIATED PRESS \DT MINNEAPOLIS MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Burned on a long pass early, Minnesota cornerback Audray McMillian returned Cleveland's fire the rest of the day, recording three interceptions in the Vikings' 17-13 victory over the Browns yesterday. On Cleveland's fourth play, Mike Tomczak completed a 52-yard pass to Lawyer Tillman, over McMillian, setting up a field goal. "I got beat once," the cornerback said. "You can't get beat twice in this game." He didn't. For the rest of the game, the Minnesota cornerback repeatedly beat Browns receivers to the football. McMillian returned his third 25 yards for a touchdown with 9:05 to play, rallying the Vikings to a 17-13 victory that dropped Cleveland (5-6) three games behind AFC Central-leading Pittsburgh. Minnesota (8-3) has seven defensive touchdowns this season, six in the past four weeks. The defense has carried the Vikings, whose offense has struggled the past five weeks, to a three-game lead in the NFC Central. "I don't know if our defense actually expects to score every game, but we realize it's possible on every play," Vikings linebacker Jack Del Rio said. "It's a great feeling to be part of a feeding frenzy like this." McMillian's three interceptions tied a Minnesota record accomplished nine times previously, most recently by Todd Scott earlier this season. McMillian had 73 yards on his interception returns - more yardage than any Minnesota back, receiver or quarterback. He has seven pickoffs this season after taking over in training camp for injured cornerback Najee Mustafaa (formerly Reggie Rutland). "This isn't an attack on Najee, but Audray isn't a replacement anymore," said Carl Lee, the Vikings' other cornerback. "He's a hard worker, a student of the game and nothing catches him off guard. He's a legitimate starter and maybe he'll start getting the respect he deserves." Neither offense earned much respect yesterday. And neither starting quarterback was around at the end of the game. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM