Fran Tarkenton & Minnesota 1963

[LeonardRachiele]

The Vikings in their third year improved to 5-8-1.  They played a 17 all tie with the Chicago Bears.  For the second consecutive year, Norman Van Brocklin got revenge against the Eagles. Philadelphia defeated the Vikings 34 to 13 at Franklin Field.  The team's biggest victory was in week three with the San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota. Fran Tarkenton completed 14 of 28 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns.  Ray Poage caught four passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns.  On defense, the Vikes got five sacks for 49 yards.  The three interceptions the Vikings made covered 56 yards in returns.  The defense kept the pressure on all the way.  Late in the game, defensive end Jim Marshall recovered  a fumble and ran 12 yards for a touchdown. Vikings 45 49ers 14.