Minnesota Vikings defeat Dallas Cowboys, 34-3

Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking left the Metrodome a lot grumpier than he did the last time he faced the Vikings in a playoff game.

In 1998, he was a rookie on the Falcons team that upset the Vikings 30-27 in overtime in the NFC Championship Game. Sunday, he was a member of a Cowboys team beaten 34-3.

Brooking was especially upset about the Vikings' last touchdown, an 11-yard pass from Brett Favre to Visanthe Shiancoe with 1 minute, 55 seconds left in the game. So ...

Sidney Rice already had tied an NFL postseason record for touchdown catches when Brett Favre saw him streaking toward the end zone in the fourth quarter Sunday.

Rice had a step on two defenders in the middle and a fourth touchdown in sight, but he was able to get only one hand on the ball as it sailed wide.

"Almost had it," Rice said.

It was about the only thing that didn't go right for Rice in the Vikings' 34-3 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at Mall of America F...

Owner Zygi Wilf often makes a quick exit from the Vikings' locker room following victory or defeat, disappearing as reporters enter.

But not Sunday.

While other members of the ownership group departed from the tight quarters where the Vikings dress, Wilf stood by a wall near the entrance looking around and smiling. This was one scene he wanted to savor, and Wilf couldn't be blamed for that.

The man who took over a franchise that has endured its share of embarrassm...