Early in the third quarter, Vikings lineman Jerry Ball recovered a fumble from Barber on the Giants 4-yard line, setting up Leroy Hoard's 4-yard touchdown run that narrowed the gap to 19-10. Then after a punt, Minnesota's offense got on track, moving the ball into New York territory with Cunningham's 33-yard completion to Jake Reed. However, Murray missed a 48-yard field goal attempt. Still their defense managed to force a punt, and Brad Maynard's short kick gave them a first down on their own 40. This time they managed to drive 52 yards and score with Murray's 26-yard field goal, making the score 19-13 going into the fourth quarter.