American Football: Wilkins ends Buccaneers' winning run

Jeff Taylor
Monday 06 October 1997 23:02 BST
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A stunning interception and 77-yard return for a touchdown by Green Bay's 300lb defensive lineman Gabe Wilkins sparked the Packers to a 21-16 victory over Tampa Bay, ending the Buccaneers' unbeaten run.

A Brett Favre touchdown pass at the end of the first half to Antonio Freeman gave the Packers a 21-3 cushion and assured them of their 22nd straight victory at Lambeau Field. Tampa Bay still lead the NFC Central Division by a game over the Packers and Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings won their fourth game of the season, surviving in Arizona by 20-19. Andrew Glover's 43-yard reception from Minnesota quarterback Brad Johnson set up a game-winning 38-yard field goal from Eddie Murray with 10 seconds left.

In a crucial NFC East encounter, Philadelphia Eagles ran over Washington Redskins 24-10. The victory was Philadelphia's second of the season but leaves them a game behind the Redskins and Dallas Cowboys.

New York Giants beat the Cowboys 20-17 with safety Tito Wooten picking off two Troy Aikman passes, returning one 61 yards for a touchdown.

The Pittsburgh Steelers overcame the Baltimore Ravens, who had built up a 21-point lead, by 42-34. Quarterback Kordell Stewart secured victory with a 74-yard touchdown run in the final two minutes.

Jacksonville, who lead the Steelers by a game in the AFC Central, beat the struggling Cincinnati Bengals 21-13, with Mark Brunell throwing three touchdown passes.

The Miami Dolphins ended Kansas City's four-game winning streak with a 17-14 victory in Florida, getting a 25-yard field goal from Olindo Mare late in the fourth quarter.

Mike Ditka, in the NFL Hall of Fame after coaching the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX, led the New Orleans Saints to a 20-17 over his old club at Soldier Field.

Quarterback Heath Shuler connected with Randall Hill for an 89-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter, giving the Bears their sixth defeat.

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