"Saturday night at Mall of America Field, Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb showed something that hasn't been seen around these parts in a while:

A willingness to throw the football to Bernard Berrian.

A novel concept, perhaps. But there it was, first quarter of the game against Dallas. First-and-10 from the Cowboys 49 on a drive that began with running back Adrian Peterson softening up the Cowboys' front seven. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave had his receivers bunched, inside the numbers, with Berrian on the left side. McNabb took the snap, took a deep drop, sold the play-action, then took his time.

Berrian broke out, faked a move to the outside, turning safety Gerald Sensabaugh around, then broke to the post.

McNabb let loose with a pretty pass that was caught by Berrian as he entered the end zone to give the Vikings an early 7-0 lead.

"Pretty much," Berrian said when asked if the touchdown was the result of his speed. "Just going out and doing what you're blessed to do.""