Minnesota counts itself among the many NFL franchises trying to copy the Patriots' plan for success. The Vikings learned on Monday night that they still have a lot of catching up to do. Tom Brady beat Minnesota's relentless rushing defense by simply throwing over it for 372 yards and touchdowns to four different receivers, and the Patriots pounded the Vikings 31-7 on Monday night to win their sixth straight regular-season road game.

Marlin McKeever, a two-time All-American at USC who played 13 years in the NFL, died Friday of head injuries from a fall at his home earlier this week. He was 66. Kathleen O'Guin, director of public relations and marketing at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, said McKeever died at the hospital with his family at his bedside.

Minnesota Vikings starting wide receiver Troy Williamson left the team's game against Seattle in the first quarter with a head injury. A leaping Williamson was hit in the chest with two hands by Ken Hamlin and spun around in the air while trying to catch a long pass from Brad Johnson on the Vikings' second drive. Williamson appeared to land awkwardly and was face down on the turf for a moment while trainers rushed onto the field.

The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Bethel Johnson on Tuesday, and cut quarterback Drew Henson from the practice squad. The Vikings also released receiver Maurice Mann to make room on the active roster for Johnson.