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The Vikings acquired veteran QB Warren Moon from Houston before
the 1994 season and he immediately developed a rapport with Carter. The Hall of Famer helped Carter set the NFL single season
record for recptions with 122 (the record was broken in 1995 by Detroit's Herman Moore and then topped by the Colts' Marvin
Harrison in 2002). Carter also led the team with 1,256 yards and 7 receiving TDs, which earned him 1st team All Pro honors.
Moon and Carter carried the team to a 10-6 record and NFC Central title, but couldn't stop the Vikings from a third straight
first round playoff exit - a 35-18 home loss to the Chicago Bears.
Carter teamed up with Moon in 1995 to post his
finest statistical season. He again caught 122 passes for a career high 1,371 yards and led the NFL with 17 TD receptions.
Carter received second team All Pro honors for his efforts. The Vikings however, finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs for
the first time under Green.
Midway through the 1996 season Brad Johnson took over at quarterback for the Vikings
and Carter didn't miss a beat, catching 96 passes for 1,163 yards and 10 TDs. The Vikings returned to the playoffs with
9-7 record, but were routed by the Dallas Cowboys 40-15 in the Wildcard round. Carter appeared in fourth straight Pro Bowl
following the season.
Carter continued to be the focal point of the Vikings' offense in 1997. He was named to his
fifth consecutive Pro Bowl, leading the NFL with 13 TD receptions while pacing the team with 89 catches and 1069 yards. With
Randall Cunningham at QB (he replaced the injured Johnson late in the season) the Vikings finally broke through in the playoffs,
defeating the Giants 23-22 in a last minute miracle comeback. The playoff success was fleeting however, as the team fell to
the San Francisco 49ers 38-22 the following week.
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