Top scorer Anderson kicks a memorable goal in dying seconds

GARY ANDERSON made what could be his final kick at the Metrodome a memorable one.

The American National Football League’s all-time leading scorer drilled a 53-yard field goal that grazed the right upright and sneaked over the crossbar with 17 seconds left, lifting the Minnesota Vikings to a thrilling 20-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

The loss hurt Miami’s chances for a first-round playoff bye, but the Dolphins still can win the AFC East division title with a victory at New England next week.

“To get in (the playoffs), we have to win next week,” Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said. “To win the division, we have to win next week. It will be important for us to regroup.”

Anderson, 43, was dropped in the off season in what Minnesota coach Mike Tice called his “toughest decision.” But he was brought back three weeks into the season to replace Doug Brien, who missed two extra points and a 44-yard field goal in a 45-39 overtime loss to Buffalo on September 15. Although Anderson had converted 16-of-20 field goals, his longest was from 44 yards and the 53-yarder appeared to be outside his range. However, as the Dolphins offensive players strapped on their helmets in anticipation of taking the field, Anderson left them shell-shocked with a line drive kick that had just enough distance.

Meanwhile Philadelphia stayed on course for claiming home field advantage throughout the NFC play-offs with a 27-3 victory over Dallas.

In what may have been his final game for the Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Emmitt Smith rushed for just 30 yards and could not prevent another lopsided defeat.

The NFL’s all-time leading rusher needed 68 yards to reach 1,000 for the 12th straight season but was limited to eight carries by Campo, Dallas’ beleaguered coach who likely will be fired after the season.

That left it up to first-year starting quarterback Chad Hutchinson - who completed just 27-of-68 passes with four interceptions in his previous two games - to try to beat a defence with a strong pass rush and three Pro Bowl players in the secondary. Hutchinson clearly was overmatched, getting sacked seven times and having an interception returned 80 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Shawn Barber. Along with a dominant defensive performance, the Eagles received another efficient outing from A.J. Feeley, who threw for 253 yards and a touchdown and improved to 4-0 as the starting quarterback.

The win was the sixth straight and ninth in 10 games for Philadelphia, which needs a win against the New York Giants next week or a loss by Tampa Bay and Green Bay to clinch home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. San Francisco, who clinched the NFC West title two weeks ago, posted a 17-14 victory over Arizona despite the absence of star receiver Terrell Owens. Jeff Garcia threw for 256 yards and a touchdown to lead the 49ers to victory.

Week 16 continued last night, when one of the league’s fiercest rivalries resumes as the Raiders hosted the Denver Broncos in a pivotal AFC West match-up. A win by the Raiders coupled with a loss by San Diego will give them their third straight division title.Oakland could also clinch a playoff berth with a win and if either the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans or Indianapolis Colts lose.