OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Daunte Culpepper had one of the best days of his career as well as one of the worst.
Culpepper threw for a career-high 396 yards, but was intercepted three times as the Minnesota Vikings lost their fourth straight game, a 28-18 setback to the Oakland Raiders.
"We just have to realize the mistakes we made, go out there next week and get back on track," Culpepper said. "We're going to do what it takes to win the Super Bowl because that's what it's all about."
The Vikings (6-4) trailed from the start after cornerback Phillip Buchanon returned Culpepper's first interception 64 yards for a touchdown 49 seconds into the contest.
"Our entire secondary did a good job," Raiders coach Bill Callahan said. "Phillip Buchanon started the game and gave us the spark that we needed on the pick that went for six."
In the fourth quarter, the Raiders (3-7) held a 21-18 lead and decided to go for it on 4th-and-1 from the Vikings 3. Oakland quarterback Rick Mirer hit Tim Brown in the shoulder pads, but Brown was not able to reel in the pass, giving Minnesota another chance.
The Vikings were unable to cash in as Culpepper was intercepted by Rod Woodson, who returned the ball 13 yards to the 11. The Raiders then drove 11 yards in four plays, capped by Zack Crockett's two-yard TD run.
"When you turn the ball over ... you don't win ballgames," Vikings coach Mike Tice said. "I think it comes down to that first and foremost."
Mirer completed 9-of-13 passes for 195 yards as the Raiders snapped a five-game losing streak.
"I just want to be careful with the ball yet be aggressive and not give them any balls," Mirer said. "Our defense is doing great things and generating points, giving us a short field, taking the ball out of a dangerous offense's hands."
It was the first time that Mirer won as a starting quarterback since November 7, 1999, when he led the New York Jets past the Arizona Cardinals.
"Rick Mirer managed the game very well," Callahan said. "He made some big plays and timely throws. He kept us in manageable downs and distances. He functioned very well."
Mirer had plenty of help from Oakland's ground game. Tyrone Wheatley led the way with 109 yards on 32 carries and Crockett gained 54 on six attempts.
