Two Special Teams Touchdowns Help Vikings Crush Panthers

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Somehow, someway there was a lot on the line for the 3-7-1 Panthers in this one. Because the NFC South is about as cold as the 10 degree game-time temperature in Minneapolis, Carolina was just a half game out of first place. For the Vikings, the outlook is centered around improvement. How will the offense progress with Teddy?

It started impressively for the Vikings, as they put the Panthers on a quick 3 and out. A bad punt put the Vikings in good field position and Teddy made them pay with a quick scoring drive capped off by a Kyle Rudolph touchdown.

Minnesota State Mankato product Adam Thielen then blocked, recovered and returned a punt 30 yards for a touchdown on the Panthers next possession. That put the Vikings up 14-0 halfway through the first quarter.

On a long drive that closed out the 1st quarter, Cam Newton led the Panthers into the red zone but they settled for a field goal. A 26 yard run from Jonathon Stewart helped them move down the field. That was the Panthers longest run of the season.

A couple of series later, the Vikings defense forced another punt. It went as poorly as it could have for the Panthers, once again. Jasper Brinkley cut through the protection like butter and blocked the punt. Everson Griffen picked it up and went the distance. Two huge special teams plays put the Vikings up 21-3.

Minnesota’s defense then held the Panthers to a field goal and gave the ball to Teddy Bridgewater with 3:28 remaining in the half. Aided by a 15 yard taunting penalty from Josh Norman, he led the offense to a 17 yard Greg Jennings touchdown with just 16 seconds remaining. The Vikings went into halftime in dominating fashion, up 28-6.

The Panthers came out strong in the second half, forcing a Vikings 3 and out and then marching down the field. It came down to a 4th and 4 from the Minnesota 32. Rather than attempting a 50 yard field goal, Carolina went for it and connected on a touchdown from Cam Newton to Corey Brown. The momentum had switched and the Panthers cut the lead to 15.

The offenses proceeded to stall, punting four times in a row. That was until Blair Walsh put the game out of reach with a 39 yard field goal. With 9:00 minutes remaining, the Vikings were up 31-13.

That would be the final score in this one. The Vikings didn’t do much on offense today, but they didn’t need to. Two huge special teams touchdowns were the obvious difference in this one. As for the Panthers, they can still make a playoff run. However, their offense struggled mightily today, especially in Vikings territory. Good win for the Purple and Gold.

13. 87. 31. 60. Final

Notes:

Matt Asiata got the start at Running Back, as Jerick McKinnon was out with an injury.

Everson Griffen got his 10th and 11th sacks on the season in the 4th.

Ben Tate made his Vikings debut with a 9 yard carry in the 4th.

Teddy Bridgewater tied his career high with 2 touchdown passes.

WR Charles Johnson is averaging 60 yards per game over his last three.

There was only 1 turnover and 7 penalties in this one.

Despite their lowest offensive production in terms of yards, the Vikings scored their 3rd most points on the season.

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

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