The Minnesota Vikings tried to give it away, but they left Green Bay with a victory and an NFC North Championship.
It was a weird game. At times it looked like neither team really wanted to win, but the Vikings eventually pulled away and then held off anAaron Rodgersled Green Bay comeback. The Vikingswon the game 20-13and in the process won the NFC North.
It was just a trio of field goals in the first half in the scoring column.Blair Walshhit a couple of 30-some yarders andMason Crosbyhit a 28-yard kick to go to half time at a 6-3 score.
The Vikings scored their two touchdowns in the third quarter of the game.Adrian Petersonpushed his way into the end zone for a three yard touchdown run in the opening minutes of the half to give the Vikings a 13-3 lead. With 4:42 left in the quarter, Aaron Rodgers was hit and fumbled the ball which resulted in a 55 yard recovery scamper byCaptain Munnerlynfor a touchdown. The Vikings had a 20-3 lead, but, of course, the Packers made a comeback.
In the opening moments of the fourth, Aaron Rodgers hitRichard Rodgerswith a 16 yard touchdown to pull within 10. Mason Crosby hit another field goal with 5:39 left to cut it to seven, but that would be the last score of the game, but it wasn’t the end of the excitement.Cordarrelle Pattersonwas in the midst of a really good kickoff return, but was then stopped by Mason Crosby who masterfully stripped the ball which was recovered by Green Bay.
The big stars ofTeddy Bridgewaterand Adrian Peterson didn’t look absolutely great on Sunday night, but they didn’t look horrible either. Bridgewater missed some deep throws and made the mistake of trying to throw with his left hand which resulted in an interception, but it wasn’t a horrible game from the second year QB. Bridgewater finished going 10/19 for 99 yards with one interception.
Adrian Peterson was put into the game only needing to stay in the positive yardage to be crowned the rushing king of the year. Peterson did that with 67 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. Peterson did leave the game for a spell due to back spasms, but did return and said during the postgame they wouldn’t be an issue in the playoffs.
Adam Thielenhad an impressive game running for as many yards as Peterson on just two carries. One of those carries came on a fake punt early in the first quarter that went for over 40 yards. Thielen hurt his shoulder on special teams and did not return to the game.
Jerick McKinnonalso showed that he could be a great weapon for the Vikings going into the playoffs. McKinnon had three catches for 33 yards and rushed for 15 yards on four carries. The Vikings need to find more ways to get him the ball.
More from Minnesota Vikings
- Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
- Kirk Cousins: More wins with fewer turnovers
- Minnesota Vikings Kyle Rudolph Conundrum
- Minnesota Vikings: how the Vikings can upset the Patriots
- Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Rhodes could be difference-maker versus Lions
Eric Kendrickshad a heck of a game. He registered nine total tackles and seemed to be all over the place on the field.Anthony Barralso had a huge game and played well off of Kendricks with five tackles.Andrew Sendejoled the team with 14 tackles.
Aaron Rodgers went 28/44 for 291 yards for a touchdown and an interception.Eddie Lacygot only 13 carries in the game and scampered for only 34 yards.
The loss sends Green Bay to Washington next week. That game will be on Sunday afternoon at 3:40 on FOX.
The Vikings with the victory get the right to another home game at TCF Bank Stadium. The Purple will welcome in the Seattle Seahawks for a noon game on Sunday. The Vikings and Seahawks tilt will be on NBC.
Next: What to do before the Twins report to camp!
The playoffs kickoff on Saturday at 3:20 with the Kansas City Chiefs traveling to Houston to take on the Texans which can be seen on ESPN/ABC. The Saturday nightcap is the Pittsburgh Steelers traveling to the Cincinnati Bengals at 7:15 on CBS.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations