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Vikings-Packers: The good, bad, and the ugly from Sunday Night

By Ryan Palmer

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) smiles following the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) smiles following the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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U.S. Bank Stadium opened with a roar Sunday night. The Minnesota Vikings christened their new home in proper fashion, but it wasn’t all good news.

While the 2-0 Vikings are looking ahead to Week 3, let’s take a closer look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from last night’s victory.

The Ugly

It was an almost surreal situation post-game in the locker room. The Vikings were celebrating a huge win over their arch rivals, while Adrian Peterson sat almost stoic in his black knee brace, crutches in tow.

Adrian Peterson tore the meniscus in his knee during the first quarter. Although he may be off to a slow start, just the threat of having number 28 in the backfield is an advantage. 

So how much game action will Peterson be out for?

It will come down to just how much pain Adrian can handle. If surgery is not required, he might only miss 1-2 weeks. Peterson has literally carried the Vikings offense over the years, all of Viking’ Nation is hoping for a speedy recovery.

The Bad

It doesn’t seem to matter who gets the carries, Minnesota’s running game needs some work. Whether it was Peterson, Matt Asiata, or Jerick McKinnon, Viking’ running backs are struggling.

What was one of the Minnesota Vikings biggest strengths over the last few season’s has turned into an Achilles heel. Tony Sparano and company need to get to work. The Vikings aren’t built to have their QB put up 300 yards a game and expect to win.

The Carolina Panther’s have one of the best front sevens in football, it will not get any easier for the Vikings revamped offensive line in Week 3.

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The Good

Sam Bradford was the first pick taken in the 2010 NFL draft, and he played the part beautifully on Sunday. Nobody was expecting almost 300 yards and two passing TD’s from a guy who just joined the team a little over two weeks ago.

Peter King wrote a piece in the MMQB on Bradford, in which King said this may have been Bradford’s best showing as a pro. No matter how much potential a player might possess, sometimes he just needs the right fit to shine.

Speaking of good, did anyone see Aaron Rodgers QBR versus the Vikings Sunday night? It was a very pedestrian 52.5. The Minnesota Vikings defense is the real deal, and now the nation knows it.

Next: Minnesota Twins: Brian Dozier poised to set MLB record

Mike Zimmer’s bunch showed why Minnesota was an early Super Bowl favorite heading into the 2016 season. Even missing some key contributors, the defense still shined. A great start to a promising season, hoping the Vikings keep it rolling into Carolina.

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