The Minnesota Vikings jumped out to a 14-0 lead on the Chicago Bears Sunday and held on for the 21-14 victory. Running back Adrian Peterson was a big reason why the Vikings started quickly, as SB Nation's Daily Norseman pointed out after the game:
Bears vs. Vikings 2012: Adrian Peterson spearheads Minnesota victory
Adrian Peterson helped the Vikings get off to a quick start against Chicago on Sunday. His efforts were a big reason why Minnesota won the game.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
On the Vikings' opening drive after receiving the kick, he carried the ball 5 times for 69 yards and a TD, including a 52 yard blast on his first carry. That's what we call 'setting the tone early'. After the Vikings defense picked off Jay Cutler, Peterson took it in from one yard out, and before the game was 5 minutes old, Minnesota was up 14-0 and never looked back.
Peterson finished the day with 154 yards on 31 carries, which was a substantial portion of the Minnesota offense's total yardage output. Quarterback Christian Ponder was limited to just 91 yards passing and threw an interception.
The Vikings took advantage of two Jay Cutler interceptions to help them win the game. Cutler’s first pick set up the Minnesota offense inside the Chicago 10 yard line, while the second was returned for a touchdown by Harrison Smith. Smith’s score proved to be the difference in the game, as it gave Minnesota a 21-7 lead.
The victory improved Minnesota’s record to 7-6 and pulled the Vikings to within a game of Chicago in the NFC North.
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