Partially masked by Adrian Peterson's 210 rushing yards, the Minnesota Vikings offense struggled mightily on Sunday, and the Green Bay Packers came away with a 23-14 victory at Lambeau Field.
Vikings vs. Packers game recap: Green Bay survives Adrian Peterson’s big day
Adrian Peterson rushed for 210 yards, but it wasn’t enough to offset the Minnesota Vikings’ struggling passing game.
Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 286 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Packers quarterback got help from James Starks and Alex Green, who combined for 124 yards on 27 carries.
That offset Peterson's big day that saw him average 10 yards per rush. The Vikings running back received little to no help from the passing game, as quarterback Christian Ponder completed 12 of 25 passes for 119 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Rodgers led the Packers on a touchdown drive for their first possession of the game and found James Jones for a 32-yard score. With a 10-0 Packers lead after the first frame, the only signs of life from Minnesota's offense came on a 14-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Ponder connecting with tight end Kyle Rudolph for a 7-yard score early in the second quarter.
Peterson made the Minnesota offense look more competent, putting the Vikings ahead, 14-10, going into the half with an 82-yard burst five minutes before the end of the second quarter. From then on, it was all Packers, who scored on another touchdown via a 22-yard run by Starks and two more field goals by Mason Crosby, who hit three of his four attempts.
Winners: The Packers' receiving corps, which didn't miss much of a beat without Jordy Nelson, who left after injuring his hamstring in the first quarter.
Losers: Minnesota's offense, which wasted a fantastic day from Peterson. Aside from their first score, the Vikings only drove into Green Bay territory three times. Twice Ponder threw an interception, and another opportunity was squandered on a missed 42-yard field goal.
Fan reaction:
why are the Vikings purple? you'd be purple too if you've been choking for the last 50 years 😂
— Bowhunting Beauty (@huntinthoughts) December 2, 2012
Fantasy stud: Adrian Peterson had his third career game of 200 or more yards. It was his first since 2007.
Odds: As a seven-point favorite after an opening line of nine, the Packers covered the spread for most lines.
GIF: Tight end Kyle Rudolph makes the Lambeau Leap; the only problem is that Kyle Rudolph is on the Vikings.
Injury info: The Packers lost guard T.J. Lang to an ankle injury and receiver Jordy Nelson because of an injured hamstring.
Next up: The Vikings return home to play the Chicago Bears next Sunday, while the Packers host the Detroit Lions.
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