The Green Bay Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14 on Sunday, shutting out Minnesota over the final 30 minutes. While Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had a big afternoon, quarterback Christian Ponder struggled, and it was his poor play that ultimately doomed Minnesota. As SB Nation's Acme Packing Company noted after the game, Ponder's struggles essentially negated Peterson's 210-yard rushing performance.
Vikings vs. Packers, Week 13: Green Bay stymies Christian Ponder in victory
Green Bay had problems slowing down Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on Sunday, but the Packers effectively shut down Christian Ponder and the Minnesota passing game.
Joe Robbins
Ponder finished the day with 119 yards on 12/25 passing, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Only three of those 12 completions went to wide receivers, and all three came in the final three minutes of the game. His poor play (and the great play of the Packers defensive backs) completely nullified Peterson’s remarkably brilliant 210 yard day.
While Ponder had trouble kickstarting the Minnesota passing game, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers had no such issues. Rodgers finished the day 27 for 35 passing for 286 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He also orchestrated an 18-play scoring drive that ate up 11 minutes in the fourth quarter. Green Bay dominated time of possession in the game, holding the ball for more than 38 minutes.
The victory improved Green Bay's record to 8-4 and moved the Packers into a tie for first place with the Chicago Bears in the NFC North.
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