Lions vs. Vikings: No Harvin, No Problem as Vikings Sweep Their NFC North Rivals

Apparently, the way to fire up the Vikings offense was to have Percy Harvin miss the game.

Kyle Rudolph and Jerome Simpson both reemerged and rookie Jarius Wright had three key receptions, including a touchdown in his first active game, helping Minnesota come out on top, 34-24.

There is a case to be made that maybe Christian Ponder focuses on Harvin too much. Either that, or perhaps Jarius Wright is just "that guy" the offense was looking for who can gain some separation and space in coverage.

It's a bit exciting to think of Harvin and Wright in the same formation. You can see the difference in the rest of the offense too, as things opened up for the rest of the unit.

It doesn't hurt that Detroit's secondary is just beat up, and the defensive line didn't do a ton either to get at Ponder or stop Adrian Peterson, who, by the way, looked as good as ever breaking off his 61-yard touchdown run.

You have to like seeing Peterson high-step as he heads into the end zone.

This was a huge win for the Vikings and gets them back on the right track and in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Of course, they have to go through Green Bay and Chicago twice before they get there.

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