Adrian Peterson Gets Redemption in Narrow Win over Packers

Adrian Peterson never thought redemption could be this good. After fumbling away a fourth down chance on the Vikings' previous possession, Peterson emphatically seized his next opportunity as he found the endzone on a 29-yard scamper that helped Minnesota beat the Green Bay Packers 28-27 Sunday.

After Minnesota was stopped short on a third down play, Peterson was visibly upset on the Viking sideline when coach Brad Childress signaled for the punting team. But Childress reconsidered after a failed Minnesota challenge, and called for Peterson's number on the fourth down play.

Peterson was subsequently stripped by the Packers' Desmond Bishop, and with the Packers taking over possession of the ball inside Minnesota territory, things looked suddenly bleak for the Vikings.

But the Vikings defense held strong, and with the score 27-21, Peterson was given his second chance. And boy, did he capitalize. Peterson accounted for 64 of the Vikings' 69 yards on the game-winning drive, and his 29-yard touchdown run put the Vikings up by the decisive score of 28-27.

For Peterson, this win was as gratifying a win as he's experienced in his short NFL career.

"That's what it's all about. We came in, knew it was going to be a dogfight, and we pulled it out," Peterson said.

For Green Bay, however, it serves as deflating a loss as they've had since the NFC Championship Game. More importantly, it drops the Packers to 4-5—good for third in the NFC North—and a game back of both the Vikings and Chicago Bears.

The struggles started early for the Packers. With the Vikings leading 10-7 in the second quarter, Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams stripped Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers near the goal line and the ball rolled into the endzone.

Rodgers picked up the ball and tried to underhand a pass to Tory Humphrey, but officials ruled the pass illegal and the safety was awarded to Minnesota.

Then, with just under a minute left in the first half, Vikings defensive end Jared Allen—who was playing with a severely sprained shoulder—sacked Rodgers in the endzone for the second Minnesota safety. The pressure was on Rodgers all afternoon, and the Vikings were able to register four sacks of the Packers' first-year starting quarterback.

"It was a combination of we didn't do the fundamentals the way we know how to and me probably holding the ball a little too long," Rodgers said. "They did a great job. You've got to give them credit."

The Vikings led 14-10 at halftime, and shortly after the intermission Minnesota struck again. Vikings quarterback Gus Frerotte found running back Chester Taylor for a seemingly innocent dump off pass, but Taylor side-stepped Bishop and raced down the sideline untouched for a 47-yard score.

The Packers would fight back, however, thanks to efforts of safety Nick Collins and returner Will Blackmon. Collins stepped in front of an errant Frerotte throw, and took his fifth interception back for his third defensive touchdown to cut the lead to 21-17. The Packers' fourth-year safety leads the NFL in both categories.

After a Vikings three-and-out, Blackmon dazzled the Metrodome crowd by returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown, giving the Packers the lead of 24-21. It was Blackmon's second punt return for a touchdown—both coming against the Vikings—which places him second in the NFL behind Reggie Bush.

But it was ultimately Peterson's day, and the Packers were helpless in stopping him. Peterson totaled 192 yards rushing and 225 overall, beating up Green Bay's 28th ranked rushing defense time and time again.

After Peterson's touchdown, however, the Packers had their final chance to win the game. Rodgers got the Packers within field goal range, but kicker Mason Crosby missed the 51 yard potential game-winning field goal just wide of the upright. It marked Childress' first win over Green Bay, bringing his career mark to just 1-5 against the Vikings' hated rivals.

"You put so much equity into this game, you need to let it go," Childress said. "I'm just so happy for those guys, like I said. Players, coaches, owners, fans. Just that they're able to do that. I'm happy to have that game ball, and I will paint it up and put it in a prominent spot."

At the site where Brett Favre had so many problems, Rodgers shared in his storied predecessor's struggles. While coming into the game as the NFL's best passer on third down, Rodgers converted only one third down through the air Sunday. At game's end, Rodgers had one of his worst performances to date, completing 15-of-26 passes for 142 and no touchdowns or interceptions.

It was Peterson, who is first in NFL history in rushing yards per home game with over 120, that got the praise of several Packers, including Collins.

"He's a great back," Collins said. "He wanted the ball at the end. They gave it to him."

Notes

Packers receiver Donald Driver recorded a reception in his 104th straight game, breaking Sterling Sharpe's franchise record...Green Bay leads the NFL in interceptions with 16...Minnesota's Charles Gordon broke his left leg on a punt return, and will miss the rest of the season...Packers linebacker Nick Barnett suffered a knee injury, and early indications say it may end his season.