Minnesota Vikings: 5 Players Who Made the Biggest Impact Against Denver

The Minnesota Vikings (2-10) did what they do best this season when they lost to the Denver Broncos (7-5) 35-32: They coughed up a first-half lead.

But in the process of doing so there were positive signs moving forward—which is what this season is all about at this point: the future.

The Vikings had to do something right in order to get leads of 15-7, 22-14 and 29-22.

There are proper pieces in place for this team moving into the 2012 campaign. These were the five performances that made the biggest contributions to Minnesota’s near-victory.

Quarterback Christian Ponder

On Sunday Ponder set Minnesota’s franchise record for most passing yards by a rookie quarterback (381). He completed 62.7 percent (29-of-47) of his passes, posted a 90.8 passer rating, and threw three touchdown passes.

He did throw two interceptions, but throughout the game he looked comfortable in the pocket and as a passer—minus the situations when the offensive line failed to adequately protect him.

After posting only three touchdown passes, four interceptions, 587 yards passing (195.67 yards per game) and completing only 56.5 percent of his passes, Ponder was much more proficient when given opportunities on Sunday.

He had the two bad passes, but he is only a rookie. Minnesota has a bright future with Ponder.

Running Back Toby Gerhart

The backup to Adrian Peterson, Gerhart earned his second consecutive start with Peterson out again Sunday and was much more impressive in this start than his start against the Atlanta Falcons.

Gerhart was powerful, evasive and difficult to bring down for the Denver Broncos defense without arguably its best player, outside linebacker Von Miller (10.5 sacks).

He rushed for 91 yards on 21 carries (4.3 yards per carry) and served as Christian Ponder’s go-to check-down option. He accumulated eight receptions for 42 yards.

The 91 yards on the ground were the most of his two-year career and the 42 yards receiving tied for his second-highest output of his career.

We’ll have to see if Peterson is out again in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions to see if this is a groundbreaking game for Gerhart or if it was merely a one-game performance.

Wide Receiver Percy Harvin

Along with Gerhart and Ponder, Harvin had a career day too.

His 156 receiving yards were a career high and his two touchdown receptions tied his career high for a single game.

The eight receptions tied for the second most of his career—something he has done in back-to-back weeks—and he’s beginning to look more comfortable with Ponder.

Most of his receptions were short slants and crossing routes that he turned into bigger gains, but it was positive to see Ponder and him connect. It’s a connection the Vikings count on to develop into something special.

Wide Receiver Devin Aromashodu

Aromashodu has made limited contributions during his NFL career. The six receptions were the third most of his four-year career. The 90 receiving yards were the second most of his career.

He hadn’t caught more than two passes in a game this season and hadn’t caught more than two passes from Ponder in any game this season.

There was a stretch where the Denver Broncos defense could not stop the Aromashodu-Ponder connection.

But as previously mentioned, Aromashodu hasn’t been very productive in his NFL career. It’ll be a point to watch to see if Aromashodu can do it again or not.

Defensive End Jared Allen

This was the one Minnesota player who played a worthwhile game on the defensive side of the ball.

Minnesota allowed a Tim Tebow-led Denver offense to score 35 points, pass for more 200 yards (202) and rush for 150 yards—all of which point to a poor defensive performance.

Allen got Minnesota on the board first with the safety on Denver’s first offensive play from scrimmage and strip-sacked Tebow, which setup Minnesota for a field goal right before the half.

It was Allen’s first sack in two weeks and gives him 14.5 on the season.

Allen has been one of the two consistent treats to watch for Minnesota fans throughout the season in addition to running back Adrian Peterson.