The Minnesota Vikings finally got the monkey off its back and won its first game of the season in rather convincing fashion.
Adrian Peterson carried the Vikings to a big early lead in the first quarter with three touchdowns. He finished the game with those three touchdowns and 122 yards on 29 carries, one short of his career high.
The Vikings (1-4) took control of the game early when punter Chris Kluwe had his first punt downed by Jamarca Sanford at the Cardinal three-yard line.
The Vikings forced a three-and-out, got a 22-yard punt return by Marcus Sherels and got on the board first with Peterson’s first touchdown.
The Vikings defense then forced turnovers on back-to-back drives that resulted in rushing touchdowns by Donovan McNabb and Peterson.
The Vikings forced another three-and-out and Peterson eventually plowed his way into the end zone and the route was on.
The Cardinals (1-4) did not get a first down until its sixth drive late in the first quarter.
The Cardinals made a comeback bid that got it within 28-10 in the second and third quarters.
However, the Vikings defense took over late in the third quarter and the fourth quarter with three turnovers (one on downs and two on interceptions by Sanford) and two sacks (one by Allen and the other by Brian Robison).
Players of the Game
Offense: Adrian Peterson. The veteran running back had 122 yards on 29 carries to lead all players in both categories.
Defense: Jared Allen. The veteran defensive end had two sacks, four tackles, one pass defensed, three quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. One of the sacks came late in the game after getting poked in the eye.
Special Teams: Chris Kluwe. The veteran punter made the most significant contribution with a punt just over one minute into the game. His 51-yard bomb was downed at the Cardinals three-yard line and the Cardinals did not get the field going in their direction until the second quarter, when it was already 28-0.
Boxscore
Cardinals 0 3 7 0 – 10
Vikings 28 0 3 3 – 34
First Quarter
Min – Peterson 4 run (Longwell kick), 1:35.
Min – Peterson 24 run (Longwell kick), 0:00.
Min – McNabb 4 run (Longwell kick), 1:50.
Min – Peterson 4 run (Longwell kick), 2:01.
Second Quarter
Ariz – FG Feely 51, 3:25.
Third Quarter
Ariz – Wells 2 run (Feely), 3:41.
Min – FG Longwell 26, 4:48.
Fourth Quarter
Min – FG Longwell 53, 4:33.
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