The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Denver Broncos at Mall of America Field on Thursday night by the score of 31-24.
Minnesota quarterback Tarvaris Jackson struggled in the fourth preseason game against the Broncos, going for a dismal 2 yards on 8 attempts
2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow's night started off just as rough with a fumble on his first snap. Erin Henderson scooped up the fumble and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown. Tebow was then intercepted by Tyrell Johnson who returned the ball 41 yards setting up a Viking field goal. Tebow settled himself down and ended the night throwing 12 for 16 and 167 yards.
Minnesota's defense was solid against the run allowing only 83 yards, but gave up 355 yards passing. The defense however came up big stopping four out of five fourth-down attempts including a goal-line stand to start the second quarter.
With a total of 54 yards on offense in the first half, the Vikings limped into halftime with a 17-7 lead due to two additional turnovers by the Broncos.
The Vikings passing game, with a combined total of 12 yards between Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, was given a spark by rookie quarterback Joe Webb. Webb, the Vikings sixth round draft choice in 2010, went 5/9 for 100 yards including a 63 yard strike to newly acquired WR Javon Walker. Webb also scampered for a 41-yard gain in the third quarter.
The good performance by Webb and sluggish outings by Jackson and Rosenfels raises questions about the Vikings depth at quarterback. The Vikings will have a tough time getting Webb through waivers and onto the practice squad but will have a hard time keeping four QB's on the roster.
Former Minnesota Golden Gopher standout Eric Decker returned to the Metrodome with a strong performance. The Broncos selected Decker in the third round in this year's draft. He caught 10 passes for 114 yards.
The Vikings next play the New Orleans Saints in a rematch of last years NFC title game on Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Superdome.
To read more about the game, visit Minnesota Vikings Examiner Joe Oberle and Denver Broncos Examiner Joe Vaccarelli.
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