MINNEAPOLIS — Adrian Peterson rushed for two touchdowns and safety Harrison Smith returned an interception to the end zone lead the Vikings to a 21-14 win at Mall of America Field Sunday.
With the victory, Minnesota improved to 7-6, and remained in contention for an NFC playoff berth.
“Our guys were really focused on getting this win at home,” Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. “Every game (after this) will be like a playoff game. We really need to stay focused one game at a time.”
To see Frazier’s news conference in its entirety, via Vikings.com, CLICK HERE.
Minnesota’s first score was set up by a 51-yard Peterson run on the first play from scrimmage.
“That’s the definition of starting fast,” said Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder of Peterson. “I don’t know if he’s human or not.”
To see Ponder’s news conference in its entirety, via Vikings.com, CLICK HERE.
The second TD was set up by a Josh Robinson interception at the Bears’ 49-yard line. Robinson returned it 44 yards before stepping out at the five-yard-line.
Late in the third quarter,Smith intercepted a Jay Cutler pass on the Vikings’ 44-yard line and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown.
Chicago got on the board late in the second quarter with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler to Alshon Jeffery to make it 14-7.
Late in the game, and down by 14 points, Chicago added another touchdown as backup quarterback Jason Campbell hit Brandon Marshall on a 15-yard touchdown strike, but it was too little, too late.
In the first quarter alone, Peterson had 104 yards on the ground — a Vikings record. He finished with 154 rushing yards with a career-high 31 carries.
“I can sleep good tonight because we came home with a ‘W,'” Peterson told reporters after the game. “We have to win out.”
As for rushing for 2,000 yards this year, Peterson said: “I think about it … but let the chips fall where they may.”
To see Peterson’s news conference in its entirety, via Vikings.com, CLICK HERE.
Minnesota plays at St. Louis next Sunday, while Chicago (8-5) hosts the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
