Not a bad day at the office for @AdrianPeterson.
POSTGAME PRESSER: http://t.co/bv7VnIyuoO pic.twitter.com/ewCrXKDjgT
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2015
The Vikings defeated the Lions 26-16 in their first home game of the season Sunday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium.
It was a much different game than last week’s humiliating loss to the 49ers, thanks to an effective offense and Adrian Peterson, who gained 134 yards rushing and another 58 receiving yards.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was more composed, finishing 14-of-18 with 153 passing yards and one touchdown through the air. He ran for another 21 yards and scored another touchdown on the ground.
The Lions were behind 17-10 at halftime and were within striking distance, but quarterback Matthew Stafford was intercepted twice in the second half and was hurried often.
INTERCEPTION!!
@Justin_Trattou intercepts the DET pass and the #Vikings take over at the DET 39-yard line.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 20, 2015
The second of Stafford’s interceptions led to a Blair Walsh field goal from 23 yards out, which made the score 26-10 with 6:20 left in the game.
Detroit had one last drive going and scored a touchdown with 1:48 remaining to close within 10, but their two-point conversion attempt failed. The Vikings recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock to preserve the victory.
"It was a really, really good win today. I'm really proud of how the team responded." – Mike Zimmer#skol
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 20, 2015
There were some trouble spots in the game for the Vikings. Peterson fumbled the ball three times, although one was negated by a penalty and one he recovered himself.
And kicker Blair Walsh missed an extra point – which are 33 yards long now – keeping alive the concerns that arose about his accuracy after his dismal performance against the 49ers on Monday night.
The Blair Walsh Project is scary because I hear that it really happened. #vikings pic.twitter.com/Vq3xj5Apy7
— John Moe (@johnmoe) September 20, 2015
This inconsistency at the kicking game makes me think we could call it the Which Blair Project, right?
RT if you hate me#vikings
— RandBall (@RandBall) September 20, 2015
@HyVee Do you still need cashiers for your soon to open New Hope, MN location? I know a guy who might be available soon.
cc: @BlairWalsh3— Paul Merrill (@StuffaboutMpls) September 20, 2015
Giving an unnecessary contract extension to the least accurate kicker in the NFL last year has shockingly worked out poorly so far.
— RandBall (@RandBall) September 20, 2015
The Vikings host the Chargers next Sunday.
