Overall: B+
Coming into the game, I thought that the Vikes would have more trouble with the Bills. The Vikings lead 31-7 at half time was highly unexpected. Brett Favre went down in the first series of the game and Tarvais Jackson did a decent job taking his place. Peterson ripped through the Bills defense for much of the game.The Vikes running game is what won it for the Vikes in this game. The offense played was so-so with Jackson throwing 3 INTs and Favre had 1 on his only pass of the game.
Rushing Offense: A
The Vikes did not give the ball to any back more than 20 times in the game. The 3 running backs that were used had at least 10 carries each. Coming into the game everyone was wondering if AD's ankle would be an issue, it was not a factor at all. Peterson gained 107 yards on 16 carries and 3 TDs. Toby Gerhart had 13 carries for 54 yards and Albert Young...yes he is still a Viking had 10 carries for 27 yards. The RBs were not a factor in the passing game.The Bills were unable to contain the Vikes running game.
Rushing Defense: B
The Vikes run defense is not quite what once was a couple years ago. They are still one of the best in the league. They allowed 77 yards on 18 carries and NO TDs. The Vikes did cause 4 fumbles and recovered 3 of the lose balls. If not for 2 good run plays by the Bills the Vikes did a stellar job containing the Bills running game.
Passing Offense: C+
Brett Favre went down in the first series of the game with a sprained shoulder. This gave Jackson the chance that he needed to prove that he could be a starter in the NFL. Jackson threw three interceptions but after Bills returned the first one for a touchdown, he led the Vikings to touchdowns on their next four possessions for a 28-7 lead to put the game away before halftime. Jackson finished 15 for 22 for 187 yards 2 TDs.
Sidney Rice had a good game as the Vikes #1 receiver as well 105 yards on 5 catches with 2 TDs..just like old times.
Passing Defense: B+
The Vikes pass rush was in Fitzpatrick's face all game long. The Vikes recorded 1 sack, but the pressure was key for a victory this week in the dome. With that pressure Antonie Winfield got a St.Nick's day gift an INT. Fitzpatrick also lost a fumble in the game as well.
Special Teams: B
Ryan Longwell hit his only FG attempt and was 5-5 on XPs. Chris Kluwe on 4 punting nailed 2 of them into the 20, what more can you ask from a punter. The return games was not the same with the Vikes explosive player Percy Harvin out due to migraines. The Bills fumbled away a kickoff and the Vikes pounced all of the lose ball.
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