AP runs wild, but Pack steal the game 23-14

The Green Bay Packers looked like they were going to roll to an easy home win against an inferior opponent Sunday Afternoon, quickly jumping out to a 10-0 lead in the game first frame. Then, Adrian Peterson took over. In a run reminiscent of Legarrete Blounts touchdown run for Tampa Bay against the Packers last season, Peterson broke loose for an 82 yard score which actually gave the Vikings the lead, a lead they would hold until halftime. Coming out of the half, the Vikings looked like they were going to go up two scores thanks to a huge run by Peterson to start the half, but an awful interception by Christian Ponder saved the Packers from a deeper hole. A field goal and twenty two yard touchdown run by James Starks put the Packers back on top 20-14 heading to the fourth. With the Vikings driving again, Ponder through another interception, once again to Morgan Burnett. An eleven minute Packer drive, the longest of the season in the NFL, led to a Mason Crosby field goal with four minutes left in the game, giving the Packers a 23-14 lead. The Game was officially iced when Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a field goal with two minutes left and the Packers won 23-14.

This was without a doubt one of the more frustrating wins Ive ever been a part of. Who knows what the final result would have been in the Vikings get points in their first possession of the 3rd quarter, instead of Christian Ponder throwing a horrid pass for an interception.

The Good
The running game: For the most part, the running game was solid, and a huge part of this win. this was the first time since October the Packers got a rushing touchdown, and it was a fairly long one at 22 yards.

Morgan Burnett: 2 Interception, enough said.

Unfortunately that's all I have for the good this week. Now the bad

The defensive line: 0 sacks, and they contributed to allowing 218 yards to Adrian Peterson

Playcalling: Running on first AND second down is ridiculous to me for this team. A nice run of five yards on first down should open the door for a short pass on second down, NOT another run that usually yields zero yards because the defense is expecting it at that point. Which results in an automatic third down situation, which may be converted some of the time, but eventually third down magic runs out. This resulted in a stalled drive more than once yesterday.

With the win and Bears loss, the Packers now have an opportunity to make a tough game to end the season at the Metrodome irrelevant. If the Packers win their next three games, two of which are at home against sub .500 teams, they will officially clinch the division before their season finale. However, while they may not need a victory in their final game to win the division, they will still likely need to win all of their final four games to have a chance at a first round bye in the playoffs.

Up Next: Sunday Night at football at Lambeau against the Detroit Lions.