Vikings Comeback Falls Shorts vs. Raiders

The Vikings were almost able to rally a comeback in the 4th quarter, but fell short in a 27-21 loss to the Raiders. To view full highlights, click here.

The game began with an Adrian Peterson 12 yard touchdown run, giving the Vikings a 7-0 lead. Peterson hurt his ankle in the first quarter (more on that later). Later in the 1st quarter, the Raiders kicked in a field goal, making the score 7-3. Towards the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Carson Palmer threw an 11 yard touchdown pass, giving the Raiders a 10-7 lead. With less than 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Raiders RB Michael Bush ran in a 2 yard touchdown, giving the Raiders a 17-7 lead. Following a Vikings kickoff return fumble, with less than 1 minute left in the 2nd quarter, Carson Palmer ran it in from 1 yard out, giving the Raiders a commanding 24-7 lead. In the 3rd quarter, Raiders kicked Sebastian Janikowski kicked in a 26 yard field goal, giving the Raiders a 27-7 lead. In the 4th quarter, Percy Harvin scored on a 26 yard touchdown pass, narrowing the Raiders' lead to 13.  With a little more than 5 minutes left, Christian Ponder threw a 1 yard touchdown pass, making the score 27-21 Raiders. With less than 3 minutes left, the Vikings were trying to come back and win the game, but could not convert on 4th down, thus keeping the score 27-21.

Adrian Peterson sprained his ankle during the 1st quarter and did not return. Originally it was thought that he may have broke his ankle, but X-rays showed that he only sprained it. Peterson said he hopes to play next week vs Atlanta. While he was in the game, he ran 6 times for 26 yards and 1 touchdown.

Christian Ponder went 19/33 on pass attempts for 211 yards. He also threw 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions (1st, 2nd, 3rd). Ponder ran 5 times for 71 yards and was the team's leading rusher! Ponder showed a good sense of pressure and demonstrated his great ability to escape and scramble for good yards. Click here to see one of his many great runs. Ponder still made "rookie mistakes" but over time they will go away. I see a bright future for Christian Ponder.

The Vikings defense recorded 4 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 1 fumble recovery.

The problems with the Vikings are:

1. Christian Ponder has not time to throw (Offensive Line)

2. Christian Ponder interceptions- should improve over time

3. Defensive Secondary- with Antoine Winfield injured and Chris Cook having legal trouble, the Vikings secondary is hurting badly. I think Chris Cook will never play another game as a Viking.

It may actually be good if the Vikings lose because they get a great draft pick. That's the only positive thing from this loss!

Stats- click here

Full highlights- click here

Feel free to comment!

Happy Thanksgiving