Sports

One step forward, then two in reverse

October 22, 2013 at 5:51AM

Marcus Sherels found open running room as he returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter — the Vikings’ only points in a 23-7 defeat to the previously winless New York Giants. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

In looking for a microcosm of the Vikings' dismal season, consider the uneven night of defensive back/returner Marcus Sherels. He produced an 86-yard punt return for a first-quarter touchdown, but in the third quarter he dropped a sure interception and tripped and fumbled without being hit on another return, leading to a Giants TD.

Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle outleaped Vikings cornerback Chris Cook to catch a 24-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning in the second quarter, giving the Giants a 10-7 lead. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Giants linebackers Jon Beason, left, and Keith Rivers slammed into tight end John Carlson and forced him to drop a first-quarter pass. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Left: Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle outleaped Vikings cornerback Chris Cook to catch a 24-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning in the second quarter, giving the Giants a 10-7 lead. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was stopped at the line of scrimmage in the second quarter — and during most of the game. He rushed 13 times for only 28 yards. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)