vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Look no further than second-half third downs
Posted by: Mark Craig under Vikings, NFC, Adrian Peterson Updated: September 19, 2011 - 7:18 AM
There are numerous numbers that can be used to illustrate just how poorly the Vikings are playing in the second half.
Here's the No. 1 number in my book (other than point differential of 41-3, of course):
Third-down conversions: Vikings 1-for-9 (11.1 percent); Opponents 8-for-12 (66.7).
In 60 minutes of second-half football, the Vikings' offense has converted one first down. One. It was 0-for-4 in Sunday's 24-20 loss to Tampa. The Bucs were 5-for-6.
Meanwhile, it's also fairly obvious that teams are making adjustments throughout the game to stop Adrian Peterson from gashing them. Here's Peterson's numbers, broken down by quarters:
First quarter: 15 carries, 66 yards (4.4), one TD.
Second quarter: 9 carries, 91 yards (10.1), one TD.
Third quarter: 8 carries, 28 yards (3.5).
Fourth quarter: 9 carries, 33 yards (3.7).
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