Postgame snapshot from Bank of America Stadium where the Vikings beat the Panthers 24-21.
Good news: Despite a slow start, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson finished the afternoon with 162 yards from scrimmage. His 19-yard touchdown catch in the final minute of the first half allowed the Vikings to tie the score at 14. Peterson also ran for 72 of his 86 rushing yards after halftime with a nifty 9-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. Quarterback Christian Ponder, meanwhile, wasn't magnificent, going 18-for-28 for 236 yards and a touchdown. But he made very few mistakes and notched his first win as an NFL starter.
Bad news: Cornerback Asher Allen and the Vikings secondary had a difficult time limiting Carolina receiver Steve Smith. In the first half, a 26-yard Smith catch set up a 1-yard touchdown catch by Jeremy Shockey. Smith also torched Allen for a 22-yard touchdown catch early in the second half. Smith had seven catches for 100 yards in the game. But he also killed the Panthers in the game's final minute with a costly holding penalty.
Extra point: The Vikings' two first-half touchdowns came after Newton fumbles. Defensive end Jared Allen played a part in both turnovers, recovering the first fumble, which was forced by E.J. Henderson and forcing the second, recovered by Chad Greenway. Allen has now recorded a sack in 10 consecutive games, a team record.
Next up: The Vikings have their bye in Week 9 and will return to action Nov. 13 at Green Bay. The Packers won the first meeting this season 33-27 in Week 7. Green Bay had this weekend off.
