GAME BALLS
JOSH FREEMAN, Bucs quarterback
Stats: 22-for-31, 243 yards.
Like his team, he had a rough first half, and then was unstoppable.
MASON FOSTER, Bucs linebacker
Stats: sack, forced fumble.
The rookie third-rounder from Washington led Tampa Bay with 10 tackles.
ADRIAN PETERSON, Vikings running back
Stats: 120 yards, 2 TDs.
Dominated the first half; once the Bucs slowed him, the Vikings bogged down.
PLAY OF THE GAME
When: Fourth quarter, 1:56 left. Score: Vikings led 20-17. Situation: Tampa Bay had first-and-10 at the Vikings 16 for the first play after the two-minute warning.
The play: Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman tried to hit tight end Kellen Winslow over the middle, but Vikings safety Tyrell Johnson read the play and jumped in front of Winslow, only to have the ball bounce off his hands.
The result: With a reprieve, the Bucs needed three more plays to score the winning touchdown, leaving only 35 seconds on the clock.
