It's still a quarterback's league. Just not today at Mall of America Field.
Peterson leads Vikings to 14-7 lead at the half
Running back had 104 yards and two TDs in the first quarter.
December 9, 2012 at 7:35PM
Adrian Peterson set a team record for most rushing yards in the first quarter with 104 and two touchdowns on just 12 carries as the Vikings scored touchdowns on their first two possessions en route to a 14-7 halftime lead over the Bears at Mall of America Field.
Christian Ponder didn't have an incompletion until the second quarter. Of course, he only had to throw it twice for 24 yards as the Vikings took a 14-0 lead less than seven minutes into the game.
Peterson took the first snap of the game and turned a simple dive play off right guard into a 51-yard romp. He ended up with five carries for 69 yards as the Vikings turned the opening drive into a 1-yard TD run by Peterson. Ponder did complete an 11-yard pass to Michael Jenkins on third-and-four on the opening drive.
The Bears' ensuing possession ended when Jay Cutler threw an interception that rookie Josh Robinson returned 44 yards to the Bears' 5-yard line. Peterson did the rest, taking three cracks until scoring from a yard out on third-and-goal.
The Bears closed the gap to 14-7 on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Cutler to Alshon Jeffery.
At the half, Peterson 125 yards and two TDs on 18 carries. Ponder completed 6 of 9 passes for 54 yards and a sickly deep ball that was intercepted and drew some loud boos with 32 seconds left in the half.
One thing to keep an eye on: Bears kicker Robbie Gould is playing with a strained left calf that he suffered in pre-game. He made his only PAT attempt and hasn't attempted a field goal. The Bears passed on a chance to attempt a 53-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
