Vikings Rewind: Christian Ponder's second interception

The situation: The Vikings are down 21-0 to the Packers with 6:40 left in the first half. They're facing a 2^nd and 8 on their own 22 and elect to pass.

The reason: They're down three scores after quarterback Christian Ponder threw a pick-six on the previous drive. They will receive the ball to start the second half and could make it a game if they score on this possession.

The result: Packers linebacker Jamari Lattimore intercepts Ponder's pass intended for running back Jerick McKinnon.

How it happened:

The Vikings are lined up in 11 personnel, meaning one running back and one tight end, with two receivers on the right and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson alone on the left. The Packers counter with their 3-4 nickel defense, with two down linemen and linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers standing up rushing from the ends. Cornerback Casey Hayward is in the nickel covering Greg Jennings in the slot.

The play develops and the Packers rush four with Ponder looking to his left. Patterson (circled in red) runs about a 12-yard comeback route, while McKinnon (circled in yellow) appears to run a five-yard dig route out the backfield. It's difficult to tell because he rounds his route.

At this point is when McKinnon breaks and Ponder appears set to throw, but he holds onto the ball.

The tap essentially allows a defender to break on a route and make a play. Ponder decides after he double clutches to throw the ball to McKinnon anyway, and it's behind the rookie running back. If he throws it initially on his break or makes an accurate throw after he taps the ball, there's a significantly better chance it's a completion.

"On the second one, I double-clutched and shouldn't have thrown it," Ponder said after the game. "I should've ate that ball or just been more accurate."

Probably the best play Ponder made all night was when he tackled Lattimore to save another possible pick-six. The Packers went on to score another touchdown on the turnover to take a commanding 28-0 lead before halftime, and it was essentially over.

Ponder went 22 of 44 for 222 yards, one rushing touchdown and two interceptions.

"I'll take the heat," Ponder said. "I mean, two turnovers, missing throws. I've got to do a better job in the pocket moving around and hitting guys."