OPENING UP
When: First quarter, 4:58 remaining
Score: Scoreless
Situation: The Vikings had second-and-6 from their own 39.
The play: QB Christian Ponder (7) lofted a pass down the sideline that Percy Harvin (12) caught for a 45-yard gain before being tackled by CB Alterraun Verner (20) and S Michael Griffin (33).
The result: The Vikings scored on Harvin's 4-yard run four plays later.
INJURED SIMPSON SHUT OUT
Vikings WR Jerome Simpson knew his home debut wasn't going to be a good one when he woke up Sunday with his left foot and calf hurting. "It's been lingering on," said Simpson. " I wasn't really able to push off it and perform and be myself. As soon as I tried to warm up , I felt like my foot was kind of asleep, I guess. And I just couldn't perform." The Vikings' first play from scrimmage was a pass to Simpson. He dropped the ball in tight coverage and came off the field, slamming his helmet to the turf near the team's bench. "Just kind of frustrating," said Simpson, who didn't catch any of the three passes thrown his way. "Me missing the first three games [because of a suspension], I just want to be out there with the guys trying to make plays. I wasn't able to do that today."
MANO-A-MANO
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Titans RB Chris Johnson
WHO WON?
Peterson rushed for 88 yards, and Johnson had only 24.
THE QUOTE
" I give all the credit to [offensive coordinator Bill ] Musgrave for putting me in the right places."
-- Percy Harvin
