Mending In Minnesota: Packers Stop Peterson, Snap Losing Streak
The Packers defense stifled Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, leading the charge in a 30-13 win that snapped a nasty mid-season losing streak and helped Green Bay regain some confidence in the middle of a tough stretch of division games.
Green Bay's defense sacked Teddy Bridgewater six times and held Peterson to just 45 yards on the ground. On the offensive side, Aaron Rodgers threw for just 212 yards, but posted two key touchdown strikes and did not throw an interception. Eddie Lacy looked healthier as he gashed the Vikings defense for 100 rushing yards.
Mason Crosby likely won't be remembered as a hero in this game, but his five field goal performance was key, especially early in the game as the Packers offense stalled out in enemy territory. Crosby kicked three of his field goals before halftime.
With the win, the Packers snap a three game skid and notch their first win since October 18th at home against the San Diego Chargers. It's the first Packers win this season against a team that currently has a winning record.
Peterson scored in the third quarter to cut the Green Bay lead to 19-13, but Rodgers immediately responded with a touchdown pass and two point conversion, both to James Jones, who finished the day with 109 yards receiving. Randall Cobb had just two catches for 24 yards, but one of those catches resulted in the Packers first touchdown of the day, just six seconds before halftime.
At 7-3, the Packers are back in first place in the NFC North thanks to a tiebreaker over the team they just beat. The Vikings and Packers will meet again at Lambeau Field in the final week of the regular season. Green Bay is hoping to take some momentum from the Minnesota win into their next two battles against key division foes - this Thursday, Thanksgiving night, against the Bears on an emotional night that will honor former Packers quarterback Brett Favre, and the following Thursday as the Packers look for revenge against the Detroit Lions in a game that can be seen on CBS 58.