It hasn't been the prettiest of games thus far, but the Minnesota Vikings will take it, as they lead the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 14-7 at the Metrodome as we hit halftime.
The Vikings started the second quarter with a turnover, as Christian Ponder overshot Kyle Rudolph and was intercepted by Cardinals' linebacker Paris Lenon for Ponder's fifth interception in the past ten quarters of football. The Cardinals took advantage, with LaRod Stephens-Howling going into the end zone from three yards out to tie the score at seven.
The Vikings then responded with a long scoring drive, going 72 yards in 10 plays, taking 6:15 off of the clock. The drive concluded with the play you see above, a three-yard touchdown pass from Ponder to Percy Harvin to put the Vikings back on top.
I'm not sure what, exactly, the Vikings were thinking at the end of the second half. After calling a time out deep in their own territory with about 15 seconds left, Ponder got hit from behind and threw the ball into a group of white jerseys. Unfortunately, the Vikings are wearing purple today, which means the ball went into a bunch of Cardinals, and it was ultimately intercepted by Sam Acho. Jay Feely missed a 47-yard field goal attempt to close out the half, and the Vikings went into the locker room with a 14-7 halftime lead.
Adrian Peterson has been having a whale of a game thus far, carrying the ball 11 times for 92 yards against an Arizona defense that came into this game allowing an average of 113 yards/game on the ground. Harvin also has two carries for 10 yards.
Ponder has completed 7-of-10 passes for 54 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Harvin has 37 of those receiving yards on four catches and the touchdown. Kyle Rudolph does not yet have a reception in this one, as the Cardinals appear to be focusing on him, particularly in the red zone.
On defense, Brian Robison has two sacks on the afternoon and a forced fumble.
We're getting ready for the third quarter of play at the Metrodome, ladies and gentlemen. Can the Vikings move their record to 5-2 on the season?