Vikings At Niners: Second Half Open Thread

Did you see the first drive of tonight's game? Well, if you didn't, it appears that you missed Adrian Peterson's pre-season appearance. He played the first couple of plays, both of which were play-action passes, and wasn't touched by an opposing player. Toby Gerhart and Matt Asiata have been carrying the load since then.

In an unexpected development, Matt Kalil has been flagged for not one, but two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, the latter of which really blew up a drive at the start of the second quarter. Christian Ponder had a couple of decent completions on that drive, but it stalled out because of the penalties.

The Vikings' defense acquitted itself fairly well for most of the first half, including an interception by Chad Greenway that came when Colt McCoy basically hit him between the 5 and the 2 on his jersey. The Vikings turned that drive into a touchdown, thanks in part to a pass interference call against Greg Jennings in the end zone. The score went to rookie fullback Zach Line.

Of course, the Vikings followed that up by giving up a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff. Probably won't see that happen much in the regular season. At least, I hope not.

On the next drive, Christian Ponder was intercepted on a play where Stephen Burton pretty clearly stopped on a slant route. For a guy that's in a battle for a roster spot, you'd think that Burton wouldn't do that sort of thing.

It was an up-and-down first half for the Vikings. . .they had some good moments, and most of them were canceled out by moments of undisciplined play or abject stupidity. There are still plenty of things they need to get tightened up before they get to Detroit to start the season.

It's time for the second half, ladies and gentlemen! Enjoy the rest of the game.