Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams: Second Quarter Open Thread

Adrian Peterson did not score on his first carry of 2014. But things have worked out alright for the Vikings anyway

The Vikings got the ball first, and started at their own 10-yard line after a penalty on Gerald Hodges. The Vikings moved down the field in methodical fashion, even working in a screen to Peterson. The Vikings eventually stalled, thanks to Peterson getting stopped in the backfield and a false start on Matt Kalil when the Vikings got near the St. Louis red zone. The Vikings eventually had to settle for a 52-yard field goal from Blair Walsh, which he knocked home with room to spare, to take a 3-0 lead.

Peterson had six carries on the first drive, gaining 27 yards along with a 9-yard reception on the screen.

The Rams took over at their own 17, and after getting one long completion for a first down from Shaun Hill to Jared Cook were forced to punt the ball away. Johnny Hekker got away a nice punt out of bounds for the Rams, and the Vikings were forced to start at their own 9.

Minnesota made a little bit of headway on their next drive, but a drop by Jarius Wright and a blown blitz pick-up by. . .well, pretty much everybody. . .forced the Vikings to punt for the first time, and the Rams took over at their own 26-yard line after Tavon Austin botched the return.

St. Louis pushed into Minnesota territory on their next drive, and found themselves facing a 4th-and-1 from the Minnesota 33-yard line. The Rams brought on kicker Greg Zuerlein for a 50-yard field goal attempt, but he couldn't match Walsh, pushing it wide to the left.

On the first play of the next drive, Cordarrelle Patterson broke off a 23-yard run on an end around to put the Vikings into St. Louis territory. After a carry for no gain by Adrian Peterson, the Vikings have 2nd-and-10 from the St. Louis 37 as we start the second quarter of play.