Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks: Second quarter recap and third quarter discussion

We’re at the half at CenturyLink Field, and the Minnesota Vikings hold the lead over the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 17-10.

The Vikings had the ball at the start of the quarter, but were unable to convert a third down on a drive that was stalled by the game’s first penalty, a hold on Pat Elflein. Britton Colquitt punted it away, and Seattle took over at their own 21. Minnesota’s defense forced a three-and-out on their next effort, and the Vikings got the football back at their own 19.

Minnesota’s next drive got them to near midfield, but Kirk Cousins was forced into a throwaway on third down, and Colquitt pinned the Seahawks down at their own 7-yard line. After the Seahawks picked up one first down, the Vikings’ defense got the lead back in the most unusual way.

Armon Watts deflected a Russell Wilson pass, and when Wilson tried to knock it down, he wound up batting it right to Anthony Harris, who took it into the end zone for a 20-yard pick-six. Dan Bailey added the extra point, and just like that the Vikings were back on top, 14-7. That was the first career touchdown for Anthony Harris.

Seattle once again answered back, as Wilson hit some impressive throws to get the Seahawks into Minnesota territory, pushing down to the Minnesota 12 at the two-minute warning. The Minnesota defense stiffened, however, and the Seahawks were forced to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Jason Myers to make the score 14-10.

The Vikings, despite some awful clock management, got themselves into position for Dan Bailey to attempt a 47-yard field goal with one second remaining, and he put the ball through the uprights to give the Vikings a seven-point lead going into the locker room, 17-10.

Kirk Cousins has been efficient in the first half, completing 13-of-17 passes for 125 yards thus far. His leading receiver is C.J. Ham, who has two catches for 42 yards. Dalvin Cook has three catches for 35 yards, and Stefon Diggs has 25 yards on four receptions. Kyle Rudolph (11 yards), Irv Smith Jr. (6 yards), Tyler Conklin (5 yards), and Olabisi Johnson (1 yard) each have one reception thus far.

Cook hasn’t gotten many opportunities so far, as he’s carried the ball just seven times for 28 yards and a touchdown. The only other Viking with any other rushing yardage so far is Stefon Diggs, who has a 27-yard run that set up Cook’s first quarter touchdown.

We are at the half in Seattle, and the Vikings lead by a touchdown, 17-10. Can they hold on to this one, folks? Come join us for the third quarter of play!