MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sam Bradford had a Minnesota debut nearly as dazzling as the new $1.1 billion building itself, completing 22 of 31 passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers to lead the Vikings to a 17-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night just 15 days after he arrived in a trade. He had 15 days to learn Minnesota’s offense, then lost his Hall of Fame caliber running back to injury in the third quarter.
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Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Peterson would have an MRI Monday, but might not miss too much time. “They were loud”, Zimmer said in the same report. “Whatever it was has calmed down now, so we’ll see”.
Rodgers was able to scramble three times for 29 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown, but the Vikings defense stymied an opponent’s running backs for a second straight week.
After sitting out Game 1, Bradford was excellent in his debut for the Vikings.
The 2015 National Football League rushing leader, who had just 19 carries for 31 yards last week against the Tennessee Titans, was injured on his longest run of the night.
His career resume is a few performances like Sunday night’s surrounded by just passable performances.
Defensive coordinators are not going to react to Bradford’s performance against Green Bay without adjusting game plans to deal with him.
Bradford’s 286 yards were the best for a Vikings quarterback making his first start, but he endured four sacks and other big hits in the process.
On a lot of levels, he is the wild card on which the Vikings could turn for good or bad.
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Bradford never connected with Eagles fans during his one season in Philadelphia but he could still play a big role in the Bird’s future. Minnesota’s schedule is much easier after this three-game stretch, but it can not afford to lose many games in what should be a highly competitive race for the NFC North title and wild-card spots, so Peterson’s ability to return is crucial. As fans were quick to point out, it was (sort of) an homage to Prince (even if the Vikings didn’t score): The late icon’s full name was Prince Rogers Nelson.
