2012 Minnesota Vikings season

52nd season in franchise history August 2023 March 2026 Minnesota Vikings 2012 10–6 2nd NFC North Leslie Frazier Bill Musgrave Alan Williams Zygi Wilf Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Lost Wild Card Playoffs(at Packers) 10–24 Adrian Peterson 7 RB Adrian Peterson FB Jerome Felton DE Jared Allen (bench) K Blair Walsh LB Chad Greenway (replacement) TE Kyle Rudolph (replacement) OT Matt Kalil (replacement) 4 RB Adrian Peterson (1st team) FB Jerome Felton (2nd team) LB Chad Greenway (2nd team) K Blair Walsh (1st team) File:Vikings 2012.png Vikings seasons The 2012 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), as well as their second full season under head coach Leslie Frazier. They looked to improve upon their 3–13 season the year before, and did so after defeating the Tennessee Titans in Week 5; their win over the Houston Texans in Week 16 made this their first winning season since 2009. The Vikings also made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 with a Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers to give them a 10–6 regular season record, but were defeated by the same opponents in the Wild Card playoff round the following week. Adrian Peterson was named the league's Most Valuable Player after rushing for 2,097 yards, just nine yards short of breaking the single-season record held by Eric Dickerson since 1984. On May 10, 2012, the Minnesota State Legislature approved a bill for a new stadium for the team that would see a new facility (later named U.S. Bank Stadium) constructed by 2016 and ensure the Vikings' presence in Minneapolis through the year 2046.New Minnesota Vikings stadium law heads to governor amid questions over state's financing https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-minnesota-vikings-stadium-law-heads-to-governor-amid-questions-over-states-financing/ CBSNews.com CBS Interactive May 11, 2012 January 28, 2018 The bill was signed by Governor Mark Dayton on May 14,Dayton Signs $975M Vikings Stadium Bill http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/05/14/dayton-to-sign-975m-vikings-stadium-bill/ CBS Minnesota CBS Broadcasting May 14, 2012 January 28, 2018 and approved by the Minneapolis City Council by a vote of 7–6 on May 25.Frederick Melo Vikings stadium wins Minneapolis City Council's final approval https://www.twincities.com/2012/05/24/vikings-stadium-wins-minneapolis-city-councils-final-approval/ TwinCities.com Digital First Media May 24, 2012 January 28, 2018 City Council's Final Vote In Favor Of Stadium, 7-6 http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/05/25/mpls-city-council-makes-final-stadium-vote-friday/ CBS Minnesota CBS Broadcasting May 25, 2012 January 28, 2018 3 Offseason thumb|Adrian Peterson rushed to a new career franchise record against Jacksonville in week 1, overtaking Robert Smith's 6,818 rushing yards Pre-draft transactions The first major transactions of the 2012 offseason were the releases of veteran guards Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera, and CB Cedric Griffin on March 10, as the Vikings began rebuilding their offensive line and secondary. Three days later, the team re-signed perennial backup QB Sage Rosenfels and DT Letroy Guion off their unrestricted free agents list. This was followed up with the signing of the Seattle Seahawks' unrestricted free agent TE John Carlson on a five-year contract. The next week, the team brought in FB Jerome Felton, also an unrestricted free agent, from the Indianapolis Colts. They then released DT Remi Ayodele on March 21, but re-signed DT Fred Evans. March 26 was a big day for signings by the Vikings, with the re-signings of WR Devin Aromashodu and LB Erin Henderson, as well as the free agent acquisitions of CB Zack Bowman from the Chicago Bears and T Geoff Schwartz from the Carolina Panthers. April saw very few transactions go through in anticipation of the 2012 NFL draft at the end of the month. Nevertheless, the Vikings signed LB Marvin Mitchell and WR Jerome Simpson, despite the fact that Simpson would miss the first three games of the season for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. 2012 draft 2012 NFL draft Pro Bowler 2012 Minnesota Vikings Draft Draft order Player name Position College Contract Notes Round Overall 1 3 Traded to the Cleveland BrownsBrowns trade 2 The Vikings traded their first-round selection (3rd overall) to the Browns in exchange for first-, fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round selections (4th, 118th, 139th and 211th overall). 4 Matt Kalil OT USC 4 yearsJeremy Fowler Minnesota Vikings sign Matt Kalil http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_21164320/vikings-matt-kalil-agree-deal TwinCities.com MediaNews Group July 27, 2012 August 1, 2012 From BrownsBrowns trade 2 29 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 4 yearsHarrison Smith signs rookie contract; was Vikings first-round pick http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-05-31/minnesota-vikings-sign-first-round-s-harrison-smith SportingNews.com May 31, 2012 August 1, 2012 From RavensRavens trade The Vikings traded their second- and fourth-round selections (35th and 98th overall) to the Ravens in exchange for a first-round selection (29th overall). 2 35 Traded to the Baltimore RavensRavens trade 3 66 Josh Robinson CB UCF 4 yearsMinnesota Vikings – Player Contract Information http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/contracts/nfl/min/ Rotoworld.com NBC Sports Digital August 1, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20140729224051/http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/contracts/nfl/min/ July 29, 2014 dead 4 98 Traded to the Baltimore RavensRavens trade 118 Jarius Wright WR Arkansas 4 years From Falcons, via BrownsBrowns trade 2 128 Rhett Ellison FB USC 4 years Compensatory pickCompensatory pick The Vikings were awarded two compensatory picks for the loss of free agents DE Ray Edwards, LB Ben Leber, QB Tarvaris Jackson and WR Sidney Rice. 134 Greg Childs WR Arkansas 4 years Compensatory pickCompensatory pick 5 138 Traded to the Detroit LionsLions trade The Vikings traded their fifth- and seventh-round selections (138th and 223rd overall) to the Lions in exchange for a seventh-round selection (219th overall) a 2013 fourth-round selection (102nd overall). 139 Robert Blanton S Notre Dame 4 years From BrownsBrowns trade 2 6 173 Traded to the Washington RedskinsThe Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (173rd overall) to the Redskins in exchange for QB Donovan McNabb. 175 Blair Walsh K Georgia 4 years From BrownsThe Vikings traded DE Jayme Mitchell to the Browns in exchange for a sixth-round selection (175th overall).Florjancic Matt March 26, 2012 Browns awarded four compensatory picks ClevelandBrowns.com http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-awarded-four-compensatory-picks/77bf5680-cbc5-4f76-adc7-2eb146c137ff March 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120329032433/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-awarded-four-compensatory-picks/77bf5680-cbc5-4f76-adc7-2eb146c137ff March 29, 2012 dead 7 210 Audie Cole LB NC State 4 years 211 Traded to the Tennessee TitansThe Vikings traded their seventh-round selection (211th overall) to the Titans in exchange for a 2013 sixth-round selection (176th overall). From BrownsBrowns trade 2 219 Trevor Guyton DE California 4 years From Seahawks, via LionsLions trade 223 Traded to the Detroit LionsLions trade From Eagles, via PatriotsThe Vikings traded a 2011 third-round selection (74th overall) to the Patriots in exchange for WR Randy Moss and a seventh-round selection (223rd overall). thumb|DE Brian Robison and the Vikings defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars, September 9 Notes: Post-draft transactions With the 2012 Draft over, the Vikings resumed their transactions in May, signing a number of undrafted free agents to their roster, and releasing RB Caleb King, following a short jail term. With the drafting of Blair Walsh, veteran kicker Ryan Longwell found himself surplus to requirements for the Vikings and he was released on May 7. By the start of June, all of the Vikings draft selections (with the exception of T Matt Kalil) had been signed to long-term contracts. Staff 2012 Minnesota Vikings #3B0160 #FFFFFF #F0BF00 Owner/chairman – Zygi Wilf Owner/president – Mark Wilf Owner/vice chairman – Leonard Wilf General manager – Rick Spielman Vice president of football operations – Rob Brzezinski Assistant general manager – George Paton Director of college scouting – Scott Studwell Assistant director of college scouting – Jamaal Stephenson Head coach – Leslie Frazier Special assistant to the head coach/linebackers – Mike Singletary Assistant to the head coach – Cameron Turner Offensive coordinator – Bill Musgrave Quarterbacks – Craig Johnson Assistant quarterbacks – Kevin Stefanski Running backs – James Saxon Wide receivers – George Stewart Assistant wide receivers – Ryan Ficken Tight ends – Jimmie Johnson Offensive line – Jeff Davidson Assistant offensive line – Ryan Silverfield Defensive coordinator – Alan Williams Defensive line – Brendan Daly Assistant defensive line – Diron Reynolds Linebackers – Fred Pagac Defensive backs/secondary – Joe Woods Defensive assistant – Jeff Imamura Special teams coordinator – Mike Priefer Assistant special teams – Chris White Head athletic trainer/director of sports medicine – Eric Sugarman Strength and conditioning – Tom Kanavy Assistant strength and conditioning – Martin Streight Assistant strength and conditioning – Aaron McLaurin Roster 2012 Minnesota Vikings 53 4 8  4 McLeod Bethel-Thompson  7 Christian Ponder 14 Joe Webb 48 Matt Asiata 42 Jerome Felton FB 32 Toby Gerhart 28 Adrian Peterson 19 Devin Aromashodu 11 Stephen Burton 84 Michael Jenkins wide receiver 81 Jerome Simpson 17 Jarius Wright y 89 John Carlson American football 40 Rhett Ellison y 82 Kyle Rudolph 61 Joe Berger C/G 63 Brandon Fusco G 74 Charlie Johnson offensive tackle G 75 Matt Kalil y T 78 Troy Kropog T 71 Phil Loadholt T 76 Geoff Schwartz G/T 65 John Sullivan center C 69 Jared Allen DE 99 Christian Ballard DT 90 Fred Evans defensive tackle DT 97 Everson Griffen DE 98 Letroy Guion DT 92 George Johnson defensive end DE 91 D'Aundre Reed DE 96 Brian Robison DE 93 Kevin Williams defensive tackle DT 54 Jasper Brinkley MLB 57 Audie Cole y MLB 51 Larry Dean gridiron football OLB 52 Chad Greenway OLB 50 Erin Henderson OLB 58 Tyrone McKenzie MLB 55 Marvin Mitchell OLB 36 Robert Blanton y SS 27 Brandon Burton CB 20 Chris Cook cornerback CB 24 A. J. Jefferson CB 41 Mistral Raymond SS 21 Josh Robinson cornerback y CB 33 Jamarca Sanford SS 34 Andrew Sendejo FS 35 Marcus Sherels CB/PR 22 Harrison Smith y FS 26 Antoine Winfield Sr. CB  5 Chris Kluwe P 46 Cullen Loeffler LS  3 Blair Walsh y K 85 Greg Childs American football y WR IR 12 Percy Harvin WR IR 73 DeMarcus Love T IR 39 Nick Taylor Canadian football y CB IR 62 Chase Baker y DT 23 Joe Banyard y RB 87 LaMark Brown y WR 31 Bobby Felder y CB 89 Chase Ford y TE 66 Tyler Holmes y G 68 Kevin Murphy offensive tackle y T 15 Chris Summers wide receiver y WR Preseason Schedule This was the first year the Vikings used a TV/radio simulcast for their preseason games. Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue NFL.comrecap 1 August 10 at San Francisco 49ers L 6–17 0–1 Candlestick Park Recap 2 August 17 Buffalo Bills W 36–14 1–1 Mall of America Field Recap 3 August 24 San Diego Chargers L 10–12 1–2 Mall of America Field Recap 4 August 30 at Houston Texans L 24–28 1–3 Reliant Stadium Recap Game summaries Week 1: at San Francisco 49ers Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary August 10 8:00 p.m. Vikings 3 3 0 0 49ers 7 10 0 0 Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California 69,732 Sunny, 60 °F °C Jim Core () WUCW-23 Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, Greg Coleman and Ben Leber Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 12:34. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:26. SF – Brett Swain 4-yard pass from Alex Smith (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 5:13. 49ers 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 7:21. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 26-yard field goal, 14:06. 49ers 7–6. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 6:07. SF – Colin Kaepernick 78-yard run (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 13:38. 49ers 14–6. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:28. SF – Giorgio Tavecchio 29-yard field goal, 1:56. 49ers 17–6. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 6:29. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Passing MIN – Christian Ponder – 4/9, 80 yards SF – Scott Tolzien – 10/13, 84 yards Rushing MIN – Toby Gerhart – 5 rushes, 31 yards SF – Colin Kaepernick – 3 rushes, 92 yards, TD Receiving MIN – Stephen Burton – 1 reception, 52 yards SF – Chris Owusu – 3 receptions, 35 yards Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 2: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary August 17 7:00 p.m. Bills 0 7 7 0 Vikings 10 6 3 17 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 56,430 None (domed stadium) Robert Frazer (36) KARE-11 Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, Greg Coleman and Ben Leber Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Jerome Felton 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 11:04. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:56. MIN – Blair Walsh 22-yard field goal, 1:39. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 6:20. Second quarter BUF – Donald Jones 31-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), 8:51. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 3:13. MIN – Blair Walsh 47-yard field goal, 5:40. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:11. MIN – Blair Walsh 45-yard field goal, 0:27. Vikings 16–7. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 0:30. Third quarter BUF – Tashard Choice 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 13:25. Vikings 16–14. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:35. MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 4:49. Vikings 19–14. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:07. Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 3:37. Vikings 22–14. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:55. MIN – Audie Cole 20-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 3:18. Vikings 29–14. MIN – Audie Cole 30-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 3:05. Vikings 36–14. Passing BUF – Vince Young – 8/14, 123 yards MIN – Christian Ponder – 10/13, 136 yards, TD Rushing BUF – Fred Jackson – 5 rushes, 27 yards MIN – Joe Webb – 2 rushes, 64 yards Receiving BUF – T. J. Graham – 2 receptions, 69 yards MIN – Emmanuel Arceneaux – 2 receptions, 50 yards Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary August 24 7:00 p.m. Chargers 3 3 0 6 Vikings 0 3 0 7 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 62,800 None (domed stadium) Wayne Elliott (28) KARE-11 Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, Greg Coleman and Ben Leber Recap, Game Book First quarter SD – Nate Kaeding 50-yard field goal, 4:55. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 37 yards, 6:49. Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 34-yard field goal, 10:23. Chargers 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:10. MIN – Blair Walsh 29-yard field goal, 0:08. Chargers 6–3. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 1:17. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SD – Nate Kaeding 54-yard field goal, 8:40. Chargers 9–3. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:26. MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard pass from Sage Rosenfels (Blair Walsh kick), 1:50. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:14. SD – Nick Novak 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 12–10. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 1:50. Passing SD – Charlie Whitehurst – 8/18, 80 yards MIN – Christian Ponder – 9/16, 115 yards Rushing SD – Edwin Baker – 13 rushes, 35 yards MIN – Matt Asiata – 9 rushes, 48 yards Receiving SD – Micheal Spurlock – 3 receptions, 46 yards MIN – Percy Harvin – 2 receptions, 53 yards Week 4: at Houston Texans Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Preseason Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary August 30 6:00 p.m. Vikings 0 10 14 0 Texans 7 7 14 0 Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas 71,116 Fair, 71 °F °C Donovan Briggans (12) KARE-11 Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, Greg Coleman and Ben Leber Recap, Game Book First quarter HOU – Justin Forsett 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 12:01. Texans 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:59. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 14:11. Texans 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yards, 7:24. HOU – DeVier Posey 80-yard pass from John Beck (Shayne Graham kick), 4:21. Texans 14–3. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:20. MIN – Devin Aromashodu 58-yard pass from Sage Rosenfels (Blair Walsh kick), 0:33. Texans 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 0:47. Third quarter HOU – Trindon Holliday 76-yard punt return (Shayne Graham kick), 13:26. Texans 21–10. MIN – Jarius Wright 59-yard pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson (Blair Walsh kick), 11:22. Texans 21–17. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:04. HOU – Justin Forsett 5-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 7:27. Texans 28–17. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:25. MIN – Jordan Todman 76-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 6:55. Texans 28–24. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 0:32. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Passing MIN – McLeod Bethel-Thompson – 15/29, 193 yards, TD HOU – John Beck – 6/10, 149 yards, TD Rushing MIN – Jordan Todman – 10 rushes, 114 yards, TD HOU – Justin Forsett – 13 rushes, 114 yards, 2 TD Receiving MIN – Jarius Wright – 6 receptions, 122 yards, TD HOU – DeVier Posey – 2 receptions, 93 yards, TD Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue NFL.comrecap 1September 9Jacksonville JaguarsW 26–23 (OT)1–0Mall of America Field Recap 2September 16at Indianapolis ColtsL 20–231–1Lucas Oil StadiumRecap 3September 23San Francisco 49ersW 24–132–1Mall of America FieldRecap 4September 30at Detroit LionsW 20–133–1Ford FieldRecap 5October 7Tennessee TitansW 30–74–1Mall of America FieldRecap 6October 14at Washington RedskinsL 26–384–2FedExFieldRecap 7October 21Arizona CardinalsW 21–145–2Mall of America FieldRecap 8October 25 ThursdayTampa Bay BuccaneersL 17–365–3Mall of America FieldRecap 9November 4at Seattle SeahawksL 20–305–4CenturyLink FieldRecap 10November 11Detroit LionsW 34–246–4Mall of America FieldRecap 11Bye 12November 25at Chicago BearsL 10–286–5Soldier FieldRecap 13December 2at Green Bay PackersL 14–236–6Lambeau FieldRecap 14December 9Chicago BearsW 21–147–6Mall of America FieldRecap 15December 16at St. Louis RamsW 36–228–6Edward Jones DomeRecap 16December 23at Houston TexansW 23–69–6Reliant StadiumRecap 17December 30Green Bay PackersW 37–3410–6Mall of America FieldRecap Team names in bold indicate Vikings' home games. Game summaries Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary September 9 12:00 p.m. CDT Jaguars 3 6 3 11 0 Vikings 0 7 7 9 3 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 56,607 None (domed stadium) Robert Dalton (22) CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots Recap, Game Book First quarter JAC – Josh Scobee 19-yard field goal, 2:52. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 77 yards, 9:22. Second quarter JAC – Marcedes Lewis 1-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert (kick blocked), 5:21. Jaguars 9–0. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 7:09. MIN – Adrian Peterson 3-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:41. Jaguars 9–7. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 1:47. Third quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 2-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 9:42. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:54. JAC – Josh Scobee 26-yard field goal, 4:40. Vikings 14–12. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:25. Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 20-yard field goal, 14:09. Vikings 17–12. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:31. JAC – Josh Scobee 47-yard field goal, 9:35. Vikings 17–15. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:34. MIN – Blair Walsh 42-yard field goal, 5:33. Vikings 20–15. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:02. JAC – Cecil Shorts 39-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert (Blaine Gabbert pass to Justin Blackmon), 0:20. Jaguars 23–20. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 0:58. MIN – Blair Walsh 55-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 23–23. Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 0:20. Overtime MIN – Blair Walsh 38-yard field goal, 11:06. Vikings 26–23. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:54. Top passers JAC – Blaine Gabbert – 23/39, 260 yards, 2 TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 20/27, 270 yards Top rushers JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew – 19 rushes, 77 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 84 yards, 2 TD Top receivers JAC – Cecil Shorts – 4 receptions, 74 yards, TD MIN – Percy Harvin – 6 receptions, 84 yards Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary September 16 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 3 3 0 14 Colts 7 10 3 3 Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana 63,912 Sunny, 72 F C Donald King (60) Fox Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 7:48. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 44 yards, 7:12. IND – Dwayne Allen 3-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:49. Colts 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:59. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 29-yard field goal, 11:38. Colts 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:11. IND – Adam Vinatieri 26-yard field goal, 1:49. Colts 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 4:13. IND – Reggie Wayne 30-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:07. Colts 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 1:04. Third quarter IND – Adam Vinatieri 45-yard field goal, 7:06. Colts 20–6. Drive: 14 plays, 53 yards, 7:54. Fourth quarter MIN – Stephen Burton 7-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 5:07. Colts 20–13. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:03. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 6-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 0:31. Tied 20–20. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 2:19. IND – Adam Vinatieri 53-yard field goal, 0:08. Colts 23–20. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 0:23. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 27/35, 245 yards, 2 TD IND – Andrew Luck – 20/31, 224 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 16 rushes, 60 yards IND – Donald Brown – 16 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers MIN – Percy Harvin – 12 receptions, 104 yards IND – Donnie Avery – 9 receptions, 111 yards Week 3: vs. San Francisco 49ers Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary September 23 12:00 p.m. CDT 49ers 0 3 10 0 Vikings 7 10 0 7 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 57,288 None (domed stadium) Ken Roan (86) Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 7:20. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 16 plays, 82 yards, 7:40. Second quarter SF – David Akers 29-yard field goal, 12:13. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 5:40. MIN – Christian Ponder 23-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:29. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:44. MIN – Blair Walsh 52-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 0:52. Third quarter SF – David Akers 29-yard field goal, 12:46. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:14. SF – Vernon Davis 1-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 6:17. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 5:00. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 14:17. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 7:00. Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 24/35, 204 yards, TD, INT MIN – Christian Ponder – 21/35, 198 yards, 2 TD Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 12 rushes, 63 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 25 rushes, 86 yards Top receivers SF – Mario Manningham – 5 receptions, 56 yards MIN – Percy Harvin – 9 receptions, 89 yards Week 4: at Detroit Lions Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary September 30 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Vikings 10 3 7 0 Lions 3 3 0 7 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 63,616 None (domed stadium) Clete Blakeman (34) Fox Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 105-yard kickoff return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:48. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12. DET – Jason Hanson 40-yard field goal, 13:06. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:42. MIN – Blair Walsh 49-yard field goal, 1:16. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:53. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 27-yard field goal, 8:14. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 4:56. DET – Jason Hanson 31-yard field goal, 1:46. Vikings 13–6. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 6:28. Third quarter MIN – Marcus Sherels 77-yard punt return (Blair Walsh kick), 13:09. Vikings 20–6. Fourth quarter DET – Matthew Stafford 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 2:56. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:12. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/26, 111 yards DET – Matthew Stafford – 30/51, 319 yards Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 21 rushes, 102 yards DET – Mikel Leshoure – 13 rushes, 26 yards Top receivers MIN – Jerome Simpson – 4 receptions, 50 yards DET – Joique Bell – 6 receptions, 72 yards Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 5: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary October 7 3:25 p.m. CDT Titans 0 0 0 7 Vikings 7 6 10 7 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 57,652 None (domed stadium) Jeff Triplette (42) CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 4-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 2:31. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:59. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 42-yard field goal, 10:27. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 0:57. MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 1:52. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 5:42. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 26-yard field goal, 5:07. Vikings 16–0. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:24. MIN – Percy Harvin 10-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 0:05. Vikings 23–0. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 3:31. Fourth quarter TEN – Jared Cook 10-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Rob Bironas kick), 10:35. Vikings 23–7. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 4:30. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 15-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 6:38. Vikings 30–7. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:57. Top passers TEN – Matt Hasselbeck – 26/43, 200 yards, TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 25/35, 258 yards, 2 TD Top rushers TEN – Chris Johnson – 15 rushes, 24 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 88 yards Top receivers TEN – Kendall Wright – 9 receptions, 66 yards MIN – Percy Harvin – 8 receptions, 108 yards, TD Week 6: at Washington Redskins Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 6: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary October 14 4:25 p.m. EDT/3:25 p.m. CDT Vikings 9 0 3 14 Redskins 0 17 7 14 FedExField, Landover, Maryland 78,476 Sunny, 74 F C Tony Corrente (99) Fox Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 20-yard field goal, 11:31. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:29. MIN – Blair Walsh 27-yard field goal, 6:18. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:16. MIN – Blair Walsh 27-yard field goal, 1:47. Vikings 9–0. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:46. Second quarter WAS – Kai Forbath 50-yard field goal, 10:51. Vikings 9–3. Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 5:56. WAS – Alfred Morris 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 2:27. Redskins 10–9. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 6:36. WAS – Darrel Young 6-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Kai Forbath kick), 2:14. Redskins 17–9. Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:06. Third quarter WAS – Robert Griffin III 7-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:37. Redskins 24–9. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:23. MIN – Blair Walsh 37-yard field goal, 4:18. Redskins 24–12. Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 5:19. Fourth quarter WAS – Madieu Williams 24-yard interception return (Kai Forbath kick), 12:40. Redskins 31–12. MIN – Michael Jenkins 9-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Christian Ponder–Kyle Rudolph pass), 8:02. Redskins 31–20. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:38. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (pass failed), 3:36. Redskins 31–26. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 2:42. WAS – Robert Griffin III 76-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 2:43. Redskins 38–26. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:53. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 35/52, 352 yards, 2 TD WAS – Robert Griffin III – 17/22, 182 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 79 yards WAS – Robert Griffin III – 13 rushes, 138 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIN – Percy Harvin – 11 receptions, 133 yards WAS – Fred Davis – 3 receptions, 46 yards Week 7: vs. Arizona Cardinals Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 7: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary October 21 12:00 p.m. CDT Cardinals 0 7 0 7 Vikings 7 7 7 0 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 61,068 None (domed stadium) Terry McAulay (77) Fox Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 13-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 8:38. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:57. Second quarter ARI – LaRod Stephens-Howling 3-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 12:41. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 2:10. MIN – Percy Harvin 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 6:26. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:15. Third quarter MIN – Harrison Smith 31-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:03. Vikings 21–7. Fourth quarter ARI – Andre Roberts 6-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), 1:48. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:08. Top passers ARI – John Skelton – 25/36, 262 yards, TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 8/17, 58 yards, TD Top rushers ARI – LaRod Stephens-Howling – 20 rushes, 104 yards, TD MIN – Adrian Peterson – 23 rushes, 153 yards, TD Top receivers ARI – Andre Roberts – 7 receptions, 103 yards, TD MIN – Percy Harvin – 4 receptions, 37 yards, TD Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 8: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary October 25 7:20 p.m. CDT Buccaneers 10 10 10 6 Vikings 0 10 7 0 Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 60,860 None (domed stadium) Ron Winter (14) NFLNKARE [a] Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan Recap, Game Book First quarter TB – Connor Barth 28-yard field goal, 9:48. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:48. TB – Erik Lorig 1-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 3:34. Buccaneers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 4:33. Second quarter TB – Connor Barth 40-yard field goal, 12:20. Buccaneers 13–0. Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 4:20. MIN – Percy Harvin 18-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 9:39. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:41. TB – Mike Williams 3-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 4:30. Buccaneers 20–7. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 2:38. MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 1:40. Buccaneers 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 2:50. Third quarter TB – Doug Martin 64-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 13:39. Buccaneers 27–10. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:21. TB – Connor Barth 38-yard field goal, 7:50. Buccaneers 30–10. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:22. MIN – Adrian Peterson 64-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 7:28. Buccaneers 30–17. Drive: 2 plays, 64 yards, 0:22. Fourth quarter TB – Doug Martin 1-yard run (pass failed), 7:03. Buccaneers 36–17. Drive: 16 plays, 87 yards, 9:09. Top passers TB – Josh Freeman – 19/36, 262 yards, 3 TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 19/35, 251 yards, TD Top rushers TB – Doug Martin – 29 rushes, 135 yards, TD MIN – Adrian Peterson – 15 rushes, 123 yards, TD Top receivers TB – Doug Martin – 3 receptions, 79 yards, TD MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 receptions, 90 yards, TD Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary November 4 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST Vikings 7 10 3 0 Seahawks 14 6 7 3 CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington 67,584 Cloudy, 60 F C Jerome Boger (23) Fox Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 13:15. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:45. SEA – Golden Tate 6-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 8:52. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 1:23. SEA – Sidney Rice 11-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 3:15. Seahawks 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:05. Second quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 4-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 11:46. Tied 14–14. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:29. MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 5:25. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:49. SEA – Golden Tate 11-yard pass from Russell Wilson (kick blocked), 0:44. Seahawks 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:41. Third quarter SEA – Marshawn Lynch 3-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 4:09. Seahawks 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 6:15. MIN – Blair Walsh 55-yard field goal, 1:47. Seahawks 27–20. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:22. Fourth quarter SEA – Steven Hauschka 40-yard field goal, 6:23. Seahawks 30–20. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 5:26. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 11/22, 63 yards SEA – Russell Wilson – 16/24, 173 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 182 yards, 2 TD SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 26 rushes, 124 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Jerome Simpson – 1 reception, 14 yards SEA – Sidney Rice – 4 receptions, 54 yards, TD Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 10: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary November 11 12:00 p.m. CST Lions 0 3 7 14 Vikings 10 3 3 18 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 64,059 None (domed stadium) Pete Morelli (135) Fox Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Jarius Wright 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 7:52. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:31. MIN – Blair Walsh 48-yard field goal, 5:41. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 1:57. Second quarter DET – Jason Hanson 41-yard field goal, 11:07. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:47. MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 4:41. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 81 yards, 6:26. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 5:11. Vikings 16–3. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:53. DET – Brandon Pettigrew 16-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 2:55. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 2:16. Fourth quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 20-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Adrian Peterson run), 14:15. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:40. DET – Titus Young 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 11:32. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:43. MIN – Adrian Peterson 61-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 8:06. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 1:07. MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 4:36. Vikings 34–17. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 3:16. DET – Calvin Johnson 11-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 1:53. Vikings 34–24. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:43. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/42, 329 yards, 3 TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 24/32, 221 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DET – Mikel Leshoure – 13 rushes, 43 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 27 rushes, 171 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 12 receptions, 207 yards, TD MIN – Jarius Wright – 3 receptions, 65 yards, TD Week 12: at Chicago Bears Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary November 25 12:00 p.m. CST Vikings 3 0 7 0 Bears 10 15 3 0 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,306 Partly cloudy, 41 F C Scott Green (19) Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 12:17. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:50. CHI – Michael Bush 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 7:17. Bears 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:50. CHI – Robbie Gould 47-yard field goal, 0:32. Bears 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 25 yards, 5:13. Second quarter CHI – Michael Bush 1-yard run (Adam Podlesh run), 4:01. Bears 18–3. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:59. CHI – Matt Spaeth 13-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 1:48. Bears 25–3. Drive: 1 play, 13 yards, 0:07. Third quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 10:44. Bears 25–10. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 2:01. CHI – Robbie Gould 46-yard field goal, 3:57. Bears 28–10. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:47. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 22/43, 159 yards, TD CHI – Jay Cutler – 23/31, 188 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 18 rushes, 108 yards CHI – Michael Bush – 21 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 5 receptions, 55 yards, TD CHI – Brandon Marshall – 12 receptions, 92 yards Week 13: at Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary December 2 12:00 p.m. CST Vikings 0 14 0 0 Packers 10 0 10 3 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 70,567 Cloudy, 45 F C Ed Hochuli (85) Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver Recap, Game Book First quarter GB – James Jones 32-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:26. Packers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:34. GB – Mason Crosby 30-yard field goal, 4:07. Packers 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 5:56. Second quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 7-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 12:18. Packers 10–7. Drive: 14 plays, 71 yards, 6:49. MIN – Adrian Peterson 82-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:08. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 91 yards, 1:27. Third quarter GB – Mason Crosby 47-yard field goal, 7:47. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:04. GB – James Starks 22-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 2:12. Packers 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, 1:53. Fourth quarter GB – Mason Crosby 31-yard field goal, 4:00. Packers 23–14. Drive: 18 plays, 73 yards, 11:00. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 12/25, 119 yards, TD GB – Aaron Rodgers – 27/35, 286 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 21 rushes, 210 yards, TD GB – James Starks – 15 rushes, 66 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 6 receptions, 51 yards, TD GB – Randall Cobb – 6 receptions, 62 yards Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 14: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 9 12:00 p.m. CST Bears 0 7 0 7 Vikings 14 0 7 0 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 64,134 None (domed stadium) Walt Coleman (65) Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 11:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:07. MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 8:42. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:07. Second quarter CHI – Alshon Jeffery 23-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 1:52. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:41. Third quarter MIN – Harrison Smith 56-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 3:27. Vikings 21–7. Fourth quarter CHI – Brandon Marshall 16-yard pass from Jason Campbell (Robbie Gould kick), 1:48. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 2:02. Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler – 22/44, 260 yards, TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 11/17, 91 yards Top rushers CHI – Matt Forté – 13 rushes, 85 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 31 rushes, 154 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CHI – Brandon Marshall – 10 receptions, 160 yards, TD MIN – Michael Jenkins – 4 receptions, 36 yards Week 15: at St. Louis Rams Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams – Game summary December 16 12:00 p.m. CST Vikings 7 23 3 3 Rams 0 7 0 15 Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri 55,751 None (domed stadium) Alberto Riveron (57) Fox Gus Johnson, Charles Davis and Kristina Pink Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Christian Ponder 5-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 7:07. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:38. Second quarter STL – Brian Quick 4-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Greg Zuerlein kick), 12:39. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 3:36. MIN – Adrian Peterson 82-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 12:21. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 82 yards, 0:18. MIN – Blair Walsh 50-yard field goal, 9:11. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, −4 yards, 1:41. MIN – Everson Griffen 29-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 8:25. Vikings 24–7. MIN – Blair Walsh 38-yard field goal, 3:11. Vikings 27–7. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 3:18. MIN – Blair Walsh 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 30–7. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:00. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 53-yard field goal, 5:56. Vikings 33–7. Drive: 10 plays, 25 yards, 5:16. Fourth quarter STL – Danny Amendola 6-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Greg Zuerlein kick), 13:39. Vikings 33–14. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:17. STL – Lance Kendricks 6-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Sam Bradford–Danny Amendola pass), 7:48. Vikings 33–22. Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:05. MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 5:31. Vikings 36–22. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 2:17. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 17/24, 131 yards STL – Sam Bradford – 35/55, 377 yards, 3 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 24 rushes, 212 yards, TD STL – Steven Jackson – 13 rushes, 73 yards Top receivers MIN – Jerome Simpson – 4 receptions, 27 yards STL – Brandon Gibson – 6 receptions, 76 yards Week 16: at Houston Texans Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary December 23 12:00 p.m. CST Vikings 7 6 3 7 Texans 3 0 3 0 Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas 71,688 None (retractable roof closed) John Parry (132) Fox Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio Recap, Game Book First quarter HOU – Shayne Graham 51-yard field goal, 10:50. Texans 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:10. MIN – Kyle Rudolph 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 6:19. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:31. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 56-yard field goal, 8:15. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 41 yards, 5:21. MIN – Blair Walsh 41-yard field goal, 0:37. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 1:02. Third quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 11:31. Vikings 16–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 3:29. HOU – Shayne Graham 33-yard field goal, 0:26. Vikings 16–6. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 5:17. Fourth quarter MIN – Toby Gerhart 3-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 4:44. Vikings 23–6. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 6:01. Top passers MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/30, 174 yards, TD HOU – Matt Schaub – 18/32, 178 yards Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson – 25 rushes, 86 yards HOU – Ben Tate – 4 rushes, 17 yards Top receivers MIN – Jarius Wright – 5 receptions, 53 yards HOU – Andre Johnson – 7 receptions, 97 yards Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 17: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 30 3:25 p.m. CST Packers 0 10 14 10 Vikings 10 10 7 10 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 64,134 None (domed stadium) Mike Carey (94) Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 54-yard field goal, 10:47. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 4:13. MIN – Adrian Peterson 7-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:44. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:30. Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 37-yard field goal, 14:51. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 34 yards, 4:42. GB – Greg Jennings 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:01. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards, 5:06. MIN – Jarius Wright 8-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 1:07. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:54. GB – Mason Crosby 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 1:07. Third quarter GB – Greg Jennings 5-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:56. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:04. MIN – Adrian Peterson 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 4:00. Vikings 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:17. GB – James Jones 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 2:04. Vikings 27–24. Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 1:56. Fourth quarter GB – Mason Crosby 40-yard field goal, 12:21. Tied 27–27. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 2:39. MIN – Michael Jenkins 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 7:54. Vikings 34–27. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 4:27. GB – Jordy Nelson 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 2:54. Tied 34–34. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 5:00. MIN – Blair Walsh 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 37–34. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 2:54. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 28/40, 365 yards, 4 TD MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/28, 234 yards, 3 TD Top rushers GB – DuJuan Harris – 14 rushes, 70 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson – 34 rushes, 199 yards, TD Top receivers GB – Greg Jennings – 8 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TD MIN – Jarius Wright – 3 receptions, 90 yards, TD Adrian Peterson rushed for 199 yards, coming up nine yards short of breaking the single season record by Eric Dickerson. This included five rushes for 36 yards on the final drive to set up the winning field goal by Blair Walsh. This game was rated #3 on the Top 20 NFL Games of 2012 on NFL.com as AP2K.http://www.nfl.com/top20games/2012/packers-at-vikings Top 20 NFL Games of 2012 NFL.com November 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130812165909/http://www.nfl.com/top20games/2012/packers-at-vikings August 12, 2013 dead Standings Postseason Schedule Playoff round Date Opponent Result Record Venue NFL.comrecap WC January 5 at Green Bay Packers L 10–24 0–1 Lambeau Field Recap Game summaries NFC Wild Card Round: at Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings 2012 2;text-align:center; autocollapse NFC Wild Card Round: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary January 5 7:00 p.m. CST Vikings 3 0 0 7 Packers 7 10 7 0 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 71,548 Cloudy, 29 °F °C Scott Green (19) NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 9:26. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:34. GB – DuJuan Harris 9-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 0:28. Packers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 5:43. Second quarter GB – Mason Crosby 20-yard field goal, 3:25. Packers 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 5:01. GB – John Kuhn 3-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 0:38. Packers 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:10. Third quarter GB – John Kuhn 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:25. Packers 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:35. Fourth quarter MIN – Michael Jenkins 50-yard pass from Joe Webb (Blair Walsh kick), 3:39. Packers 24–10. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 0:36. Passing MIN – Joe Webb – 11/30, 180 yards, TD GB – Aaron Rodgers – 23/33, 274 yards, TD Rushing MIN – Adrian Peterson – 22 rushes, 99 yards GB – DuJuan Harris – 17 rushes, 47 yards, TD Receiving MIN – Michael Jenkins – 3 receptions, 96 yards, TD GB – Greg Jennings – 4 receptions, 61 yards Having secured the NFC's #6 seed, the Vikings traveled to Lambeau Field for a rematch with the Packers, with the two teams meeting in the playoffs for only the second time ever. Despite not starting a game all season, the Vikings started Joe Webb over Christian Ponder due to the latter having an elbow injury. Blair Walsh capped the game's opening drive with a field goal to put the Vikings 3–0 up. However, the Packers then scored 24 unanswered points to take a 24–3 lead in the 3rd quarter. The Vikings tried to rally a comeback with a touchdown to make it 24–10, but it was too little, too late as time ran out for Minnesota. Statistics Team leaders Category Player(s) Value Passing yards Christian Ponder 2,935 Passing touchdowns Christian Ponder 18 Rushing yards Adrian Peterson 2,097 * Rushing touchdowns Adrian Peterson 12 Receiving yards Percy Harvin 677 Receiving touchdowns Kyle Rudolph 9 Points Blair Walsh 141 Kickoff return yards Percy Harvin 574 Punt return yards Marcus Sherels 287 TacklesChad Greenway 148 Sacks Jared Allen 12.0 Interceptions Harrison SmithAntoine Winfield 3 Forced fumbles Jamarca Sanford 4 Vikings single season record. League rankings Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank(out of 32) Passing offense 2,751 171.9 31st Rushing offense 2,634 164.6 2nd Total offense 5,385 336.6 20th Passing defense 3,908 244.2 24th Rushing defense 1,692 105.8 11th Total defense 5,600 350.0 16th Pro Bowl Four Minnesota Vikings players were selected for the 2013 Pro Bowl: two on offense (running back partners Adrian Peterson and Jerome Felton), one on defense (DE Jared Allen) and one special teamer (K Blair Walsh). Of these, Peterson, Felton and Walsh were selected as starters, with Allen going as a reserve.2013 Pro Bowl rosters: AFC, NFC http://www.nfl.com/probowl/story/0ap1000000117432/article/2013-pro-bowl-rosters-afc-nfc NFL.com National Football League December 26, 2012 December 31, 2012 With the withdrawal of Dallas Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware on January 10 because of a shoulder injury, Vikings LB Chad Greenway was called up to the NFC roster as a replacement.Tom Pelissero Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway added to NFC Pro Bowl roster http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_linebacker_Chad_Greenway_added_to_NFC_Pro_Bowl_roster011013 1500ESPN Hubbard Broadcasting January 10, 2013 January 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130214005333/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_linebacker_Chad_Greenway_added_to_NFC_Pro_Bowl_roster011013 February 14, 2013 dead mdy-all TE Kyle Rudolph was also added to the NFC roster for his first Pro Bowl two weeks later after Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez dropped out due to injury.Rudolph Selected To First Pro Bowl http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Rudolph-Selected-To-First-Pro-Bowl/ecc918a0-fc4e-4447-9604-f8e18af87fde vikings.com Minnesota Vikings Football January 22, 2013 January 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130126191243/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Rudolph-Selected-To-First-Pro-Bowl/ecc918a0-fc4e-4447-9604-f8e18af87fde January 26, 2013 dead Rookie Matt Kalil was also added later as a replacement for the Washington Redskins' tackle, Trent Williams, yet another casualty of injury.Kalil Selected To His First Pro Bowl http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Kalil-Selected-To-His-First-Pro-Bowl/f4d1db24-2cf0-4e93-be31-6573f4df1f14 vikings.com Minnesota Vikings Football January 25, 2013 January 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130313161555/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Kalil-Selected-To-His-First-Pro-Bowl/f4d1db24-2cf0-4e93-be31-6573f4df1f14 March 13, 2013 dead Rudolph was named the game's MVP. Notes and references External links Minnesota Vikings official website 2012 Minnesota Vikings at ESPN 2012 Minnesota Vikings at Pro Football Reference Minnesota Category:Minnesota Vikings seasons Minnesota