The Arizona Cardinals boast the league's 30th ranked defense, having a terrible year, while the Minnesota Vikings are sitting at 9-0, 7 games away from perfection. But they hit a speed bump with quarterback Christian Ponder tearing his pectoral, and now third year McLeod Bethel-Thompson is making the start over veteran backup Joe Webb. The coaching staff believes in this decision, and with the offense around him, Bethel-Thompson could have fun in his first start, especially against this porous defense.
Minnesota Vikings announce two year quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson starter for Sunday's game versus Cardinals
In a surprising move by the Vikings, Joe Webb has been benched in favor of McLeod Bethel-Thompson, a player who has been viewed with tremendous upside, but has yet to play a game in the NFL. He will face the Arizona Cardinals at home this Sunday in his first NFL start.
Christian Ponder announced to have suffered pectoral tear, Vikings place him on injured reserve
The Minnesota Vikings sit at 9-0, the last undefeated team in the NFL, and have lost their starting quarterback. Christian Ponder suffered a blind sided blow from Chris Long against the Rams, and has torn his pectoral, sidelining him for months.
The Vikings are in their bye week right now, and head coach Leslie Frazier delivered a press conference live from Winter Park this afternoon...
Leslie Frazier: Ladies and gentleman, as most of you know, Christian has been placed on injured reserve this morning. Going into our bye week, we will use this time to evaluate our situation at quarterback, and determine who will start.
Reporter: Who has the lead in the quarterback race? Will there be a free agent signing?
Leslie Frazier: Joe Webb has been a great backup for the past five years, and he has deserved the right to be in the lead for the job, but McLeod brings a lot to the table. It will be reviewed in depth. As for the free agents, no we won't be signing a quarterback. We are going with what we have, we believe that puts us in the best possible position to win.
There you have it Vikings fans...news about the quarterback job will be coming soon.
The Vikings are 9-0, and they did it in convincing fashion. The Rams never had a chance, as Christian Ponder led the Vikings down to the 20 yard line of the Rams, and was sacked and landed on his shoulder, forcing him to leave. Joe Webb came in, and threw a touchdown, and the team never looked back.
The defense harassed Bradford all day, sacking him 5 times and picking him off 4 times. The Vikings will release a statement this week sometime about Christian Ponder's injury, and if need be, who the starting quarterback will be.
Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
Nov 13, 2013
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Minnesota Vikings (9-0)
7
17
10
3
37
St. Louis Rams (2-6)
0
0
7
7
14
Team Stats Comparison
MIN
STL
Total Offense
357
295
Rushing Yards
156
51
Passing Yards
201
244
First Downs
18
8
Punt Return Yards
31
21
Kick Return Yards
46
140
Total Yards
434
456
Turnovers
1
4
3rd Down Converstion
5-14
1-11
4th Down Conversion
0-0
2-2
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
6
1
Penalties
4-25
0-0
Posession Time
31:56
16:04
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
5:42
(MIN) Kyle Rudolph 10 Yard Pass from Joe Webb (Blair Walsh Kick)
7
0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
7:25
(MIN) Blair Walsh 34 Yard Field Goal Good
10
0
3:08
(MIN) Robert Blanton returned interception 54 Yards (Blair Walsh Kick)
17
0
0:57
(MIN) Adrian Peterson 5 Yard Run (Blair Walsh Kick)
24
0
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
5:20
(MIN) Blair Walsh 36 Yard Field Goal Good
27
0
5:10
(STL) Emmitt Tovar 80 Yard Pass from Sam Bradford (Dave Raynar Kick)
27
7
0:44
(MIN) Joe Webb 9 Yard Run
34
7
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
8:34
(STL) Brian Quick 4 Yard Pass from Sam Bradford (Dave Raynar Kick)
The Vikings are 9-0, and they did it in convincing fashion. The Rams never had a chance, as Christian Ponder led the Vikings down to the 20 yard line of the Rams, and was sacked and landed on his shoulder, forcing him to leave. Joe Webb came in, and threw a touchdown, and the team never looked back.
The defense harassed Bradford all day, sacking him 5 times and picking him off 4 times. The Vikings will release a statement this week sometime about Christian Ponder's injury, and if need be, who the starting quarterback will be.
Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
Nov 13, 2013
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Minnesota Vikings (9-0)
7
17
10
3
37
St. Louis Rams (2-6)
0
0
7
7
14
Team Stats Comparison
MIN
STL
Total Offense
357
295
Rushing Yards
156
51
Passing Yards
201
244
First Downs
18
8
Punt Return Yards
31
21
Kick Return Yards
46
140
Total Yards
434
456
Turnovers
1
4
3rd Down Converstion
5-14
1-11
4th Down Conversion
0-0
2-2
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
6
1
Penalties
4-25
0-0
Posession Time
31:56
16:04
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
5:42
(MIN) Kyle Rudolph 10 Yard Pass from Joe Webb (Blair Walsh Kick)
7
0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
7:25
(MIN) Blair Walsh 34 Yard Field Goal Good
10
0
3:08
(MIN) Robert Blanton returned interception 54 Yards (Blair Walsh Kick)
17
0
0:57
(MIN) Adrian Peterson 5 Yard Run (Blair Walsh Kick)
24
0
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
5:20
(MIN) Blair Walsh 36 Yard Field Goal Good
27
0
5:10
(STL) Emmitt Tovar 80 Yard Pass from Sam Bradford (Dave Raynar Kick)
27
7
0:44
(MIN) Joe Webb 9 Yard Run
34
7
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
MIN
STL
8:34
(STL) Brian Quick 4 Yard Pass from Sam Bradford (Dave Raynar Kick)
The Vikings enter the second half of the season undefeated, and start with a trip to St. Louis to face one of the league's worst defenses. The Rams are sitting at 2-5, with the 29th overall defense. They will have a tough time with all the offensive weapons Minnesota has at their disposal.
The Vikings are now 8-0, halfway to 16-0, and have demolished the Carolina Panthers in the process. Cam Newton started out hot, running for a touchdown off a designed quarterback draw, and the Panthers led 7-3. But the Vikings offense heated up behind Adrian Peterson who ran for over 200 yards and 2 total scores. The Vikings 4 game homestead ends after this game, and they travel to St. Louis before their bye week.
Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 29, 2013
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Carolina Panthers (2-5)
7
3
0
0
10
Minnesota Vikings (8-0)
10
6
0
13
29
Team Stats Comparison
CAR
MIN
Total Offense
245
482
Rushing Yards
219
219
Passing Yards
26
263
First Downs
11
17
Punt Return Yards
9
46
Kick Return Yards
68
85
Total Yards
322
613
Turnovers
2
1
3rd Down Converstion
4-12
8-13
4th Down Conversion
0-0
0-0
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
1
3
Penalties
1-15
4-36
Posession Time
24:33
23:27
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
CAR
MIN
10:01
(MIN) Blair Walsh 24 Yard Field Goal Good
0
3
7:18
(CAR) Cam Newton 48 Yard Run (Matthew Boyce Kick)
7
3
4:11
(MIN) Adrian Peterson 21 Yard Pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh Kick)
7
10
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
CAR
MIN
9:59
(CAR) Matthew Boyce 19 Yard Field Goal Good
10
10
5:01
(MIN) Blair Walsh 27 Yard Field Goal Good
10
13
1:15
(MIN) Blair Walsh 48 Yard Field Goal Good
10
16
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
CAR
MIN
7:27
(MIN) Adrian Peterson 23 Yard Run (2 Point Conversion Failed)
10
22
3:55
(MIN) Greg Childs 11 Yard Pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh Kick)
Monday Night Football in Minneapolis, the Vikings host the disappointing Carolina Panthers, who are sitting at 2-4 and the league's worst offense. The Vikings look to improve to 8-0 after they have solved their offensive issues. The team has been clicking, and the young role players are stepping up.
Christian Ponder proved his doubters wrong against the Bears this Sunday, as he torched them through the air. He only threw 1 interception which was a batted ball, and he threw 5 touchdowns. Adrian Peterson had a great day on the ground, and the defense rattled the Bears rookie quarterback. The Vikings remain undefeated, and the quarterback situation is back on track.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 21, 2013
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Chicago Bears (2-5)
0
7
0
10
17
Minnesota Vikings (7-0)
7
21
10
7
45
Team Stats Comparison
CHI
MIN
Total Offense
265
415
Rushing Yards
54
109
Passing Yards
211
306
First Downs
12
19
Punt Return Yards
0
25
Kick Return Yards
76
141
Total Yards
341
581
Turnovers
1
2
3rd Down Converstion
5-13
9-11
4th Down Conversion
0-0
1-1
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
2
4
Penalties
2-15
1-5
Posession Time
25:32
22:28
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
CHI
MIN
6:31
(MIN) Jerome Simpson 7 Yard Pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh Kick)
The 6-0 Vikings stay at home again to take on divisional opponent Chicago Bears. The Bears made a huge splash in free agency by signing Darrelle Revis, but they have struggled, sitting at 2-4 on the year. The Bears defense has been solid, while the offense has held them back, and look to get back on track against the Vikings. The Vikings will look to stay undefeated, and expect Christian Ponder to have his bounce back game.
Christian Ponder coming off a contract signing, had a terrible game. He threw a career high 4 interceptions, and only 1 long touchdown to Victor Cruz. He has thrown 7 interceptions and 1 touchdown in 2 games, and needs to get back on track, because the VIkings cannot win in spite of him every week.
On the other hand, the Vikings defense played lights out despite being on the field for more than 3/4 of the game. Percy Harvin carried the team with 2 kickoff return touchdowns, and Adrian Peterson was the dagger, scoring a later 17 yard scamper to put the VIkes up, and bring them to 6-0.
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 14, 2013
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
0
6
10
8
24
Minnesota Vikings (6-0)
7
0
14
7
28
Team Stats Comparison
SEA
MIN
Total Offense
416
352
Rushing Yards
272
152
Passing Yards
144
200
First Downs
19
12
Punt Return Yards
11
27
Kick Return Yards
40
261
Total Yards
467
640
Turnovers
3
5
3rd Down Converstion
2-13
3-9
4th Down Conversion
1-1
0-0
2-Point Conversion
1-1
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
2
1
Penalties
2-6
2-15
Posession Time
35:47
12:13
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
SEA
MIN
7:14
(MIN) Victor Cruz 66 Yard Pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh Kick)
0
7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
SEA
MIN
6:05
(SEA) Steven Hauschka 21 Yard Field Goal Good
3
7
1:51
(SEA) Steven Hauschka 48 Yard Field Goal Good
6
7
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
SEA
MIN
11:49
(MIN) Percy Harvin returned kickoff 98 Yards (Blair Walsh Kick)
6
14
5:10
(SEA) Steven Hauschka 42 Yard Field Goal Good
9
14
5:00
(MIN) Percy Harvin returned kickoff 104 Yards (Blair Walsh Kick)
9
21
2:48
(SEA) Zach Miller 2 Yard Pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka Kick)
16
21
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
SEA
MIN
10:59
(SEA) Marshawn Lynch 73 Yard Run (Russell Wilson Run for 2 Point Conversion)
24
21
6:59
(MIN) Adrian Peterson 17 Yard Run (Blair Walsh Kick)
The Vikings stay at home at 5-0, for a showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, a team that has relied on their 3rd ranked defense to win games, not their 31st ranked offense. The Vikings have been extremely balanced in their 5-0 start, 6th ranked at offense and defense, they win in different ways every week. The Seahawks defense will have to slow down Adrian Peterson, and force the game onto Ponder's shoulders.
Adrian Peterson rushes Vikings to comeback victory
The Packers started out hot, and the Vikings cold. Christian Ponder threw 3 interceptions to 0 touchdowns, one of his worst games in recent memory, so coach Leslie Frazier went with his best player Adrian Peterson, and gave him the ball 30 times. Peterson rushed the Vikings to 17 late points in the 4th quarter to comeback against the Packers. Ponder's play improved as Peterson began to break off huge runs, which is a good sign that he can bounce back.
The Vikings improve to 5-0, and are beginning to show signs of a championship team.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 7, 2013
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Green Bay Packers (2-3)
10
7
3
3
23
Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
0
7
7
17
31
Team Stats Comparison
GNB
MIN
Total Offense
375
485
Rushing Yards
98
232
Passing Yards
277
253
First Downs
18
22
Punt Return Yards
0
21
Kick Return Yards
101
111
Total Yards
476
617
Turnovers
3
3
3rd Down Converstion
8-13
10-16
4th Down Conversion
0-0
2-2
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
3
3
Penalties
0-0
3-30
Posession Time
21:42
26:18
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
GNB
MIN
9:19
(GNB) Jeremy Maclin 26 Yard Pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby Kick)
7
0
0:22
(GNB) Mason Crosby 34 Yard Field Goal Good
10
0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
GNB
MIN
7:44
(MIN) Adrian Peterson 2 Yard Run (Blair Walsh Kick)
The 4-0 Vikings coming off of a 3 game road trip, are coming home for 4 straight weeks, and begin by facing the rival Packers who they beat earlier this year. The Packers have been struggling both ways, their high caliber offense is sitting at #29 in the NFL, while their defense is #23. The VIkings will look to take advantage of the Packers struggles and improve to 5-0.