Vikings Vs. Rams: 1st Half

Dec 16, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) is congratulated for rushing a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams have played a half of football and it looks like the offensive playbook has been reduced to quick and intermediate routes for the Vikings. As both teams struggle passing, both teams have made it clear that they will run the ball regardless of the defense’s game-plan. I have to admit, watching Steven Jackson run is like watching Adrian Peterson run. Both players are violent runners who will almost always fall forward for yards. Defensively, the Vikings have been able to get pressure on Rams QB, Sam Bradford, but seem a little off balance with the presence of Jackson. The Vikings secondary has been caught napping on certain plays and almost gave up a late TD to a wide open Chris Givens. The pressure the Vikings defense have put on Bradford has influenced his passes on a few occasions. Branford was able to find a couple receivers for decent gains, however, Bradford threw a crucial Pick 6 to Everson Griffen who is playing in place of Brian Robison. Robison left the game with a shoulder injury and his return is questionable. Christian Ponder ran in a TD on the Vikings first drive of the game on a play where Ponder showed his ability to scramble and make plays with his feet. Other than that play, Ponder looks to be his normal self, passing for a non exciting 85 yards. With about 8 minutes left in the half, Peterson broke out for an 82 yard TD run. Peterson finished the half with 119 yards on 13 carries. The Vikings will need to keep the pressure on Bradford in order to keep the Rams passing game under control. It was a good half of mistake free football for the Vikings and they took advantage of the Rams mishaps. If they keep this up, they will cruise to an easy win.