Vikings Stun Buccaneers In Overtime, 19-13

Last week the Vikings let a lead evaporate in the fourth quarter thanks to a combination of offensive stagnation and defensive ineptitude.

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It looked like they were on the same path this week until a late rally led by a pair of 2014 draft picks.

The Vikings appeared to be in control of the game after Teddy Bridgewater’s TD pass to Greg Jennings, which put them up 10-0.

All the Vikings had to do then was keep playing great defense, as they had been doing all day, and maybe add to their lead a little here and there.

But the Vikings’ pass rush, which was all over Mike Glennon for much of the game, disappeared as the second half continued. Offensively, they couldn’t get a drive going to run clock and pad their advantage.

The Buccaneers took advantage by scoring a pair of field goals to chip away. Then the big killer, a TD pass from Glennon to Austin Seferian-Jenkings to put Tampa Bay ahead in the fourth.

Echoes of the Buffalo game could be felt in the Vikings’ offensive and defensive failures throughout the latter stages of the half.

But, the result would not be the same as last week.

The Vikes got the ball back after the Tampa Bay TD, and Teddy Bridgewater went to work.

Looking calm and confident in the two minute drill, Bridgewater completed passes to Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings and Chase Ford in driving the Vikings down the field.

Tampa Bay’s pass pressure got after Bridgewater as it had been doing for most of the second half, but Teddy didn’t flinch.

The Vikings moved the ball into position for a Blair Walsh field goal try with time running out, and Walsh banged it through to force overtime.

The Bucs got the ball first in the extra period but didn’t hold it long. On the first play, Anthony Barr stripped Austin Seferian-Jenkins, picked up his own forced fumble and ran it in for a touchdown.

After being beaten by Seferian-Jenkins on the previous go-ahead touchdown, Barr got redemption both for himself and his entire defense.

Thanks to Bridgewater, Barr, Cordarrelle Patterson and others, the Vikings avoided a repeat of the Buffalo let down.

This week at least, talent showed up in big moments for the Vikings. Let’s hope these guys can make a habit of this. It was fun to watch.

Though you still must be a little concerned about the lack of offensive punch throughout most of the game, and the late disappearing act by the D.