Big First Win For Vikings

The pressure was squarely on the Vikings today in their matchup with the Carolina Panthers, as they were already 0-2 after two weeks, and another home loss could turn this into the beginnings of another lost season.

Gus Frerotte replaced Tarvaris Jackson at QB, and Adrian Peterson started at RB despite a hamstring injury he suffered during the week.

At first it didn't look good as Carolina jumped out to a 10-0 lead by the early second quarter. The Vikings finally got on the board with a Ryan Longwell field goal with just eight minutes to play in the half.

As the half was running out, Antoine Winfield sacked Jake Delhomme and returned his fumble 19 yards for a score to tie the game at 10 (pictured). From there the Vikings defense took over, and held Carolina scoreless the rest of the game. The Panther rushed for just 49 yards against the powerful Vikings run defense. Carolina also was hit for a total of 12 penalties as well.

The Vikings finally got the lead in the third, as Frerotte hit Visanthe Shiancoe with a 34-yard pass to give them a 17-10 lead. Frerotte had a respectable first start, going 16-for-28 for 204 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. He led a second-half opening drive in just over two minutes for 80 yards to get the Vikes in front.

Longwell added another field goal in the fourth to complete the scoring, 20-10. Adrian Peterson played well despite the hamstring injury, rushing 17 times for 77 yards.

It was a huge win for the Vikings, as they were made preseason favorites to win the NFC North, and badly needed a W. They are now 1-2 and face the Tennessee Titans next Sunday at Nashville.