The Vikings were in control all day long at Jacksonville on Sunday, and won an important road game over the Jaguars, 30-12.
The Vikings jumped out to a 14-0 lead before many of the fans found their seats. Napoleon Harris returned a fumble on the Jaguars' first play from scrimmage 27 yards for the first score, and Chester Taylor scored on a three-yard run to put the Vikings up by two TDs. Taylor started in place of Adrian Peterson, who was benched to start the game because he was late for a team meeting on Saturday.
Peterson came off the bench to rush for 80 yards and a TD, and the Vikings led 17-10 at halftime. Jacksonville couldn't get their running game going because of the Vikes' stingy run defense, so they relied on the pass, but made five costly mistakes (three fumbles and two interceptions). David Garrard was 27-for-45 for 317 yards and a TD, but it wasn't enough to counter all the turnovers.
The Vikings didn't get much out of Gus Frerotte, who went 12-for-20 for 120 yards, an interception and three sacks. But the stars of the day for the Vikings was their defense, who allowed just 35 yards rushing and was very opportunistic in taking advantage of the Jacksonville errors.
It was an important win for the Vikings, as the Bears won in St. Louis, 27-3, so they are both tied for first place in the NFC North at 6-5. The Packers can join both teams in first with a win in New Orleans on Monday night. Next week is a huge game, as the Vikings will meet Chicago at the Metrodome Sunday for what could be sole possession of first place.
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