After a blockbuster trade that sent Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings two weeks ago, the former No. 1 overall pick couldn’t have dreamed of a better start with his new team in its new state-of-the-art stadium against the Green Bay Packers in its home opener.
Bradford completed 22 of 30 passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns and most importantly, didn’t have any turnovers as the Vikings held on for a 17-14 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium — the new $1.1 billion building.
“He can throw the ball,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said of Bradford. “He’s got some toughness about him, and this isn’t his first rodeo.”
After Green Bay went up 7-0 on a one-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rogers to Jordy Nelson in the first quarter, the Vikings scored 17 unanswered points and then held on for the victory.
One of the highlights on the night came from Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs who tore up the Packers secondary as he hauled in nine catches for 182 yards and a touchdown. Despite a pass interference call on Green Bay, Diggs was still able to make a sensational catch to put Minnesota up 17-7 midway through the third quarter.
WOW WOW WOW Sam Bradford & @stefon_diggs! ?#GBvsMIN #SKOL https://t.co/Wex0YfXSPc
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2016
From that point on, the Vikings defense did the rest as they harassed Rodgers all game long. By the time the game was over, the Vikings defense recorded five sacks and held the two-time NFL MVP to just 213 passing yards to go with one touchdown and an interception.
The only negative to come out of Sunday’s prime time game was an injury to running back Adrian Peterson who limped off in the third quarter with what appeared to be a right knee injury.
Peterson was seen wearing a brace on his right leg and will have an MRI exam on Monday.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters that the injury had already “calmed down” afterward.
“He might miss a week. I don’t know if he will or not,” he added.
On The Road Again: For the first time since 1924, the Packers played their first two regular-season games on the road.
Next Opponents
Minnesota: Next up for the Vikings is a road game against the Carolina Panthers (1-1) who are coming off a 46-27 win over San Francisco.
Green Bay: With the loss, the Packers will look to regroup in its home opener against the Detroit Lions (1-1) who are coming off a 16-15 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
