The Green Bay Packers remained perfect this weekend, as they pushed their record to 7-0 with a 33-27 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was nearly perfect as well, as he pushed his NFL record for most consecutive games with a QB efficiency over 110 to seven, each game this season. Midway through the game, he had a perfect rating of 158.3, but ultimately it dropped to “only” 146.5, as he completed 24 of 30 for 335 yards and 3 TDs with no interceptions.
Greg Jennings caught 7 of Rodgers’ passes for 147 yards, including a 79 yard touchdown in the third quarter to put the Packers ahead for good. Charles Woodson also had a solid game, with two interceptions of Vikings rookie QB Christian Ponder.
Ponder put in a solid showing in his first start. The 1-6 Vikings were actually ahead at half time 13-17 before the Packers scored 20 unanswered points in the third quarter. Ponder finished the game 13 of 32 for 219 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs.
Ponder did have the advantage of leaning on RB Adrian Peterson, who had 24 carries for 175 yards and 1 TD. Nothing helps a young quarterback like a strong running game, and the Vikings rushed for 218 yards as a team (including 31 rushing yards by Ponder himself), and they possess the 3rd best running game in the league.
Considering that this was Ponder’s first start, and it was against the World Champions, it is very encouraging. Sharing the backfield with Adrian Peterson will help immensely, especially when the Vikings face off against the Carolina Panthers next weekend and fellow rookie QB Cam Newton. Ponder looks to be on a good trajectory to improve the Vikings win totals significantly as the season progresses.
