Patriots at Vikings final score: New England dominates Minnesota, 30-7
The New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings looked teams going in completely different directions in week one.
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The Patriots were outscored 23-0 in the second half of their 33-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins while the Vikings absolutely destroyed the St. Louis Rams 34-6. The Patriots entered Sunday’s game obviously eager for a win while the Vikings were reeling somewhat after losing star running back Adrian Peterson after he was arrested for child abuse.
The two squads reversed roles from week one as the Patriots dominated the Vikings for a victory behind a stout and turnover-hungry defense. The Patriots picked off Matt Cassel four times, sacked him six times and returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown in the win. Tom Brady completed 15-of-22 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown while the much maligned Stevan Ridley rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
The Vikings got the scoring open early when Cassel found Peterson’s replacement, Matt Asiata, for a 25-yard touchdown, capping an impressive seven-play, 80-yard drive.
After stopping the Patriots, Cassel was picked off by Devin McCourty, who returned the pick to the one-yard line where Ridley found the end zone. On their next drive, a 48-yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal made it 10-7 Patriots. Cassel was then picked off by star cornerback Darrelle Revis and the Patriots again capitalized, this time on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Julian Edelman.
Looking to cut the lead to just seven before the half came to an end, Blair Walsh set up for a field. The kick was blocked by Patriots’ defensive end Chandler Jones, who scooped it up and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown, making it 24-7 at the half.
The second half didn’t start much better for the Vikings – Logan Ryan picked off Cassel and the Patriots capitalized with another Gostkowski field goal, this time from 47 yards out. The Patriots added another field goal as the fourth quarter began to push the lead to 30-7. Later in the quarter, Cassel threw his fourth interception, this time to rookie defensive lineman Dominique Easley.
The Patriots will host the Oakland Raiders in their home opener next week while the Vikings will be in New Orleans to take on the Saints.
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