Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Box Score on Sep 20, 2015

The Sports Xchange
Sep 20, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS -- Adrian Peterson rushed for 134 yards on 29 carries as the Minnesota Vikings won 26-16 over the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium.

Peterson, playing his first game at home since Dec. 1, 2013, rebounded from a sub-par performance in last week's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. In that game, he carried just 10 times for 31 yards.

He had eclipsed that total by the end of the first drive on Sunday, as the Vikings ran for 199 as a team. Peterson accounted for 45 of them on the game's initial drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Minnesota went ahead by two scores just two plays into the second quarter, converting a fourth-and goal from the 1-yard line. Bridgewater faked a handoff to Peterson, rolled to his left and jogged into the end zone untouched. Kicker Blair Walsh's extra-point made it 14-0.

After trading field goals, the Lions got on the board just before the half on an 11-yard Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson touchdown connection. Stafford rolled his left and found Johnson along the sideline, firing only where his receiver could get it. The 6-foot-5 Johnson dragged both feet for his first touchdown of the season.

Detroit fumbled the ball away to Minnesota on its initial drive of the second half, only to see Peterson hand it right back with a fumble inside the 10-yard line.

After a Lions three-and-out, the Vikings went ahead by 13, capping a six-play, 34-yard drive with a 1-yard plunge by fullback Zach Line. Peterson had fumbled the play before and Detroit recovered in the end zone, but was called for an offsides penalty.

After missing the extra point following Line's touchdown, Walsh connected on a 23-yard field goal with 6:20 remaining in the fourth to make it a 16-point game.

Detroit pulled within 10 on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Eric Ebron with 1:48 to play. The two-point conversion run was no good and Minnesota recovered the onside kick.

Bridgewater was efficient, connecting on 14 of 18 passes for 153 yards and a score. A week after being sacked five times against the 49ers, Bridgewater was not sacked and also ran five times for 23 yards and a score.

Johnson, who caught just two passes for 39 yards against the San Diego Chargers last week, was targeted 17 times and hauled in 10 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Golden Tate made six catches for 80 yards.

Stafford threw for 286 yards on 32-of-53 passing with two touchdowns and an interception.

Minnesota limited Detroit to 38 rushing yards on 16 carries.

NOTES: The Lions were without LB DeAndre Levy, who missed his second game with a hip injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by LB Josh Bynes. ... Minnesota committed 10 penalties for 97 yards. ... The Vikings won the time of possession battle, controlling the ball for 31:06. ... The Lions open their home schedule next week against the Denver Broncos. ... The Vikings will play at home for a second consecutive week when they host the San Diego Chargers.