Skip to content

Patriots limit Vikings' ground attack in blowout victory

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots took advantage of no Adrian Peterson on Sunday, limiting the Minnesota Vikings ground attack to 54 yards in a 30-7 blowout road win. Vikings running back Matt Asiata managed just 36 yards on 13 carries against a rush defense that allowed a whopping 191 yards to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.

Box Score | Fantasy Pulse

Here's what you need to know...

  • The Patriots put the game out of reach early when Chandler Jones recovered a blocked punt with 19 seconds left in the first half and took it to the house for a 58-yard score, extending the Pats' lead to 24-7.
  • Matt Cassel struggled against the New England secondary, throwing four interceptions and barely completing half of his passes (19-for-36).
  • Asiata, starting for the suspended Peterson, was more effective catching out of the backfield than running the ball. Asiata hauled in five passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.
  • Stephen Gostkowski looked in mid-season form, connecting on a pair of long field goals (48, 47) and finishing a perfect 3-for-3.
  • Patriots running back Stevan Ridley rushed for his most yards (101 on 25 carries with a TD) since Week 9 last season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
  • Tom Brady had a much lighter workload this week, completing 15 of 22 passes for 149 yards and hooking up with receiver Julian Edelman for the Patriots' only score in the air. Brady threw 56 passes last week.
  • Vikings playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson was limited to just four receptions (he was targeted seven times) and 56 yards.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox