MINNESOTA --Minnesota didn't allow the absence of running backs Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart to hinder its offensive output in the first half of Sunday's game. After two quarters, the Vikings led 16-9 thanks to an impressive performance from quarterback Matt Cassel.
The Vikings rolled to 257 total net yards as Cassel completed 14 of 20 passes for 202 yards and a 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings. Jennings was a force in the first half, catching 7 passes for 114 yards.
The Vikings used a variety of short passes and bubble screens to move the ball, but they also attacked the deep secondary of the Eagles with great success. In fact, the Eagles benched safety Patrick Chung after the Jennings touchdown, a play on which the wide receiver got behind three defensive backs to make the play.
The running game wasn't great, but it wasn't bad, either. Matt Asiata carried 13 times for 28 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings gained 56 yards on 17 carries.
Six different receivers caught passes as the Vikings gained 15 first downs and controlled the football for 19 minutes, 39 seconds. Minnesota converted 5 of 7 third downs and did not punt throughout the first 30 minutes of the game.
