Packers hold 17-3 lead over Vikings at halftime
Posted by on January 5, 2013 – 8:28 pm
GREEN BAY–The Packers held a 17-3 lead over the Minnesota Vikings at halftime of tonight’s NFC wild-card playoff game at Lambeau Field.
Running back DuJuan Harris scored on a 9-yard run late in the first quarter, to give the Packers a 7-3 lead. Harris was initially ruled to have been down at the 1-yard line, but Coach Mike McCarthy challenged the call and replay review showed the ball had crossed the goal line before Harris was down. Harris’ run capped an 11-play, 82-yard drive.
Minnesota opened the scoring with a 53-yard march on the opening possession of the game. The Vikings are playing without starting quarterback Christian Ponder (elbow) and his replacement, Joe Webb, used a read-option offense to move the ball quickly into field goal range. The drive stalled and kicker Blair Walsh booted a 33-yard field goal.
The Packers’ second score came with 3:25 left in the first half, when a 72-yard drive stalled near the goal line and kicker Mason Crosby came on to boot a 20-yard field goal. McCarthy elected not to attempt a field goal when faced with a fourth-and-five from the Vikings 34-yard line.
Following a three-and-out by the Vikings’ struggling offense, the Packers took possession and moved quickly down the field. Fullback John Kuhn scored on a 3-yard run with :38 to play in the first half, pushing the score to the danger level for the Vikings. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the star of the drive, pitching completions of 22 and 23 yards to Jordy Nelson, and 14 yards to Greg Jennings. Rodgers was 14 of 18 for 205 yards through two quarters.
Green Bay’s defense has been more effective against rushing champion Adrian Peterson in this game than it was in either of the first two meetings between the teams this season. Peterson rushed for 409 yards in those games; he’s at 48 yards on 12 carries tonight. Webb has rushed for 43 yards.
Posted in Packers.com Blog | 13 Comments »
13 Responses
to “Packers hold 17-3 lead over Vikings at halftime”
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By Nick on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
Solid, we could beat anyone today.
By lynn on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
Let’s go packers from one of your best packer fans in dallas texas. you’re the best
By Denisa LaCombe on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
GO PACK GO !! from Kentucky
By RDRM on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
I was traveling last week so didn’t get to watch the game in my jersey. I am watching this week, wearing my jersey! “It’s only weird if it doesn’t work!” GO PACK GO! (from TX)
By playoff time on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
So So very happy that they worked out their cover two problems go pack.
By playoff time on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
YEEEEE HAAAAAWWWW!!!!!!!!! Here we go!!
By mizzy on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
GO PACK GO FROM MINNESOTA!!
By calipackgirl2 on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
Go Pack Go:-D. Now come here to Cali!!! I will be driving. To S.F. for this!!! Heart pounding your gonna be here. In Cali. <3
By DawnMarie on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
go pack go! us mainland hawaiians are rooting for you!!! livin in Stevens Point and wanting to be at stadium view!! nice maneuvers guys!! double whammy Kuhn, way to lay down Matthews
, and Harris- W. O. W.
and i love aaron….ahhh, i just want to smell him once…ha
nice game so far ya’ll!!! Yeeeee Haaaaaaaw!
By PackGirl on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
Love my Packers! And how AMAZING is #26 – Harris!!! Looking good Woodson!! What a TEAM!!!!!
By mark on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
Nice win however, four 3 and outs when trying to run the clock out in the 4th qtr… come on guys have to do better in SFO.
By Cheri on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
Why is Donald Driver inactive?
By Beth on Jan 5, 2013 | Reply
Why wasnt Donald Driver not playing and not suited up ? He is still an amazing athlete and can still offer alot to the team. Let him play.