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Packers hold 31-17 lead after three quarters

MINNEAPOLIS–The Packers increased their lead to 31-17 through three quarters of action at the Metrodome on Sunday night.

The Packers struck first in the second half on an 80-yard, ball-control drive that combined the power running of Eddie Lacy and the precision passing and timely scrambling of Aaron Rodgers. The key play in the drive was a 14-yard scramble by Rodgers on a third-and-2 from the Vikings 26-yard line.

On first down from the 12, Lacy ran over defenders and down to the 5-yard line, which gave Lacy 45 yards rushing to that point in the drive. On third-and-2 from the 4-yard line, Rodgers scrambled to the 1-yard line. A player later, Lacy scored over right tackle.

The Packers defense asserted itself on the Vikings’ next possession. A Mike Daniels sack forced a punt and the Packers offense, which was playing near-flawless football, took possession at its 26-yard line.

James Starks replaced Lacy but the gashing runs continued. Starks rushed for two first downs on consecutive runs. Rodgers completed a sideline pass to Myles White, who made a defender miss and roared down the sideline to the Vikings 24-yard line. That’s where the third quarter ended.