As the Vikings prepare for a challenging stretch, they can take comfort in not having suffered any letdowns during a three-game Dome-stand.

With a 36-10 victory over the Chicago Bears, the Vikings moved to 10-1 on the season and continued its domination of the NFC North. Although they entered the game 4-6, the Bears were the only division opponent not to face the Vikings yet this season.

The Vikings officially hold a three-game lead on the Green Bay Packers (7-4) but unofficially hold a four-game lead because of a sweep of their division rival. The Vikings magic number is two victories, assuming the Packers dont lose another game the remainder of the season.

The Bears are now 4-7 on the season.

The Vikings had another slow start on offense, not scoring until the start of the second quarter on a 15-yard touchdown catch by rookie receiver Percy Harvin. But the Bears answered with a 24-yard touchdown on a beautifully thrown pass by quarterback Jay Cutler to rookie receiver Johnny Knox. The ball was thrown in the corner of the end zone to a spot only Knox – who was defended by Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp – could catch the ball.

But that was Cutlers lone highlight of the game. He finished the game 18 of 23, but he mustered just 147 yards, and he was intercepted twice in Vikings territory.

Meanwhile, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre continued his push for an unprecedented fourth MVP. Favre completed 32 of 48 passes for 392 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Favre was just 10 yards shy of tying his personal high for passing yards in a single game (Dec. 5, 1993 against the Chicago Bears).

Harvin was his star offensive player, eclipsing 100 receiving yards (101) for the first time in his career. Harvin also had two runs for 85 yards.

Running back Adrian Peterson had 25 carries for 85 yards and one touchdown. But he also lost one of two fumbles.

After two games without a sack, Vikings defensive end Jared Allen had two against Cutler. He now has 12.5 for the season.

The Vikings can tie the New Orleans Saints for the best record in the NFC, if the Saints lose on Monday night to the New England Patriots (7-3).

Posted on November 30th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: NFL football news