2012 Minnesota Vikings season

2012 Minnesota Vikings season
Head coach Leslie Frazier
Owner Zygi Wilf
Home field Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record 10–6
Division place 2nd NFC North
Playoff finish Lost Wild Card (Packers) 24–10
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros
Team MVP Adrian Peterson
Uniform

The 2012 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 52nd season in the National Football League, as well as the second full season under head coach Leslie Frazier. They looked to improve upon their 3–13 season the year before, and did so after defeating the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, and improved on their record from 2010 when they beat the Chicago Bears in Week 14; the team's win over the Houston Texans in Week 16 made this their first winning season since 2009. The Vikings also made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 with a Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers to give them a 10–6 regular season record, but were defeated by the Packers in the Wild Card playoff round the following week. Adrian Peterson was named the league's MVP after rushing for 2,097 yards, just nine yards short of breaking the single-season record held by Eric Dickerson.

On May 10, 2012, the Minnesota State Legislature approved a new Vikings stadium bill that would construct a new facility by 2016 and ensure the Vikings' presence in Minneapolis through the year 2046.[1][2] The deal was signed by Governor Mark Dayton and approved by the Minneapolis City Council on May 25, 2012.[3][4][5]

Offseason

Adrian Peterson rushed to a new career franchise record against Jacksonville in week 1, overtaking Robert Smith's 6,818 rushing yards

Pre-draft transactions

The first major transactions of the 2012 offseason were the releases of veteran guards Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera, and CB Cedric Griffin on March 10, as the Vikings began rebuilding their offensive line and secondary. Three days later, the team re-signed perennial backup QB Sage Rosenfels and DT Letroy Guion off their unrestricted free agents list. This was followed up with the signing of the Seattle Seahawks' unrestricted free agent TE John Carlson on a five-year contract.

The next week, the team brought in FB Jerome Felton, also an unrestricted free agent, from the Indianapolis Colts. They then released DT Remi Ayodele on March 21, but re-signed DT Fred Evans. March 26 was a big day for signings by the Vikings, with the re-signings of WR Devin Aromashodu and LB Erin Henderson, as well as the free agent acquisitions of CB Zack Bowman from the Chicago Bears and T Geoff Schwartz from the Carolina Panthers.

April saw very few transactions go through in anticipation of the 2012 NFL Draft at the end of the month. Nevertheless, the Vikings signed LB Marvin Mitchell and WR Jerome Simpson, despite the fact that Simpson would miss the first three games of the season for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

2012 Draft

Main article: 2012 NFL draft
=Pro Bowler
2012 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order Player name Position Height Weight College Contract Notes
Round Choice Overall
1 3 3 Traded to the Cleveland Browns[a]
4 4 Matt Kalil T 6-6 306 USC 4 years[6] From Browns[a]
29 29 Harrison Smith S 6-2 213 Notre Dame 4 years[7] From Ravens[b]
2 3 35 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[b]
3 3 66 Josh Robinson CB 5-10 199 Central Florida 4 years[8]
4 3 98 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[b]
23 118 Jarius Wright WR 5-10 180 Arkansas 4 years[8] From Falcons via Browns[a]
33 128 Rhett Ellison FB 6-4 251 USC 4 years[8] Compensatory pick[c]
39 134 Greg Childs WR 6-3 219 Arkansas 4 years[8] Compensatory pick[c]
5 3 138 Traded to the Detroit Lions[d]
4 139 Robert Blanton S 6-0 208 Notre Dame 4 years[8] From Browns[a]
6 3 173 Traded to the Washington Redskins[e]
5 175 Blair Walsh K 5-9 187 Georgia 4 years[8] From Browns[f]
7 3 210 Audie Cole ILB 6-4 246 NC State 4 years[8]
4 211 Traded to the Tennessee Titans[g] From Browns[a]
12 219 Trevor Guyton DE 6-3 285 California 4 years[8] From Seahawks via Lions[d]
16 223 Traded to the Detroit Lions[d] From Eagles via Patriots[d]
Brian Robison and the Vikings defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars, September 9

Notes:

^[a] Cleveland traded their first-round selection (4th overall), fourth-round selection (118th overall), fifth-round selection (139th overall), and seventh-round selection (211th overall) to move up one spot to the third overall selection and draft RB Trent Richardson.
^[b] Minnesota traded their second-round selection (35th overall) and fourth-round selection (98th overall) to Baltimore to move up six spots to 29th overall selection and make this pick.
^[c] Minnesota was awarded two compensatory picks for the loss of free agents Ray Edwards, Ben Leber, Tarvaris Jackson, and Sidney Rice.
^[d] Detroit traded their seventh-round selection (219th overall) and 2013 fourth-round selection (102nd overall) to Minnesota for their fifth-round selection (138th overall) and the seventh-round selection (223rd overall) that they received from New England in the trade for Randy Moss in 2010.
^[e] Minnesota traded their sixth-round selection (173rd overall) to Washington for QB Donovan McNabb.
^[f] Cleveland traded their sixth-round selection (175th overall) to Minnesota in exchange for DE Jayme Mitchell.[9]
^[g] Tennessee traded their 2013 sixth-round selection (176th overall) to Minnesota for the seventh-round selection (211th overall) that they received in the first-round trade with Cleveland.[a] Minnesota later traded the pick they received from Tennessee to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round pick and CB A. J. Jefferson.

Post-draft transactions

With the 2012 Draft over, the Vikings resumed their transactions in May, signing a number of undrafted free agents to their roster, and releasing RB Caleb King, following a short jail term. With the drafting of Blair Walsh, veteran kicker Ryan Longwell found himself surplus to requirements for the Vikings and he was released on May 7. By the start of June, all of the Vikings draft selections (with the exception of T Matt Kalil) had been signed to long-term contracts.

Preseason

Schedule

This was the first year the Vikings used a TV/radio simulcast for their preseason games.

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 10 at San Francisco 49ers L 6–17 0–1 Candlestick Park Recap
2 August 17 Buffalo Bills W 36–14 1–1 Mall of America Field Recap
3 August 24 San Diego Chargers L 10–12 1–2 Mall of America Field Recap
4 August 30 at Houston Texans L 24–28 1–3 Reliant Stadium Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at San Francisco 49ers

Preseason Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 3 006
49ers 7 10 0017

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 26-yard field goal, 14:06. 49ers 7–6. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 6:07.
  • SF – Colin Kaepernick 78-yard run (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 13:38. 49ers 14–6. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:28.
  • SF – Giorgio Tavecchio 29-yard field goal, 1:56. 49ers 17–6. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 6:29.
3rd Quarter
  • None.
4th Quarter
  • None.
Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills

Preseason Week 2: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 0 7 7014
Vikings 10 6 31736

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

1st Quarter
  • MIN – Jerome Felton 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 11:04. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:56.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 22-yard field goal, 1:39. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 6:20.
2nd Quarter
  • BUF – Donald Jones 31-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), 8:51. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 3:13.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 47-yard field goal, 5:40. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:11.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 45-yard field goal, 0:27. Vikings 16–7. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 0:30.
3rd Quarter
  • BUF – Tashard Choice 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 13:25. Vikings 16–14. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:35.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 4:49. Vikings 19–14. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:07.
4th Quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 30-yard field goal, 3:37. Vikings 22–14. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:55.
  • MIN – Audie Cole 20-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 3:18. Vikings 29–14.
  • MIN – Audie Cole 30-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 3:05. Vikings 36–14.
Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

Preseason Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 3 0612
Vikings 0 3 0710

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

1st Quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 50-yard field goal, 4:55. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 37 yards, 6:49.
2nd Quarter
  • SD – Nick Novak 34-yard field goal, 10:23. Chargers 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:10.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 29-yard field goal, 0:08. Chargers 6–3. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 1:17.
3rd Quarter
  • None.
4th Quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 54-yard field goal, 8:40. Chargers 9–3. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:26.
  • MIN – Matt Asiata 1-yard pass from Sage Rosenfels (Blair Walsh kick), 1:50. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:14.
  • SD – Nick Novak 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 12–10. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 1:50.
Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Week 4: at Houston Texans

Preseason Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 10 14024
Texans 7 7 14028

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 14:11. Texans 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yards, 7:24.
  • HOU – DeVier Posey 80-yard pass from John Beck (Shayne Graham kick), 4:21. Texans 14–3. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:20.
  • MIN – Devin Aromashodu 58-yard pass from Sage Rosenfels (Blair Walsh kick), 0:33. Texans 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 0:47.
3rd Quarter
  • HOU – Trindon Holliday 76-yard punt return (Shayne Graham kick), 13:26. Texans 21–10.
  • MIN – Jarius Wright 59-yard pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson (Blair Walsh kick), 11:22. Texans 21–17. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:04.
  • HOU – Justin Forsett 5-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 7:27. Texans 28–17. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:25.
  • MIN – Jordan Todman 76-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 6:55. Texans 28–24. Drive: 2 plays, 76 yards, 0:32.
4th Quarter
  • None.
Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 9 Jacksonville Jaguars W 26–23 (OT) 1–0 Mall of America Field Recap
2 September 16 at Indianapolis Colts L 20–23 1–1 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
3 September 23 San Francisco 49ers W 24–13 2–1 Mall of America Field Recap
4 September 30 at Detroit Lions W 20–13 3–1 Ford Field Recap
5 October 7 Tennessee Titans W 30–7 4–1 Mall of America Field Recap
6 October 14 at Washington Redskins L 26–38 4–2 FedEx Field Recap
7 October 21 Arizona Cardinals W 21–14 5–2 Mall of America Field Recap
8 October 25 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 17–36 5–3 Mall of America Field Recap
9 November 4 at Seattle Seahawks L 20–30 5–4 CenturyLink Field Recap
10 November 11 Detroit Lions W 34–24 6–4 Mall of America Field Recap
11 Bye
12 November 25 at Chicago Bears L 10–28 6–5 Soldier Field Recap
13 December 2 at Green Bay Packers L 14–23 6–6 Lambeau Field Recap
14 December 9 Chicago Bears W 21–14 7–6 Mall of America Field Recap
15 December 16 at St. Louis Rams W 36–22 8–6 Edward Jones Dome Recap
16 December 23 at Houston Texans W 23–6 9–6 Reliant Stadium Recap
17 December 30 Green Bay Packers W 37–34 10–6 Mall of America Field Recap

LEGEND:

Team names in bold indicate Vikings' home games.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week One: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Jaguars 3 6 311023
Vikings 0 7 79326

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter
  • JAC – Josh Scobee 19-yard field goal, 2:52. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 77 yards, 9:22.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 2-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 9:42. Vikings 14–9. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:54.
  • JAC – Josh Scobee 26-yard field goal, 4:40. Vikings 14–12. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:25.
Fourth quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 20-yard field goal, 14:09. Vikings 17–12. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:31.
  • JAC – Josh Scobee 47-yard field goal, 9:35. Vikings 17–15. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:34.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 42-yard field goal, 5:33. Vikings 20–15. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:02.
  • JAC – Cecil Shorts 39-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert (Blaine Gabbert pass to Justin Blackmon), 0:20. Jaguars 23–20. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 0:58.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 55-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 23–23. Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 0:20.
Overtime
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 38-yard field goal, 11:06. Vikings 26–23. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:54.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Two: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 3 01420
Colts 7 10 3323

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 29-yard field goal, 11:38. Colts 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:11.
  • IND – Adam Vinatieri 26-yard field goal, 1:49. Colts 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 4:13.
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 30-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:07. Colts 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 1:04.
Third quarter
  • IND – Adam Vinatieri 45-yard field goal, 7:06. Colts 20–6. Drive: 14 plays, 53 yards, 7:54.
Fourth quarter
  • MIN – Stephen Burton 7-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 5:07. Colts 20–13. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:03.
  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph 6-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 0:31. Tied 20–20. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 2:19.
  • IND – Adam Vinatieri 53-yard field goal, 0:08. Colts 23–20. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 0:23.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 3: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 3 10013
Vikings 7 10 0724

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • SF – David Akers 29-yard field goal, 12:13. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 5:40.
  • MIN – Christian Ponder 23-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:29. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:44.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 52-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 0:52.
Third quarter
  • SF – David Akers 29-yard field goal, 12:46. Vikings 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:14.
  • SF – Vernon Davis 1-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 6:17. Vikings 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 5:00.
Fourth quarter
  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 14:17. Vikings 24–13. Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 7:00.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 4: at Detroit Lions

Week Four: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 10 3 7020
Lions 3 3 0713

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – Percy Harvin 105-yard kickoff return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:48. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 40-yard field goal, 13:06. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:42.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 49-yard field goal, 1:16. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:53.
Second quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 27-yard field goal, 8:14. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 4:56.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 31-yard field goal, 1:46. Vikings 13–6. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 6:28.
Third quarter
  • MIN – Marcus Sherels 77-yard punt return (Blair Walsh kick), 13:09. Vikings 20–6.
Fourth quarter
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 2:56. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:12.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Five: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 0 0 077
Vikings 7 6 10730

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 42-yard field goal, 10:27. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 0:57.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 1:52. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 5:42.
Third quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 26-yard field goal, 5:07. Vikings 16–0. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:24.
  • MIN – Percy Harvin 10-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 0:05. Vikings 23–0. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 3:31.
Fourth quarter
  • TEN – Jared Cook 10-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Rob Bironas kick), 10:35. Vikings 23–7. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 4:30.
  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph 15-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 6:38. Vikings 30–7. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:57.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 6: at Washington Redskins

Week Six: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 9 0 31426
Redskins 0 17 71438

at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 20-yard field goal, 11:31. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:29.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 27-yard field goal, 6:18. Vikings 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:16.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 27-yard field goal, 1:47. Vikings 9–0. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:46.
Second quarter
  • WAS – Kai Forbath 50-yard field goal, 10:51. Vikings 9–3. Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 5:56.
  • WAS – Alfred Morris 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 2:27. Redskins 10–9. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 6:36.
  • WAS – Darrel Young 6-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Kai Forbath kick), 2:14. Redskins 17–9. Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:06.
Third quarter
  • WAS – Robert Griffin III 7-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:37. Redskins 24–9. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:23.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 37-yard field goal, 4:18. Redskins 24–12. Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 5:19.
Fourth quarter
  • WAS – Madieu Williams 24-yard interception return (Kai Forbath kick), 12:40. Redskins 31–12.
  • MIN – Michael Jenkins 9-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Christian Ponder–Kyle Rudolph pass), 8:02. Redskins 31–20. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:38.
  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (pass failed), 3:36. Redskins 31–26. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 2:42.
  • WAS – Robert Griffin III 76-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 2:43. Redskins 38–26. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:53.
Top passers
Top rushers
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 79 yards
  • WAS – Robert Griffin III – 13 rushes, 138 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers

Week 7: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Seven: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 0714
Vikings 7 7 7021

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • MIN – Harrison Smith 31-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:03. Vikings 21–7.
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Eight: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 10 10 10636
Vikings 0 10 7017

at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter
  • TB – Connor Barth 28-yard field goal, 9:48. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:48.
  • TB – Erik Lorig 1-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 3:34. Buccaneers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 4:33.
Second quarter
  • TB – Connor Barth 40-yard field goal, 12:20. Buccaneers 13–0. Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 4:20.
  • MIN – Percy Harvin 18-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 9:39. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:41.
  • TB – Mike Williams 3-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 4:30. Buccaneers 20–7. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 2:38.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 1:40. Buccaneers 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 2:50.
Third quarter
  • TB – Doug Martin 64-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 13:39. Buccaneers 27–10. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:21.
  • TB – Connor Barth 38-yard field goal, 7:50. Buccaneers 30–10. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:22.
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 64-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 7:28. Buccaneers 30–17. Drive: 2 plays, 64 yards, 0:22.
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Doug Martin 1-yard run (pass failed), 7:03. Buccaneers 36–17. Drive: 16 plays, 87 yards, 9:09.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • TB – Doug Martin – 3 rec, 79 yards, TD
  • MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 rec, 90 yards, TD

Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Nine: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 10 3020
Seahawks 14 6 7330

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: November 4
  • Game time: 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 60 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,584
  • Referee: Jerome Boger (23)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 4-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 11:46. Tied 14–14. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:29.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 5:25. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:49.
  • SEA – Golden Tate 11-yard pass from Russell Wilson (kick blocked), 0:44. Seahawks 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:41.
Third quarter
  • SEA – Marshawn Lynch 3-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 4:09. Seahawks 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 6:15.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 55-yard field goal, 1:47. Seahawks 27–20. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:22.
Fourth quarter
  • SEA – Steven Hauschka 40-yard field goal, 6:23. Seahawks 30–20. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 5:26.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions

Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 71424
Vikings 10 3 31834

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 11
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (domed stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,059
  • Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – Jarius Wright 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 7:52. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:31.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 48-yard field goal, 5:41. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 1:57.
Second quarter
  • DET – Jason Hanson 41-yard field goal, 11:07. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:47.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 4:41. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 81 yards, 6:26.
Third quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 23-yard field goal, 5:11. Vikings 16–3. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:53.
  • DET – Brandon Pettigrew 16-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 2:55. Vikings 16–10. Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 2:16.
Fourth quarter
  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph 20-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Adrian Peterson run), 14:15. Vikings 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:40.
  • DET – Titus Young 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 11:32. Vikings 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:43.
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 61-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 8:06. Vikings 31–17. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 1:07.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 4:36. Vikings 34–17. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 3:16.
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 11-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 1:53. Vikings 34–24. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:43.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 12: at Chicago Bears

Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 7010
Bears 10 15 3028

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 41 °F (5 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,306
  • Referee: Scott Green (19)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 12:17. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:50.
  • CHI – Michael Bush 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 7:17. Bears 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:50.
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 47-yard field goal, 0:32. Bears 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 25 yards, 5:13.
Second quarter
  • CHI – Michael Bush 1-yard run (Adam Podlesh run), 4:01. Bears 18–3. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:59.
  • CHI – Matt Spaeth 13-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 1:48. Bears 25–3. Drive: 1 play, 13 yards, 0:07.
Third quarter
  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 10:44. Bears 25–10. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 2:01.
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 46-yard field goal, 3:57. Bears 28–10. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:47.
Fourth quarter
  • None.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 13: at Green Bay Packers

Week Thirteen: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 14 0014
Packers 10 0 10323

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

First quarter
  • GB – James Jones 32-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:26. Packers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:34.
  • GB – Mason Crosby 30-yard field goal, 4:07. Packers 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 5:56.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • GB – Mason Crosby 47-yard field goal, 7:47. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:04.
  • GB – James Starks 22-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 2:12. Packers 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, 1:53.
Fourth quarter
  • GB – Mason Crosby 31-yard field goal, 4:00. Packers 23–14. Drive: 18 plays, 73 yards, 11:00.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Fourteen: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 7 0714
Vikings 14 0 7021

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (domed stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,134
  • Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 11:53. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:07.
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 8:42. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:07.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • MIN – Harrison Smith 56-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 3:27. Vikings 21–7.
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 15: at St. Louis Rams

Week Fifteen: Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 23 3336
Rams 0 7 01522

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • STL – Brian Quick 4-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Greg Zuerlein kick), 12:39. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 3:36.
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 82-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 12:21. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 82 yards, 0:18.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 50-yard field goal, 9:11. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, −4 yards, 1:41.
  • MIN – Everson Griffen 29-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 8:25. Vikings 24–7.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 38-yard field goal, 3:11. Vikings 27–7. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 3:18.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 30–7. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:00.
Third quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 53-yard field goal, 5:56. Vikings 33–7. Drive: 10 plays, 25 yards, 5:16.
Fourth quarter
  • STL – Danny Amendola 6-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Greg Zuerlein kick), 13:39. Vikings 33–14. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:17.
  • STL – Lance Kendricks 6-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Sam Bradford–Danny Amendola pass), 7:48. Vikings 33–22. Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:05.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 5:31. Vikings 36–22. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 2:17.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 16: at Houston Texans

Week Sixteen: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 6 3723
Texans 3 0 306

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 71,688
  • Referee: John Parry (132)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 56-yard field goal, 8:15. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 41 yards, 5:21.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 41-yard field goal, 0:37. Vikings 13–3. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 1:02.
Third quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 11:31. Vikings 16–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 3:29.
  • HOU – Shayne Graham 33-yard field goal, 0:26. Vikings 16–6. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 5:17.
Fourth quarter
  • MIN – Toby Gerhart 3-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 4:44. Vikings 23–6. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 6:01.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Seventeen: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Packers 0 10 141034
Vikings 10 10 71037

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (domed stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,134
  • Referee: Mike Carey (94)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 54-yard field goal, 10:47. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 4:13.
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 7-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:44. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:30.
Second quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 37-yard field goal, 14:51. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 34 yards, 4:42.
  • GB – Greg Jennings 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:01. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards, 5:06.
  • MIN – Jarius Wright 8-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 1:07. Vikings 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:54.
  • GB – Mason Crosby 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 1:07.
Third quarter
  • GB – Greg Jennings 5-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:56. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:04.
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 4:00. Vikings 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:17.
  • GB – James Jones 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 2:04. Vikings 27–24. Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 1:56.
Fourth quarter
  • GB – Mason Crosby 40-yard field goal, 12:21. Tied 27–27. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 2:39.
  • MIN – Michael Jenkins 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 7:54. Vikings 34–27. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 4:27.
  • GB – Jordy Nelson 2-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 2:54. Tied 34–34. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 5:00.
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 37–34. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 2:54.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Adrian Peterson rushed for 199 yards, coming up nine yards short of breaking the single season record by Eric Dickerson. This included 5 rushes for 36 yards on the final drive to set up the winning field goal by Blair Walsh. This game was rated #3 on the Top 20 NFL Games of 2012 on NFL.com as AP2K.[10]

Standings

NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Green Bay Packers 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 433 336 L1
(6) Minnesota Vikings 10 6 0 .625 4–2 7–5 379 348 W4
Chicago Bears 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 375 277 W2
Detroit Lions 4 12 0 .250 0–6 3–9 372 437 L8

Postseason

Schedule

Playoff round Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
WC January 5 at Green Bay Packers L 10–24 0–1 Lambeau Field Recap

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Round: at Green Bay Packers

NFC Wild Card Round: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 0710
Packers 7 10 7024

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

1st quarter
  • MIN – Blair Walsh 33-yard field goal, 9:26. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:34.
  • GB – DuJuan Harris 9-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 0:28. Packers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 5:43.
2nd quarter
  • GB – Mason Crosby 20-yard field goal, 3:25. Packers 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 5:01.
  • GB – John Kuhn 3-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 0:38. Packers 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:10.
3rd quarter
  • GB – John Kuhn 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:25. Packers 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:35.
4th quarter
  • MIN – Michael Jenkins 50-yard pass from Joe Webb (Blair Walsh kick), 3:39. Packers 24–10. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 0:36.
Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Having secured the NFC's #6 seed, the Vikings traveled to Lambeau Field for a rematch with the Packers. With the two teams meeting in the playoffs for only the second time ever, Blair Walsh capped the game's opening drive with a field goal to put the Vikings 3–0 up. However, the Packers then scored 24 unanswered points to take a 24–3 lead in the 3rd quarter. The Vikings tried to rally a comeback with a touchdown to make it 24–10, but it was too little, too late as time ran out for Minnesota.

Statistics

Team leaders

Category Player(s) Value
Passing yards Christian Ponder 2,935
Passing touchdowns Christian Ponder 18
Rushing yards Adrian Peterson 2,097 *
Rushing touchdowns Adrian Peterson 12
Receiving yards Percy Harvin 677
Receiving touchdowns Kyle Rudolph 9
Points Blair Walsh 141
Kickoff return yards Percy Harvin 574
Punt return yards Marcus Sherels 287
TacklesChad Greenway 148
Sacks Jared Allen 12.0
Interceptions Harrison Smith
Antoine Winfield 		3
Forced fumbles Jamarca Sanford 4

League rankings

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense 2,751 171.9 31st
Rushing offense 2,634 164.6 2nd
Total offense 5,385 336.6 20th
Passing defense 3,908 244.2 24th
Rushing defense 1,692 105.8 11th
Total defense 5,600 350.0 16th

Pro Bowl

Four Minnesota Vikings players were selected for the 2013 Pro Bowl: two on offense (running back partners Adrian Peterson and Jerome Felton), one on defense (DE Jared Allen) and one special teamer (K Blair Walsh). Of these, Peterson, Felton and Walsh were selected as starters, with Allen going as a reserve.[11]

With the withdrawal of Dallas Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware on January 10 because of a shoulder injury, Vikings LB Chad Greenway was called up to the NFC roster as a replacement.[12] TE Kyle Rudolph was also added to the NFC roster for his first Pro Bowl two weeks later after Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez dropped out due to injury.[13] Rookie Matt Kalil was also added later as a replacement for the Washington Redskins' tackle, Trent Williams, yet another casualty of injury.[14] Rudolph was named the game's MVP.

Personnel

Coaching staff

2012 Minnesota Vikings staff
Front office
  • Owner/Chairman – Zygi Wilf
  • Owner/President – Mark Wilf
  • Owner/Vice Chairman – Leonard Wilf
  • General Manager – Rick Spielman
  • Vice President of Football Operations – Rob Brzezinski
  • Assistant General Manager – George Paton
  • Director of College Scouting – Scott Studwell
  • Assistant Director of College Scouting – Jamaal Stephenson

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator – Bill Musgrave
  • Quarterbacks – Craig Johnson
  • Assistant Quarterbacks – Kevin Stefanski
  • Running Backs – James Saxon
  • Wide Receivers – George Stewart
  • Assistant Wide Receivers – Ryan Ficken
  • Tight Ends – Jimmie Johnson
  • Offensive Line – Jeff Davidson
  • Assistant Offensive Line – Ryan Silverfield
 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Mike Priefer
  • Assistant Special Teams – Chris White

Strength and conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Tom Kanavy
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Martin Streight
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Aaron McLaurin

Final roster

2012 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 4 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Notes and references

  1. ↑ http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/05/10/12/Vikings-stadium-approved-by-state-lawmak/landing_mnvikings.html?blockID=726636&feedID=5930
  2. ↑ http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/zygi-wilfs-patience-helps-vikings-secure-a-long-term-home-in-minnesota/2012/05/10/gIQAxWTnGU_story.html
  3. ↑ http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/05/25/mpls-city-council-makes-final-stadium-vote-friday/
  4. ↑ http://www.kfan.com/pages/vikingsblog.html?article=10154691
  5. ↑ http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_20706554/vikings-stadium-minneapolis-city-council-has-one-last
  6. ↑ Fowler, Jeremy (July 27, 2012). "Minnesota Vikings sign Matt Kalil". TwinCities.com. MediaNews Group. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Harrison Smith signs rookie contract; was Vikings first-round pick". SportingNews.com. May 31, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Minnesota Vikings – Player Contract Information". Rotoworld.com. NBC Sports Digital. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  9. ↑ Florjancic, Matt (March 26, 2012). ""Browns awarded four compensatory picks"". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  10. ↑ http://www.nfl.com/top20games/2012/packers-at-vikings
  11. ↑ "2013 Pro Bowl rosters: AFC, NFC". NFL.com. National Football League. December 26, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  12. ↑ Pelissero, Tom (January 10, 2013). "Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway added to NFC Pro Bowl roster". 1500ESPN. Hubbard Broadcasting. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Rudolph Selected To First Pro Bowl". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. January 22, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Kalil Selected To His First Pro Bowl". vikings.com. Minnesota Vikings Football. January 25, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2013.

External links

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