Vikings Thump Panthers 31-13 At ‘The Bank’

The Minnesota Vikings (5-7) became just the fifth team in NFL history (and the first since 1975) to block two punts and return them both for touchdowns in the same game, en route to a 31-13 thumping of the visiting Carolina Panthers (3-8-1) this afternoon at a frigid TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

In the first quarter, Detroit Lakes native & MSU-Mankato grad, wide receiver Adam Thielen blocked the Brad Nortman punt and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter it was linebacker Jasper Brinkley knocking down the Nortman kick, allowing defensive end Everson Griffen to scoop it up and scamper 43 yards for another special teams touchdown.

Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater went 15 of 21 for 138 yards, with two touchdowns (Rudolph, Jennings), and no interceptions -- connecting five different Vikings receivers in the process. Matt Asiata was the leading Minnesota rusher, carrying the ball 14 times for 52 yards. Gregg Jennings was the top receiver with 5 catches for 45 yards, including a touchdown.

The defense pressured Carolina QB all day, recording four sacks, including two by DE Everson Griffen giving him eleven on the season. Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson picked off Newton in the fourth quarter -- for the only turn ver by either team in the game.

The Vikings will play their third of three straight home games next Sunday against Percy Harvin and the New York Jets at Noon in Minneapolis.