Minnesota Vikings set to host Green Bay Packers – NFL Week 17 Preview
Minnesota Vikings are going to take on their National Football Conference (NFC) North rivals Green Bay Packers, on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, MN.
Packers defeated Vikings by 23-14 in their first matchup of the season on December 2. At the moment both teams are playing really well.
Vikings have won last three games in a row, while Packers have won four straight games.
Recently, Vikings outclassed leaders of American Football Conference (AFC) South Houston Texans, by 23-6.
Vikings defence sacked Texans quarterback Matt Schaub four times, and did not let him score any touchdown in the game.
Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder completed 16 of 30 passes for 174 yards and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kyle Rudolph in the first quarter.
Vikings kicker Blair Walsh performed really well, and kicked two field goals of 56 yards and 41 yards in second quarter respectively.
Later, in the beginning of third quarter, he kicked a 39-yard field goal. In fourth quarter, Vikings running back Toby Gerhart rushed for 3 yards and scored a touchdown.
Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said about his plans for reaching the playoffs:
“For us to be on the cusp of getting there, it's satisfying in some ways, but until you actually make it happen, it's hard to put your mind in that frame.”
He added:
"We really have to focus on this ballgame, winning this game. Until you get that accomplished, it's hard to even think about what's ahead."
Meanwhile, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has the similar intentions of beating Vikings, he said:
"I really don't care to talk about any type of scenarios. We're really focused on beating the Vikings. As far as who we play, where we play in the playoffs, it's really not a concern of mine. It's important for us to stay on track."
Packers thrashed Tennessee Titans (55-7) in Week 16 game on December 23. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had an amazing performance in the game.
He started the score by rushing for 6 yards towards the end zone. He threw three touchdown passes of 20, 1 and 12 yards to wide receivers Randall Cobb, Greg Jennings and James Jones in first, third and fourth quarters respectively.
Packers running back Ryan Grant rushed for 7 and 9 yards and scored consecutive touchdowns in fourth quarter.
Packers have won 11 and lost four games in the season, and they are leading NFC North. On the other hand, Vikings have won nine and lost six games, and standing at second position in the division.
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