52nd season in franchise history
The 2012 season was the Minnesota Vikings ' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), as well as their 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; their 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 same opponents in the Wild Card playoff round the following week. Adrian Peterson was named the league's Most Valuable Player after rushing for 2,097 yards, just nine yards short of breaking the single-season record held by Eric Dickerson since 1984 .
On May 10, 2012, the Minnesota State Legislature approved a bill for a new stadium for the team that would see a new facility (later named U.S. Bank Stadium ) constructed by 2016 and ensure the Vikings' presence in Minneapolis through the year 2046.[ 1] Mark Dayton on May 14,[ 2] Minneapolis City Council by a vote of 7–6 on May 25.[ 3] [ 4]
As of 2023, the only player from the 2012 squad still with the Vikings is safety Harrison Smith .
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 [ edit ] 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.
DE Brian Robison and the Vikings defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars , September 9 Notes:
^ a b c d e The Vikings traded their first-round selection (3rd overall) to the Browns in exchange for first-, fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round selections (4th, 118th, 139th and 211th overall).
^ a b c The Vikings traded their second- and fourth-round selections (35th and 98th overall) to the Ravens in exchange for a first-round selection (29th overall).
^ a b The Vikings were awarded two compensatory picks for the loss of free agents DE Ray Edwards , LB Ben Leber , QB Tarvaris Jackson and WR Sidney Rice .
^ a b c The Vikings traded their fifth- and seventh-round selections (138th and 223rd overall) to the Lions in exchange for a seventh-round selection (219th overall) a 2013 fourth-round selection (102nd overall).
^ The Vikings traded their sixth-round selection (173rd overall) to the Redskins in exchange for QB Donovan McNabb .
^ The Vikings traded DE Jayme Mitchell to the Browns in exchange for a sixth-round selection (175th overall).[ 8]
^ The Vikings traded their seventh-round selection (211th overall) to the Titans in exchange for a 2013 sixth-round selection (176th overall).
^ The Vikings traded a 2011 third-round selection (74th overall) to the Patriots in exchange for WR Randy Moss and a seventh-round selection (223rd overall).
Post-draft transactions [ edit ] 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.
This was the first year the Vikings used a TV/radio simulcast for their preseason games.
Week 1: at San Francisco 49ers [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second 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. Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills [ edit ]
Game information
First 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. Second 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. Third 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. Fourth 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 [ edit ]
Preseason Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Chargers 3
3
0 6 12
Vikings
0
3
0 7 10
at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
SD – Nate Kaeding 50-yard field goal, 4:55. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 37 yards, 6:49. Second 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. Third quarter
Fourth 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 [ edit ]
Preseason Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
10
14 0 24
Texans 7
7
14 0 28
at Reliant Stadium , Houston , Texas
Game information
First quarter
Second 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. Third 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. Fourth quarter
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Team names in bold indicate Vikings' home games. Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars [ edit ]
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 [ edit ]
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 [ edit ]
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
0
3
10 0 13
Vikings 7
10
0 7 24
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 [ edit ]
Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings 10
3
7 0 20
Lions
3
3
0 7 13
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 [ edit ]
Week 5: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Titans
0
0
0 7 7
Vikings 7
6
10 7 30
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 [ edit ]
Week 6: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
9
0
3 14 26
Redskins 0
17
7 14 38
at FedExField , 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 [ edit ]
Week 7: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Cardinals
0
7
0 7 14
Vikings 7
7
7 0 21
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 [ edit ]
Week 8: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers 10
10
10 6 36
Vikings
0
10
7 0 17
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 receptions, 79 yards, TD
MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 receptions, 90 yards, TD
Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks [ edit ]
Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
7
10
3 0 20
Seahawks 14
6
7 3 30
at CenturyLink Field , Seattle, Washington
Date : November 4Game time : 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST Game weather : Cloudy, 60 °F (16 °C)Game attendance : 67,584Referee : Jerome Boger (23)TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime MaggioRecap , 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 [ edit ]
Week 10: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Lions
0
3
7 14 24
Vikings 10
3
3 18 34
at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : November 11Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (domed stadium)Game attendance : 64,059Referee : Pete Morelli (135)TV announcers (Fox) : Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer HaleRecap , 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 [ edit ]
Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
3
0
7 0 10
Bears 10
15
3 0 28
at Soldier Field , Chicago, Illinois
Date : November 25Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Partly cloudy, 41 °F (5 °C)Game attendance : 62,306Referee : Scott Green (19)TV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony SiragusaRecap , 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
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 13: at Green Bay Packers [ edit ]
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 [ edit ]
Week 14: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Bears
0
7
0 7 14
Vikings 14
0
7 0 21
at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : December 9Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (domed stadium)Game attendance : 64,134Referee : Walt Coleman (65)TV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony SiragusaRecap , 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 [ edit ]
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 [ edit ]
Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings 7
6
3 7 23
Texans
3
0
3 0 6
at Reliant Stadium , Houston, Texas
Date : December 23Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 71,688Referee : John Parry (132)TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime MaggioRecap , 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 [ edit ]
Week 17: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Packers
0
10
14 10 34
Vikings 10
10
7 10 37
at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : December 30Game time : 3:25 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (domed stadium)Game attendance : 64,134Referee : Mike Carey (94)TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam OliverRecap , 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 five 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 .[ 9]
NFC Wild Card Round: at Green Bay Packers [ edit ]
NFC Wild Card Round: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
3
0
0 7 10
Packers 7
10
7 0 24
at Lambeau Field , Green Bay , Wisconsin
Game information
First 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. Second 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. Third 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. Fourth 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.
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
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.[ 10]
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.[ 11] 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.[ 12] Matt Kalil was also added later as a replacement for the Washington Redskins ' tackle, Trent Williams , yet another casualty of injury.[ 13]
2012 Minnesota Vikings staff
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
Notes and references [ edit ]
^ "New Minnesota Vikings stadium law heads to governor amid questions over state's financing" . CBSNews.com . CBS Interactive. May 11, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2018 .^ "Dayton Signs $975M Vikings Stadium Bill" . CBS Minnesota . CBS Broadcasting. May 14, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2018 .^ Melo, Frederick (May 24, 2012). "Vikings stadium wins Minneapolis City Council's final approval" . TwinCities.com . Digital First Media. Retrieved January 28, 2018 . ^ "City Council's Final Vote In Favor Of Stadium, 7-6" . CBS Minnesota . CBS Broadcasting. May 25, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2018 .^ Fowler, Jeremy (July 27, 2012). "Minnesota Vikings sign Matt Kalil" . TwinCities.com . MediaNews Group. Retrieved August 1, 2012 . ^ "Harrison Smith signs rookie contract; was Vikings first-round pick" . SportingNews.com . May 31, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012 .^ a b c d e f g h "Minnesota Vikings – Player Contract Information" . Rotoworld.com . NBC Sports Digital. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2012 .^ Florjancic, Matt (March 26, 2012). "Browns awarded four compensatory picks" . ClevelandBrowns.com . Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012 . ^ "Top 20 NFL Games of 2012" . NFL.com the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2013 .^ "2013 Pro Bowl rosters: AFC, NFC" . NFL.com . National Football League. December 26, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012 .^ Pelissero, Tom (January 10, 2013). "Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway added to NFC Pro Bowl roster" . 1500ESPN . Hubbard Broadcasting. Archived from the original on February 14, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2013 . ^ "Rudolph Selected To First Pro Bowl" . vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football. January 22, 2013. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2013 .^ "Kalil Selected To His First Pro Bowl" . vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football. January 25, 2013. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2013 .
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