2012 Minnesota Vikings season

Offseason

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

Notes:

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.

Game summaries

Week 1: at San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

• MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 12:34. ''Vikings 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:26.'''''
• SF – Brett Swain 4-yard pass from Alex Smith (Giorgio Tavecchio kick), 5:13. ''49ers 7–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 7:21.''''' 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
• No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays. Passing
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 4/9, 80 yards
• SF – Scott Tolzien – 10/13, 84 yards Rushing
• MIN – Toby Gerhart – 5 rushes, 31 yards
• SF – Colin Kaepernick – 3 rushes, 92 yards, TD Receiving
• MIN – Stephen Burton – 1 reception, 52 yards
• SF – Chris Owusu – 3 receptions, 35 yards

Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills

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
• BUF – Vince Young – 8/14, 123 yards
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 10/13, 136 yards, TD Rushing
• BUF – Fred Jackson – 5 rushes, 27 yards
• MIN – Joe Webb – 2 rushes, 64 yards Receiving
• BUF – T. J. Graham – 2 receptions, 69 yards
• MIN – Emmanuel Arceneaux – 2 receptions, 50 yards

Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

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
• No scoring plays. 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
• SD – Charlie Whitehurst – 8/18, 80 yards
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 9/16, 115 yards Rushing
• SD – Edwin Baker – 13 rushes, 35 yards
• MIN – Matt Asiata – 9 rushes, 48 yards Receiving
• SD – Micheal Spurlock – 3 receptions, 46 yards
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 2 receptions, 53 yards

Week 4: at Houston Texans

First quarter

• HOU – Justin Forsett 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 12:01. ''Texans 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:59.''''' 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
• No scoring plays. Passing
• MIN – McLeod Bethel-Thompson – 15/29, 193 yards, TD
• HOU – John Beck – 6/10, 149 yards, TD Rushing
• MIN – Jordan Todman – 10 rushes, 114 yards, TD
• HOU – Justin Forsett – 13 rushes, 114 yards, 2 TD Receiving
• MIN – Jarius Wright – 6 receptions, 122 yards, TD
• HOU – DeVier Posey – 2 receptions, 93 yards, TD

Regular season

Schedule

:Team names in bold indicate Vikings' home games.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

First quarter

• JAC – Josh Scobee 19-yard field goal, 2:52. ''Jaguars 3–0. '''Drive: 17 plays, 77 yards, 9:22.''''' Second quarter
• JAC – Marcedes Lewis 1-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert (kick blocked), 5:21. ''Jaguars 9–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 7:09.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 3-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:41. ''Jaguars 9–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 1:47.''''' 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
• JAC – Blaine Gabbert – 23/39, 260 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 20/27, 270 yards Top rushers
• JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew – 19 rushes, 77 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 84 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• JAC – Cecil Shorts – 4 receptions, 74 yards, TD
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 6 receptions, 84 yards

Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts

First quarter

• MIN – Blair Walsh 51-yard field goal, 7:48. ''Vikings 3–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 44 yards, 7:12.'''''
• IND – Dwayne Allen 3-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:49. ''Colts 7–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:59.''''' 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
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 27/35, 245 yards, 2 TD
• IND – Andrew Luck – 20/31, 224 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 16 rushes, 60 yards
• IND – Donald Brown – 16 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 12 receptions, 104 yards
• IND – Donnie Avery – 9 receptions, 111 yards

Week 3: vs. San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

• MIN – Kyle Rudolph 1-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 7:20. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 16 plays, 82 yards, 7:40.''''' 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
• SF – Alex Smith – 24/35, 204 yards, TD, INT
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 21/35, 198 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• SF – Frank Gore – 12 rushes, 63 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 25 rushes, 86 yards Top receivers
• SF – Mario Manningham – 5 receptions, 56 yards
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 9 receptions, 89 yards

Week 4: at Detroit Lions

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
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/26, 111 yards
• DET – Matthew Stafford – 30/51, 319 yards Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 21 rushes, 102 yards
• DET – Mikel Leshoure – 13 rushes, 26 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Jerome Simpson – 4 receptions, 50 yards
• DET – Joique Bell – 6 receptions, 72 yards

Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans

First quarter

• MIN – Percy Harvin 4-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 2:31. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:59.''''' 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
• TEN – Matt Hasselbeck – 26/43, 200 yards, TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 25/35, 258 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• TEN – Chris Johnson – 15 rushes, 24 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 88 yards Top receivers
• TEN – Kendall Wright – 9 receptions, 66 yards
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 8 receptions, 108 yards, TD

Week 6: at Washington Redskins

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
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 35/52, 352 yards, 2 TD
• WAS – Robert Griffin III – 17/22, 182 yards, TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 79 yards
• WAS – Robert Griffin III – 13 rushes, 138 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 11 receptions, 133 yards
• WAS – Fred Davis – 3 receptions, 46 yards

Week 7: vs. Arizona Cardinals

First quarter

• MIN – Adrian Peterson 13-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 8:38. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:57.''''' Second quarter
• ARI – LaRod Stephens-Howling 3-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 12:41. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 2:10.'''''
• MIN – Percy Harvin 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 6:26. ''Vikings 14–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:15.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Harrison Smith 31-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 14:03. Vikings 21–7. Fourth quarter
• ARI – Andre Roberts 6-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), 1:48. ''Vikings 21–14. '''Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:08.''''' Top passers
• ARI – John Skelton – 25/36, 262 yards, TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 8/17, 58 yards, TD Top rushers
• ARI – LaRod Stephens-Howling – 20 rushes, 104 yards, TD
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 23 rushes, 153 yards, TD Top receivers
• ARI – Andre Roberts – 7 receptions, 103 yards, TD
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 4 receptions, 37 yards, TD

Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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
• TB – Josh Freeman – 19/36, 262 yards, 3 TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 19/35, 251 yards, TD Top rushers
• TB – Doug Martin – 29 rushes, 135 yards, TD
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 15 rushes, 123 yards, TD Top receivers
• TB – Doug Martin – 3 receptions, 79 yards, TD
• MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

• MIN – Adrian Peterson 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 13:15. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:45.'''''
• SEA – Golden Tate 6-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 8:52. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 1:23.'''''
• SEA – Sidney Rice 11-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 3:15. ''Seahawks 14–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:05.''''' 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
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 11/22, 63 yards
• SEA – Russell Wilson – 16/24, 173 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 182 yards, 2 TD
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 26 rushes, 124 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIN – Jerome Simpson – 1 reception, 14 yards
• SEA – Sidney Rice – 4 receptions, 54 yards, TD

Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions

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
• DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/42, 329 yards, 3 TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 24/32, 221 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• DET – Mikel Leshoure – 13 rushes, 43 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 27 rushes, 171 yards, TD Top receivers
• DET – Calvin Johnson – 12 receptions, 207 yards, TD
• MIN – Jarius Wright – 3 receptions, 65 yards, TD

Week 12: at Chicago Bears

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
• No scoring plays. Top passers
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 22/43, 159 yards, TD
• CHI – Jay Cutler – 23/31, 188 yards, TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 18 rushes, 108 yards
• CHI – Michael Bush – 21 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 5 receptions, 55 yards, TD
• CHI – Brandon Marshall – 12 receptions, 92 yards

Week 13: at Green Bay Packers

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
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph 7-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 12:18. ''Packers 10–7. '''Drive: 14 plays, 71 yards, 6:49.'''''
• MIN – Adrian Peterson 82-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 5:08. ''Vikings 14–10. '''Drive: 3 plays, 91 yards, 1:27.''''' 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
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 12/25, 119 yards, TD
• GB – Aaron Rodgers – 27/35, 286 yards, TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 21 rushes, 210 yards, TD
• GB – James Starks – 15 rushes, 66 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph – 6 receptions, 51 yards, TD
• GB – Randall Cobb – 6 receptions, 62 yards

Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears

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
• CHI – Alshon Jeffery 23-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 1:52. ''Vikings 14–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:41.''''' Third quarter
• MIN – Harrison Smith 56-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 3:27. Vikings 21–7. Fourth quarter
• CHI – Brandon Marshall 16-yard pass from Jason Campbell (Robbie Gould kick), 1:48. ''Vikings 21–14. '''Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 2:02.''''' Top passers
• CHI – Jay Cutler – 22/44, 260 yards, TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 11/17, 91 yards Top rushers
• CHI – Matt Forté – 13 rushes, 85 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 31 rushes, 154 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• CHI – Brandon Marshall – 10 receptions, 160 yards, TD
• MIN – Michael Jenkins – 4 receptions, 36 yards

Week 15: at St. Louis Rams

First quarter

• MIN – Christian Ponder 5-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 7:07. ''Vikings 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:38.''''' 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
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 17/24, 131 yards
• STL – Sam Bradford – 35/55, 377 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 24 rushes, 212 yards, TD
• STL – Steven Jackson – 13 rushes, 73 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Jerome Simpson – 4 receptions, 27 yards
• STL – Brandon Gibson – 6 receptions, 76 yards

Week 16: at Houston Texans

First quarter

• HOU – Shayne Graham 51-yard field goal, 10:50. ''Texans 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:10.'''''
• MIN – Kyle Rudolph 3-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick), 6:19. ''Vikings 7–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:31.''''' 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
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/30, 174 yards, TD
• HOU – Matt Schaub – 18/32, 178 yards Top rushers
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 25 rushes, 86 yards
• HOU – Ben Tate – 4 rushes, 17 yards Top receivers
• MIN – Jarius Wright – 5 receptions, 53 yards
• HOU – Andre Johnson – 7 receptions, 97 yards

Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers

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
• GB – Aaron Rodgers – 28/40, 365 yards, 4 TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 16/28, 234 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• GB – DuJuan Harris – 14 rushes, 70 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 34 rushes, 199 yards, TD Top receivers
• GB – Greg Jennings – 8 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Jarius Wright – 3 receptions, 90 yards, TD 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.

Standings

Postseason

Schedule

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Round: at Green Bay Packers

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
• MIN – Joe Webb – 11/30, 180 yards, TD
• GB – Aaron Rodgers – 23/33, 274 yards, TD Rushing
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 22 rushes, 99 yards
• GB – DuJuan Harris – 17 rushes, 47 yards, TD Receiving
• MIN – Michael Jenkins – 3 receptions, 96 yards, TD
• GB – Greg Jennings – 4 receptions, 61 yards 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. Despite not starting a game all season, the Vikings started Joe Webb over Christian Ponder due to the latter having an elbow injury. 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

• Vikings single season record.

League rankings

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.

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. 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. Rookie Matt Kalil was also added later as a replacement for the Washington Redskins' tackle, Trent Williams, yet another casualty of injury. Rudolph was named the game's MVP.

Staff

• 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 coach – Leslie Frazier

• Special assistant to the head coach/linebackers – Mike Singletary

• Assistant to the head coach – Cameron Turner

• 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 coordinator – Alan Williams

• Defensive line – Brendan Daly

• Assistant defensive line – Diron Reynolds

• Linebackers – Fred Pagac

• Defensive backs/secondary – Joe Woods

• Defensive assistant – Jeff Imamura

• Special teams coordinator – Mike Priefer

• Assistant special teams – Chris White

• Head athletic trainer/director of sports medicine – Eric Sugarman

• Strength and conditioning – Tom Kanavy

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Martin Streight

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Aaron McLaurin

Roster

References

1. (May 11, 2012). "New Minnesota Vikings stadium law heads to governor amid questions over state's financing". CBS Interactive.
2. (May 14, 2012). "Dayton Signs $975M Vikings Stadium Bill". CBS Broadcasting.
3. Melo, Frederick. (May 24, 2012). "Vikings stadium wins Minneapolis City Council's final approval". Digital First Media.
4. (May 25, 2012). "City Council's Final Vote In Favor Of Stadium, 7-6". CBS Broadcasting.
5. Fowler, Jeremy. (July 27, 2012). "Minnesota Vikings sign Matt Kalil". MediaNews Group.
6. (May 31, 2012). "Harrison Smith signs rookie contract; was Vikings first-round pick".
7. "Minnesota Vikings – Player Contract Information". NBC Sports Digital.
8. Florjancic, Matt. (March 26, 2012). "Browns awarded four compensatory picks".
9. "Top 20 NFL Games of 2012".
10. (December 26, 2012). "2013 Pro Bowl rosters: AFC, NFC". National Football League.
11. Pelissero, Tom. (January 10, 2013). "Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway added to NFC Pro Bowl roster". Hubbard Broadcasting.
12. (January 22, 2013). "Rudolph Selected To First Pro Bowl". Minnesota Vikings Football.
13. (January 25, 2013). "Kalil Selected To His First Pro Bowl". Minnesota Vikings Football.