The Minnesota Vikings had a bit of momentum, but in what is becoming a theme of the evening, they gave it away.
After forcing the Buccaneers to punt, the Vikings started moving again. On second down, Christian Ponder lofted a beautiful pass to Jerome Simpson that would have gone for about 50 yards. . .if Simpson hadn't had the ball go right between his hands. The Vikings managed to convert that first down, but a couple plays later things took a turn for the worse.
Adrian Peterson, who has been having a good game so far, went through the middle of the Buccaneers' defense for a six-yard gain. He got stood up by safety Mark Barron, and veteran Ronde Barber came through and stripped the ball out of Peterson's hands. The Buccaneers recovered another Minnesota fumble, and they were once again in business in Minnesota territory. The fumble was the first one that Peterson has lost since December 28, 2010.
The Buccaneers moved the ball deep into Minnesota territory, and on third-and-goal from the three, Josh Freeman dropped back and completed his second touchdown pass of the night, this one to Mike Williams. Connor Barth added the extra point, and the Buccaneers moved their lead back to 13 points at 20-7.
Every time the Vikings look to have something going, they do something to shoot themselves in the foot. Once again, they need to get things together in a hurry.