The Minnesota Vikings had what appeared to be a very promising first drive going against the Indianapolis Colts, but wound up having to settle for three points.
Starting from their own 23-yard line, Christian Ponder and company moved the ball down the field, distributing the ball to Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson, and converting a third-and-long with a screen to Toby Gerhart. After a carry by Gerhart put the ball near the Indianapolis red zone, offensive linemen Charlie Johnson and Phil Loadholt had penalties called on them on consecutive plays, and that pushed the Vikings into another third-and-long that they couldn't convert.
On came rookie kicker Blair Walsh, and he hit one from 51 yards that got just inside the right upright. The kick had plenty of leg on it, and managed to sneak between the goal posts to give the Vikings an early 3-0 lead.
The Minnesota scoring drive covered 44 yards in 12 plays, taking 7:12 off of the clock.
Halfway through the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings lead the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 3-0.