The Packers scored a touchdown on their opening drive, as they passed a lot. They also passed a lot on their second drive, so of course scored another touchdown; however the refs nullified it with a terrible call. A Viking defensive lineman fell down, so they called holding on a Packer offensive lineman. It was a terrible call and not even close to a hold, as the announcers pointed out, but this call changed it from a 14-0 game with TDs on the first two drives, momentum and control of the game, to giving the Vikings momentum from preventing a touchdown and holding the Packers to a field goal. This momentum change allowed the Vikings to score a touchdown on their next possession, turning a 14-0 game into a 10-7 game with the Vikings having a little momentum.
Now, McCarthy took over. With a 3rd-and-1 at their own 25, they ran for no gain and punted. A first-down run then stalled a later drive. The Vikings then scored on an 82-yard Adrian Peterson run to take a 14-10 lead. The Packers needed to be aggressive to regain the lead and momentum. What does McCarthy do? He runs on first and second down and punts. Rodgers, at this point, completed 12 of 14 passes, so the passing game was working as usual.
The Vikings should have been called for a blatant block in the back on Peterson’s 48-yard run to open the second half, which even the announcers mentioned. The Packers held, and on a later drive, again trying to regain the lead, a first-down run stalled the drive and they kicked a field goal to still trail 14-13.
After 3 quarters, Ponder had only 5 completions, but the Packers were only up by 6 since the ref’s call and McCarthy’s running kept the game close. With 5:28 to go, the Packers, up 6, drove to the Viking 10, where a first-down run for 1 yard again stalled a drive, resulting in a field goal. With 3:32 to play in the game, Ponder had completed only 5 passes and none to a wide receiver, but McCarthy and the refs kept the game close, allowing Minnesota to still have a chance. Once again, the Packers played a close game with a team they are much better than, even with all of the Packers’ injuries.
And, by the way, Adrian Peterson ran 21 times for 210 yards. Even if you take out the 82-yard TD run, he still averaged 6.4 yards/carry. What did this get the Vikings? 14 points. Running doesn’t lead to points. The time of possession was 38:30 for the Packers and 21:30 for Minnesota, so there goes that argument.