|
 Lacy rushed for 105 yards and two scores while quarterback Aaron
Rodgers added three touchdown passes as Green Bay scored the game's
first 42 points.
The Packers (3-2) offense had started slow in their 1-2 open to the
season, but Rodgers and his team mates put fans' concerns to rest in
a 38-17 victory against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Still, Green Bay's running game had yet to function effectively and
Lacy had not reached 50 yards rushing in a game before Thursday's
clash against the Vikings.
"We know what Eddie can do, we never lost faith," Packers receiver
Randall Cobb told reporters after catching his league-leading sixth
touchdown reception.
"We’re going to be in his corner the whole way, and when he gets
opportunities he’s going to make it happen."
With steady rain falling at Green Bay's Lambeau Field, Rodgers
kicked off the fireworks in the first quarter with a scoring throw
to Randall Cobb and a 66-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson.
Linebacker Julius Peppers then returned an interception 49 yards for
a touchdown in the second quarter before Rodgers added a third
touchdown toss to Davante Adams for an 11-yard score.
Lacy took over in the third, putting the game away with two scoring
runs before Green Bay's starters rested in the fourth.
[to top of second column] |
Minnesota sputtered behind third-string quarterback Christian
Ponder, who was forced into action when rookie Teddy Bridgewater was
ruled out due to an ankle injury at the end of a stellar debut
against the Atlanta Falcons.
Ponder completed just 22 of 44 passes, threw two interceptions and
was sacked six times.
Minnesota has faced their share of adversity thus far. They are
already without opening season starter Matt Cassel, who broke his
left foot, while Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson was banished
to the NFL exempt list until a child abuse case is resolved.
"We have to want it more than our opponent does," Vikings defensive
end Brian Robison said.
"Bottom line, I didn't feel like we wanted it more than our opponent
tonight. Guys had their heads down, and that is not stuff you want
to see on the sidelines."
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg
Stutchbury/Patrick Johnston)
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