Vikings...34 Bears...31
CHICAGO -- Adrian Peterson showed the Chicago Bears (2-4) why he was the first running back selected in this year’s draft with an electrifying, record-setting rushing performance and three touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings.
Still, the Vikings (2-3) needed a career-long 55-yard field goal from Ryan Longwell on the final play to beat the Bears, 34-31.
After Chicago’s Brian Griese connected with Devin Hester on an 81-yard touchdown pass to tie the score with 1:38 left, Peterson returned the ensuing kickoff 53 yards to the Bears’ 38.
After Peterson was thrown for a four-yard loss to the 37 on third down, Longwell’s kick just cleared the crossbar.
Peterson finished with 224 yards in 20 carries and scored on runs of 67, 73 and 35 yards. The rookie from Oklahoma broke Chuck Foreman’s team record of 200 yards rushing set in 1976.
Quoteworthy: “I just got comfortable, more comfortable with the speed of the game.†-- Adrian Peterson, Vikings running back
Go beyond the scoreboard
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