Archives for August 18, 2012

‘”We make those plays in practice so like it’s finally time we made one in the game,” Graham said. “It was pretty exciting. I was doing what I was supposed to do, make the plays. I think that’s why they brought me here to make plays like that so…”‘

‘Even more troubling was how Buffalo looked on defense. Minnesota’s first unit played only three possessions and drove into at least field-goal range each time. Minnesota had five gains of at least 16 yards before the backups entered in the second quarter.’

‘Jones might have secured a better hold on the job with his gorgeous 31-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter of Friday night’s 36-14 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field.’

Vikings make a little leap forward (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Harrison Smith is ray of hope at key position (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Rookie linebacker Audie Cole has late-game heroics (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Photo gallery (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Minnesota Vikings show a finishing touch in convincing win over Bills (Saint Paul Pioneer Press)

Minnesota Vikings LB Audie Cole shines with two interceptions for touchdowns (Saint Paul Pioneer Press)

Vikings had a good night; was it also a good sign? (Saint Paul Pioneer Press)

Minnesota Vikings’ Toby Gerhart plays like a starter in Adrian Peterson’s absence (Saint Paul Pioneer Press)

Photo gallery (Saint Paul Pioneer Press)

Vikings’ Ponder exceptionally efficient vs. Bills (Fox Sports North)

Vikings rookie pulls off wild repeat feats (Fox Sports North)

‘Jabs’ learns new instrument: The Gjallarhorn (Fox Sports North)

Photo gallery (Fox Sports North)

Ponder leads early, rookies shine late in 36-14 win over Buffalo (KMSP-TV)

Efficient Christian Ponder keeps Vikings offense on productive track (KSTP-AM)

After rocky opening act, Vikings defense shows improvement vs. Bills (KSTP-AM)

Vikings will evaluate Kyle Rudolph, Chris Cook for concussion symptoms (KSTP-AM)

Christian Ponder said head first dive was done by design (KSTP-AM)

Photo gallery (KSTP-AM)

Pair Of Rookies, Ponder Push Vikings To Victory Over Bills (Vikings.com)

Ponder, 1st-Team Offense Sharp vs. Bills (Vikings.com)

Audie Cole Steals The (4th Quarter) Show (Vikings.com)

Photo gallery (Vikings.com)

Photo gallery (BuffaloBills.com)

Photo gallery (WGRZ-TV)

‘Ponder threw a first-quarter touchdown pass in a sharp three-possession appearance and the Vikings breezed to a 36-14 victory Friday night over the Buffalo Bills, who saw a decent performance from backup quarterback candidate Vince Young but not much else.’

‘The Bills announced Friday that Wood would play at Minnesota, after originally targeting the third preseason game for his return from surgery on his right knee last November. Another starter on the offensive line, right tackle Erik Pears, was in the lineup too. Pears had minor offseason surgery for an unspecified injury.’

‘Attorney Trey Dolezal also raised questions on Friday whether his client was even aware the loan was taken out in his name. Dolezal told The Associated Press by phone that Pro Player Funding never contacted Young, and instead worked with the player’s former financial adviser, Ronnie T. Peoples, in issuing a high-interest $1.877 million loan in May 2011.’

‘Ryan Fitzpatrick played the first four series for the Bills and finished 8- of-11 for 58 yards, including a 31-yard scoring strike to Donald Jones. Vince Young completed 8-of-14 passes for 123 yards.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ offense took a step forward scoring two touchdowns, but ultimately they were unsuccessful in their second preseason game.’

‘Friday in Minnesota, Young left no doubt if we’re going by how they played. Young was 8-of-14 for 123 yards including a 64 yard bomb to rookie speedster T.J. Graham.’

‘The Bills first team offense had trouble moving the ball early, and the defense gave up a few too many big plays putting Buffalo in a 16-7 halftime hole. Vince Young and the second team offense pulled them back into the game with a four-play 80-yard touchdown drive to make it 16-14 early in the third. But it was as close as the Bills would get with a pair of late interception returns by Minnesota putting the game out of reach in a 36-14 loss to the Vikings.’