Christian Ponder Leads Vikings Past San Francisco 49ers 24-13 [GAME SUMMARY]

Game 3 for the Vikings had Minnesota (1-1) playing host to the San Francisco 49ers (2-0). The last time these two teams met was in 2009 at the Metrodome with Brett Favre at the helm of the offense. Fast forward a couple seasons and both of these teams look very different.

Statistically speaking, the 49ers enter the game as one of the best, most balanced teams in the league. The consistent passing and rushing offense and league-leading defense that propelled them deep into last post season has persisted and brought them to 2-0.

The Vikings also enter the game with notable stats as well, including quarterback stats for Christan Ponder that have him ranked in the top 10 in the league in completion percentage and quarterback rating.

Leading up to the game, it was announced that the 49ers wanted their starters to be announced. While it isn't often done, away teams do have the option to do this for any game. As Randy Moss was announced, there was a surprising amount of cheering welcoming back the the wide receiver. This is the first game for Moss at the Metrodome wearing colors other than purple and gold.

The first quarter started with the Vikings earning possession after the 49ers won the toss and decided to kick to Minnesota. The Vikings took advantage of the first possession, scoring on a 16 play, 82-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard pass to Kyle Rudolph deep in the endzone. This scoring drive was not only the first touchdown the Vikings scored in the first quarter of a game this season, but it was also the longest scoring drive sustained by the Vikings since 2006.

Into the second quarter, the 49ers nailed a 29-yard field goal to bring the game to 7-3. Offensive momentum for the Vikings continued, as Christian Ponder drove the team 80 yards on 11 plays. This drive ended in a 23-yard sprint from Ponder diving into the endzone. This rushing score was not only the first allowed by the 49ers defense this season, but was also Ponder's first NFL rushing touchdown.

On the following drive, the Minnesota defense stopped the 49ers, forcing a 43-yard David Akers field goal attempt. On the attempt, LeTroy Guion got a hand on the ball, blocking the kick and giving the Vikings a chance to drive for one more score before halftime. Nine plays and 33 yards later, Blair Walsh hit a 53-yard field goal to bring the score to 17-3 at the half.

The Guion field goal block is the second block earned by the Vikings special teams unit this season, following Matt Kalil's block against the Jaguars in week 1. Another stat of note; Blair Walsh's 53-yarder at the end of the first half marked the third straight game in a row for Minnesota with a 50+ yard field goal scored. Walsh is now 7 of 7 with his longest still being 55 yards against Jacksonville in week 1.

Entering the second half, San Francisco was looking for a spark, and got one. Kyle Williams returned Blair Walsh's kickoff 94 yards before being stopped by Jamarca Sanford. The 49ers capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a 29-yard field goal and bringing the score to 17-6. San Francisco mounted another successful scoring drive in 9 plays over 86 yards, ending in a 1-yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, bringing the game to a score of 17-13.

In a well-orchestrated 7 minute drive extending from the end of the third quarter into the fourth quarter, the Vikings went 86 yards in 12 plays where Christian Ponder and Kyle Rudolph would connect again in the endzone to make it a 24-13 game. From there, the game would be a showdown of defense, with Minnesota coming up with a few big stops, including a drive-killing interception by Josh Robinson. Adrian Peterson would also earn his longest run of the day on a 20-yard rush midway through the fourth quarter.

Christian Ponder ended the game 21 of 35 with 185 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, both to Kyle Rudolph. Ponder also rushed for a total of 33 yards and a touchdown. Adrian Peterson led the Vikings in rushing yards with 86 total yards with an average of 3.4 yards per carry. Although Kyle Rudolph had both passing touchdowns for the Vikings, Percy Harvin led the team in receiving yards with 89 yards on 9 receptions.