NFC North Weekend Roundup – Week 7

At a glance, this game follows the trend both teams have established for the year. The Vikings were able to get ahead early and let the opposition outscore them in the second half, while the Packers made work of the opposing defense through the air simply wearing them down and notching another win in that invisible championship belt Aaron Rodgers brandishes from time to time. In Border Battle I for the season, Christian Ponder got his first Vikings start, leading his team to a 17-13 halftime lead. After the half Aaron Rodgers took over, making work of the Vikings defense, scoring 20 unanswered points in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings defense ratcheted down and held Green Bay scoreless, while Ponder led the offense for two scoring drives, bringing the game to a 6-point advantage for the Pack. On the last Vikings offensive drive, the team stumbled a couple times but Christian Ponder was able to convert through the air in a couple third and long situations. Ultimately, the drive stalled and the Vikings punted with the hopes of stopping the Pack and getting the ball back one more time. These hopes were spoiled by a string of successful rushes by the Packers offense that killed the clock and hopes for a Vikings comeback. When the dust settled, Christian Ponder finished 13 of 32 for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns and Aaron Rodgers completed 24 of 30 for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns. Other players of note are Greg Jennings with 147 yards and 1 touchdown, and Adrian Peterson with 175 yards and a touchdown. Next week, the Packers are off as they prepare to travel to San Diego after the bye. The Vikings travel to visit the Cam Newton and the 2-5 Panthers next week.

The Bears and Bucs traveled to Wembley Stadium in London for the NFL's 5th annual International Game. There was excitement on the field not only with the game itself; but a football hooligan invaded the field as well, temporarily interrupting play (see photo above). In the game, the Bears offense was effective, scoring a touchdown each of the first three quarters. Defensively, the Bears held the Bucs to only 5 points through the same first three periods of play. Roles were reversed in the fourth quarter, where the Bucs held the Bears to only a field goal and managed to score 13 points of their own. In the end, the comeback effort wasn't enough, and the Bears ended up the victor by 6 points. Matt Forte led the Bears with 145 yards and a touchdown, while Marion Barber contributed 39 yards and another score for the Bears. Jay Cutler was 17 of 32 for 226 yards and a touchdown, but also threw two interceptions. Next week the Bears have their bye and will prepare to travel to Philly for a Monday Night matchup the following week.

The Detroit Lions' offense came out of the gate this year with explosive scoring capabilities, but the magic seems to have faded as Detroit was held to one touchdown in their own den this weekend. This is Detroit's second straight loss after starting 5-0. Although the Lions were never completely out of the game, the Falcons were able to get a fast start on offense and hold the Lions to minimal points on each scoring attempt. Matthew Stafford was 15 for 32, throwing for 183 yards and the Lions' only touchdown; connecting with Calvin Johnson in the third quarter. The remainder of the Lions' offense came from three Jason Hanson field goals. Next week, the Lions travel to Denver to face off against Tim Tebow and the 2-4 Broncos.