PLAY OF THE GAME
SACK DANCE
Score: Vikings led 16-3, third quarter, 1:07 remaining.
Situation: Houston had third-and-goal at the Vikings 1-yard line.
The play: QB Matt Schaub (8) went back to pass, but was turned by Vikings LB Erin Henderson, who was blocked by Ben Tate (44). Vikings DT Fred Evans (90) got past right guard Ben Jones (60) and sacked Schaub for a 14-yard loss. The Texans settled for a field goal.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier talked to his defense about retaining its identity as a "smart, disciplined, tough" unit. The Vikings knew the Texans had a balanced offense that has flourished by establishing the run and then capitalizing in the passing game with play action and bootlegs. But the Vikings never allowed Houston to get going on the ground. Of their 16 rushing attempts, 11 went for 3 yards or less. Houston came into the game averaging 142 rushing yards but managed only 34 Sunday.
MANO-A-MANO: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Texans RB Arian Foster
WHO WON? Peterson. He was bottled up well, with 86 rushing yards, but Foster was completely thwarted, with 15 rushing yards, before leaving because of an irregular heartbeat.
THE QUOTE
"We said, 'Either they're going to make a play or we're going to make a play.' Fred made a play." -- Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway
