The Vikings won despite Gus Frerotte's performance. He made some poor decisions, getting sacked three times and throwing an interception. Frerotte threw more interceptions (one) than touchdowns (zero) for the second consecutive game and for the third time in the past four games. Adrian Peterson was benched the first two series but finished with 80 yards rushing and a touchdown in the fourth quarter that wrapped up the victory. The Vikings scored 17 points off of turnovers.
Grade: C
DEFENSE
Spotted a 14-point lead, the Vikings let Jacksonville back in the game in the first half. But overall the defense held its ground. Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew was the only real problem for the Vikings. He caught nine passes for 113 yards. Reggie Williams was the only Jag to score a touchdown. David Garrard's 317 yards passing -- the first 300-yard game of his career -- was misleading because Minnesota was content to give up some yards late in the fourth quarter knowing it had the victory in hand.
Grade: B
SPECIAL TEAMS
This was one of the best performances of the season for the special teams. The Vikings didn't get much going in the return game, and they allowed a 38-yard punt return, but Cedric Griffin forced a fumble early in the game on kickoff coverage that the Vikings turned into a 14-0 lead. Benny Sapp's big hit in the second quarter forced a fumble, although the Jags recovered. Ryan Longwell made all three of his field goals, including a 54-yarder, the longest ever in Jacksonville's Municipal Stadium.
Grade: B
COACHING
Coach Brad Childress wasn't afraid to discipline star Peterson the same way he does other players. Childress held Peterson out of the first two series of the game, as well as Griffin, for being late to a team meeting. The Vikings had the benefit of a 14-0 lead thanks to some big Jacksonville mistakes early. Childress had his team ready to capitalize against a Jags team that can't win at home.
Grade: B
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