It was the epitome of winning ugly.
Minnesota barely gained 200 yards. Adrian Peterson had just 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries -- modest numbers for him.
But the Vikes played a Jaguars team that was in the holiday spirit. They gave up four sacks, committed eight penalties.
The real key was all the turnovers -- five of them. It's a great relief for Vikings fans to finally win the turnover battle. In some losses they've given the ball up over and over.
The Vikings recovered three fumbles -- returning one for a touchdown -- and picked off two errant Jags passes. That was really the ballgame.
One of the fumbles was the first score of the game. The Vikes were ahead 14-0 with only two minutes gone.
But Jacksonvill moved the ball well through the air -- they did nothing on the ground -- and closed to within 17-10 at halftime. It was time for Vikings fans to worry -- the team had regularly given up leads, such as last week vs. the Buccaneers.
Not to worry. The Vikes game up yards but only two points in the second half.
The Vikings play the Bears at home next weekend. It's the Sunday night game. They also play at Detroit; at Arizona; and then Atlanta and the Giants at home. That's a tough schedule.
The Bears won and are tied with Minnesota. The Packers play the Saints on Monday night.
Keywords: Adrian Peterson, Gus Frerotte, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings
