Vikings Look To Be Ready For The Regular Season

KANSAS CITY -- The Vikings offense put up 30 points with help from big plays by the defense and special teams as they beat up on the Chiefs 30-12 in their third preseason game.

The Vikings' first team offense started the game in sensational fashion, capping off a 97-yard touchdown drive on their first possession with a beautiful, 53-yard bomb from Matt Cassel to Cordarrelle Patterson.

The offense sputtered into halftime, posting only a field goal in the final 25 minutes of the first half.

The Vikings' defense kept them in the game, as interceptions in the red zone by Captain Munnerlyn and Chad Greenway prevented the Chiefs from reaching the endzone.

Matt Cassel played well into the third quarter, leading another drive that ended with a field goal.

Then the game got out of hand.

Chiefs backup quarterback, Tyler Bray threw an ill-advised pass that was easily intercepted by cornerback, Shaun Prater.

Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater came into the game and immediately threw a touchdown pass to backup tight end Allen Reisner that extended the lead to 20-5.

The Vikings defense forced Kansas City to punt on the ensuing possession and Detroit Lakes native Adam Thielen returned it 75 yards to continue his strong preseason showing.

On the very next play, Bridgewater again found Reisner in the endzone with a well-placed ball on a corner route.

Bridgewater ended the game with only four completions on seven attempts - two for touchdowns.

The Vikings improve to 3-0 in exhibition play and finish the preseason on Thursday in Tennessee as they take on the Titans.

Other Observations:

- Backup runningback Matt Asiata continues to show his aptitude as a backup to Adrian Peterson, running with good vision and power and even added a 31-yard catch-and-run to his stat line.

- Head Coach Mike Zimmer's aggressive defensive scheme continues to impress as the Vikings finished with five sacks. The scheme showcased multiple looks, including one in which defensive end Brian Robison lined up at outside linebacker.