The Buccaneers have scored 10 points on Minnesota turnovers. And the Bucs lead by 10 points at halftime of Thursday night’s game against the Vikings.
Quarterback Josh Freeman has thrown a pair of touchdown passes. His numbers otherwise aren’t stellar, with 10 completions on 22 attempts for 85 yards.
Rookie running back Doug Martin has out Petersoned Adrian Peterson so far, rushing for 106 yards. And Peterson has made the comparison even more stark by losing a fumble for the first time this season.
Peterson has 60 yards on 10 carries, and Percy Harvin has added 67 yards through the air, with a touchdown.
It could have been even worse. With the Vikings holding Tampa to a punt after a 51-yard field goal from Blair Walsh cut the deficit from 13 and getting the ball back with 25 seconds left from their own 25, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave dialed up a pass -- and quarterback Christian Ponder nearly threw a pick.
Last week, an interception late in the first half gave the Cardinals a 47-yard field goal attempt. Fortunately for the Vikings, kicker Jay Feely missed the kick.
Either way, the Vikings have to do to the Bucs what the Bucs did to the Vikings last year at Minnesota: Wipe out a double-digit deficit.