The Minnesota Vikings posted their fifth straight win Monday night to remain in control of the NFC wild card.
Rookie running back Adrian Peterson scampered eight yards for the winning touchdown as the Vikings pulled out a 20-13 victory over the visiting Chicago Bears in front of 63,800 at the Metrodome.
Adrian Peterson (28) leaps for a TD in Monday's 20-13 Vikings victory.
(Tom Olmscheid/Associated Press)
Peterson made the score 13-12 on a one-yard TD plunge with 10:29 left in the third quarter and, after Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell missed the ensuing point-after attempt, added the go-ahead major with 10:56 remaining in the fourth.
Although backup quarterback Brooks Bollinger brushed him on the handoff, Peterson kept his balance and froze Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher with a dazzling stutter-step before darting left and into the end zone.
"It was a communication error," Peterson said. "But I was able to make a big play out of it."
Peterson finished with 78 yards on 20 carries for the Vikings (8-6), who overcame four turnovers and a missed extra point.
Ryan Longwell provided field goals from 42 and 48 yards.
Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson completed 18-of-29 pass attempts for 249 yards, but threw three interceptions, enough to leave the outcome in question until cornerback Darren Sharper intercepted Bears quarterback Kyle Orton with under two minutes remaining.
"It just shows people and shows ourself that we can win all kinds of ways," Jackson said.
Orton was ineffective in his first NFL start in two years, completing 22-of-36 passes for 184 yards with the one pick.
"The more you play, the more comfortable you get," he said. "But I didn't make enough plays to win.
"I felt comfortable in the game, we just didn't make enough plays. Put that on me."
Running back Jason McKie tallied the touchdown for the Bears (5-9) on a one-yard romp with 30 seconds left in the first half.
Robbie Gould kicked field goals of 29 and 47 yards.
"You have to play a complete game," Bears head coach Lovie Smith said. "In the end, those same guys who made plays early have to step up there in the fourth quarter."
Urlacher, a six-time Pro Bowler, was a defensive standout in defeat with two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.
"Couldn't finish," he muttered.
With files from the Associated PressRelated
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