Mediocre as they've looked all year, the Minnesota Vikings actually pulled off a dynamite game last night against the Bears on national television, winning 34-14 at the Metrodome. The game was keyed by a four-down goal-line stand in which the Bears got no points, a league-record 99-yard touchdown catch from Gus Frerotte to Bernard Berrian, and a gutsy performance by Adrian Peterson, who broke more tackles and rushed for more yards in one game than any running back I've ever seen.
With the win, the Vikes take sole possession of first place in the NFC North with a 7-5 record, one game ahead of the Bears, two ahead of the Packers, and seven ahead of the winless Lions. The night's other highlight: A long, awkward discussion between Madden and Michaels after John proclaimed Charles Tillman "the best stripper in the NFL," due to his ability to strip the ball.
Now, if only both starting defensive tackles weren't about to be suspended for the rest of the year...