NFC North Roundup: Minnesota Vikings Lone Losers in Week 9

Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) is congratulated by teammates Chris Conte (47) and Thaddeus Gibson (93) after intercepting a pass by Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (not pictured) and returning it for a touchdown during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE

Week 9 was kind to most of the NFC North as the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers had little trouble picking up wins over their opponents. The Minnesota Vikings were another story.

Here is a quick look at all the week 9 action around the NFC North as well as a look at the standings and the schedule for week 10.

Detroit Lions 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 14 (box score)
The Lions offense’s claim to fame comes through their passing game but it was the running game that got them in the end zone four times in their win over the Jaguars. Mikel Leshoure ran it in for three second quarter touchdowns and Joique Bell added a touchdown run in the fourth to put away the home team. The Lions last ran for four touchdowns in a game on October 9, 2005 in a win over the Ravens. The Lions may not have gotten into the end zone through the air but Matthew Stafford had a nice day completing 22 of 33 passes for 285 yards. The Lions’ took a 21-0 lead into the half, the first time they’ve lead at the half this season.

Chicago Bears 51, Tennessee Titans 20 (box score)
The Chicago Bears have found numerous ways to score without their offense this year and that was the case again in their win over the Titans. Corey Wootton took a blocked Titans punt 5 yards for a score and Brian Urlacher returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown. Charles Tillman forced four fumbles as the Titans turned the ball over five times in total. Brandon Marshall caught nine passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns.

Green Bay Packers 31, Arizona Cardinals 17 (box score)
The Packers seemed in control of the Cardinals after taking 21-7 lead into the half. The Cardinals cut the Packers lead to 24-17 with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter. However, Aaron Rodgers found Tom Crabtree for a 72-yard touchdown on the last play of the third to extend the lead back to 31-17. The Packers held the Cardinals offense down in the fourth quarter and ran out the clock after Patrick Peterson muffed a punt.

Seattle Seahawks 30, Minnesota Vikings 20 (box score)
Adrian Peterson‘s huge day, 17 carries for 182 yards and a touchdown, went for naught as the rest of the Vikings offense only added another 105 yards. Christian Ponder was especially ineffective, completing 11 of 22 passes for just 63 yards while being intercepted once and sacked four times. To put the passing futility into perspective, no Vikings receiver had more than 14 yards.

Current NFC North Standings

NFC North Week 10 Schedule
Packers – Bye
Lions at Vikings – Sunday, 1:00 pm ET
Texans at Bears – Sunday, 8:20 pm ET