FAVRE, VIKINGS RIP BROWNS

So far, so good.  The Brett Favre era in Minnesota got off to a strong start in the team’s opening game of the NFL season, as ‘The Gunslinger’ was solid and running back Adrian Peterson rushed for three touchdowns as the Vikings easily beat the host Cleveland Browns 34-20.  The Browns held a 13-10 halftime lead, but the Vikings turned it on after the break scoring 24 second half points to pull away for the victory.  Favre finished with 110 yards on 14 of 21 passing and a touchdown—and most importantly didn’t throw an interception.

The Vikings easily covered as -4 road favorites to improve their current run in the series to 4-0 straight up, 3-1 against the spread.  It was only the Browns third loss in their last eleven spots as an underdog of 3’ to 9’ points.  The combined 54 points went OVER the posted total 39’—the first game in the recent history of the series to go OVER after three straight UNDER verdicts.

After the game, Favre was pleased with the victory despite his relatively modest numbers:

"I had a blast. It wasn't a 400-yard passing game, but it doesn't have to be. As long as we win, that's what it's all about."

Percy Harvin caught Favre’s pass for his first NFL touchdown—and was immediately flattened by the veteran QB in celebration:

"I thought we were going to bump chests or something. He wasn't slowing down. I took it and we fell to the ground. It was a great feeling."

On a more serious note, Harvin praised the ageless Favre’s work ethic and intensity:

"You don't find too many players like that who still love the game. That's what makes him special and separates him from a lot of people. For him to be that old -- he's got a daughter my age -- and still has a love for the game, going to meetings and all that stuff. He's by himself."

Running back Peterson got off to a slow start with only 25 yards in the first half.  He felt woozy at halftime and needed IV fluids:

"I gagged myself a couple times trying to get everything in my stomach out. Normally it makes me feel better and it did. I came in and got an IV and felt recharged and rejuvenated and was ready to go to work."

And that’s exactly what he did, finishing with 180 yards rushing and three touchdowns.  In particular, he looked spectacular on a 62 yard touchdown run late in the game that put the result ‘on ice’.  Peterson said it wasn’t *quite* perfect:

"It was pretty good I only thing I did wrong was that I didn't go untouched. I was just determined to get into the end zone, and try to stick that dagger in."

Browns’ coach Eric Mangini said it had the desired effect:

"When you play a player of Adrian Peterson's caliber, it only takes once. He only needs that one time and he can exploit it."

The Browns will look for their first win of the NFL season next Sunday as they head west to play the Denver Broncos.  They’ll remain on the road the following week, heading to ‘Charm City’ to play the Baltimore Ravens.  The Vikings will visit the lowly Detroit Lions next Sunday before returning home for a game against the San Francisco 49ers.