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December 30, 2012

Tigers dealt a third loss in Mid-Del tourney

By Jon Krawczynski Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have surged in December and head into the final game of the season looking to lock up the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings head into the regular-season finale with their eyes on their first playoff berth in three years, and on a few major milestones for their peerless running back.

Heading into today’s game, it would be hard for the stakes to be much higher, and that’s just the way it should be.

“That’s what I’m excited about,” Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said, “having the opportunity to play a playoff-type game, a playoff-game atmosphere, on the road with the crowd noise and both teams have a lot on the line. Shoot, I think it’s great for our football team.”

The Packers (11-4) have won 10 of their last 11 following a shaky start and need a win for a first-round bye and the chance to open another push for the Super Bowl in the comforts of home. Rodgers is rolling like the reigning MVP that he is. Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson have returned from injuries to get the Packers as close to full strength as they’ve been in months.

The Vikings need a win to avoid having to sweat out any convoluted playoff scenarios, and Peterson is chasing 2,000 yards and Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105. Peterson needs 102 yards to become the sixth running back in league history to hit 2,000, and 208 to top Dickerson’s 28-year-old record.

“I feel like I have a good chance,” Peterson said. “I believe it and in order to accomplish it, you have to believe it.”

Peterson has rushed for more yards against the Packers than any other team.

“It’s that rivalry. Just my mindset automatically clicks when we play the Packers because they’re such a good team,” Peterson said. “Playing those guys, they’re definitely the team to beat. It brings the best out in you.”

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