Freeman, Bucs rally past Vikings 24-20

Published 3:05 pm Sunday, September 18, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — LeGarrette Blount’s 4-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds left lifted Tampa Bay past the Minnesota Vikings 24-20 on Sunday, completing another comeback guided by Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman — this time from a 17-0 halftime deficit.

Eight of Freeman’s 14 career victories have come when the Bucs (1-1) went ahead in the fourth quarter or overtime. Given how overwhelmed they were before halftime, outgained 284 yards to 62 during the first two quarters, this might have been the most impressive.

Freeman found Arrelious Benn for a 25-yard touchdown pass over Cedric Griffin with 6:39 remaining to cut the lead to three points. A 19-yard leaping catch by Dezmond Briscoe and a 15-yard late hit penalty on Jared Allen set up the score.

Email newsletter signup

Adrian Peterson had 25 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns in the first half for the Vikings (0-2), who blew a healthy lead for the second straight week.