With both offenses sputtering out of the gate, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the first to break through on Thursday night, scoring the game's first points and first touchdown to lead their meeting with the Minnesota Vikings, 10-0, through the first quarter.
Defenses had dominated the first three drives of the game, with the Vikings and Buccaneers trading three-and-outs to open the game before Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin broke off a 41-yard rush up the middle for the game's first real offensive outburst.
The Buccaneers' drive stalled however, after Martin's rush, and the Bucs had to settle for a field goal; Connor Barth's 28-yard strike gave Tampa Bay an early 3-0 lead.
After Minnesota's offense stalled again, a connection between Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman and receiver Vincent Jackson seemed to wake Tampa Bay's offense up permanently. Just a few plays later, Freeman tossed a one-yard strike to Erik Lorig for the game's first touchdown and the advantage the Bucs will start the second quarter with.
The Vikings have yet to muster much offense, with quarterback Christian Ponder unable to complete any of his first five attempts, for just 1-of-6 for the quarter. Running back Adrian Peterson is also being held in check. Peterson has 39 yards on five carries through the first quarter.