Half-Time Report: New England Patriots hold commanding lead

The New England Patriots are in control of their clash with the Minnesota Vikings at the break as they hold a 24-7 lead at TCF Stadium.

The Vikings, without Adrian Peterson in light of charges of child abuse during the week, began the game well as Matt Cassel hit tight end Kyle Rudolph for several completions, before finding Matt Asiata in the flat, and he sprinted into the endzone for a 25-yard touchdown.

New England responded well as Devin McCourty intercepted a Cassel pass and returned the ball to the one-yard line. Stevan Ridley then powered his way over behind his offensive line to level the scores.

Steven Gostkowski fired the Patriots ahead at the end of the first quarter with a 47-yard field goal. Tom Brady then found Julian Edelman in the back of the endzone for a nine-yard touchdown to put the visitors in the ascendency.

Bill Belichick's side went further ahead just before the break when Chandler Jones blocked a field goal and ran the ball 58 yards back for a touchdown.