Devin McCourty and Patriots Shut Down Randy Moss and Vikings

Final, Patriots 28-18: They just keep finding ways to get the job done, and this was another impressive victory for the Patriots, who beat a talented Vikings team that is obviously lacking something. This was a game the Patriots were supposed to win, and they pulled out a 10-point victory to move into sole positio of first place in the division.

Fourth quarter, 1:56, Patriots 28-18: The Patriots found a way to get their running game going, and they put together a 13-play, 80-yard drive that was capped by a BenJarvus-Green Ellis two-yard touchdown run that survived a booth review. The Pats ran the ball eight times on the drive, including the last six plays, and Green-Ellis’ flipping, spinning touchdown run came on third-and-goal. That was a character drive for the Patriots, who will take over first place in the AFC East.

Fourth quarter, 3:34, Patriots 21-18: As if Patriots fans needed another reason to love themselves some Danny Woodhead. The pint-sized running back gained 16 yards on a pass from Tom Brady on third-and-12, and Woodhead broke several tackles along the way, the most impressive of which came five yards shy of the first-down marker. Woodhead has given the Patriots a chance to put this one on ice.

Fourth quarter, 6:20, Patriots 21-18: Brett Favre’s return is questionable due to a laceration, according to the team. So, he’s probably getting stitches on his chin, and the Favre bashers are going to end up going to town with this one.

Fourth quarter, 7:26, Patriots 21-18: Brett Favre left the game after getting hit in the chin by Myron Pryor, and it was a pretty frightening sight. He had to be helped off the field by trainers, who held him up the whole way to the sideline then got him to lie down on the trainers table. Favre has also been taken to the locker room in a cart, so he’s pretty badly hurt. It was tough to tell if he was bleeding or lost some teeth or whatever, but he was replaced by Tarvaris Jackson, who threw a one-yard touchdown pass to fullback Naufahu Tahi and then hit Percy Harvin for the two-point conversion.

Fourth quarter, 11:00, Patriots 21-10: Good job by the Patriots to reverse the field after their last drive started at their own 10. Minnesota takes over at its own 20 after Zoltan Mesko’s punt, but Dane Fletcher misplayed the ball and could have downed the punt at the 10. Instead, it bounced off his hands and shot through the end zone.

End of third quarter, Patriots 21-10: This is a spot where you’d like to see the Patriots pull off one of their clock-killing drives, but the running game has been too inconsistent to this point in the game. Still, they’ve been finding some success with that dink-and-dunk approach over the middle, so maybe they can keep that going.

Third quarter, 0:09, Patriots 21-10: This Patriots defense is just playing really sound football right now. They’ve bottled up Randy Moss and they’re tackling well in space, forcing the Vikings to earn every yard they get. After a Minnesota three-and-out, the Pats take over at their own 10.

Third quarter, 2:25, Patriots 21-10: BenJarvus Green-Ellis capped off a four-play, 37-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown run, and the Patriots have opened it up a little bit. And it was alluded to before, but this is where Brett Favre can get himself into trouble. He’ll be more inclined to take some chances with the two-possession deficit.

Third quarter, 4:13, Patriots 14-10: Devin McCourty might have had the quote of the week last week. When asked about the favorite part of his first career interception, he answered, “That I finally got one.” Well, now he’s got two. McCourty scooped up a ball that deflected off Percy Harvin and raced into Vikings territory.

Third quarter, 5:04, Patriots 14-10: Well, so much for that gun-slinging stuff. The Patriots went three-and-out for the third time, and the Vikings have some really good field position, as they’ll take over at the 50.

Third quarter, 6:08, Patriots 14-10: The Pats got the ball back at their own 9 after the Vikings stalled on offense. The Patriots can’t go for the kill shot here, but if they punch one into the end zone on this possession, they’d get themselves into Brett Favre’s gun-slinging territory.

Third quarter, 6:43, Patriots 14-10: The Patriots survived a major scare when cornerback Devin McCourty left the field for one play after getting his bell rung. McCourty went stride for stride with Percy Harvin down the right sideline and broke up a home-run pass, but the rookie hit his head on the ground afterward. McCourty was checked out by the medical staff and then re-entered the game after only missing one play. He was replaced by Darius Butler.

Third quarter, 7:59, Patriots 14-10: Nobody catches Brandon Tate in the open field. Nobody. Tom Brady was scrambling for his life, and Tate broke off his route to run up the left sideline. Brady lobbed up a picture-perfect pass to Tate, who caught it in stride and raced through the remnants of the Minnesota secondary for a 65-yard touchdown.

Third quarter, 9:33, Vikings 10-7: Ryan Longwell kicked a 24-yard field goal to give the Vikings their second lead of the game, but Randy Moss was the story on that drive. He caught an eight-yard pass — his first of the day — and was very loudly booed by the fans. Then, on Minnesota’s failed third-and-2, Moss was bumped at the line by Kyle Arrington, and then he completely stopped running his route when he saw two linebackers waiting over the middle for him.

Third quarter, 14:54, 7-7: Just to revisit Minnesota’s last possession, I can see going for it there on fourth down. The Vikings should have the mentality of, they have Adrian Peterson and should be able to get one yard whenever they need to, and there’s something to be said about that. However, the chance to grab a lead before the half really shouldn’t be overlooked, especially with the way the defense has been playing. Anyway, the Vikings start the third quarter with the ball at their own 27.

Halftime, 7-7: Tom Brady took a knee to run out the clock, which was an obvious choice with the Patriots backed up on their own 3-yard line. All in all, it wasn’t a great half for the Patriots, but they’ve got to be thrilled to head to the locker room with a tie score. The Pats’ offense looks a little dysfunctional, and they only had the ball for 10:29 in the first half. There’s just no running game to speak of against Minnesota’s stout wall, and the Patriots might want to consider taking their 2006 Vikings game plan and let Tom Brady chuck it from here on out.

As for the Vikings, well, they’ve predictably done a really good job when they’ve remained dedicated to utilizing Adrian Peterson, but Brad Childress has once again managed to forget about his true offensive star. It’s also extremely surprising the Vikings haven’t tried to get Randy Moss a touch, whether it’s with a quick screen or an end-around. Moss can’t find any room in the secondary, as the Patriots have sold out to make sure he doesn’t beat them.

Second quarter, 1:02, 7-7: Great defensive effort from the Patriots. On third and goal, Jonathan Wilhite and Jerod Mayo teamed up to tackle Toby Gerhart inside the 1-yard line, and Adrian Peterson was stuffed for a two-yard loss on a fourth-down play that took eternity to develop.

Second quarter, 6:21, 7-7: The Patriots went three-and-out again, and Zoltan Mesko banged out a 55-yard punt. Minnesota takes over at its 42-yard line. Let’s see if the Vikings ignore Adrian Peterson again on this drive.

Second quarter, 7:11, 7-7: Brett Favre’s intentional grounding penalty sabotaged the Vikings’ possession, and the Patriots take over at their own 7 after the punt. By the way, defenses have to love it when Toby Gerhart is in the game. After trying to take down Adrian Peterson, Gerhart must be as soft as a pillow.

Second quarter, 9:36, 7-7: So much for my diagnosis on Percy Harvin, who has magically recovered from a left ankle injury and returned to the game. I’ll stop playing doctor now.

Second quarter, 10:25, 7-7: Kevin Faulk is somewhere smiling. Danny Woodhead took the direct snap — after Tom Brady spun around looking for the ball, of course — and ran three yards up the gut for a touchdown to cap off an eight-play, 75-yard answer drive with a third-down score.

Second quarter, 14:57, Vikings 7-0: The ruling was upheld, much to the dismay of a ticked-off Gillette Stadium crowd, and Adrian Peterson was credited with a one-yard touchdown run. Again, it looked like Peterson probably came up short of the end zone, but it was difficult to rule definitively. If the ruling on the field went the other way, it’s unlikely it would have been reversed in that instance, too.

Second quarter, 14:57, 0-0: Bill Belichick threw his challenge flag about 15 yards after Adrian Peterson was awarded a touchdown on the first play of the quarter. It’s a really close call, and it looks like it might be too close to overturn, even though Peterson really might have been short of the goal line. Either way, it was a big play for Jerod Mayo, who collided mid-air with Peterson.

End of first quarter, 0-0: The Vikings are inches away from the end zone and have a second-and-goal coming up on the other side of the break. Minnesota is trying to take advantage of a personal foul that was called on Gary Guyton, who went helmet to helmet with Brett Favre. It didn’t look like an overly vicious hit, but that will likely cost Guyton some money. Also, Percy Harvin has a left ankle injury, and his return is questionable.

First quarter, 5:14, 0-0: Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin left the game with an ugly left knee or ankle injury. Legs aren’t supposed to bend that way, and Harvin very, very gingerly walked off the field with the help of team trainers. This looks like a long-term thing. From a football perspective, the Patriots can continue shading Randy Moss with a safety now that the Vikings’ most explosive receiver is gone.

First quarter, 6:06, 0-0: The Patriots quickly went three-and-out on their second possession, and the Vikings will take over at their own 24 after Zoltan Mesko’s 54-yard punt. Sergio Brown, who was lined up at right gunner, was flagged for a false start, which actually worked out because Mesko got off a really good punt on this windy day.

First quarter, 6:50, 0-0: Jerod Mayo stopped Adrian Peterson for a loss of two yards on third-and-1, and Randy Moss was held without a catch on Minnesota’s first possession. The Patriots have kept a safety over the top of Moss so far.

First quarter, 11:21, 0-0: The Patriots’ initial drive stalled after Alge Crumpler’s illegal procedure penalty wiped out a Danny Woodhead first down, and the Vikings’ offense was greeted with a loud round of boos. Brett Favre was shown on the video boards for that, so you can say the lack of love was for him.

First quarter, 14:54, 0-0: Brandon Tate returned the opening kickoff to the New England 18-yard line, and Tom Brady and the offense are in business.

4:14 p.m.: Brett Favre is starting his 292nd consecutive game, but that streak has to end eventually, right? How would you like to see that streak end? Rock the vote.

4:13 p.m.: The Vikings called heads and won the toss, and they elected to kick off to start the game.

4:10 p.m.: With the Jets falling at home to the Packers, the Patriots can take sole possession of first place in the AFC East with a victory against the Vikings.

4:05 p.m.: Brett Favre, Randy Moss and the Vikings have come out of the locker room for the final time before kickoff, and the Patriots are gathering for their grand entrance, as well.

3:54 p.m.: Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of the Patriots’ inactive list.

3:07 p.m.: Patrick Chung won’t be able to play Sunday against the Vikings. The Patriots announced their inactive list, and it includes Chung, running back Fred Taylor, safety Jarrad Page, wide receiver Matthew Slater, wide receiver Taylor Price, offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger, tackle Mark LeVoir and defensive lineman Kyle Love. More details will follow.

2:49 p.m.: The Vikings have announced Brett Favre is active and starting against the Patriots.

2:34 p.m.: Brett Favre is in the building, but he hasn’t set foot on the field yet. The inactive list will be announced in about 10 minutes, so we’ll know his status for certain then. Also, Deion Branch has been working out with the rest of the wide receivers, so he’s all set to go.

2:10 p.m.: Patrick Chung and Deion Branch have gone back into the locker room. After watching them loosen up with the training staff, my belief hasn’t changed. I think Branch is good to go, but I’m not 100 percent sure on Chung. Obviously, knee injuries are a little more alarming than hamstring issues. Also, Terrence Wheatley might have been loosening up earlier in case Chung can’t play Sunday. Wheatley could fill that slot role Chung sometimes plays, and he would add depth on special teams.

2:07 p.m.: Deion Branch is running routes, and Patrick Chung is backpedaling and breaking forward, simulating game movements. These are the types of stretches and drills that are typical for players who are true game-time decisions.

1:54 p.m.: Safety Patrick Chung is now on the field with Deion Branch and Harold Nash. Chung suffered a knee injury last week, missed Wednesday’s practice and was limited Thursday and Friday.

1:49 p.m.: Wide receiver Deion Branch is warming up on the field with assistant strength and conditioning coach Harold Nash. Branch is doing drills that are typical for players who are trying to loosen up their hamstring, and he appears to be in a good mood.

1:35 p.m.: Patriots cornerback Terrence Wheatley is jogging around the field and is the only player in sight right now. Wheatley has been inactive for all six games this season — five times after being listed with a foot injury — so this could potentially be an indication Wheatley will see his first action of 2010.

1:15 p.m.: It’s a beautiful day in Foxboro. It’s partly cloudy and a little windy, but it’s great football weather. Also, with the mid-afternoon kickoff, traffic was much heavier on the way into the stadium four hours before the game. It’s usually a pretty easy ride for the 1 p.m. starts, but Route 1 was slammed Sunday.

8 a.m.: There will be no shortage of star power at Gillette Stadium on Halloween, when the Patriots host the Vikings in one of the most high-profile games of the week.

Of course, Randy Moss‘ return to New England should have received top billing, but Brett Favre has seized the spotlight once again. Although, was there really any doubt over Favre’s ability to play Sunday?

In any event, keep it with NESN.com’s live blog throughout the day, as we’ll do our part to keep you up to date on everything that’s happening on Route 1.