How much stock can we put in this win?

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The Patriots beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-7 in an impressive performance. But how impressive was it really? The Vikings were missing their superstar, Adrian Peterson. The Vikings were definitely feeling Peterson's absence, but I'm going to tell you that it wouldn't have made much of a difference. The defense had quarterback Matt Cassel figured out, forcing 4 interceptions leading to 17 points for the Patriots. The Patriots also generated a ton of pressure, resulting in 6 sacks and a blocked field goal by Chandler Jones, which he returned for a touch down.

As good as AP is, he can't do everything. Maybe if he was playing, the Vikings would have made the game closer, but Petereson can't play quarterback. Matt Cassel made some bad decisions that lead to him being picked off 4 times and Adrian Peterson wouldn't have been able to help. I also don't think AP would have been able to block CHandler Jones on the field goal attempt that he returned for a touchdown. He would have helped take some of the pressure off Cassel and rushed for a couple of TD's in the process, but ultimately, the Patriots would have still won the game because the Patriots secondary had Cassel's number. We'll never really know what would have happened had AP played, but like I said, I think the Patriots would have still won.

Thoughts? Let me know on Twitter (@C_Frederick1016) or leave a comment.