MINNEAPOLIS –Sam Bradford has a number of times been called a "tough guy" by Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer, and he lived up to the label in Zimmer's absence Thursday night.
Bradford took a hard hit to the ribs by Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins shortly before halftime and left the field for the final two offensive plays of the quarter.
"I took a shot to the ribs," Bradford said. "I think it kind of knocked the wind out of me.
"I just came in at halftime, and I think just the time to take a deep breath after that, they were really a non-factor."
Bradford came back out for the second half of the game and finished the contest 32-of-45 passing for 247 yards and a touchdown. His passer rating was 91.6.
Bradford and the Vikings offense moved the ball and sustained drives, maintaining possession for 33:17, but were unable to score touchdowns on two of three visits to the red zone.
Kicker Kai Forbath contributed three field goals for Minnesota, including a 48-yarder for his first score of the night.
Following the game, Bradford said settling for field goals rather than touchdowns was the difference maker that determined **Dallas’ 17-15 win** to improve to 11-1 on the season.
"I thought we moved the ball well at times tonight, but we just continue to shoot ourselves in the foot with penalties, especially in the red zone," Bradford said.
He added that it's especially frustrating because red zone execution is an emphasis each and every week at practice and in the meeting rooms.
"No penalties, no negative plays, no sacks when you're in the red zone," Bradford said. "It's a crucial area. When we get down there, we've got to score touchdowns, not field goals. You know, it came back to bite us tonight."
Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer, who served as interim head coach after Zimmer underwent emergency eye surgery Wednesday night, echoed Bradford's thoughts.
"The points for field goals are great; they're important," Priefer said. "But at the end of the day we have to score touchdowns to win games."
Priefer said he was impressed not only by Bradford's ability to play under pressure but also by his willingness to move out of the pocket and gain ground himself when necessary.
In Minnesota's first drive of the third quarter, the Vikings were faced with tight Dallas coverage in a third-and-5 situation. When Bradford was unable to find a viable target, he tucked the ball and ran, gaining 10 yards and a first down.
"I thought he did a great job scrambling for us and getting a huge first down," Priefer said. "And then driving us down at the end of the game, giving us a chance to at least tie the game at the end."
Bradford led the Vikings on their only touchdown drive of the game in the final two minutes. On second-and-2 with just 30 seconds remaining, he completed a short pass to running back Jerick McKinnon, who found the end zone.
Minnesota then lined up at the Cowboys 2 for a two-point conversion attempt. Offensive tackle Jeremiah Sirles was penalized for a false start, driving the line of scrimmage back five yards, and Bradford made one final pass in an effort to tie the game.
Despite replays that showed Cowboys tackle Cedric Thornton make two-handed contact to Bradford's helmet and facemask, no penalties were called.
Following the game, Bradford was asked by media members if he had been given an explanation by the official on the non-call.
"He told me that I did not get hit in the facemask," Bradford recounted.
A number of Vikings said following the loss that they will continue to fight and hope to finish the final four games of the season strong. The team will now have a 10-day break before its next game at Jacksonville on Dec. 11, which Bradford said is a welcome time to recoup and refocus.
"Obviously, it's been a tough stretch for us here," Bradford said. "I think there's still a lot ahead of us, but there's a lot of improvements that we've got to make."
Priefer believes that the Vikings are on the verge of turning a corner with Bradford at the helm of the offense.
"I think we're getting close," Priefer said. "And with the leadership that Sam provides on the offense, the more I see him play, the tougher I know he is."
