Patriots defense has way with Vikings, Cassel

MINNEAPOLIS — Takeaways from the New England Patriots' 30-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings:

What happened: Vikings QB Matt Cassel threw four interceptions, three of them setting up New England scores and bringing chants for rookie backup QB Teddy Bridgewater from a frustrated crowd of 52,350 at TCF Bank Stadium. Two of the picks came during the first half, in which the Patriots (1-1) trailed 7-0 before taking control. Chandler Jones blocked a field goal and returned it 57 yards for a TD that gave New England a 24-7 lead and all the momentum heading into the locker room. It didn't get much better for the Vikings (1-1) or the ex-Pat Cassel, who was intercepted again by CB Logan Ryan with 9:34 to go in the third quarter, setting up a New England field goal and bringing on the first chants of "TED-DY!" A fourth interception bonked off the helmet of RB Matt Asiata — starting in place of star RB Adrian Peterson, who was inactive — and into the hands of DL Dominique Easley. It was a defensively driven victory for the Patriots, who rebounded from last week's surprise defeat at Miami.

What we'll be talking about: What happens from here with Peterson, who was indicted on a charge of injury to a child? The Vikings weren't expected to reveal any decision about his status Sunday. They surely would like to give the 2012 NFL MVP the benefit of the doubt and let him help an offense that didn't do much right Sunday. But immense public scrutiny of any situations involving allegations of family violence in light of the Ray Rice mess complicates the decision. More light is likely to be shed on their plan Monday.

What's next: The Vikings continue their run of games against top quarterbacks next Sunday, visiting Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. The Patriots return home to face the Oakland Raiders.

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