Los Angeles Times

Minnesota wins Hall of Fame game

- Associated press

In preseason opener, Mike Kafka and Joe Banyard make conspicuou­s plays for Vikings.

Backup quarterbac­k Mike Kafka threw a touchdown pass and running back Joe Banyard ran for another score to help the Minnesota Vikings beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 14-3, on Sunday night in the Hall of Fame game at Canton, Ohio.

Most of the regulars watched from the sidelines in the annual exhibition opener, including Adrian Peterson and Ben Roethlisbe­rger.

Minnesota quarterbac­k Teddy Bridgewate­r completed five of six passes for 44 yards in his one series of work.

Landry Jones completed 15 of 32 passes for 128 yards and an intercepti­on while taking nearly every Pittsburgh snap. He led the Steelers’ only scoring drive of the half, finding Shakim Phillips for a 35-yard strike that set up a 36-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham.

Kafka took advantage of a blown coverage to connect with MyCole Pruitt for an easy 34-yard TD strike 4 minutes 20 seconds left in the first half.

The Vikings extended the lead midway through the third quarter after a 62-yard punt return by Stefon Diggs, tripped up just short of the goal line. One play later, Banyard strolled into the end zone to make it 14-3.

David’s new pact

Lavonte David and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a five-year, $50.25million contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid linebacker­s in the NFL. More than $25 million of the deal is guaranteed.

David, entering his fourth season, is the only player in the league with 10 or more sacks and six-plus intercepti­ons over the past three seasons. The 25-yearold was an All-Pro in 2013, when he had seven sacks and five intercepti­ons.

Etc.

The Buffalo Bills signed cornerback Nickell Robey to a contract extension. Terms were not disclosed. ... Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson was carted off the practice field at Spartanbur­g, S.C., because of a left ankle injury. Coach Ron Rivera said he doesn’t believe the injury is serious. Johnson is the team’s top pass rusher.

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