DON'T MAKE IT TWO LOSSES: Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer stressed his players can't continue to hang their heads over a 30-13 loss last Sunday to Green Bay and have it affect them against the Falcons. It appeared that by Wednesday's practice, the Vikings (7-3) had left the defeat behind them. Then on Thursday, they moved back into first place in the NFC North after the Packers (7-4) lost at home to Chicago. They also, though, have to avoid feeling too good about that.
KEEPING TEDDY CLEAN: Vkings offensive linemen talk about "keeping Teddy clean,'' but he has hardly been spotless lately.