The Minnesota Vikings moved into first place in the NFC North following their convincing 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, who have now lost five of their last six games after starting the season 5-0. Here's every you need to know from this afternoon's game:
Notes:
Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL. We've been awed by the play of LeSean McCoy and DeMarco Murray in recent years, but AP is showing that he's still the best back out there, rushing for 158 yards and two more touchdowns in this one. He now has 1,164 yards and eight touchdowns this year.
Matt Ryan's struggles continued, as he threw two interceptions in this one, giving him eight picks thrown in the past five games.
Minnesota's defense is quietly proving they're one of the best units in the league. Only two teams have scored more than 20 points against them this year, and this is the fourth time the Vikings have held an opponent to 14 points or less.
Quotes:
"If you play better than the other team, it doesn't matter where you play. We played with poise." - Zimmer
"It starts with me. I have to be better with decision-making." - Ryan on his recent poor play.
"We haven't pushed our limits to where we need to push them." - Falcons WR Roddy White on Atlanta's lack of urgency.
Observations:
Minnesota looks like a real threat in the NFC. At 8-3, the Vikings are in first place in the NFC North and are in position to grab the three-seed in the playoffs, giving them at least one home game in the postseason. They have a dominant defense, potent rushing attack, and a reliable passing game. This team certainly looks like they have what it takes to compete with the Panthers and Cardinals for a Super Bowl berth.
Atlanta's running game is in good hands. Rookie Tevin Coleman reeled off 110 yards on 18 carries while filling in for starter Devonta Freeman, who when on a huge tear of his own earlier this season. Considering that Freeman is in his second season, it looks like the Falcons have a running back duo that can carry them for the next decade.
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