Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings: Tale of the tape

The offenses

Statistics don’t always tell the full story, and this is absolutely the case for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are No. 4 in total offense, No. 5 in pass offense and No. 14 in run offense. Yet anybody who has watched the team play the past month will tell you, they haven’t played to that level.

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The talent is there. Between Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman (who is currently out with a concussion), the Falcons have the playmakers to hurt defenses. But of late, it hasn’t happened. Costly turnovers and poor execution has played a huge role in the Falcons’ dramatic decline.

The Vikings have been committed to the run this year, and it’s paid off. Minnesota owns the No. 3 rushing attack, but has struggled to throw the football with the No. 30 passing offense. The key for the Falcons is to shut down Adrian Peterson, as this is what makes the Vikings vulnerable.

Last week, the Green Bay Packers held Peterson to just 45 yards. The result? A poor offensive display in a 30-13 defeat at home. The Falcons will need to follow a similar blueprint.

Next: The defenses