Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings: Final Thoughts
The Atlanta Falcons (6-4) host the Minnesota Vikings (7-3) in a big NFC battle. Here’s my final thoughts.
This is it. Time to get the issues on offense fixed. Losing last week hurt, but at least it was to an AFC opponent. The Atlanta Falcons can’t afford another slip up at home, especially against a playoff rival.
The Minnesota Vikings are a very good football team, and they have lost just once in their past six games. After getting well beaten by Green Bay last week, they are looking to bounce back and take a grip at the top of the NFC North.
It starts and ends with Peterson
The Falcons’ chances in this game starts and ends with the success of Adrian Peterson. If he is able to hit his stride, wear down the defense and then hit a big play like he did against Oakland two weeks ago, the Vikings will win. If he is held to a total closer to the 45 yards he was limited to last week, the Falcons will win.
I truly believe the Falcons will win if they can hold Peterson to 100 yards or less. That’s no easy task, but it’s possible. When he can’t move the ball, the Vikings offense struggles.
The turnover battle is crucial
Turnovers have killed Atlanta in almost every loss. It was the difference against Tampa Bay and Indianapolis, and it almost cost them in Tennessee. Matt Ryan can’t throw it to the Vikings, and he definitely can’t afford to throw a pick-six like he did last week.
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On the flip side, taking away the football is key too. Adrian Peterson has fumbled five times this year, and did so at a critical time last week against the Packers. Win the turnover battle and the Falcons have a great shot.
Time for Tevin
Devonta Freeman is out of this game with a concussion which is concerning for the Falcons. They looked lost without him last week, and rookie Tevin Coleman will need to start well against Minnesota.
He’s certainly capable. Coleman started the season at running back and rushed 20 times for 80 yards against Philadelphia in the season opener. He found the end zone for the first time a week later, but exited the game shortly after with a ribs injury. Freeman got his shot and never looked back.
Now the shoe is on the other foot, and Coleman has a chance to show Dan Quinn why he deserves some more touches.
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