Atlanta Falcons have a history of big wins in Minnesota

The Atlanta Falcons are currently on the losing end of the series record against the Minnesota Vikings. They’ve dropped 19 and won 11 dating back to their first matchup in 1966.

Over the past five games, the Vikings have featured four quarterbacks: Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater, Caleb Ponder, and Tarvaris Jackson. The Atlanta Falcons have featured just one, Matt Ryan. Talk about durability and excellence.

But something about playing in Minnesota brings out magic for Atlanta when they need it the most. So let’s take a look back at their top three moments. And I’m sure you know which ones we’re referring to.

December 1, 2002: Mike Vick’s Overtime Run

It remains unbelievable every time you watch it. A sophomore quarterback splitting two NFL defenders causing a collision between the two. It shows up in every Vick highlight, Falcons reel, and just best runs in general. Vick iced the game and that was one of the first times people started to realize just how special this man’s talent truly was.

December 21, 2008: Matt Clinches First Playoff Spot

This win lacked the highlight plays and magnitude of the game that will take the top spot, but it was franchise changing. Matt Ryan’s rookie year and the year after Bobby Petrino disgracefully quit on the team, Mike Smith took his guys up to the tundra. Playing against a solid Vikings team looking to clinch a division title, the Falcons stole the show. Pulling out a 24 to 17 win, the Falcons were headed back to the playoffs.

It was a rebounding moment, a settling one. That the Matt Ryan era may not be so bad. It’s hard to replace the excitement number seven brought to the field, but here you saw a franchise quarterback in the making.The moment could’ve been too big but Ryan was steady and with the help of Michael Turner, a bitter taste in Falcons fans’ mouths started to turn sweet.

January 17, 1999: Going To The Super Bowl

It’s the kick. It’s the Dirty Bird. It’s the first time the Atlanta franchise got the chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy. Well before Twitter highlights and Instagram were a thing, Morten Andersen was carrying a team on his left foot.

The NFC championship that year, proved to be the only time for the next 17 years that Atlanta would taste victory on that stage. And while they would go on to lose in the big game, it set off a pattern of big wins on Minnesota’s turf.

Hence, the Minnesota magic. The Falcons will need to dig in that pot once again to pull out a win come Sunday. And this by quite a few metrics, the most talented team- both players and coaching staff- they will take up north.