The postseason is two weeks away, but last week’s win over Tampa Bay was essentially a playoff game. It’s the same scenario this week up north as the Birds travel to Minneapolis, where the Minnesota Vikings await. For the Vikes, this is a pivotal game as well, as they currently lead the NFC North by a mere one game over the surging Chicago Bears. Minnesota needs to win its division to ensure a playoff berth, as a wild card slot looks unlikely otherwise. The Cowboys’ (9-6) playoff hopes took a hit with their loss to the Ravens last night, and now the Falcons control their own destiny in regards to earning one of two wild card spots. Here are a few keys to a win and a giant leap closer to a postseason appearance.
CONTAIN PETERSON
There is one running back in the NFL that has rushed for more yards than Michael Turner this season. Unfortunately for the Falcons defense, that back will be lining up across from them on Sunday. Adrian Peterson leads the league in rushing with 1,581 yards and has seen his name thrown around regarding an MVP award.
Clearly, stopping him will be no easy task. Peterson is a big-play machine, breaking runs of 20-plus yards in each of his last eight games. The Vikings aren’t much of a passing team, so expect Atlanta to pack the box and throw everything at Peterson, something many teams have tried but been unsuccessful.
RYAN’S TURN
The Vikings have the top rush defense in the league. And while the run game has had some success against the league’s better run defense, it will likely be Matt Ryan who will have to shoulder the load offensively. With the 22nd-ranked pass defense across the way, this is Ryan’s chance to break out on the big stage and prove that he’s not just great for a rookie, but a great quarterback by any measure.
If the offense is moving the football, look for another 100-yard game from Roddy White and for Ryan to put up big numbers. If those two can get it going, the Falcons will have a chance to get Turner and Jerious Norwood rolling in the backfield, too. And when Atlanta’s offense is firing on cylinders, there aren’t many defenses that can contain it.
DO WHAT YOU DO
So what if the Vikings are the favorites? Atlanta should be used to being the underdogs by now. However, when you look at the way that these two teams matchup, the road team should surely have some matchups it likes.
First there’s the prospect of Roddy White and Michael Jenkins going head-to-head with struggling corners Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield. Don’t forget John Abraham coming off the ends to harass a shaky quarterback in Tarvaris Jackson. The Vikings are banged up, too. Defensive tackle Pat Williams is out for the rest of the regular season with a shoulder injury, and Peterson is nursing an ankle injury.
While the Falcons may not be favored in Vegas, there is no reason to believe that they won’t win this game if they play to their strengths. Atlanta hasn’t always done that on the road this season, but if the Falcons can keep their focus and limit the rushing game, they should head into Week 17 with a gaudy record of 10-5.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
Loading ...
