Falcons ready to soar over injury ravaged Vikings in Week 12 – NFL Preview
Atlanta Falcons will look to continue pressure on National Football Conference South leaders New Orleans Saints this week when they face off against a poor and injury ravaged Minnesota Vikings side at The Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Falcons come into this game on the back of a pragmatic performance as they did the basics to grab victory over an inconsistent Tennessee Titans side. The victory was a morale boost for Atlanta Falcons who needed a lift after a tragic 26-23 loss against bitter rivals New Orleans Saints in NFL game week 10 due to a poor decision by Coach Mike Smith.
Atlanta Falcons scored just two touchdowns in a 23-17 victory over Tennessee Titans and their struggles in getting the ball to the opposition’s end-zone is a cause for concern. Quarterback Matt Ryan also voiced the same apprehensions after practice
"When we get the ball in there close, we've got to score touchdowns," said Ryan. "That's something we'll work on and try to get better at this week."
"Once we get to the playoff-calibre teams, we've got to be able to put that ball in the end zone," said tight end Tony Gonzalez, "I think we will. We have the talent and we have the players and we have the execution to do it. But we haven't been able to do it."
Falcons however need not have much to worry about when they face Minnesota Vikings who will most likely miss their Star Running back Adrian Peterson and carry little to no threat for the playoff chasing Falcons side.
Atlanta are 6-4 this season and would look to quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner to provide the offensive momentum against a Vikings defence that gives away 259.4 passing yards per game. Ryan is tenth in the NFL quarterback rankings with 2,625 yards covered this season and has a 60.8% pass completion rate.
Vikings will not be much of a threat to Falcons as they continue to suffer injuries. The loss of Peterson is a huge blow as he is the only shining light in a poor season for Vikings. Toby Gerhart will play in place of Peterson if the running back does not make the game which looks highly likely since Coach Leslie Frazier is unlikely to take any risks with Peterson with Vikings out of the running for the playoffs.
With a 2-9 record this season Minnesota Vikings has only pride to play for. Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder has had a baptism of fire in the NFL throwing six interceptions this season and just completing 52.1% of passes and will need a big performance against Falcons if his team wants to get anything out of this game.
A Falcons victory on Sunday looks inevitable due to Vikings current struggles with form and injuries to key players and the NFC South franchise will hope to continue their quest to reclaim top spot from rivals New Orleans Saints in NFC South.
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