Nov 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands the ball off to running back Tevin Coleman (26) in the first quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The Good
- Run defense established early. Atlanta opened the game with three straight runs, but ended up having to punt the ball away after not gaining 10 yards on the series. If they can take away the run, Atlanta becomes one-dimensional. But that other part of the game has Julio Jones.
- Teddy Bridgewater making quick, accurate throws. Setting the tone for this game was easy. Once Adrian knocked out a first down run, play action opened up some great mid range passes, with other completions coming on screens. This is exactly what the game plan should be every week.
- Anthony Barr is a machine. He tracked down Tevin Coleman on a play where Antone Exum was struggling to close in and punched the ball out, allowing Exum to recover. Barr is an absolute stud and should be a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings defense for a long time.
- Letting Adrian Peterson do the work. It’s weird to rely on an older running back against the #1 ranked run defense in the NFL. However, when that running back’s name is Adrian Peterson, it isn’t all that strange. He’s a dominating running back who can be the centerpiece of the offense.
- Ugly games can be wins too. Let’s be honest, this was another game that could have been much different. If not for a clipping call on an Atlanta touchdown and a punched out Coleman fumble, the momentum of the game could have been much different. Instead, this team kept its composure and methodically worked out a win.
Next: The Bad