Week 13 game grades: Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Case Keenum
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Case Keenum
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 1: Jayron Kearse #27 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after recovering a punted ball in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears on January 1, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 1: Jayron Kearse #27 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after recovering a punted ball in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears on January 1, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings special teams’ grade: A-

The special teams of the Vikings did nothing extraordinary on Sunday, but they made key plays that won’t show up in the box score. The kick and punt coverage was excellent for the Vikings keeping the Falcons from getting any big plays.

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One of the gunners for the Vikings that was always downfield was Jayron Kearse. Kearse was able to close any lanes for the Falcon’s punt returner. It may seem like a little thing but it was huge as it kept the Falcons from getting good field position or changing momentum during the game.

Ryan Quigley was busy on Sunday with five punts for 225 yards. One of the punts was inside the 20-yard line and his longest punt was 51 yards.

Kai Forbath had only two extra point tries on Sunday but was able to make both of them. He has been struggling lately with misses or block kicks. So it was a good week for him and build some confidence heading into the last four weeks.

Next: Week 13 Ups and Downs vs Falcons

At the end of the day, the Vikings special teams did their job and help the Vikings get the win. They will play a big part over the next couple of weeks for the Vikings looking to get home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

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