Minnesota Vikings

Season Record: 1-0

Offensive Gameplan:

Rookie RB sensation, Adrian Peterson provided that same spark for the Vikings that made him one of the most feared runners in all of college football for the last 3 years.  Peterson rushed for 103 yards on 19 carries and also caught one pass for 60 yards and his first NFL touchdown.  The Vikings offensive line should get most of the credit for not allowing a Falcon defender to touch QB Tavarris Jackson and for also paving the way for the Vikings to average 5.1 per carry on the ground.  Tavarris Jackson played well on Sunday and showed the athletic ability and decision making to be an effective starter for the Vikings.  All around, the Vikings offense played solidly but they have to improve their 3rd down conversion rate (3-9 on third downs).

Defensive Gameplan:

Coming into the game we knew that the Vikings had an fast, aggressive defense that can create turnovers; and they did just that against the Falcons.  The Vikings defensive gameplan was to get after Joey Harrington early and often.  They accomplished both goals to the tune of 6 sacks and forcing 2 interceptions.  DT Pat Williams and CB Antoine Winfield both had an interception and both were returned for touchdowns.  The Vikings were able to get a stellar game from LB E.J. Henderson, who was second on the team with 8 tackles and he also chipped in with two sacks.  Minnesota is a great tackling football team; 62 of the total 76 tackles were solo.  I was really impressed with what I say out of second year man LB Chad Greenway.  Give credit to the Vikings scouting department for making that selection in the draft last year.  This guy is a player!  What we saw yesterday was the maturation of a defense that could be one of the top, not just in the NFC, but in the entire league.

Who stepped up?

• Tavarris Jackson: Although he didn't have spectacular numbers, the way Jackson handled himself during the game was impressive.  Jackson managed the offense well and showed the potential to get better as the season progresses.  He also didn't make the costly mistakes that his counterpart made all game.
  
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• Sept. 16, @ Detroit: Detroit played an okay game against the Oakland Raiders in a 36-21 victory.  The Vikings defeated the Lions twice last season and look to make it three in a row on Sunday.  It will be interesting to see how Detroit will try to run the ball against this tough front four that held the Falcons to 96 yards rushing.
  

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Gameball Goes to......

• Vikings Offensive Line: I could have given the game ball Adrian Peterson or Kevin Williams, but to not give up a sack in the 1st game of the season (which is pretty much the 5th preseason game) is very impressive.  The line also gave the running backs avenues to run through and just physically dominated the Falcons all game.

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