Atlanta -
Sometimes, like on Sunday, the Vikings seem to win merely by physically battering the opponent into submission.
Once again on Sunday, the Vikings' passing game was cautious and rudimentary, and once again that didn't matter much as they beat Atlanta, 20-10, to take a full-game lead in the NFC North.
This team is probably going to the playoffs. The question is whether their passing game will be ready for playoff football.
Teddy Bridgewater continues to by cautious. Just like in the days of Christian Ponder, the Vikings rely on Adrian Peterson for their biggest plays. That has gotten the Vikings to 8-3. Can that formula work against good teams? Well, appearances aside, the Falcons were 6-4 before Sunday.
But the Falcons have lost four in a row and quarterback Matt Ryan is not throwing with any authority.
By playing a safety deep on Julio Jones' side of the field, the Vikings took away the Falcons' best chance to make big plays. After a few early bursts by Tevin Coleman - one of which was ruined by Anthony Barr punching the ball out for a fumble - the Vikings defense rarely looked challenged.
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This is a quick postgame blog. My game column will be up later at startribune.com and in the Monday paper.
Thanks.
@Souhanstrib
