vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Falcons pushing Vikings defense around, lead 7-0 after one quarter
Posted by: Mark Craig under Vikings, NFC, Vikings defense, E.J. Henderson Updated: November 27, 2011 - 12:56 PM
ATLANTA -- Moving one quarter closer to posting their worst start since the 1961 expansion season, the Vikings (2-8) got a lesson in physical, run-oriented football as the Falcons took a 7-0 lead after one quarter.
After exchanging three-and-outs to start the game, the Falcons overwhelmed the Vikings' defense physically during a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Bowling ball Michael Turner gashed the Vikings up the middle five times for 34 yards, setting up the final play, a 27-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Harry Douglas with 6:08 left in the quarter. Benny Sapp slipped in coverage as Douglas ran across the middle. Linebacker E.J. Henderson missed a tackle at the 15, and the safeties were nowhere to be seen after that.
The Vikings showed some life with Toby Gerhart picking up a first down on a reception on the ensuing drive. But the Vikings punted for a second time.
A possible injury note: cornerback Asher Allen was seen walking to the locker room. He has been replaced in the base defense by Benny Sapp. That puts Marcus Sherels in the nickelback role.
ADVERTISEMENT
recent posts
- With contract issues on hold, Jared Allen aiming to have big 2013
- Brian Urlacher retires, assuring he won't be Vikings middle linebacker
- NFL calendar change could push draft into May, combine into March
- Vikings' Chris Kluwe to sign with Oakland Raiders
- Vikings sign three more draft choices; only first-rounders left
- Hold off on buying that Urlacher jersey ...
- Vikings sign three draft picks; Chuck Muncie dies; Urlacher "rumored" to Vikings ...
- Access Vikings blog: ESPN's Bayless, Smith debate whether Ponder was as responsible for playoff run as Peterson (really)
- Bar to be higher for Ponder, lower for Peterson in 2013
- Dayton, PTI hosts question Vikings over Kluwe cut
- Vikings sign Mankato receiver Adam Thielen, tackle Brandon Keith
- Vikings make it official: Punter Chris Kluwe has been cut
- Vikings searching for best development plan for Cordarrelle Patterson
- Rookie Locke could have punter's job locked up by Monday
- Erin Henderson stepping into new role with 'more lead in my pencil'
- Ponder talks: Cassel, Harvin and a scary visit to the emergency room
- Vikings announce signings of 16 undrafted free agents
- Vikings sign defensive end Jackson, cornerback Lacey
- Craig blog: Vikings to give Cris Carter's son, Duron, a tryout
Post By Category
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters