The Minnesota Vikings defense was supurb on Sunday, as they ran back two interceptions for touchdowns, in a 24 -3 Viking victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
The Minnesota Vikings defense showed they can defend against the pass rush, as they ran back two interceptions for touchdowns, sacked Joey Harrington, sixtimes, and held the Atlanta Falcons to 169 passing yards. Minnesota did even better against the rush, as they forced one fumble, and held the Atlanta to just 69 rushing yards.
The Vikings first interception came from Kevin Williams, who ran it back for a 54 yard touchdown, giving Minnesota an early 7-0 lead. Minnesota's other defensive touchdown came at 12:33 of the fourth quarter, when Antone Winfield picked off Joey Harrington for the second and final time of the afternoon. Winfield ran it back a 14 yard touchdown, to seal the Viking victory. The Vikings also recorded six sacks on the game, two from E. J. Henderson, two from Brian Robinson, one from Spencer Johnson, and one from Kenechi Udez. Udez, who did not record a sack all last year, got that burden off his back, and sacked Harrington with .01 left on the play clock. Udez's sack proved why "you play every down." Coach Childress also gave Udez a game ball for his efforts on the field.
The Vikings offense showed some signs of hope for this season. With a raw young quarterback like Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota's passing game went for only 169 yards on 23 attempts and 13 completions. The Vikings also scored their first offensive touchdown this season, with a Tarvaris Jackson 60 yard swing pass to rookie Adrian Peterson. This marked Peterson's first career touchdown, and capped off what was a great game for the Vikings newest young stud. Peterson also had 19 rushes for 103 yards in his first game of the season. Chester Taylor had 3 carries for 18 yards, but left the game in the first quarter with a bruised hip. Minnesota's offense also contributed a field goal from Ryan Longwell with 13:45 left in the third quarter.
The Vikings did well on both sides of the ball in week one. This was definitely not a prefect game for Minnesota, but rather a "blueprint" on their season. The Vikings powerful defense will keep most teams from scoring 28-35 points all season long. Minnesota will have a great number of lower scoring games, but will need more help this season from the offense than they had last year. The offense will have to contribute more than just one touchdown and a field goal every week. Minnesota can not depend on their defense to score two touchdowns a game, but will have the good fortune of a defense who can and will get them big plays.
Look for this Viking offense to improve every week. With all the young talent that will develop as this season progresses like Tarvaris Jackson (13/23/163) and one touchdown, Adrian Peterson (1rec/60yrds) and (19 att/103yrds), Sydney Rice (2 rec/10yrds), and Bobby Wade (1rec/28yrds), Minnesota's offense has the potential to contribute a lot this season. I am definitely not saying they will be stellar, but they will be much more improved than last year.
The Vikings will now travel to Detroit to take on Jay Kitna and his Lions.
The Vikings and Lions division rivalry will be a huge step in this early season. A Viking win will boost them in their division, and see if they can separate themselves from the rest of the pack with an early lead. This will be one of two road trips in the Vikings first three games.
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!
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