Game Recap:
Atlanta's road woes continued Sunday in Minnesota as the Vikings put up 558 yards of offense in a 41-28 victory over the Falcons. Vikings' rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, making his first-ever NFL start, put up 317 yards passing, while Atlanta's defense surrendered 241 yards rushing to a team that was averaging less than 100-yards per game on the ground. But twisting the dagger even further was a spate of injuries suffered by Falcons starters throughout the game.
Atlanta lost three starting offensive linemen - OG Justin Blalock (back), OT Lamar Holmes (foot) and C Joe Hawley (knee) - and had to resort to playing tight end Levine Toilolo at right tackle for much of the second half. Defensively, safety William Moore left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury and was clearly missed as Minnesota's offense rolled up 351 yards enroute to a 24-14 halftime lead.
The Falcons fought back in the second half and at one point took a 28-27 lead late in the third quarter after a bruising 48-yard run by Antone Smith. As the fourth quarter began, it appeared Ryan - who was razor sharp through three quarters - would add to his impressive tally of come-from-behind victories. But the inability of the Falcons' defense to contain the Vikings running game and two late fourth quarter Ryan interceptions snuffed any chance of stealing a win in Minnesota.
With the loss, the Falcons (2-2) spoiled a chance to take sole possession of the NFC South lead but still sit tied atop the division with the Carolina Panthers (2-2), who were blown out in Baltimore, 38-10. New Orleans (1-2) could join Atlanta and Carolina for a three-way deadlock on top of the division with a win on Sunday Night Football tonight in Dallas. Tampa Bay (1-3) shook off last week's 42-point loss to Atlanta and shocked the heavily-favored Steelers at Heinz Field with a 27-24 win.
The 2-2 Falcons head to the Meadowlands next Sunday for an NFC showdown against the 2-2 New York Giants, winners of two straight.
Depth Chart
View the Falcons unofficial depth chart, click here.
Starters and Inactives
Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas is inactive for today's game at Minnesota and will not play after being listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, click here for the complete list.
Inury Report
There was positive news on the first injury report of Week 4 as wide receiver Roddy White returned to limited participation after not practicing at all last week and Harry Douglas showed no ill effects from a foot injury, practicing fully Wednesday., click here for the complete injury report.
Tickets
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News
- Injuries Plague Falcons in Loss to Vikings
- Five Things: Vikings 41, Falcons 28
- Holmes Exits Game with Foot Injury
- Falcons-Bears Flexed to 4:25 p.m. Kickoff
- Blalock Suffers Back Injury, Return is Questionable
- White Ties Franchise Record for TD Catches
- Moore Leaves Game with Shoulder Injury
- By The Numbers: Falcons at Vikings
Video
- Can't Miss Play: Hester Won't Be Denied
- Can't Miss Play: Smith's 48-yard House Call
- Can't Miss Play: White Ties TD Record
- Postgame Press Pass: Falcons at Vikings
- Quick Takes: Injuries Mount In Vikings Loss
- Video Highlights: Vikings Overwhelm Falcons, 41-28
Photos
- Gameday: Falcons at Vikings
News
- Game Preview: Falcons at Vikings
- White: Jones to be the best WR in the NFL
- White 'Ready to Roll' for SUnday vs. Vikings
- Time Machine: Making A Case for Canton
- Falcons-Vikings Game Kicks Up Memories
- Transcripts: Smith, Ryan Press Interviews
- White Limited in Week 4's First Practice
- Ryan Focused on Vikings Defense, Not Awards
- Worrilow Maintains Humility in Year 2 Success
- Falcons Play 60 with Local Students
- That One Time Hester Raced a Cheetah and Won
- Falcons Make Practice Squad Moves
- Ask the Expert: Minn. Star Tribune's Jim Souhan
- Freeman Wears No. 24 With a Purpose
- Falcons Preparing for Bridgewater-Asiata Duo
Video
- Thursday Press Pass: Falcons at Vikings
- Jones Credits Teammates for Success
- Precisely Played: Devin Hester
- Smith Impressed by Team's Progress
- Score With Equifax Fantasy Show: Week Four
- Wednesday Press Pass: Falcons at Vikings
- Ryan Emphasizes Third Down Efficiency
- A Bond of Brothers
- Tuesday Press Pass: Coordinators
- Mic'd Up: Paul Worrilow
- What's Brewin': Robert McClain
- Smith Unfazed by Vikings QB Change
- Social Media Minute: Falcons at Vikings
Photos
- Falcons at Work - September 25
- Throwback Thursday: 1998 NFC Championship
- White, Pascoe Join Garth Brooks for Football Camp
- Falcons at Work - September 24
- First Down for Fitness Kickoff Event
- Storylines: Falcons at Vikings
- Falcons at Work - September 22
- Falcons Hit the Road to Minnesota
- Sixteen Players to Watch: Falcons at Vikings