A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 20-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings before 70,601 fans on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: Falcons running back Tevin Coleman burst into the secondary but had the ball popped out by Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr after a 46-yard run. Vikings safety Antone Exum Jr. recovered. It was Coleman's third big fumble of the season.
Turning point: Falcons defensive back Desmond Trufant was shielded by Minnesota wide receiver Mike Wallace, who was running back to the ball. On third-and-9 from the 16, Trufant was called for pass interference to move the ball to the 1-yard line. The Vikings' Adrian Peterson scored a play later. When it looked like the Falcons were going to hold the Vikings to a field goal, Trufant's mistake was costly.
Takeaway: Coleman has to work on his ball security skills. He's an exciting back, but the fumbling must stop.
Score: Vikings 7, Falcons 0.
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: After Coleman's fumble, Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen intercepted a Teddy Bridgewater pass in the end zone that was intended for tight end Kyle Rudolph to slow the Vikings.
Turning point: After the interception, the Falcons put together a 15-play, 67-yard drive that was capped by Shayne Graham kicking a 31-yard field goal. Instead of being down 14-0 if Bridgewater connected with Rudolph, the Falcons were back in the game at 7-3.
Takeaway: The run defense came to play. Running back Adrian Peterson was being controlled. But turnovers continued to stifle the Falcons' efforts as Matt Ryan was intercepted by Captain Munnerlyn late in the second quarter.
Score: Vikings 7, Falcons 3.
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: Ryan read the blitz up the middle and escaped the pocket to his left. He saw tight end Jacob Tamme in the end zone and tried to force it. Veteran cornerback Terence Newman intercepted the ill-advised pass. Ryan was roundly booed.
Turning point: Coleman scored on an apparent touchdown that would have put the Falcons up 10-7. But tight end Tony Moeaki was called for clipping on the backside of the run. A few plays later, Ryan threw the interception to Newman. Instead of the lead, the Falcons came away with no points. After Ryan's pick, the Vikings added a 29-yard field goal from Blair Walsh.
Takeaway: Ryan has become a turnover machine. He has 15 turnovers, including five interceptions over the past two games.
Score: Vikings 13, Falcons 3.
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Peterson's pounding runs started to take a toll on the Falcons' defense. He eventually broke free as the carries started to mount. He scored on a 35-yard touchdown run to cap a stellar day.
Turning point: The Falcons were able to add a cheap touchdown late on a Ryan-to-Nick-Williams 1-yard pass.
Takeaway: This once promising season is in tatters as the Falcons have dropped four in a row and are about to go on a three-game trip to Tampa Bay, Carolina and Jacksonville.
Score: Vikings 20, Falcons 10.
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