Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan turned in a stellar performance against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, completing 27 of 34 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns.
His passer rating of 128.2 was his highest of the season. His previous best was 120.7 in a 31-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 6.
“I don’t put a whole lot of stock in the rating, but I thought we played efficiently,” Ryan said. “We kind of took what they gave us. That’s a good defense. Their front seven is as good as any in the NFL at stopping the run and getting after the pass. I thought our offensive line did a great job.”
The Falcons were 3 of 3 on their trips to the red zone against the Vikings; they were 3 of 10 in the previous two games against the Saints and the Titans.
“We used our short passing game today effectively, to kind of move the chains,” Ryan said. “Then we took some shots. I thought it was a good game plan.”
In addition to having success in the red zone, Ryan was elated with how the offense responded after Minnesota cut their 17-point lead to three points.
“We did a great job of getting those points when we needed them,” Ryan said.
Svitek starts for Baker
The Falcons started Will Svitek at left tackle, even though Sam Baker (back) was active and played on special teams. Baker started the first six games of the year at left tackle.
Svitek started the previous four games and did not give up a sack going against Detroit's Kyle Vanden Bosch, Indianapolis' Dwight Freeney, New Orleans' Will Smith and Tennessee's Jason Jones.
"In terms of putting together our 46-man roster every week, we're going to put our positions to open competition every week," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Will has been in there and has played well. In our minds, he gave us the best opportunity to win this week."
Svitek tried not to make a big deal out of the start.
“I don’t like to get caught up in that,” Svitek said. “I always work hard. I prepare like I’m a starter every week. It’s just good to be out there.”
Svitek doesn’t believe a weekly competition for the left-tackle spot will create a problem.
“Sam and I have a great relationship on and off the field,” Svitek said. “We always work with each other and help each other out. It’s just good to be playing.”
Svitek did not allow a sack to Minnesota's Jared Allen, who entered the game with 13.5 sacks, second in the league.
“When you’re going against Jared Allen, you’re definitely going to earn your money that week,” Svitek said. “He’s a great player and luckily he didn’t get any sacks today.”
Jones held without catch
Wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) started against the Vikings after he was injured against New Orleans and missed last week's game against Tennessee. He missed two games earlier this season with another hamstring injury.
Jones did not catch a pass in the game.
The Falcons' inactive players were cornerback Kelvin Hayden (dislocated toe), cornerback Darrin Walls, linebacker Spencer Adkins, center Brett Romberg, offensive linemen Kirk Chambers, defensive tackle Carlton Powell and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
Clock domination
The Falcons held a hefty advantage in time of possession against the Vikings, 34:39 to 25:21.
The Falcons entered the game ranked fourth in the league in average time of possession. They were averaging 32:06 per game, including 36:59 last week against Tennessee.
Injury report
Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) started the game, but left in the second quarter, while cornerback Dunta Robinson left the game, but returned to the action.
Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (thigh) left the game in the third quarter and did not return. Wide receiver Roddy White (shoulder) left the game, but returned.
Etc.
Minnesota linebacker Larry Dean, who played at Valdosta State and is from Tifton, had one tackle against the Falcons. ... Minnesota still leads the series 15-10. ... Allen had to long snap for the Vikings on punts and field goals after Cullen Loeffler left the game with a injury; Allen was a long snapper in college.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
