1. Can the Falcons continue to rush the passer? The pass rush showed signs of a pulse in the previous game, against Tampa Bay, when the defense had three sacks, seven quarterback hits and 12 hurries. They'll face a stiffer challenge in trying to get elusive Minnesota rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on the ground. "It was OK," defensive end Osi Umenyiora said of the pass rush against the Bucs. "It could be better. Obviously, everything starts with stopping the run. Once we stop the run, we have the rushers in here to be able to get to the quarterback."
2. Will the running attack help balance Matt Ryan's passing? The Falcons have averaged 121.3 yards rushing per game, which is up from 77.9 last season. The threat of the run helps the passing attack. Minnesota has given up 99.3 yards per game. Steven Jackson is head of the backfield committee and has averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Jacquizz Rodgers has averaged 3.9 yards per carry. Antone Smith averages 9.5 yards per carry. Jackson, Rodgers and Smith all have touchdown runs.
3. How will wide receiver/returner Devin Hester impact the game? The Vikings are very familiar with Hester, who played in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears." He's a talented football player," Falcons special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said. "It's amazing the things that he sees." Hester had a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Bucs to set an NFL record for returns for a touchdown, with 20. The Vikings did not kick away from Hester last season. "If we can get him clean after he runs off his first man, you have a chance for a score," Armstrong said.
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