Maybe the loss to Green Bay was just an aberration for the Minnesota Vikings. One week after getting waxed by the Packers, the Vikes traveled south to Atlanta, nutted up, and gutted out a much-needed win.
For Minnesota the recipe is simple: ride Adrian Peterson like the bell cow, working man’s back that he is; alleviate as much stress from Teddy Bridgewater as possible; and allow a stout defense to do pin down opponents. It’s Black and Blue Division Football. It’s Mike Zimmer Football.
As Peterson goes, so too do the Vikings – and we saw as much over the past two weeks. Peterson’s ground game was neutered against the Packers, and the Vikings fell in spectacularly unimpressive fashion. Then, against a Falcons team desperately needing a win, Peterson rips 158 yards and the team finds the W.
While the victory may look less than stellar on paper – yeah, Atlanta is a “meh” team – Sunday’s win on the road was monumental for Minnesota. They went into the hive of a team needing a win for its playoff life and effectively cut the head of Atlanta’s postseason dreams. That killer instinct will prove worthwhile for Minnesota as the team now attempts to hold on to the top spot in the NFC North.
Now, if only they can get a little help for Peterson (just as a Plan B).
Next: 5. Denver Broncos