Things got a little interesting in the fourth quarter but the Atlanta Falcons held on for a 24-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings to move to 7-4 on the season.
Minnesota cut the Atlanta lead to just three at 17-14 when Christian Ponder found Percy Harvin on a 39 yard scoring pass. Atlanta responded with a 9 play, 73 yard drive that resulted in a Matt Ryan to Michael Palmer touchdown to make the score 24-14. Percy Harvin then took the ensuing kick off and raced 104 yards on the kick return before being caught from behind at the Atlanta three yard line. Atlanta cornerback Chris Owens made the tackle and never quit on the play to prevent Harvin from scoring.
The Falcons' defense responded with a goal line stand that successfully that led to a turnover on downs for the Vikings and the Atlanta offense successfully ran the clock out.
Matt Ryan turned in another solid performance completing 27 of 34 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Roddy White continued his recent surge hauling in 10 catches for 120 yards and one touchdown. Tony Gonzalez finished with nine receptions for 69 yards. Michael Turner led the way on the ground with 60 yards on 19 carries.
Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder finished 17 of 25 for 186 yards and one touchdown. Toby Gerhart had a tough time in Adrian Peterson's absence running 17 times for 44 yards. Percy Harvin had a big day with eight catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.
The Falcons have now won two games in a row and travel to Houston next week to take on the Texans.
For more insights and analysis on the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic; for more insights and analysis on the Vikings, visit the SB Nation blog Daily Norseman.