The Falcons just don’t match up well with the Vikings. The Falcons are trying open up the offense more through the air and that’s the best plan of attacking a Vikings’ defense that just doesn’t give up any rushing yards to anyone. The Vikings have a good set of DBs in CBs Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin and safeties Dwight Smith and Darren Sharper and they match up very well against Joe Horn and the rejects (Roddy White & Michael Jenkins). Look for Darren Sharper and Dwight Smith to shut down Alge Crumpler in the passing game. The Falcons running game was so good last season because of Michael Vick and he’s no longer around. The rushing yards will be hard for the Falcons to come by as DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams are hard to move. Also MLB E.J. Henderson is an assassin in the running game when running free which he will likely be doing against the Falcons. Look for Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood to each have long days against the Vikings on Sunday.
The Vikings are going to be very vanilla on offense as they are going to run the football. The Falcons do have the size in the middle to challenge the offensive line of the Vikings with DTs Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson. Also, MLB Keith Brooking is all over the football field and he will likely be dealing with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor on a lot of power runs. OLBs Demorrio Williams and Michael Boley must contain the running backs on outside runs or the Falcons will be in for a long day. Falcons strong safety Lawyer Milloy is a good run defender and the front seven of the Falcons defense will need his help. The Falcons do have a nice set of pass rushing ends in RE John Abraham and LE rookie Jamaal Anderson but Vikings’ QB Tavaris Jackson will not be passing much. CB DeAngelo Hall who is outstanding in coverage will be negated by the fact that the Vikings don’t throw and they have no #1 WR. Get used to seeing the Vikings run to the left behind tackle Bryant McKinnie and guard Steve Hutchinson because the Falcons won’t likely be able to stop them from doing it.
PREDICTION: The Falcons are a mess right now and Coach Petrino will wish he was back coaching at Louisville after this game. Look for a low scoring, boring football game that the Vikings will win.
