It's likely they struggled to find an answer to Shiancoe because they entered the game focused on stopping Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher. While Shiancoe damaged the Falcons, Peterson failed to beat them. The Atlanta defense held Peterson to 76 yards and no touchdowns. The 76 yards were his second lowest rushing total of the season.
The Minnesota Vikings defense came to play, proving they are as good as advertised. They held Turner to 70 yards rushing in addition to his lone touchdown. Matt Ryan and the offense didn't have a great day, but they were patient and scored when opportunities presented themselves.
One of the unsung heroes in the season, offensive guard Justin Blalock, fresh off a timely recovered fumble from the hands of Ryan last week, came through again on Sunday.
Late in the third quarter on second-and-goal, Ryan, unable to find an open receiver, scrambled for the end zone. There was intent in his steps, and he looked determined to find the end zone.
Vikings linebacker Ben Leber met him at the one in a mid-air collision as Ryan was diving for the end zone. A hit that looked nastier than it was jarred the ball loose, and it bounced freely in the end zone. Blalock was there to recover it, and he recorded the first touchdown of his career. It was the first touchdown by a Falcons offensive lineman in 12 years.
Deep into the fourth quarter, Jackson and the Vikings were still within striking distance. As time wore on, Minnesota had to rely less on Peterson and more on Jackson's arm. Jackson used his legs a little to extend more than a few drives. The third-year quarterback ended the day with as many rushing yards as Peterson.
Following a touchdown pass to Shiancoe and a three-and-out by the Falcons, the Vikings took back over with just over two minutes remaining in the game, with an opportunity to tie the game with a touchdown.
After a first down conversion on second down, the Falcons turned up the pressure. They'd done a good job all day getting to Jackson, but his mobility allowed him to flee the pocket and occasionally make a play. On second down linebacker Keith Brooking burst into the backfield, narrowly missing a sack as Jackson threw an incompletion.
Then the player whose resiliency and fight have defined this team's defense came through one last time for Atlanta. Abraham surged around the corner to sack Jackson and force the seventh and final fumble. The Vikings recovered it, but the damage was done. Facing 4th-and-16, Jackson failed to complete a pass to wide receiver Sydney Rice, on the sideline and the game was over.
That incompletion fell at the feet of coach Smith. As the ball hit the ground he threw his hands in the air and his players began to rush to him, eager to congratulate, and quite possibly thank, him. As hugs were going around on the Atlanta sideline, everyone had that look—the look of a team headed to the playoffs.
In the locker room following the 24-17 win, safety Lawyer Milloy led a chant of, "We're not done." Considering all that Atlanta has overcome, you can't help but agree with Milloy. Surely this team is capable of accomplishing a lot more.
"This is the season of miracles," owner Arthur Blank said, describing the season-long turnaround of his team.
Will wonders never cease? The Atlanta Falcons are in the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on the Atlanta Falcons Examiner page. To view, go here.
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