Vikings are at Atlanta today

Did the Minnesota Vikings turn the corner with their Week 3 victory against the New Orleans Saints?

Not quite.
By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com

The game was extremely important for the confidence of Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who found his groove with three touchdown passes against the Saints. However, the Vikings still have some improving to do, and the Falcons are a much better opponent than the Saints.

Atlanta's defensive front seven should have little problem shutting down the Vikings running game by getting good penetration into the backfield and stopping several plays before they can even get started. As a result, Culpepper will have to carry the offensive load against a relentless Falcons pass rush that should force him into the interceptions and other mistakes he was making through a disastrous 0-2 start.

The Falcons also can count on strong special-teams play that figures to consistently give Minnesota's offense bad drive starts, which will only place greater pressure on Culpepper.

That should leave Atlanta's offense with favorable field position on which it is able to capitalize with a strong running game and some big plays Michael Vick will make with his feet and throwing arm.


W L T Pct PF PA

Detroit 1 1 0 .500 23 41

Chicago 1 2 0 .333 52 39

Minnesota 1 2 0 .333 54 77

Green Bay 0 3 0 . 000 43 60