Falcons...24 Vikings...17
MINNEAPOLIS — The Atlanta Falcons’ stunning turnaround season will roll on into the playoffs, thanks to Matt Ryan’s unflappable poise, Justin Blalock’s hustle and the generosity of the Minnesota Vikings.
Ryan threw for a touchdown and made no big mistakes, Blalock recovered a fumble in the end zone for another score and the Vikings committed four turnovers in Atlanta’s 24-17 win. Michael Turner rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown for the Falcons (10-5), who were 4-12 a year ago and ended the season without a head coach or a franchise quarterback.
With Mike Smith calling the shots and Ryan’s steady hand, Atlanta has that and more now.
Tarvaris Jackson played very well in his second straight start for the Vikings (9-6), who could have clinched their first division title since 2000.
Quoteworthy: “We set milestones and we’ve reached those milestones at a much quicker pace than we had anticipated.” -- Mike Smith, Falcons coach
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