By Jason McDonald
It doesn't take a seasoned analyst to describe what took place as the Atlanta Falcons (3-1) offense ran roughshod over the Minnesota Vikings(1-3) 30-10.
The victory nearly came at a large price. With 8:05 minutes left in the first half Michael Vick was helped off to the sidelines having led the Falcons to two touchdowns. The preliminary diagnosis indicated a possible knee strain. Both Head coach Jim Mora and Michael Vick gave the all clear following the game. "It feels fine" Vick announced almost immediately upon taking the podium. "I'll be ready to play next week knowing the way it feels right now" he assured.
Michael Vick didn't shy away from the talk of the injury in relation to the plight the Falcons faced after his broken leg sidelined him in 2003. "It's football and its a rough game and things are going to happen. You are going to have your marquee players get hurt." voiced an obviously determined Vick.
A healthy Vick and a healthy running game has the Falcons one-game out of first in the NFC South behind conference rival Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers stayed unbeaten with a win over the struggling Detroit Lions.
Warrick Dunn put his stamp on the game with a spectacular 37 yard touchdown run and 126 yard game performance.
Vikings linebacker Sam Cowart showed few signs of the knee injury that had him listed as probable for the game. The veteran middle linebacker led the defensive charge with 8 tackles and a sack of Michael Vick.
Cowarts injury was a hangnail in an emergency room triage when compared to the rest of the walking wounded pacing the Minnesota sideline in street clothes.
Injuries alone didn't short circuit the Vikings offensive production as much as the 11 penalties, turnovers and less than stellar special teams play. Minnesota was hampered by three penalties for 25 yards in their first offensive series.
When the defense did force the Falcons to punt special teams failed to capitalize. After forcing the Dirty Birds to punt from their end-zone the Vikings Koren Robinson was stopped for no gain close to midfield. On the day Robinson had a net of zero punt return yards.
Falcon Coach Jim Mora didn't appear worried about his star quarterbacks departure. "The football team has confidence in Matt (Schaub)" Mora commented following the game. "It's not just about Matt. Its about everybody continuing to do their job down after down after down" Mora added. Schaub certainly proved worthy of the praise leading the Birds to a touchdown and three field goals in almost three quarters of relief. When asked about Schaub's performance that included a 23 yard scramble Michael Vick responded "I'm proud".
While the Vikings return home to continue healing up the Falcons await the defending league champion New England Patriots.