FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the Falcons will always be linked via history. In his first professional game, against Atlanta, Peterson ran for 103 yards and caught one pass for a 60-yard touchdown.
Minnesota beat the Falcons, 24-3. More than a year later Peterson is sitting atop the NFL in rushing (1,581 rushing yards and nine touchdowns) and the Falcons have completely reversed course. The teams meet again Sunday in the Metrodome sporting identical, 9-5 records and pushing for a spot in the NFC playoffs.
But not much has changed for teams playing the Vikings. No. 1 priority? Stop Peterson.
"He has all the intangibles, obviously but who doesn't in this league?," Falcons linebacker Coy Wire said. "To me it's his heart, his determination, his will to want to make you look bad and score touchdowns. That's what makes him so good. It makes him play at a different level. That will make us better... It will elevate our level of play just to try to match him. We respect him completely and we look forward to a great challenge this weekend.
The Vikings pair Peterson's ability in the run game with the league's top run defense to grind out victories.The Falcons will try to break down that formula with the league's No. 1 rushing attack, led by the NFL's No. 2 rusher, Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner.
"Something's got to give," fullback Ovie Mughelli said when asked about the game. "These are the type matchups you like being a real competitor; you want to be tested. You don't want to have easy opponents all the time and just beat them because you never get to see how good you are."
"It's going to be a big challenge for us because they have a great back and we've got a great back," added defensive tackle Grady Jackson. "It's going to be a battle."
MORE STORY LINES: Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson will be under center for the Vikings Sunday according to reports out of Eden Prairie, Minn. and on NFL.com.
Jackson played well in a win at Arizona last week, throwing four touchdown passes. He has a 96.1 passer rating in three starts this season but has thrown 17 touchdowns to 17 interceptions in his career. Falcons lineman Grady Jackson said the Falcons saw a more relaxed Tarvaris Jackson on film this week -- a quarterback that may be getting comfortable for the first time in his career.
"It seems like he's a little relaxed in there and that he has the offense down a little more," the defensive tackle said. "We just have to go in there and play like we've been playing -- get to him and rattle him."
But that's just one of the various other story lines for this week's game:
- NOTEBOOK: Falcons hope to silence Metrodome crowd
- BLOG: Report: Jackson to Quarterback Vikings Sunday
- BLOG: What to do with Half the Williams Wall
- BLOG: Injury Situation Improving at Cornerback
- RELEASE: Falcons place two second-year players on IR
- BIRDSEED: Get a gauge on what the media is saying about this game
SHUFFLING THE CARDS: Defensive end John Abraham missed practice Thursday to rest an ailing shoulder and thigh. He's coming off his third, three-sack game of the season and leads the Falcons with 15.5 quarterback drops.
The Vikings have allowed 38 sacks this season (eighth worse in the league) and are 27th in the NFL in pass completions.
Of course, Abraham hasn't missed a game this season and is on target to post back-to-back 16-game seasons for the first time since 2001-2002.
Cornerback Brent Grimes practiced Wednesday -- a sign the Falcons injury-depleted secondary could be getting an additional body this weekend (more injury news on the Saint Joseph's Injury Report).
A season-ending injury to David Irons briefly left the Falcons with just four healthy cornerbacks. Head Coach Mike Smith said the team called up Eric Brock, a safety, from the practice squad to provide some depth. Last week the team promoted cornerback Glenn Sharpe to fill Antoine Harris' spot.
"We were able to get Brent through practice last week with no incidents," Smith said. "He felt good. That's a big positive for us. When we started the season Brent was a starting corner for us so he definitely has the skill set to play in this league. We feel like we're very fortunate to get him back at this time. It's going to give us added depth not only on defense but special teams as well."
THE SKINNY: The Falcons expect a playoff atmosphere at the Metrodome -- site of one of the greatest playoff victories in franchise history. Vikings fans remember the 1998 NFC Championship game well, but will be just as energized about the 2008 version of their team, which can clinch the NFC North title with a victory Sunday.
Points could be at a premium, so the Falcons must take advantage of scoring chances to leave with a win.
"One thing I think that's going to be very important this week is handling the environment," Smith said. "It was very loud in the Superdome and I think the Metrodome is as loud or maybe louder. The crowds up there are very passionate so it's going to be a big challenge for our offensive group to communicate."
The Falcons score 83.7 percent of the time in the red zone but only half of their trips have result in touchdowns.
"They're fighting for a lot (and) we're fighting for a lot," Mughelli said. "We're not going to have to pretend it's a playoff game. It's going to feel like that from them and for us. It's going to be loud. It's going to be crazy. It's going to be a hostile environment. But we wouldn't have it any other way."
NUMBERS, NOTES AND COLORS: Some digits, info and hues to get you ready for Sunday's game against the Vikings...
- The Falcons will wear white jerseys against the Vikings.
- Atlanta has won twice in the Metrodome: 2002 and 1999 (NFC Championship Game).
- Peterson and Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton were teammates for three seasons at Oklahoma.
- The Falcons and Vikings have close to identical time of possession averages (31:30 to 31:36).
- The Falcons are 9-1 when leading at halftime this season.
MORE ON THE FALCONS-VIKINGS GAME:
- SCOUTING REPORT: Stopping run game, Peterson No. 1 priority
- FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday's game
- NFL FILMS: Take a look at some of the story lines from this weekend's game
- ASK THE COACH: New tight end Marcus Pollard catches up with Chris Scelfo
- NOTEBOOK: Falcons hope to silence Metrodome crowd
- PREVIEW PACK: Click here for more on the Falcons and Vikings
- INJURY REPORT: Injury news from Saint Joseph's Hospital
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Turner | White | Wire
- COMMUNITY: Falcons Rookie Club visits children's hospital
- FOE AUDIO: Adrian Peterson | Brad Childress
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVE: Playoff Scenarios | Good News on Injuries | Birdseed
- OFF THE CUFF: Mookie Catches Up with Kroy Biermann
- RELEASE: Falcons place two players on injured reserve
- PRO BOWL: White, Turner named to NFC Pro Bowl squad
- FLIPPING OUT: Falcon Al Asks You to Vote for Cheerleader of the Game
- VANTAGE POINT: Special, AF.com highlights from the Falcons-Bucs game
- ONE-ON-ONE: J. Mike talks to Mike Smith about the win over the Bucs
- TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Mike Smith
