MINNEAPOLIS -- Official game notes from the Falcons' playoff-clinching 24-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 21, 2008 at the Metrodome.
- With a 24-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the Atlanta Falcons clinched its first playoff berth since 2004. The Falcons also increased their win total to 10, the highest for the franchise in a season since ’04.
- Atlanta defensive end John Abraham posted one sack against Minnesota, setting the franchise record for sacks in a season with 16.5. Abraham passed Joel Williams (16.0 in 1980) for the record.
- On their opening offensive possession, the Falcons drove 74 yards, which led to a one-yard Michael Turner touchdown, his 16th of the season. The touchdown marked the seventh occasion this year the Falcons scored on its opening offensive possession of the game. When the Falcons score on their opening drive, the team is 7-0.
- Turner tallied his 16th touchdown this season, tying the franchise record for the most TDs in a campaign (Jamal Anderson, 1998). Last Sunday against Tampa Bay, Turner broke the franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season (15) as he continues to add to that total with one game remaining.
- Turner posted 12 carries for 50 yards in the first half of play. This season, when the fifth-year running back totals 50 or more yards in the first half, the Falcons are 7-0.
- Turner finished with 70 yards against the Vikings and moved into fourth place in rushing yards for a season in Falcons history. Currently, Turner has totaled 1,491 rushing yards this year with one game remaining.
- Quarterback Matt Ryan hit running back Jerious Norwood with an 8-yard shovel pass, which went for a touchdown in the second quarter. The score gave the Falcons a 14-7 lead. The touchdown was the fourth for Norwood this season (second receiving) and the 15th passing touchdown for Ryan.
- At the 2:38 mark in the third quarter, Ryan scrambled to the end zone and fumbled on an attempt to dive in. The ball was recovered by Justin Blalock for a touchdown to give the Falcons a 24-7 lead.
- Blalock became the first Falcons offensive lineman to record a touchdown since October 27, 1996 when Robbie Tobeck accomplished the feat. Blalock scored his touchdown after recovering a fumble in the end zone.
- Ryan finished the game without throwing an interception. If he does not throw a pick in the regular season finale against St. Louis, he will set a franchise record for the fewest interceptions thrown in a season.
- The Falcons defense forced and recovered three fumbles in the first half. With 26 seconds remaining in the first quarter, WR Eric Weems forced a fumble on a Minnesota punt return. The ball was recovered by linebacker Michael Boley at the Vikings 22-yard line. The turnover led to a Falcons touchdown. Atlanta earned its second fumble recovery at the 10:27 mark in the second quarter when cornerback Chris Houston picked up an Adrian Peterson fumble caused by Lawyer Milloy. The recovery for Houston is the first of his career. Finally, with 3:55 remaining in the first half, defensive end Chauncey Davis recovered his second fumble of the season and the sixth of his career. The last time the Falcons forced three fumbles in the first half of a game came on September 14, 2003 against Washington.
- In the third quarter, defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead recorded his first sack of the season while forcing a fumble on the play. The fumble was recovered by Davis, his second of the game.
- The Falcons and Vikings played to a 7-7 tie following the first quarter, as Atlanta has continued its strong play in the opening 15 minutes of the game. The Falcons have outscored its opponents 111-45 this season in the first quarter. Entering Sunday’s contest, Atlanta’s 111 first quarter points led the NFL. Atlanta is also 9-1 when scoring first in a game this year.
- Wide receiver Brian Finneran caught one passes for 13 yards against the Vikings. His lone reception in the second quarter was converted for a first down. In his career, 132 of 192 receptions have gone for a first down or a touchdown.
- Atlanta wide receiver Roddy White caught three passes against Minnesota and moved into fifth place in club annals for receptions in a season (85).
- The Falcons defense held the NFL’s leading rusher, Adrian Peterson, to 76 yards and no touchdowns. This season the NFC South Division has not allowed Peterson to score a touchdown.
- Atlanta kicker Jason Elam tacked on his 28th field goal this season with three seconds remaining in the first half. On top of three extra points, the veteran kicker finished with six on the day, moving into a tie for the second-most points in a season with 122.
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-VIKINGS GAME:
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more from NFL.com
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Metrodome press box
- GAME RECAP: Falcons lock up playoff berth with victory
- FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
- GAME BLOG: In-game thoughts on FalconsLIFE from "It's a Mod's Life"
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: More thoughts from the AF.com Managing Editor
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Quarterback Matt Ryan
- NFL NETWORK: Highlights | Michael Turner | Matt Ryan | Falcons in the Playoffs
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Vikings
- PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons victory at Minnesota
- INACTIVES: Inactive players and starters from the Falcons-Vikings game
