The Minnesota Vikings' defense is trying. They really are. But they've gotten hit by a spate of injuries early on, and are apparently going to have to start pulling people out of the stands here in their game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons' most recent touchdown drive moved 68 yards in ten plays, taking a shade over six minutes to complete. Matt Ryan looked outstanding on the drive for Atlanta, connecting with all-everything tight end Tony Gonzalez numerous times. The final play of the drive was a six-yard strike from Ryan to Roddy White, who was wide open in the back of the end zone.
The Vikings have gotten even more beaten up in this one. Cornerback Asher Allen injured his shoulder, and nobody knows whether he is going to be back. Safety Tyrell Johnson appeared to pull a hamstring on a play that should have been a huge touchdown pass from Ryan to White. Even long snapper Cullen Loeffler has been knocked around, suffering a bruised tailbone after getting absolutely lit up on a punt return in the second quarter. If you're scoring at home, Jared Allen is listed as the team's alternate long snapper, if it becomes necessary.
But, with a little less than four minutes left in the first half at the Georgia Dome, the Minnesota Vikings trail the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 14-0.