Percy Harvin gave the Vikings life at the end of the game, but the Vikings just couldn't bring themselves to take advantage of it.
After the Falcons had extended their lead to 24-14, Percy Harvin took the ensuing kickoff eight yards deep in the end zone and said, "You know, my team is 2-8, what do we have to lose," deciding to return it. It wound up being a good decision, as Harvin blew through the Falcons' kick coverage, and appeared to be on his way to the end zone when he was run down by Atlanta's Chris Owens at the Falcons' 3-yard line.
But, these are the 2011 Minnesota Vikings we're talking about.
A rollout by Christian Ponder on first down resulted in a 2-yard loss. Harvin then carried twice to put the ball down at the Atlanta 1-yard line, and the Vikings faced 4th-and-goal from there. Replay made it appear as though Harvin might have actually gotten across the goal line on third down, but Leslie Frazier did not challenge the call, and it may have cost the Vikings in a big way.
On fourth down, the Vikings handed the ball to Toby Gerhart, Visanthe Shiancoe totally blew his block, and Gerhart was stuffed for a 2-yard loss, giving the Falcons a turnover on downs. A couple of first downs later, and the Falcons were celebrating a 24-14 victory over the Vikings.
We'll have more on this one coming up shortly, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you to everyone who got your updates from us this afternoon.