The Vikings claimed their 10th win of the season and **eighth in a row** by defeating the Falcons 14-9 on Sunday.
Minnesota's offense **controlled the clock**, **dominated on third downs*** *offensively and defensively and **grounded Atlanta’s aerial attack**.
Quarterback Case Keenum **found his groove** and had strong **support from the running game** to help Minnesota win eight consecutive games for the first time in one season since 1998.
Here are three stats that stood out:
1. Taking what's available
Keenum completed all 13 of his pass attempts in the second half and finished 25-of-30 passing for 227 yards with two scores for a passer rating of 120.4.
Keenum averaged a passer rating of 114 in three starts last month to claim NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors.
Sunday's effort gave him four consecutive outings with a passer rating of at least 100, which tied Hall of Famer Brett Favre (2009) and Daunte Culpepper (2000 and 2004) for the longest streaks in franchise history.
According to analytics site Pro Football Focus, Keenum completed 25 of 26 passes that traveled more than 20 yards downfield in the air. He was kept clean on 72.7 percent of his dropbacks and had a passer rating of 130.2 on such throws.
2. Rudy reliable in red zone
Keenum spread the ball around the field, connecting with nine teammates for at least one reception. He targeted Jerick McKinnon, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph five times.
Rudolph reeled in all four "catchable" passes thrown in his direction, including what proved to be the game-winning score on a 6-yard reception to start the fourth quarter. He generated a wide receiver rating of 136.3 on the day.
Rudolph continued his reliability, which ramps up even more in the red zone. According to PFF, Rudolph's 50 receptions are the most of any player without a drop this season.
Vikings PR (**@VikingsPR** on Twitter) noted Rudolph has been targeted 13 times in the red zone, resulting in 12 receptions (tied for most in the NFL), 73 receiving yards and five touchdowns (tied for fourth in the NFL).
3. Rhodes tested
Xavier Rhodes followed star Falcons receiver Julio Jones for several plays in a matchup of two of the best at their respective positions, but the Vikings cornerback also had help that Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer mentioned on Sunday in his press conference.
Jones finished with just 24 yards on two catches a week after torching Tampa Bay for 253 on 12.
Rhodes was targeted eight times and allowed four catches for 52 yards to all receivers. PFF counted 11 targets against Rhodes on Thanksgiving by Matthew Stafford.
The 19 targets of Rhodes' coverage area by Stafford and Matt Ryan equal the number of times that opponents targeted players guarded by Rhodes in Weeks 5-11.
PFF noted that Ryan did not target Harrison Smith's coverage area once and that Andrew Sendejo allowed just one reception — an 11-yard catch by Jones. Sendejo also had an impressive pass breakup against Jones.
