"Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan turned in a stellar performance against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, completing 27 of 34 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns.

His passer rating of 128.2 was his highest of the season. His previous best was 120.7 in a 31-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 6.

"I don't put a whole lot of stock in the rating, but I thought we played efficiently," Ryan said. "We kind of took what they gave us. That's a good defense. Their front seven is as good as any in the NFL at stopping the run and getting after the pass. I thought our offensive line did a great job."

The Falcons were 3 of 3 on their trips to the red zone against the Vikings; they were 3 of 10 in the previous two games against the Saints and the Titans.

"We used our short passing game today effectively, to kind of move the chains," Ryan said. "Then we took some shots. I thought it was a good game plan."

In addition to having success in the red zone, Ryan was elated with how the offense responded after Minnesota cut their 17-point lead to three points."