Vikings vs. Falcons Preview
Sunday, December 1, 2002

VIKINGS TO FACE RED HOT FALCONS AT THE METRODOME

The Minnesota Vikings (3-8) will face the Atlanta Falcons (7-3-1) at the Metrodome at noon (CT) Sunday, December 1st. Last week, the Vikings to the New England Patriots 17-24 while the Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers 41-0. The Vikings travel to face the Green Bay Packers next Sunday (December 8th) on Sunday Night Football while the Falcons travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday (December 8th). The Vikings enjoy a 32-10 record in their past 42 games in the Metrodome.

COACHES

Mike Tice enters his first full season as Minnesota Vikings head coach, he was interim head coach for the Vikings final regular season game against the Baltimore Ravens in their 2001 campaign.

Mike Tice became the sixth head coach in the Minnesota Vikings' 42-year history on January 10, 2002. Tice has been associated with the team since 1992. He played tight end from 1992-93 and 1995, coached the tight ends in 1996 and the offensive line from 1997-2001. Tice added the title of Assistant Head Coach for the 2001 season. Tice is the first person to play and be the head coach for the Vikings.

In his last 18 years being associated with the NFL, Tice has only had two losing seasons. In five seasons coaching the Vikings offensive line, Mike Tice has guided five different players (Matt Birk, Jeff Christy, Randall McDaniel, Todd Steussie, Korey Stringer) to 10 Pro Bowl appearances. In his six seasons coaching with the Vikings, the team has compiled a 59-37 (.615) record and has made the playoffs in five-of-the-six seasons.

Dan Reeves was the person in charge of making all the football decisions with the Falcons after being hired on January 21, 1997, the 56-year old product of Americus, Georgia brought with him a lengthy and successful resume to draw from, including head coaching positions with the New York Giants (1993-96) and the Denver Broncos (1981-92).