Shiancoe's catch on the first play of the fourth quarter put him over 100 yards against the Falcons. It was the first 100-yard game by a Vikings tight end since 1994, when Adrian Cooper topped the mark against the New York Jets.

Shiancoe set career highs in catches (seven) and yards (136) with two touchdowns. His previous career high in receiving yards was 94 yards, against Oakland last season.

"It doesn't mean anything if we come out with a loss," Shiancoe said. "All we can do now is look forward to playing the Giants next week."

Shiancoe has been working hard in practice all season and often is the last player off the field. He works with receivers coach George Stewart and tight ends coach Jimmie Johnson on various drills to improve his pass catching.

"It's not really about me," Shiancoe said. "It's about the Minnesota Vikings . Just being able to come out and play after every week of working hard at practice, then being able to put it all together on the field. Today we didn't get that done."

Shiancoe's performance is the second-biggest day in terms of receiving yards by a Vikings tight end in team history. Steve Jordan had 179 receiving yards against Washington in 1986.

Shiancoe made several tough catches against Atlanta and hung onto the ball despite getting hit hard. Last season, he was criticized for dropping passes. But he's a much-improved tight end this season, with seven touchdown catches and secure hands.

"I know what to expect, going to the middle," Shiancoe said. "I learned my lesson. I got (hit hard) a couple of times in the beginning of the season, so you know what to expect. Somebody is going to try to jar the ball out, or rip the ball out."

-- Rick Alonzo