8 Reactions to the Vikings’ Improbable Win in Atlanta
The Minnesota Vikings pulled off what seemed like an impossible victory over the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.
The Vikings entered the game without any of Christian Darrisaw, Kirk Cousins, or Justin Jefferson in the lineup and quickly lost both Jaren Hall and K.J. Osborn as well.
Even still, Minnesota made just enough plays to pull off a 31-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Here are 8 reactions to the Vikings’ comeback victory.
1. The Legend of Joshua Dobbs
What more can be said about Joshua Dobbs? The Vikings acquired him on Tuesday, and with just four days to learn the offense, no Justin Jefferson, and coming in cold in relief of Jaren Hall, he led the Vikings to a comeback victory over the Falcons. It’s going to be tough to take the ball out of his hands after this showing.
2 Jaren Hall’s Concussion
Jaren Hall got the start in this game, but his first NFL start was short-lived as he had to leave in the first quarter because of a concussion. Prior to that injury, the rookie played well, though, completing five of his six passes for 78 yards. Hopefully, the rookie is able to get healthy over the next week and can suit up against the Saints.
3. 4-0 Without Jefferson
The Minnesota Vikings lost Justin Jefferson to IR following their loss against the Kansas City Chiefs that dropped them to 1-4. All hope seemed lost in that moment. Since then, the Vikings have rattled off four straight wins, have gotten back over .500, and could have him back for the second half of the season. The Vikings offense has found their stride over the past few weeks, and now, it could become even more lethal.
4. Turnover Bug Came Back
The Vikings seemed to have taken care of their turnover problems for the most part over the past few weeks, but a couple sloppy plays could have been costly. Dobbs had a pair of fumbles, and he was sacked in the end zone for a safety. Minnesota somehow overcame those plays to win, but it needs to get better.
5. Defense Did Everything They Could
Hats off to this Vikings defense. Despite a couple ugly early turnovers from Dobbs as he got his feet wet in the offense, Minnesota stood tall on a drive that began in the red zone and came away with a couple key turnovers in the second half. Dobbs wouldn’t have had the opportunity to lead this game-winning drive if the defense hadn’t kept the Vikings in this game.
6. Running Game Came on Strong Late
At halftime, Dobbs and Hall were the Vikings leading rushers at 11 and 10 yards apiece. Cam Akers had just 3 yards and Alexander Mattison was limited to -2. Then, the group turned things up over the final 30 minutes. Dobbs led the way with 66 rushing yards, but Akers and Mattison finished with a combined 67 yards, including a 19-yard run from Akers. If Minnesota can get even a semblance of a running game going, they will be tough to beat.
7. Jaquelin Roy Had His First Big Moment
With Dean Lowry out because of a groin injury, the Vikings went into this weekend relying on some of their depth pieces to get the job done. This resulted in Jaquelin Roy, another rookie fifth-round pick getting a few extra chances on defense. He had his first big moment at the NFL level, blowing up a second-down run in the backfield for his first career tackle for loss.
8. K.J. Osborn’s Scary Injury
K.J. Osborn left this game in the first half after suffering a scary hit that left him motionless on the field. Luckily, he was able to get up and onto a cart to go back to the locker room. Minnesota quickly ruled him out with a concussion as well, so hopefully, Osborn is okay and can heal up over the course of the week. If he is unable to go next weekend, the Vikings’ WR room could remain a bit limited even with a potential Justin Jefferson return.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.