7 Quick Reactions: Vikings vs. Falcons
Who would’ve thought Minnesota would win 11 of their first 13 contests in the 2024 season after moving on from Kirk Cousins and replacing him with journeyman and so-called bust Sam Darnold? It’s unlikely that anyone did, and folks were speculating that the club might land the first overall pick for the first time in almost 60 years (Ron Yary in 1968).
7 Quick Reactions: Vikings vs. Falcons
It was a wonderful 42-21 beatdown ‒ the first blowout victory in months.
1. Kirk’s Return Is a Flop
Kirk Cousins quarterbacked the Vikings for six seasons and left in free agency to be the new QB1 for the Atlanta Falcons. Many people circled his return to U.S. Bank Stadium circled when the schedule was released.
And surely, so did he. Unfortunately for him, that comeback was a disaster, as he couldn’t log a score for the fourth straight game, but his passes landed in the hands of Vikings defenders twice.
The Vikings moved on from an aging quarterback coming off a torn Achilles, and they have made a wonderful decision.
2. Sam Darnold for MVP?
Sam Darnold arrived in Minnesota after one season as the backup quarterback in San Francisco and numerous seasons of him ending up on the bench one way or another.
Under Kevin O’Connell’s tutelage, though, Darnold has emerged as not only a Pro Bowl candidate but a legitimate option for the league MVP trophy. His team is 11-2, and he has been a massive reason for that.
Through the first 13 games, he has thrown for 28 touchdowns and ten interceptions, and his five-score game on Sunday was likely the best he has played in his career and can be titled a signature game.
3. WR Duo Is Elite
When the Vikings drafted Jordan Addison in the 2023 draft, they envisioned having one of the league’s top wideout duos. Jefferson is arguably the best receiver in the NFL, and Addison is a natural playmaker. Whenever he’s targeted, good things happen.
On Sunday, Jefferson produced seven catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns, and shockingly, none of that led the team, as Addison registered eight catches for 133 yards and three scores.
The duo became the first two wideouts in franchise history with at least 100 yards and two touchdowns each in the same game.
4. Real Contender
Not only do the Vikings continue to win games, but they showed against the Falcons that they can do so convincingly after a few close contests against subpar opposition.
At 11-2, the Vikings are only one win behind the Lions, and a Detroit loss opens the door for the Vikings to win the division in their head-to-head matchup in Week 18.
Minnesota has a decent defense that brings pressure and is taking advantage whenever a quarterback is putting the ball in danger, while the offense has shown the ability to put up points.
5. Turnover Machine
Pass rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel rightfully get a ton of praise, but cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. has been sensational, too. He secured his sixth interception of the season against former teammate Cousins with a one-handed grab that swung the pendulum toward the purple team.
Murphy Jr. is in a contract year and is scheduled to enter free agency in March. The Vikings will put an emphasis on keeping their top cornerback. He is the top vote-getter among NFC cornerbacks and is deserving to make his first Pro Bowl trip.
6. No Turnovers
Turnovers have kept opponents in the game numerous times, whether it was Darnold tossing the ball to the wrong team or fumbles like Aaron Jones’ mishaps last week.
On Sunday, however, the Vikings kept a clean slate while the Falcons coughed it up three times. That is a winning formula, and if the team continues to protect the football, they can beat anyone in the league.
7. Emerging Star
The Vikings might have found a hidden gem in the spring league. Defensive tackle Jalen Redmond joined the club in the offseason after a stint in the UFL, and he has been nothing short of sensational. He had another outstanding game, producing four tackles (two tackles for loss) and two batted passes.
Redmond always seems to be close to the ball and is the disruptive interior defender the team has been waiting for in recent history. He has been getting more opportunities recently and has surely earned more on Sunday.
Editor’s Note: Information from ESPN helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt