The Falcons at Vikings in Week 2: A Dozen Rapid-Fire Details
In the game featuring the Falcons at Vikings, sources of intrigue proliferate.
Most notably, there is the return of the QB scorned in favor of the younger and cheaper option. Kirk Cousins comes back to U.S. Bank Stadium as a backup after being demoted in favor of Michael Penix Jr. Meanwhile, Minnesota is moving full-steam ahead with J.J. McCarthy, the passer who pulled a rabbit out of his hat on Monday Night Football. Consider some of the details to note ahead of the SNF game.
Falcons at Vikings in a Dozen Separate Points
1 | Kirk Cousins Returns
Seldom has a QB who has accomplished so little generated so much conversation.
Never able to sustain elite but always strong, Kirk Cousins has become fabulously wealthy as an NFL passer. He’s operating on a four-year deal that’s kicking over $180 million. Just a wild amount of money for Atlanta to be paying an older quarterback who was coming off a torn Achilles with a single playoff win in his career. In theory, the gamble could have worked, but the reality has been discouraging for all parties.
2 | J.J. McCarthy Starting on Time
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. CT. Will J.J. McCarthy be ready to go at that time or will he need a couple hours to get warmed up?
The kid deserves a lot of grace. Only 22, McCarthy got tasked with starting his first ever NFL game on the road against a divisional rival. The game was taking place on Monday Night Football and the playing surface was subpar. Gone were Christian Darrisaw (injury) and Jordan Addison (suspension). Still, a better start to the game would likely be a welcome sight for Minnesota.
3 | Myles Price is as Advertised (or Better)
Hard not to cheer for an underdog.
Even by UDFA standards, Myles Price had a humble beginning to his NFL journey. Several Vikings players landed meaty guarantees. Not Price. He chose the Vikings alongside the promise of $0 in guaranteed money. The man has fully earned his spot, assured of nothing and yet getting onto the 53-man roster. Tip of the cap to you, Mr. Price.
4 | Justin Jefferson Needs to be Better
When it comes to #18, being good isn’t good enough. Excellence is the standard.
Indeed, securing 4 passes for 44 yards and 1 touchdown is modest for someone as capable as Justin Jefferson. McCarthy had just 13 completions on the night, so we’re talking about roughly a third of the QB’s completed passes. Do note, though, that Jefferson left some production on the field, dropping a pair of challenging catches that he routinely makes.
5 | Dallas Turner’s Time to Shine
The Vikings traded a boatload to pickup Dallas Turner for precisely the situation they find themselves in. Andrew Van Ginkel is hurting. To keep the pass rush from stalling, Minnesota needs to a terrific twosome coming off the edge. Rest assured: Jonathan Greenard is going to be excellent. Mr. Turner — someone who has been lapped by Jared Verse, the No. 19 selection from the same draft — needs to live up to being the No. 17 selection.
6 | Sneaky Tim Jones
Known as a special teams contributor, Tim Jones was on the field for both passing touchdowns for the Vikings. He showed off a mini effort to block on both occasions before releasing on a short route. Any sense at all that defenses lean run when he’s on the field and are a bit surprised when the Vikings pass instead?
7 | Respect The Michael Penix Power
Corners don’t get too scared when a quarterback can complete a 4-yard pass. There is some fear when a quarterback can complete a 44-yard pass.
Michael Penix Jr., a southpaw, can really put some power behind the ball (no one is questioning his ability to sling it, unlike Mr. McCarthy). Gotta keep a roof on that defense. If not, points could go on the board fast.
8 | A Trio of Stats to Improve
In Week 1, the Vikings had these numbers:
- 3/12 on 3rd Down
- 27:07 Time of Possession
- 56 Plays on Offense
All three are connected; all three need to improve.
9 | Donovan Jackson Impresses
No need to slow play things with the rookie. Toss the large lad into the deep end at the beginning of the season. Far from sinking, Jackson proved to be a great swimmer. Maintaining his level of play from Week 1 will mean that Minnesota moves through 2025 very pleased with their No. 24 selection.
10 | Kicker Concern … But Not in Minnesota
Will Reichard did splendidly at Soldier Field. Drilling that 59-yard field goal is wild. Wild, folks. Very, very high level of difficulty.
On the other side is Younghoe Koo, someone who has struggled recently. Pressure is mounting in Atlanta for the established kicker to turn things around, made evident in the decision to bring in former Viking Parker Romo.
11 | Just an Odd (But Neat) Detail
Ben Yurosek is a rookie tight end who was brought aboard as an undrafted player. Per the Vikings’ website, his great grandfather did something weird and neat: “Great-grandfather, Mike Yurosek, is credited with inventing the baby carrot.”
Nothing to add. All I’ll say is that if Yurosek scores a touchdown in Week 2, go get some carrots from a local grocer to celebrate. Baby carrots preferable.
12 | History Favors the Vikings
Yet again, the humble reminder that an all-time record makes zero difference.
Each side is going to show up for Sunday Night Football and play a 60 minute game. They’ll put eleven players per side on the field and begin with 0 points apiece. Whoever scores more will win; historical results do nothing to change what’s coming on September 14th.
Nevertheless, the factoid: the Vikings are 21-11 within the all-time battle. A 2-0 J.J. McCarthy would therefore mean a 22-11 record for the Vikings vs. Falcons.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, Over the Cap, and Stat Muse helped with this piece.
