Kirk Cousins returned to U.S. Bank Stadium, where he spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but it was his successor, Sam Darnold, who shone on the field. The Vikings dominated the Atlanta Falcons with a decisive 42-21 victory, improving their season record to 11-2.
Darnold showcased an impressive performance, completing 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards and throwing five touchdown passes. In contrast, Cousins managed to throw for 344 yards but struggled with two interceptions and failed to find the end zone. This continued a trend of turnover issues for Cousins, who previously totaled four interceptions against the Los Angeles Chargers and had another in each of his two prior games.
The Falcons initially looked strong, executing an 11-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown from Tyler Allgeier. However, momentum quickly shifted after a turnover on downs during their second drive. Darnold responded with a touchdown pass to Jordan Addison, who was instrumental in the game with three touchdowns. He caught a 49-yard pass to equalize and later added a 12-yard touchdown from Darnold, as well as another impressive 52-yard touchdown run on a broken play.
In addition to Addison’s stellar performance, Justin Jefferson made his presence felt, recording his first touchdown since Week 7 with a 12-yard reception. Jefferson finished the game with 132 yards on seven catches, just shy of Addison’s 133 yards on eight receptions. The Vikings sealed their victory in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points, including a touchdown from running back Aaron Jones, who had 73 yards on 13 carries.
For the Falcons, rookie running back Bijan Robinson had a noteworthy performance as well, scoring a touchdown and leading the team with 92 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Darnell Mooney was the top target for Cousins, accumulating 142 yards on six receptions, while Ray-Ray McCloud added 98 yards on eight catches.
This game signifies a possible turning point for the Vikings, showcasing their offensive prowess and highlighting Darnold’s growth as a quarterback. As they move further into the season, the team’s ability to capitalize on momentum and minimize turnovers will be crucial for their success in the playoffs ahead.
The Vikings have much to look forward to this season, with players stepping up in significant ways, and a continued focus on refining their strategies.