Minnesota Vikings (11-2) – Atlanta Falcons (6-7): 42-21
In a match with a special atmosphere, linked to the return of Kirk Cousins (23/37, 344 yards, 2ints) in Minnesota, Sam Darnold (22/28, 347 yards, 5TDs) particularly shone. The purple quarterback delighted his receivers. We haven't seen the Vikings' attack this sharp since week 4, against the Texans.
Opposite, Cousins seemed borrowed. Only the Falcons' two running backs were capable of causing lasting harm to the home team's defense.
Aggressive Falcons
Atlanta wins the toss and decides to take the ball. The visitors want to impose their rhythm on this match and try the fourth attempts in the opposing camp. A profitable choice on the first possession of the match which ended with the first touchdown of the match, signed Tyler Allgeier (9 races, 63 yards, 1TD). Aggressive in attack, Atlanta is also aggressive in defense. Two consecutive sacks push Minnesota to punt. 0-7.
Still in this logic of suffocating the locals, the Georgia franchise attempts a 4&5 in midfield, but Kirk Cousins misses his target. The Vikings immediately took advantage and Sam Darnold hooks up with Jordan Addison (8 receptions, 133 yards, 3TDs) which ends its race in the promised land, 7-7.
This aggressiveness will cost them dearly a second time. While the defense succeeds in forcing the Vikings into a field goal attempt, the Falcons are penalized for a bad block. Instead of conceding three points, Atlanta will finally take 7. This time it's Justin Jefferson (7 receptions, 132 yards, 2TDs) who finds the endzone, 14-7.
The first period ends better for Atlanta. At the end of the second quarter, Kirk Cousins found Darnell Mooney (6 receptions, 142 yards). The Falcons settle for a field goal to reduce the score, 14-10 at the break.
Sam Darnold catches fire
The start of the second half is a story of kicking. Each team has one field goal attempt. Minnesota misses its own, not Atlanta which comes back to 1 point.
This is the moment that Sam Darnold chose to change dimension in this match. The purple quarterback avoids pressure, runs to his right and finds Justin Jefferson strangely alone for a 52-yard touchdown.
The Falcons respond immediately. Allgeier and Robinson (22 races, 92 yards, 1TD) are unstoppable and the latter ends up in the endzone. At the start of 4th quarter, the two teams are tied 21-21.
Minnesota is accelerating again. The Darnold/Addison connection continues to wreak havoc and the receiver scores the second touchdown of the evening. Minnesota regains the advantage and will not let go. On the following kick-off, the Falcons returner lets the ball escape and gives the Violets the opportunity to take off. Darnold takes advantage and finds Addison a third time, 35-21.
Now pressed for time, the Falcons no longer run and put the future of this game in the hands of their quarterback. If the start of this possession is promising, Cousins ends up being intercepted in the redzone.
The Vikings decide to eat up the clock and only go through the ground. Aaron Jones (13 races, 73 yards, 1TD) took the opportunity to increase the score, 42-21 final score.
Sixth consecutive victory for Minnesota which remains clinging to Detroit. The Violets also recover the tie-breaker against the Eagles, which could be important in the final ranking of the NFC.
For Atlanta, this fourth defeat in a row seriously jeopardizes their playoff hopes, especially since the Buccaneers have won again.
