MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Atlanta’s 2019 season started off with a downward spiral in Minnesota, that went from bad, to worse. On the first play from scrimmage, Matt Ryan was sacked by Anthony Barr. Then on 3rd and long, Ryan tried to pick up the yardage with his legs and that didn’t work. So, the team lined up for a Matt Bosher punt, which was blocked, the first Vikings blocked punt since 2014.
This set up Minnesota with a 1st and 10 at the ATL 21-yard line. Then after a holding call on 1st down, Kurt Cousins took just two plays to connect with Adam Thielen for a 23-yard touchdown, making it 7-0 with only 3:10 expired.
Then it was the Falcons turn again, and things didn’t get any better. After picking up a quick first down, Ryan was picked off by Anthony Harris on a pass intended for Julio Jones. This made it 1st and 10 Minnesota at the ATL 41-yard line.
Minnesota then got cookin’ as Dalvin Cook took a carry 21 yard to get things started. Then after an incomplete pass from Cousins, it was Cook again. This time he took it 19 yards to the left sideline and into the endzone to put Minnesota up 14-0 with 8:22 left in the 1st quarter.
Things slowed way down after this. In the second quarter, the Falcons were on a roll, driving deep inside Vikings territory. Then it happened again, the “Purple Rain” struck again. This time it was in the form of a Davonta Freeman fumble at the Vikings 21-yard line, Minnesota recovered and took over there.
Kirk Cousins then led a prolific 10 play 79-yard drive, with him capping it off with a 1 yard run up the gut. The Falcons helped aid the drive with a defensive holding penalty on a failed 3rd down conversion, which put the Vikings into Atlanta territory. This made it 21-0 with 4:40 left to play in the half.
In the second half, the Falcons defense would hold strong on the Vikings’ first drive after they picked up a quick first down. Atlanta then started their first drive of the half at their own 15-yard line and got to work with a prolific drive of their own.
However, after getting set up with a 1st and goal at the 2-yard line and eating up over 7 minutes off the game clock it was a 2nd and goal at the three for Atlanta. Ryan faked the handoff and rolled out to his right, threw a fade to the back of the endzone where there was only a Vikings defender crossing and Falcons tight end Luke Stocker trailing some two yards behind. That Viking was none other than Anthony Harris who snagged the ball for his 2nd pick of the game.
The Vikings went back to work. This time taking it 80 yards in 6 plays as Cook found his way back into the endzone on a 7 yard rush up the middle. This pushed the Minnesota lead to 28-0 with just 29 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. The Falcons ensuing possession only lasted 26 seconds before they were forced to punt to end the 3rd quarter.
With the fourth quarter underway, the Falcons 1st drive of the final quarter brought some promise. Matt Ryan was able to connect with Calvin Ridley in the endzone for a score on a 4th and 5 from the 20. However, Atlanta then surprisingly elected to go for two and weren’t able to convert. This made it 28-6 with 9:19 left in the game.
Atlanta would then get the ball back with 4:28 left to play setup at their 29-yard line. They would drive down the field for a final score as Ryan connected with Julio Jones in the endzone for a 2 yard TD. They then went for two again and failed to convert leaving the score in favor of the Vikings 28-12. Atlanta attempted an onside kick and wasn’t able to recover it, leading the Vikings to make a few final kneels to run out the 1:05 left on the game clock.
Falcons Stats Wrap Up
Matt Ryan finished the day 33 of 46, passing for 304 yards and two TD’s but added two picks. Ito Smith led the rushing attack for Atlanta with 6 carries for 31 yards. Austin Hooper led the Falcons receiving corps with 9 catches for 77 yards.
Defensively, Grady Jarrett forced a fumble and had the Falcons lone sack of the game. Tyeler Davison led the team in tackles with 8, while De’Vondre Campbell led the team in solo tackles with 6.
Next Up For Atlanta
Falcons will travel back home for their opener at the Mercedes Benz Stadium on Sunday night September 15th against the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season Atlanta opened their schedule on the road against the Eagles and lost 18-12.
Written by Adrian Beecher
