Vikings vs Falcons 

Sunday Night Football 

Team Breakdowns

Minnesota Vikings

The  Vikings beat the Bears 27-24.  Chicago had a good start & held a 11 point lead into the fourth, but Minnesota’s defense clamped down in the clutch waking their offense, Led by McCarthy, 

McCarthy had some early mistakes, including a pick si,x but showed composure and improvement. 

Defense

 Lead by Brian Flores, Vikings showed a bend don’t break approach after a very slow start. . Strong interior pass rush  motivatede their second half performance vs Bears held Chicago to few explosive plays. 

Offense 

McCarthy showed he can close,  however  early rhythm was an issue. Run game was serviceable but not dominant. 

WR corps healthy but depth was tested

Needs to make more in chunk plays.

Atlanta Falcons

Offense 

Michael Penix Jr. threw for nearly 300 yards in opener, showing poise and ability to push the ball deep. But their WRs are banged up: Drake London (shoulder), Darnell Mooney (shoulder) both practicing but limited. If either falters, Falcons lose part of their vertical threat

Defense 

Falcons’ front needs to bring pressure early to disrupt McCarthy. Their secondary will be tested with Jefferson, Thielen, etc. 

Some injuries at DB

Battle of QBs

J.J. McCarthy 

Rookie QB debut was shaky early  turnovers, missed reads  but the fourth quarter was electric 

three touchdowns, stayed calm when everything was on the line. BUT one big game doesn’t make a legacy. Consistency, starting fast, avoiding mental errors will tell us if he’s more than just a “clutch” player. 

Michael Penix Jr

Strong arm, fearless in pushing deep, showed he trusts his receivers even when things aren’t perfect. 

Has to overcome injuries in WR room, 

Will need to adjust to Minnesota’s defensive rush packages.

London & Mooney status important. If limited or hobbled, Falcons risk losing stretch plays. 

Vikings’ defenders like Harrison Smith & secondary’s depth will be tested.

Game plan Insights

Vikings 

will likely try to keep tempo under control

 run, short passes early, then play action or deep shots as Falcons’ defense gets stretched.

 McCarthy’s mobility might be used more to buy time.

Falcons

 will try to attack early with deep shots 

stretch field with London, Mooney, possibly over routes.

 Need to get after McCarthy before he settles in. Also likely to force some wins on third down, try to sustain long drives.

Pass rush is key. Vikings’ defensive line has shown the ability to rush the passer, Falcons’ OL depth is shaky, with some injured or limited. If Vikings can disrupt pocket, Falcons’ vertical threats become significantly less dangerous.

Injury report 

Vikings 

OUT: Christian Darrisaw (LT, knee) 

OUT:  Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB, concussion), 

OUT: Jeff Okudah (CB, concussion). 

QUESTIONABLE: Harrison Smith (illness). 

Falcons

GOOD TO GO / LIMITED

Drake London (shoulder injury, limited)

 Darnell Mooney (shoulder, limited)

OUT: Casey Washington (concussion)

OUT: amal Agnew (groin), 

OUT: Jack Nelson (calf).