The Vikings confirmed little curiosity final week in making their first assembly with Kirk Cousins any form of we-didn’t-need-you assertion. By the top of the day Sunday, they didn’t should say something.
Sam Darnold made the assertion for them with the most effective recreation of his profession. He turned the primary Vikings QB to throw for 5 touchdowns in a recreation since Daunte Culpepper on Oct. 17, 2004, and set profession highs in passing yards (347), landing throws (5) and passer score (157.9) because the Vikings blew out the Atlanta Falcons 42-21.
The Falcons scored first in Cousins’ return to U.S. Bank Stadium and tied the sport at 21 within the third quarter. But after that, the Vikings poured it on, turning the sport into a celebration environment by the center of the fourth quarter, with Darnold pumping his towel to the followers as they chanted “M-V-P” for Cousins’ alternative. The stadium sang alongside to the Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” because the video boards confirmed Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson to offer every his second within the solar.
Addison caught three landing passes and completed with 133 receiving yards, whereas Jefferson had seven catches for 132 yards and two TDs.
Why it occurred: Darnold continued his electrifying efficiency, whereas the Vikings pressured Cousins into two interceptions (and practically got here away with a 3rd). Cousins threw for 344 yards and Atlanta outgained the Vikings 434-420, however the Falcons have been penalized 10 instances for 117 yards.
What it means: The Vikings are 11-2, conserving tempo with the Detroit Lions and pulling two video games forward of the Green Bay Packers for second place within the NFC North. They will end their three-game homestand in opposition to the Chicago Bears subsequent Monday evening and might clinch a playoff spot with losses by the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals in the present day.
Vikings large receiver Justin Jefferson makes a landing catch in opposition to the Falcons on Sunday. (Anthony Souffle/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Play of the sport: With 3:36 left within the third quarter, the Vikings confronted a third-and-8 on a play that almost was catastrophe. Cameras confirmed coach Kevin O’Connell giving a annoyed wave of his hand earlier than the play earlier than Darnold snapped the ball with two seconds left on the play clock. But Darnold delivered maybe the spotlight play of the 12 months; he evaded two Falcons rushers who bought by means of on a blitz, rolled to his proper and flung one 44 yards on the transfer for Jefferson, who had run downfield waving his hand within the air after a busted Falcons protection. Jefferson caught it with nobody round after Dee Alford fell down and strutted into the top zone for a TD that made it 21-13 Vikings.
