Sam Darnold and the Vikings continued their winning ways against Atlanta, taking down the Falcons 42-21.
On a day that was supposed to be sweet for Kirk Cousins, who had spent his last six seasons with the Vikings, quickly soured as he was not able to keep up with Minnesota’s elite offense. They were able to hang around for three quarters, but it takes all four to beat a team such as the Vikings.
Minnesota used a big fourth quarter to pull away from the Falcons, scoring 21 unanswered and running away with the game. The Vikings scored two of these touchdowns off turnovers, one fumble on a kick return, and the other a interception by Cousins.
Sam Darnold played his best game of the season so far, completing 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns. Darnold may have put himself solidly in the MVP race with this performance, which is especially great as he was not even expected to be the starter this year. Who knows what may have happened, but Darnold has taken full advantage of the unfortunate JJ McCarthy knee injury.
Sam Darnold had a DAY today!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6TWCHmkJLe
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 8, 2024
On top of Darnold’s career day, Jordan Addison played probably the best game of his career as well. Addison hauled in eight catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Justin Jefferson also had himself a good day, hauling in seven balls for 132 yards and two touchdowns. For the Vikings airgame, it was a dominant day all the way around.
Aaron Jones put the game on ice after he rushed for a 15 yard touchdown with just a few minutes remaining. Jones finished the day with 13 carries for 73 yards and the lone touchdown. Cam Akers also added 37 yards on five carries, pushing the Vikings' run total to over 100 yards.
For the Falcons, a good start to the game quickly cooled off. Cousins finished his return to Minnesota completing 23 of 37 passes for 344 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Cousins has now thrown six interceptions in his last two games, and at least one INT in the last four games. With these struggles, the question arises: Will we see Michael Penix play this season?
Kirk Cousins has 0 touchdowns and 8 interceptions over the last 4 games.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 8, 2024
You drafted Michael Penix Jr. for this moment, make the switch Falcons.
pic.twitter.com/tUWI6lTgOY
Bijan Robinson continued a productive season so far, rushing 22 times for 92 yards and a touchdown. He did not do much on the receiving end, catching a season low two passes for nine yards. Tyler Allgeier also had himself a good day rushing the ball nine times for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Receiving wise, Darnell Mooney continued his good 2024 campaign by hauling in six passes for 142 yards. Ray-Ray McCloud also had himself a day catching eight passes for 98 yards. He also had a costly fumble on a kick return early in the fourth quarter.
The Falcons needed this win to stay atop the NFC South, but dropped their fourth straight. They are on their worst stretch of the season and now sit at 6-7, but a good chance to get back on track at an ailing Raiders team next week.
For the Vikings, they are second in the NFC North behind potentially the best team in football, the Lions. Minnesota will travel to take on their division rival, the Chicago Bears, next week and will try to keep their six game winning streak alive. If they can continue to win, their week 18 matchup with the Lions can determine a lot in the NFC playoff seedings.
