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Vikings
A memorable week for brand new Vikings quarterback and new dad J.J. McCarthy ends in a flop at U.S. Financial institution Stadium.
By Star Tribune employees
The joys of a season-opening comeback win in Chicago final Monday night time wore off because the Vikings offense sputter and accidents mounted in a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons within the 2025 residence opener at U.S. Financial institution Stadium on Sunday night time.
The Vikings had been outgained 326-198. The Vikings had 4 turnovers and had been sacked six instances. J.J. McCarthy was 11 of 21 for 158 yards.
\u201cWe\u2019ve acquired to return to work and enhance instantly,\u201d head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell said after the game<\/a>. \u201cThe destructive performs are stacking up towards us, the place it looks as if we take one step ahead and two steps again.\u201d
Maybe appropriately the sport ends with one other Vikings turnover. Myles Worth fumbled a punt for his or her fourth turnover. The Falcons took a knee on the subsequent play to finish the sport.
– Naila-Jean Meyers<\/i>
J.J. McCarthy\u2019s third turnover of the sport will all however finish this one for the Vikings.
McCarthy focused receiver Justin Jefferson on a deep ball close to the entrance pylon of the top zone, however the ball was overthrown and picked off by Falcons security Xavier Watts. That marks McCarthy\u2019s second choose of the night time and third turnover, together with his fumble whereas getting sacked earlier within the fourth quarter.
Atlanta kicked subject targets off the earlier two turnovers.
The smattering of Vikings followers left have began heading for the concourses with two minutes remaining and a 22-6 deficit on the scoreboard.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
We lastly have a landing on this recreation as Tyler Allgeier scores on the 5-yard run to place Atlanta up 22-6. It was the Falcons\u2019 second drive of the second half that lasted at the least 12 performs and 6 minutes. They\u2019re leaning on a drained and beat-up Vikings protection
Vikings
Vikings
Outdoor
The Falcons\u2019 210 dashing yards path solely Philly\u2019s 259 (Week 2, 2023) vs. a Kevin O\u2019Connell Vikings workforce.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
The Vikings had been down three defensive starters getting into Sunday night time.
They\u2019ve now misplaced a 3rd offensive participant whereas enjoying the Falcons.
Working again Aaron Jones is questionable to return resulting from a hamstring damage. Jones spent about 5-10 minutes contained in the workforce\u2019s medical tent on the sideline on the prime of the fourth quarter.
Offensive sort out Justin Skule left the sport within the third quarter and is being evaluated for a concussion. He\u2019s been changed by left sort out Walter Rouse. Skule was already a reserve within the beginning lineup changing Christian Darrisaw.
Middle Ryan Kelly exited within the first half with a concussion.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
Will anybody discover the top zone tonight? We\u2019ll see, however simply now the Falcons ended a drive with one other subject aim, this one from 54 yards. There Vikings protection held up nicely there regardless of being compelled again onto the sphere shortly after J.J. McCarthy was sacked at the beginning of the earlier Vikings drive and fumbled the ball close to midfield.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
The Vikings trailed by solely six as they headed into the fourth quarter on this battle of subject targets, and after getting the ball close to midfield following a stand by their protection, they dedicated one more turnover.
Jonathan Greenard\u2019s stunt with Jonathan Allen helped him get to Michael Penix Jr. untouched as Charlie Woerner launched on a route on second down, after which Josh Metellus broke up Penix\u2019s third-down throw for Kyle Pitts. The Vikings have allowed simply 105 yards previously two quarters after giving up 123 within the first quarter. However Zach Harrison acquired to J.J. McCarthy untouched on the primary play of the fourth quarter, giving the Falcons the ball again on the Vikings\u2019 38.
It\u2019s the third turnover of the night time for McCarthy, who additionally fumbled a snap that stored him from getting a strong push on a fourth-down QB sneak within the first half. The Vikings\u2019 protection has carried out an admirable job holding them within the recreation, whereas enjoying with out three key contributors (Andrew Van Ginkel, Harrison Smith and Jeff Okudah).
However the Vikings haven\u2019t been in a position to defend McCarthy whereas enjoying with out two starters, and McCarthy has missed too many spots to place drives collectively.
The Vikings will want one more cease, and a fourth-quarter surge from their offense, to tug off one other comeback victory.
– Ben Goessling<\/i>
Because the Vikings offensive line turns.
Sort out Walter Rouse, the No. 4 sort out on the roster, was referred to as for holding to negate an 18-yard run by Jordan Mason within the third quarter. Rouse was within the recreation as a result of backup sort out Justin Skule is within the medical tent being evaluated for an obvious damage. Skule made his second begin of the season for recovering left sort out Christian Darrisaw, who has not performed since a season-ending knee damage final October.
The Vikings are already enjoying with out middle Ryan Kelly, who suffered a concussion within the first half.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
After the Vikings went three-and-out on the opening drive of the second half, the Falcons held on to the ball for 7 minutes 47 seconds, working 69 yards downfield however nonetheless couldn\u2019t discover the top zone. Bijan Robinson carried 5 instances, together with off a direct snap that he took up the center for a achieve of 11 yards about halfway by means of the drive. Parker Romo hit his fourth subject aim of the night time from 33 yards.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
Parker Romo has 4 subject targets? Sound acquainted? He accounted for all the Vikings\u2019 factors in a 12-7 win over the Jaguars in Jacksonville final November. Read all about that game here. <\/a>
– Naila-Jean Meyers<\/i>
Middle Ryan Kelly has been dominated out for the remainder of the sport resulting from a concussion, the Vikings introduced at halftime. Kelly exited for the locker room in the course of the second quarter and didn’t return. He has been changed by middle Michael Jurgens, a 2024 seventh-round choose enjoying his first NFL snaps tonight. Kelly additionally entered the sport with a toe damage that stored him out of two practices this week.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
If the Vikings\u2019 first quarter towards the Falcons tonight felt just like their struggles towards the Bears on Monday night time, the parallels continued within the second quarter.
There was one other J.J. McCarthy interception thrown within his receiver on an out-breaking route, and one other probability to get into subject aim vary simply earlier than halftime. With the Vikings dealing with a third-and-13 from their very own 17, Kevin O\u2019Connell stored his foot on the fuel. And simply as he did on Monday night time, McCarthy threw a strike that set the Vikings up for 3 factors. He hit a line drive to Justin Jefferson for 50 yards between the Falcons\u2019 two-deep safeties, organising Will Reichard\u2019s 51-yard kick because the clock expired. The Vikings path the Falcons 9-6 at halftime, and can get the second-half kickoff.
They\u2019ll have to scrub up their safety for McCarthy with Ryan Kelly being evaluated for a concussion and Christian Darrisaw nonetheless out. However McCarthy had a clear pocket on the lengthy throw. For the night time, McCarthy is 8 of 11 for 118 yards and an interception.
The Vikings honored Jared Allen together with his Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame ring at halftime. After a video montage that featured congratulations from Eli Manning, amongst others, Allen rode out of the U.S. Financial institution Stadium tunnel on a motorbike. One other montage adopted Allen\u2019s transient remarks, that includes congratulations from Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and former teammates Adrian Peterson, Kevin Williams and Chad Greenway.
– Ben Goessling<\/i>
Since this can be a subject aim fest, how about some halftime studying about one of many kickers tonight? When the Vikings signed Parker Romo final season after Will Reichard was injured, I discovered that Romo had been working at a golf membership earlier than Minnesota got here calling. Read all about his journey to the NFL here.<\/a>
– Mark Craig<\/i>
A wonderful 50-yard connection between J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson, who faked out a pair of Falcons defenders with a lower to the left earlier than breaking in towards middle subject, put the Vikings in subject aim vary within the remaining seconds of the primary half.
Will Reichard made it from 51 yards as time expired.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
John Parker Romo hits his third subject aim of the night time for the Falcons, a 33-yarder that extends their lead again to six factors simply shy of halftime. The Falcons have continued to battle with constructing a constant passing assault; back-to-back incompletions with 6 yards to the down marker preceded the sphere aim try. Penix is 7-of-13; Kyle Pitts leads the Falcons in receiving with three receptions for 34 yards.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw behind his goal, receiver Jalen Nailor, and his move was picked off by Falcons cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. on the Vikings 38. McCarthy had simply thrown a first-down move to receiver Adam Thielen previous to the interception. That is the second time the Falcons are beginning a drive in Vikings territory tonight.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
Vikings middle Ryan Kelly simply went into the locker room and can be changed by middle Michael Jurgens on this drive.
It\u2019s unclear what’s bothering Kelly, however the 32-year-old middle had a toe damage from the season-opening win in Chicago. Kelly performed each snap towards the Bears, and had performed each snap towards the Falcons previous to this second-quarter collection. Kelly didn’t apply on Wednesday or Thursday this week because of the toe damage.
The Vikings have already got a backup at left sort out with Justin Skule enjoying for the injured Christian Darrisaw.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
Outdoors linebacker Dallas Turner will get his first sack of this season — coming in his first NFL begin for the injured Andrew Van Ginkel. Turner cleaned up a play that defensive sort out Javon Hargrave helped wreck with preliminary strain on Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
The Vikings get on the board however some bother within the crimson zone \u2014 a fumble, delay of recreation and two sacks after that they had first and aim from the two \u2014 forces them to accept a 33-yard subject aim by Will Reichard.
Jalen Nailor had a pair of key receptions within the drive for 12 after which 17 yards, the primary being a third-down conversion. McCarthy additionally hit Adam Thielen to for 19 yards on one other third down.
Vikings now trailing 6-3 about halfway by means of the second quarter.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
The Vikings acquired Jordan Mason and glossy new offensive linemen to run the ball on the aim line. After which they … didn\u2019t. <\/i>Mason had 5 carries for 18 yards on that drive, together with two third-and-short conversions.
But coach Kevin O\u2019Connell appeared to name a play-action move from the Falcons 2. McCarthy dropped the ball whereas faking a handoff and ultimately threw incomplete. A delay of recreation pushed the offense again from attempting a goal-line run. Attention-grabbing play-calling from the pinnacle coach on that sequence.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
On Monday night time, the Vikings ran eight performs within the first quarter in Chicago. They weren\u2019t significantly better tonight at residence.
They ran 10 performs for 18 yards within the first quarter, getting their first first down of the sport on Jordan Mason\u2019s run to finish the quarter. A pair of red-zone stops and an Eric Wilson compelled fumble have stored the Vikings inside six factors, on the conclusion of 1 \/ 4 the place they had been outgained 123-18.
This place is about as loud as I\u2019ve heard it in 10 years of masking video games right here, and the U.S. Financial institution Stadium noise is completely affecting the Falcons with key false begin and delay-of-game penalties. However Bijan Robinson\u2019s dynamic begin took a few of the power out of the constructing, whereas the Vikings have struggled to maintain J.J. McCarthy clear within the pocket.
– Ben Goessling<\/i>
Receiver Justin Jefferson\u2019s 9-yard catch marked his five hundredth profession seize, tying legendary receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. because the youngest gamers to succeed in that mark. Each Jefferson and Fitzgerald had been 26 years and 90 days previous once they recorded their five hundredth profession receptions.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson, beginning rather than the injured Blake Cashman, punches the ball out of Drake London\u2019s palms, and security Theo Jackson, filling in for Harrison Smith, recovers and returns it to the Vikings 32. Two substitute defenders making an enormous play.
What a signing Wilson has been on this younger season. He initially joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2017. After 4 seasons away, he\u2019s returned to Minnesota and made a direct affect. Final week in Chicago, Wilson had two run stops and partially blocked a punt.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
The Falcons got nice subject place after the Vikings\u2019 first offensive drive ended on a turnover on downs once they didn’t convert a fourth-and-1. Michael Penix Jr. discovered Kyle Pitts for a 14-yard third-down conversion within the drive, however that was the largest play. They shut the drive with one other subject aim, this time from 29 yards by Parker Romo
Penix is 3-of-6 for 27 yards whereas working again Bijan Robinson has 5 carries for 54 yards.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
A 4 and out, not a 3 and out, to begin for the Vikings offense and J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy appeared to drop the snap on a fourth-and-inches sneak on the Vikings\u2019 36-yard line. Turnover on downs.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
Vikings followers made a special on the opening drive of the sport. After Bijan Robinson popped off runs of 25 and 17 yards, the Falcons offense struggled within the crimson zone underneath the barrage of a loud crowd. They took a timeout earlier than third down, then had a false begin and got here up brief on the third-and-10. The offense stayed on for fourth-and-2 however took a delay of recreation penalty, and finally the Falcons settled for a 38-yard subject aim kicked by former Viking Parker Romo.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
The Falcons elect to obtain the opening kickoff and the Vikings will begin on protection.
– Naila-Jean Meyers<\/i>
7:15 p.m.<\/b> – Followers greeted Adam Thielen with a standing ovation throughout his first Vikings residence recreation in over two and a half years. The workforce made Thielen the primary member of the offense introduced out of the tunnel throughout pregame festivities.
Thielen, the Thirteenth-year veteran from Detroit Lakes, soaked within the scene in warmups, tossing a soccer with purple-clad followers in Part 119 proper behind the the top zone of the Vikings\u2019 half of the sphere. One fan within the stands held up an indication that learn: \u201cHooked On A Thielen.\u201d Followers watched a video montage of Thielen\u2019s Vikings highlights and interviews proven on the videoboards earlier than kickoff.
He was the primary participant out of the Vikings ship tunnel throughout participant introductions, proclaimed as \u201creturning residence\u201d and given a loud ovation.
Thielen caught one move \u2014 a two-point conversion \u2014 in Monday night time\u2019s win in Chicago. He dropped his solely different goal whereas enjoying 32 snaps [57%] because the No. 3 receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor. He had not performed for the Vikings at U.S. Financial institution Stadium because the January 2023 playoff loss to the Giants.
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
7:00 p.m.<\/b> – We requested readers to vote on who will win tonight\u2019s recreation. Click on on the outcomes tab under to see the outcomes.
– Chip Scoggins<\/i>
6:50 p.m. <\/b>– The Vikings are as soon as once more carrying shirts to honor the victims from the Annunciation Church and Faculty taking pictures on Aug. 27. They\u2019ll additionally maintain a second of silence earlier than the sport. The shirts characteristic Annunciation\u2019s emblem on the entrance and the again exhibits its \u201cImportant Settlement,\u201d which is \u201cBe form. Be respectful. Be inclusive. Be my greatest self. Be Courageous.\u201d These shirts should not out there on the market by the workforce, and retailers who’re promoting them are being served stop and desist letters, a workforce spokesman stated earlier this week.
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
6:40 p.m. <\/b>– Earlier than Adam Thielen got here onto the sphere for his pregame warmups with the Vikings receiver group, the video boards at U.S. Financial institution Stadium performed a spotlight reel of Thielen\u2019s earlier run with the Vikings and clips from his interviews since he was traded again to his residence state final month. Ozzy Osbourne\u2019s \u201cMama, I\u2019m Coming Residence\u201d was enjoying as Thielen ran onto the sphere behind Justin Jefferson to cheers from the gathering crowd.
– Naila-Jean Meyers<\/i>
6:35 p.m.<\/b> – Vikings vast receiver Justin Jefferson will hit 500 profession receptions every time he makes his first reception tonight. He’ll tie Minneapolis-born, former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. because the youngest participant in NFL historical past to succeed in the mark at 26 years 90 days.
Jefferson may\u2019ve reached the mark final week, needing solely 5 catches to hit it, however he completed the night time with simply 4 grabs (albeit a workforce excessive) for 44 yards. He was the receiver on the Vikings\u2019 first TD of the sport towards the Bears (additionally the primary of J.J. McCarthy\u2019s NFL profession.)
Jefferson critiqued his efficiency towards Chicago, saying he wanted to be higher on the main points and taking possession for McCarthy\u2019s interception that was returned for a landing, having lower off his route two steps early.
\u201cI\u2019ve been saying this entire camp that I used to be the goal for J.J. to throw to at anytime and I\u2019m gonna give you the ball,\u201d Jefferson stated. \u201cSo long as I contact that ball and I’ve the chance to give you that ball, these are the performs that I have to give you.\u201d
– Emily Leiker<\/i>
6:30 p.m. <\/b>– With inside linebacker Blake Cashman out for at the least 4 video games with a hamstring damage, Eric Wilson is predicted to play an elevated position.
The ninth-year veteran entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Vikings in 2017 and returned to the workforce this offseason after spending the previous 4 years with the Eagles, Texans and Packers.
\u201cHe\u2019s as skilled and mature as any man I\u2019ve been round, and he can play some soccer,\u201d defensive coordinator Brian Flores stated of Wilson. \u201cI simply assume he\u2019s acquired an actual instinctive, innate really feel to the sport.\u201d
I talked to Wilson\u2019s Vikings teammates about him this summer<\/a>, they usually praised his health and famous his fruit-based weight loss plan.
\u201cHe actually appears to be like like he must be on stage at Mr. Olympia or no matter,\u201d security Harrison Smith stated. \u201cI\u2019m positive he may get into that if he wished to. He\u2019s acquired the construct for it.\u201d
\u201cHe\u2019s acquired the physique straight from a Greek god,\u201d Cashman stated. \u201cHe\u2019d inform you his secret is he eats lots of fruit. He most likely eats three, 4 massive bowls of fruit per day. \u2026 I\u2019m speaking a freezer gallon Ziploc bag of fruit on him always. It\u2019s loopy.\u201d
So, Eric, about all that fruit …
\u201cAfter being within the league for therefore lengthy,\u201d stated Wilson, who turns 31 this month, \u201chaving to maintain up along with your physique \u2014 I understand how a lot I like fruit and the way a lot it hydrates me, and I simply discovered it the perfect factor ever. Any session I’ve \u2014 or something, anyplace \u2014 I carry an apple, a giant ol\u2019 bag of watermelon, cantaloupe, something.\u201d
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
5:58 p.m.<\/b> – The Vikings secondary faces one other proficient aerial assault with out security Harrison Smith.
Smith, the 14th-year veteran, will miss his second straight recreation resulting from a private well being matter. Smith, 36, has stated bodily conditioning stays the one barrier to his return. He first practiced on Sept. 6 after a roughly three-week absence. He has remained restricted in these classes.
Security Theo Jackson, who performed all 67 defensive snaps on Monday night time in Chicago, is predicted to attract one other begin.
The Vikings defense will also be without outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel<\/a>, linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Jeff Okudah. Van Ginkel and Okudah suffered concussions towards the Bears. Cashman will miss at the least 4 video games because of the strained hamstring he suffered whereas chasing Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Cashman was placed on injured reserve last week<\/a>, which requires a minimal four-game absence.
Second-year outdoors linebacker Dallas Turner is predicted to get his first NFL begin changing Van Ginkel. Eric Wilson, the ninth-year linebacker, will exchange Cashman and relay defensive play calls with the in-helmet speaker.
Left sort out Christian Darrisaw continues to be not able to return from the knee damage that ended his 2024 season. He was dominated out earlier than kickoff. Coach Kevin O\u2019Connell stated Darrisaw would\u2019ve been dominated out for Week 1 in Chicago, too, however they listed him questionable so as to get him a 30-minute pregame exercise at Soldier Subject.
The Vikings elevated cornerback Fabian Moreau and outdoors linebacker Gabe Murphy from the apply squad. Moreau, the 31-year-old veteran, may have a job in Okudah\u2019s absence.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. can have each prime receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney regardless of every coping with shoulder accidents. Mooney missed Atlanta\u2019s Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is returning to Minnesota for the second time since leaving in 2024 free company. This time, he\u2019ll be a backup. Cousins threw for 344 yards and two interceptions in a 42-21 loss to the Vikings<\/a> in December. The Falcons benched him the next week.
Atlanta made a change at kicker: Parker Romo, who had a four-game stint for the Vikings final yr changing an injured Will Reichard, will get the nod over the struggling Younghoe Koo, who’s inactive.
Vikings\u2019 inactives:<\/b> Smith (sickness), Darrisaw (knee), Van Ginkel (concussion), Okudah (concussion), LB Austin Keys (groin), G Joe Huber
Falcons\u2019 inactives: <\/b>Ok Younghoe Koo, WR Jamal Agnew, CB Clark Phillips III, OL Jack Nelson, WR Casey Washington, DL Sam Roberts
– Andrew Krammer<\/i>
Vikings 27, Bears 24:<\/b> Trailing 17-6 when the fourth quarter started, quarterback J.J. McCarthy led the Vikings to a few touchdowns within the remaining quarter-hour in his NFL debut on \u201cMonday Evening Soccer.\u201d McCarthy, the No. 10 choose within the 2024 draft, was 13 of 20 for 143 yards with two TD passes after which ran 14 yards for the clinching rating.
Buccaneers 23, Falcons 20:<\/b> Bucs rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka caught the go-ahead landing move with 59 seconds left remaining, then Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo badly missed a 44-yard try within the remaining seconds. The miss seems to have price Koo his job. Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., drafted two spots forward of McCarthy in 2024, was 27 of 42 for 298 yards with one landing and ran for an additional rating.
– Naila-Jean Meyers<\/i>
5:40 p.m. <\/b>– The Vikings can be carrying throwback uniforms tonight, modeled after the groups\u2019 jerseys from the Sixties and \u201870s with sleeve stripes and bigger numbers outlined in gold.
– Naila-Jean Meyers<\/i>
5:30 p.m. <\/b>– The Vikings\u2019 gameday production crew<\/a> is lauded yearly with sports activities leisure awards and ranked first last season<\/a> within the NFL\u2019s \u201cVoice of the Fan\u201d survey, which asks followers who attended a recreation to price their satisfaction with every part from pregame leisure to concessions and stadium employees.
Tonight, 20 minutes earlier than kickoff, the manufacturing workforce will unveil a brand new \u201cShowtime\u201d presentation, that includes cellists from the Minnesota Orchestra and the College of Minnesota. The presentation usually ends with faux snow falling from the ceiling as gamers emerge from a 30-foot tunnel formed like a Viking ship.
Different highlights from the pregame plans:
Vikings nice Jim Marshall, who died in June<\/a>, can be honored at subsequent Sunday\u2019s recreation towards the Cincinnati Bengals. The Vikings\u2019 helmets this season characteristic a decal with Marshall\u2019s No. 70.
– Naila-Jean Meyers<\/i><\/p>\n