Kirk Cousins may be back at U.S. Bank Stadium, the place he called home for six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but his Atlanta Falcons are no match for his replacement quarterback. Ta.
Sam Darnold He threw for five touchdown passes and over 300 yards, defeating the Falcons 42-21 and improving the Vikings to 11-2 on the season.
Darnold completed 22 of 28 for 347 yards and five scores, while Cousins threw for 344 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Matt Krohn Imagen Images)
Cousins has struggled with turnovers in recent weeks, recording four interceptions last week against the Los Angeles Chargers and one in each of the past two games.
But the game started with a masterclass for the Falcons, going 11 plays, 70 yards and ending with Tyler Allgaier scoring his first touchdown of the game.
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But the Falcons' second drive resulted in a turnover on downs, and Darnold's first touchdown pass turned into a break play to Jordan Addison, who scored three of his five touchdowns. The tide eventually turned as he caught a 49-yard bomb that went into the basket. After the extra point, they tied the game in the end zone.
A few drives later, Darnold completed a pass to Justin Jefferson for a 12-yard score. This is the first time since Week 7, which seems crazy considering he's the team's top receiver.
But Darnold didn't just find Jefferson once. Yet another broken play occurred, this time in the second half, with the same walk-in from 52 yards out.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins throws a pass during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker Imagine Images)
Addison led the game with eight receptions for 133 yards, while Jefferson followed close behind with seven catches for 132 yards.
The Vikings outscored the Falcons 21-0, including a touchdown by Aaron Jones, and took control of the game in the fourth quarter. On the day, Jones gained 73 yards on 13 carries.
The Falcons' Bijan Robinson was able to find the end zone and led the game with 92 rushing yards on 22 carries.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is scheduled to play against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Matt Krohn Imagen Images)
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Darnell Mooney was Cousins' top target with just six catches for 142 yards, while Ray-Ray McLeod had eight receptions for 98 yards.
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