Daily Norseman - 2019 Week 1: Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota VikingsThe Purple and Gold Standardhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48653/dailynorseman_fave.png2019-09-11T08:55:29-05:00http://www.dailynorseman.com/rss/stream/206134932019-09-11T08:55:29-05:002019-09-11T08:55:29-05:00Anthony Harris Named NFC Defensive Player Of The Week
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<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yV61T4O8u4bI2OyLpU8iqBXT_YY=/0x101:2340x1661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65223283/1166832134.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Pretty easy choice.</p> <p id="WiWgtL">After a 28-12 domination of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> in Week 1, I made a (not very) bold prediction on Monday:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think Harris might want to clear off some space on his mantle, because I see a shiny NFC Defensive Player of the Week award in his future. <a href="https://t.co/0v2bRSWBOu">pic.twitter.com/0v2bRSWBOu</a></p>— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_j_thompson/status/1171155874712313856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
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<p id="lWUlQk"><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> safety <span>Anthony Harris</span> ended up with the ball on all three Atlanta turnovers on Sunday, collecting two interceptions of <span>Matt Ryan</span> and recovering a <span>Devonta Freeman</span> fumble. He also earned the team’s highest grade from Pro Football Focus with a 92.5 score.</p>
<p id="h5JRby">It turns out that picking <span>Harris</span> to win the NFC Defensive Player of the Week was a pretty simple choice, as his award <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1171767993447194626">was formally announced on Wednesday morning</a>.</p>
<p id="djLdvq">A Vikings player winning this distinction isn’t much of a rarity since Mike Zimmer arrived in the Twin Cities. Harris is the 11th Viking to take home the award since 2014. The previous winners under Zimmer’s regime:</p>
<ol>
<li id="og5mTI">
<span>Anthony Barr</span>, Week 8 2014</li>
<li id="75Y5re">
<span>Linval Joseph</span>, Week 9 2015</li>
<li id="0Jaoum">
<span>Terence Newman</span>, Week 10 2015</li>
<li id="zlW7PG">
<span>Everson Griffen</span>, Week 17 2015</li>
<li id="RkN4pi">
<span>Eric Kendricks</span>, Week 1 2016</li>
<li id="7MzE1f">
<span>Griffen</span>, Week 3 2016</li>
<li id="13RaH8">
<span>Xavier Rhodes</span>, Week 11 2016</li>
<li id="IhwLb9">
<span>Harrison Smith</span>, Week 16 2017</li>
<li id="VO8y51">
<span>Smith</span>, Week 1 2018</li>
<li id="jdAKIU">
<span>Danielle Hunter</span>, Week 9 2018</li>
</ol>
<p id="h240wy">Not a bad way for the 5th-year safety to kick off a contract year. Although I have already said the following in two different articles this week, I think it’s worth repeating:</p>
<h4 id="sPtGQb">PAY THE MAN, VIKINGS!</h4>
<p id="L82W9a">Congratulations to <span>Anthony Harris</span> on his well-earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week award!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/11/20860631/minnesota-vikings-atlanta-falcons-anthony-harris-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-weekEric Thompson2019-09-09T19:38:15-05:002019-09-09T19:38:15-05:00Vikings Game Ball: Week 1 vs Falcons
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<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M86J6kd4d-EmHpSMIsp2f3JHntY=/150x0:3000x1900/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65212774/1166834005.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Let’s get back into this</p> <p id="pq2JOa">While we’re all still pretty happy after the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>’ 28-12 victory over the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> to start the 2019 season, I’d like to get back into something that we’ve done in the past but have recently gotten away from. Yes, it’s time for you, our readers, to determine who gets the first “game ball” of the season for our favorite football team.</p>
<p id="ps4c4N">When you win a game in the fashion that the Vikings did on Sunday, there are no shortage of candidates that this prestigious award could be given to. However, in my opinion, there were three that stood out above the rest. (Some weeks there may be more, some weeks there may be less.) So, let’s roll them out here.</p>
<p id="qQCMRh"><span><em><strong>Dalvin Cook</strong></em></span><em><strong>, RB</strong></em> - There was a reason why the Vikings were able to win by two scores (in a game that wasn’t that close) in a game where their quarterback threw just ten passes. That reason. . .with a huge assist from the offensive line. . .was #33. Cook was a force from the start, as his first two carries went for 40 yards and a score (along with a 13-yarder that was wiped out by a penalty). He finished with 111 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, and though the long runs may have disappeared in the second half, he still played a big role in the Vikings controlling the ball as they ran things out to preserve the win.</p>
<p id="9HKTm9">As we’ve said many times before, this offense is just different with <span>Dalvin Cook</span> on the field, and we got a good look at that on Sunday.</p>
<p id="Kvei3q"><span><em><strong>Anthony Harris</strong></em></span><em><strong>, S</strong></em> - On a defense filled with superstars, it was the unheralded. . .outside of Minnesota, anyway. . .<span>Harris</span> that made the biggest impact on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Falcons turned the ball over three times on Sunday afternoon, and <span>Harris</span> was directly involved in all three of them. He intercepted <span>Matt Ryan</span> twice, including a big one on the end zone, and alertly fell on a fumble that was forced by <span>Trae Waynes</span> as the Falcons were getting close to the red zone. All three of the Falcons’ turnovers were converted into Minnesota touchdowns, and any time you play a role in three touchdowns, you had a hell of an afternoon.</p>
<p id="5GHOux"><span><em><strong>Danielle Hunter</strong></em></span><em><strong>, DE</strong></em> - Part of the reason that Harris was able to grab those two interceptions was because, on both of those dropbacks, <span>Matt Ryan</span> was afraid that #99 was about to inflict serious bodily harm upon his person. In addition to collecting his first sack of the 2019 season, <span>Hunter</span>. . .<a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1171093647628079104">by the count of Arif Hasan (and PFF)</a>. . .lived in the Atlanta backfield, racking up <em>ten</em> quarterback pressures. The Vikings’ defense has always started with the pressure up front, and along with the four sacks they collected, they never allowed <span>Ryan</span> to get comfortable.</p>
<p id="nHLobL">So, who’s your pick for the Game Ball for Week 1 for the Vikings?</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/9/20858082/minnesota-vikings-game-ball-week-1-atlanta-falconsChristopher Gates2019-09-09T15:34:45-05:002019-09-09T15:34:45-05:00Vikings vs. Falcons: Five Game-Changing Plays
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<figcaption>Eric Wilson paid for his game-changing punt block with a foot to the face. | Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Looking back at the most important plays from the 28-12 win over Atlanta.</p> <p id="3vlUJT">As we discussed in <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/8/20855553/minnesota-vikings-stock-market-report-atlanta-falcons-2019-week-1">the Stock Market Report</a> on Sunday night, it’s hard to draw up a better start to a season than the one the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> enjoyed in their 28-12 Week 1 win over the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>. All three phases of the game chipped in for a wire-to-wire comfortable victory against an opponent that many had chosen for contention in the loaded <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">NFC playoff picture</a>. The Vikings jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. On offense, they controlled the game with an effective running attack using their new zone blocking scheme. Winning a game going away while passing the ball only ten times is the stuff of Mike Zimmer fever dreams. On defense, they kept the explosive Falcons attack at bay until garbage time and forced three turnovers. So far, <span>Julio Jones</span> is averaging just over $2 million guaranteed per yard gained since signing his monster contract extension.</p>
<p id="neJ040">Will the Vikings get away with coasting to victories while throwing only ten passes going forward? No. Will they enjoy a two-score lead for the final 85% of the game like they did on Sunday? Of course not. But there were still plenty of reasons to be happy about how they opened the 2019 season, including our first batch of game-changing plays.</p>
<h3 id="3Fk5Cw">Play 1: Falcons ball, 4th & 2 at the Atlanta 33. First quarter, 12:59 remaining. M.<span>Bosher</span> punt is BLOCKED by E.<span>Wilson</span>, Center-J.<span>Harris</span>, RECOVERED by MIN-E.Wilson at ATL 21. E.Wilson to ATL 21 for no gain (S.Neasman).</h3>
<p id="UHEtdy">Forcing a three and out on the opening drive of the season? Good.</p>
<p id="r0Gwb4">Blocking the punt after forcing a three and out on the opening drive of the season, setting up your offense one yard away from the red zone for their first drive of the season? Better.</p>
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<p id="A6NIoW"><span>Eric Wilson</span> exploited a crease in Atlanta’s punt team, came right through the middle unblocked, and stuffed the <span>Matt Bosher</span> punt before it had a chance to leave his foot. In fact, Wilson got there so fast that he took a literal kick to the face for his troubles. Mark Craig of the Star Tribune <a href="http://www.startribune.com/fresh-plan-produces-first-blocked-punt-since-2014/559779922/">detailed how the block was the result of perfect preparation</a> by Marwan Maalouf and his special teams charges.</p>
<p id="j8n0iW">The Vikings were called for holding on their first play from scrimmage. But two plays later, <span>Kirk Cousins</span> found <span>Adam Thielen</span> for a 23 yard touchdown and the dream start was complete.</p>
<h3 id="hzHy8b">Play 2: Falcons ball, 1st & 10 at the Atlanta 28. First quarter, 10:02 remaining. M.<span>Ryan</span> pass short middle intended for J.<span>Jones</span> INTERCEPTED by A.<span>Harris</span> at ATL 41. A.Harris to ATL 41 for no gain (J.<span>Jones</span>).</h3>
<p id="d5ihxP">I know I already said this regarding <span>Anthony Harris</span> last night, but it bears repeating:</p>
<h4 id="0YVu28">PAY THE MAN, VIKINGS!</h4>
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<p id="SS3XsZ">After the obligatory <span>Everson Griffen</span> jump offside on third down to give a free set of downs that happens at least once a week, Harris sprung into action to stop Atlanta’s second drive. After realizing that <span>Austin Hooper</span> was staying in to block <span>Anthony Barr</span> rushing off the edge, Harris drifted back perfectly to snag the <span>Matt Ryan</span> pass intended for <span>Jones</span>. It showed great awareness by Harris, helped by the fact that <span>Barr</span> and <span>Danielle Hunter</span> forced <span>Ryan</span> to throw before stepping into the attempt. Four plays later, the Vikings took a two-score lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.</p>
<h3 id="QzOctv">Play 3: Vikings ball, 2nd & 10 at the Falcons 19. First quarter, 8:28 remaining. D.<span>Cook</span> left end for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.</h3>
<p id="SIv2YH">I think <span>Dalvin Cook</span> might be pretty good in this new Kevin Stefanski/<span>Gary Kubiak</span> offense.</p>
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<p id="u0V8Ay"><span>Josh Kline</span> had a nice pull block, <span>Pat Elflein</span> got <em>just</em> enough of De’Vondre Campbell to prevent him from blowing up the play in the backfield, <span>Adam Thielen</span> took care of his man on the left side, and Cook took care of the rest, speeding past <span>Keanu Neal</span> into the end zone. It was a well-designed run that worked to perfection. The Vikings were up 14-0 less than seven minutes into the game.</p>
<h3 id="X9nNaH">Play 4: Falcons ball, 1st & 5 at the Minnesota 21. Second quarter, 10:26 remaining. D.<span>Freeman</span> left tackle to MIN 21 for no gain (T.<span>Waynes</span>). FUMBLES (T.<span>Waynes</span>), RECOVERED by MIN-A.Harris at MIN 21. A.Harris to MIN 21 for no gain (D.<span>Freeman</span>).</h3>
<p id="BwEUUY">Early in the second quarter, Atlanta was trying to get back into it, but the Minnesota defense came up big once again.</p>
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<p id="eKnDsb">With the Falcons just outside the red zone trying to make it a one-score game, <span>Trae Waynes</span> forced a <span>Devonta Freeman</span> fumble. After a long conversation by the referees, it was determined that Harris had recovered the ball. Atlanta’s first major threat was averted.</p>
<p id="jji2UW">The Falcons kept the ensuing Vikings drive alive with two defensive penalties, including a crucial holding call on Campbell on third down. Cook and <span>Alexander Mattison</span> ripped off back-to-back runs of 18 and 17 yards to get to the Atlanta 1. Two plays later, <span>Kirk Cousins</span> did his best Air Jordan impression to find the end zone and give the Vikings a 21-0 lead late in the first half.</p>
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<p id="BjzIsx">(You can practically hear “I Believe I Can Fly” playing in the background while watching this gif.)</p>
<h3 id="4EZJCd">Play 5: Falcons ball, 2nd & goal at the Minnesota 3. Third quarter, 3:14 remaining. T.Sambrailo reported in as eligible. M.<span>Ryan</span> pass short right intended for L.<span>Stocker</span> INTERCEPTED by A.Harris at MIN -9. Touchback.</h3>
<p id="d77jmR">After the Vikings opened the second half with a drive that stalled near midfield, the Falcons marched 83 yards in 11 plays (assisted by two more Minnesota defensive penalties) and had 1st & goal at the Minnesota 2. After Linval Joseph stuffed an <span>Ito Smith</span> run on first down, Harris sealed the victory with his third takeaway of the game.</p>
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<p id="KWF7gk"><span>Ryan</span> tried to find <span>Luke Stocker</span> in the back corner of the end zone, but Harris cut off the route and picked off the pass. (An alternate theory: <span>Ryan</span> was just trying to throw the ball away after <span>Hunter</span> had him dead to rights on the rollout, but he didn’t throw it far enough.) I think Harris might want to clear off some space on his mantle, because I see a shiny new NFC Defensive Player of the Week award in his future.</p>
<p id="wH50hp">The Vikings quickly turned the Falcons’ third turnover into seven points thanks to a long pass to <span>Stefon Diggs</span> and two personal fouls on the Atlanta defense. The rest of the contest was largely academic, and the Vikings coasted home to a 1-0 record to start the season.</p>
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<p id="ao0I8G">It probably won’t be such smooth sailing at Lambeau Field next week, but the Vikings have a chance to gain control of the NFC North early thanks to starting of 2019 on the right foot. Hopefully we’ll be talking about more big Vikings plays in this space next week. As always, we welcome you to vote in the poll to tell us which play you thought was the biggest and encourage you to suggest any we may have missed in the comments.</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/9/20857409/minnesota-vikings-atlanta-falcons-week-1-five-game-changing-playsEric Thompson2019-09-08T20:58:29-05:002019-09-08T20:58:29-05:00Stock Market Report: Falcons
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<p>Lots to like from a convincing 28-12 win over Atlanta.</p> <p id="Rws1am"><span>Matt Ryan</span> threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> had more penalties (11) and penalty yardage (100) than completions (8) and passing yards (98). Atlanta out-gained Minnesota by 76 yards. <span>Adam Thielen</span> and <span>Stefon Diggs</span> were held to a combined total of 5 receptions for 80 yards. <span>Kirk Cousins</span> was held to a career low in passing yards. Second round rookie Irv Smith Jr. didn’t touch the ball. The Vikings jumped offside four times.</p>
<p id="5ztpwW">And that’s why the old saying “lies, damned lies, and statistics” is a thing. Because the Vikings beat the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> by 16 points on Sunday, and the game wasn’t even that close.</p>
<p id="TjHo6j">The Vikings opened their 2019 account in a big way on Sunday, exploding out of the gate in all three phases of the game and coasting to a 28-12 Week 1 win over the Falcons.</p>
<p id="WjvFQO">Throughout the offseason and preseason, Mike Zimmer preached the importance of establishing the run; it certainly wasn’t lip service on Sunday. The Vikings ran 36 times for 174 yards (excluding kneel downs) and three scores while throwing only ten passes. A lot of that absurd imbalance was influenced by the game script—the Vikings were up at least two scores for the final 53:22 of the game—but Kevin Stefanski and <span>Gary Kubiak</span> seemed very determined to exorcise any lingering John DeFilippo spirits from U.S. Bank Stadium.</p>
<p id="H9HgOh">The other two phases certainly did their part as well. The Vikings sacked <span>Ryan</span> four times and forced three turnovers on defense. The special teams unit blocked a punt and didn’t miss a kick. It might not have been quite what we expected, but it was an excellent team win to start the season.</p>
<p id="GPLEid">If only every win came this easy.</p>
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<p id="tVRgtr"><em>Why in the world</em><br><em>Would anybody put chains on me?</em><br><em>I’ve paid my dues to make it</em><br><em>Everybody wants me to be</em><br><em>What they want me to be</em><br><em>I’m not happy when I try to fake it!</em><br><em>No!</em></p>
<p id="fdcgcq"><em>Ooh, that’s why I’m easy</em><br><em>I’m easy like Sunday morning</em><br><em>That’s why I’m easy</em><br><em>I’m easy like Sunday morning</em></p>
<p id="PVNwVQ"><em>I wanna be high, so high</em><br><em>I wanna be free to know</em><br><em>The things I do are right</em><br><em>I wanna be free</em><br><em>Just me, babe!</em></p>
<p id="OsgJj0"><em>That’s why I’m easy</em><br><em>I’m easy like Sunday morning</em><br><em>That’s why I’m easy</em><br><em>I’m easy like Sunday morning</em><br><em>Because I’m easy</em><br><em>Easy like Sunday morning</em><br><em>Because I’m easy</em><br><em>Easy like Sunday morning</em></p>
<p id="pJS0G4">You Week 1 dream start Stock Market Report follows.</p>
<h3 id="9ZDK2a">Blue Chips</h3>
<p id="ZToNVH"><span><em><strong>Dalvin Cook</strong></em></span><em><strong>, RB:</strong></em> He’s baaaaaaack! <span>Cook</span> looked poised for a big year in Training Camp and the preseason. So far, so good. He amassed 23 touches for 120 total yards and two scores on Sunday, looking every bit the part of superstar running back. I know we still have a while before he can shed the “if healthy” caveat, but wow is this Vikings offense much better when he’s in it.</p>
<p id="827LmW"><span><em><strong>Anthony Harris</strong></em></span><em><strong>, S:</strong></em> <span>Harris</span> proved why he might be one of the more underrated defenders in the league. Ant intercepted <span>Ryan</span> twice, including a crucial pick in the end zone late in the third quarter that ended any hopes of an Atlanta comeback. While Harrison Smith might get most of the headlines, Harris’ consistent coverage is a big part of what allows Smith to roam around and wreak havoc all over the field. Harris also happens to be in the final year of his contract, so allow me to make this quiet declaration:</p>
<p id="rKu2Sh">[clears throat]</p>
<h4 id="pok6gZ">PAY THE MAN, VIKINGS!</h4>
<p id="gnlLXU">Thank you.</p>
<p id="Hbr2BG"><span><em><strong>Harrison Smith</strong></em></span><em><strong>, S:</strong></em> Speaking of The Hitman roaming around and wreaking havoc all over the field, that’s precisely what he did on Sunday. Smith racked up a team-high 9 tackles and had two passes defended. He also delivered a handful of his trademark Mack truck hits throughout the game. (The one on <span>Russell Gage</span> wasn’t a dirty play, but it still may find him a little lighter in the wallet in a few days.)</p>
<p id="8DiFjg"><span><em><strong>Anthony Barr</strong></em></span><em><strong>, LB:</strong></em> Boy am I glad the Vikings were able to keep this guy. <span>Barr</span> made an impact literally from the start, sacking <span>Ryan</span> on the first play of the game. He added another five tackles and two quarterback hits while he rushed the passer off the edge quite a bit. I can’t imagine this Mike Zimmer defense without him, and I’m glad I don’t have to.</p>
<p id="W6n6bM"><span><em><strong>Danielle Hunter</strong></em></span><em><strong>, DE:</strong></em> We thought <span>Hunter</span> might have a big day going against rookie right tackle <span>Kaleb McGary</span>. Spoiler alert: we were right! <span>Hunter</span> had a sack, two tackles for loss, a couple quarterback hits, and created just a bit of pressure. How much pressure?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think Danielle Hunter ended the day with ten pressures</p>— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1170838548569677824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="QWGFQt">That much. Hunter’s contract remains one of the best bargains in the NFL.</p>
<p id="kgCnTZ"><em><strong>Marwan Maalouf, Special Teams Coordinator:</strong></em> To say that there was some consternation about the special teams in the preseason is a gigantic understatement. The Vikings had two different long snappers, at least five different holders, two different kickers, and three different punters in just over a month. Confidence wasn’t exactly high regarding this facet of the team heading into the season. So how did the special teams do in Week 1?</p>
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<li id="XrnQpa">
<span>Eric Wilson</span> blocked a first quarter punt to set up a touchdown.</li>
<li id="TuRfhj">
<span>Dan Bailey</span> made all four of his kicks and had touchbacks on three of his five kickoffs.</li>
<li id="JbjID6">
<span>Britton Colquitt</span> averaged nearly 50 yards per punt and just over 40 net yards per punt.</li>
<li id="162LhZ">
<span>Austin Cutting</span> had a perfect day snapping the ball while <span>Colquitt</span> had zero issues holding.</li>
</ul>
<p id="cHVfrS">It was a crazy preseason for the special teams, but through one week, Maalouf looks crazy like a fox.</p>
<h3 id="FVffA4">Solid Investments</h3>
<p id="8QRhOk"><span><em><strong>Alexander Mattison</strong></em></span><em><strong>, RB:</strong></em> Remember when Mattison had a quiet preseason and people questioned whether he had the explosiveness to make an impact on the offense? Yeah, me neither. Mattison acquitted himself quite nicely in his NFL debut, running 9 times for 49 yards and looking plenty nimble in the process.</p>
<p id="ij0gk6"><span><em><strong>Jayron Kearse</strong></em></span><em><strong>, S/CB/ST ace:</strong></em> <span>Kearse</span> had a very impressive Training Camp and preseason; it definitely carried over into the first week of the regular season. He made multiple excellent plays on the kickoff and punt teams. On defense, he filled in admirably in the “big nickel” role after <span>Mackensie Alexander</span> went down with a dislocated elbow. Kearse will be an integral part of this team throughout the 2019 season.</p>
<p id="lQexoh"><span><strong>C.J. Ham</strong></span><strong>, FB: </strong>I’ll admit that I got caught up in the <span>Khari Blasingame</span> hype during the preseason. But <span>Ham</span> showed why it was fine to keep the rookie out of Vanderbilt on the Practice Squad. With the Vikings going so run-heavy throughout the day, Ham got more run than expected in the offense. He had some excellent lead blocks to spring Cook and Mattison for big gains. With the team light on wide receivers until <span>Josh Doctson</span> gets up to speed, I’d expect the Vikings to lean on Ham again in the coming weeks.</p>
<p id="jDybMg"><span><em><strong>Xavier Rhodes</strong></em></span><em><strong>, CB:</strong></em> <span>Rhodes</span> didn’t shadow <span>Julio Jones</span> as much as he had in previous matchups with the Falcons, but the veteran corner still had a very good day overall after a shaky preseason. But of course, he had to miss some snaps with not one but two injury scares. Really wish those weren’t such a weekly tradition.</p>
<p id="NbB5j4"><span><em><strong>Eric Kendricks</strong></em></span><em><strong>, LB:</strong></em> <span>Kendricks</span> did well in pass coverage on Sunday, including two pass breakups on <span>Jones</span>. He missed one tackle early on but otherwise had a sound day tackling, including a couple impressive open field stops. He and Barr were a big part of keeping the Falcons potent attack in check until garbage time.</p>
<p id="CMfBlm"><span><em><strong>Josh Kline</strong></em></span><em><strong>, RG:</strong></em> Most of us were excited about the <span>Kline</span> acquisition because of one very important trait: he wasn’t <span>Tom Compton</span> or <span>Mike Remmers</span>. Turns out Kline has other traits we like! Some of Cook’s best runs of the day were behind Kline quickly getting out to the edge in the new zone blocking scheme.</p>
<h3 id="TLFqQm">Junk Bonds</h3>
<p id="EEpsmZ"><span><em><strong>Pat Elflein</strong></em></span><em><strong>, LG:</strong></em> Early returns weren’t as positive for the Vikings’ other guard. <span>Grady Jarrett</span> is going to make a lot of offensive linemen look bad, but <span>Elflein</span> looked <em>really</em> bad on multiple occasions Sunday. With the Vikings facing so many talented interior defensive linemen this season, Elflein’s performance is pretty concerning.</p>
<p id="wdtzeM"><span><em><strong>Kris Boyd</strong></em></span><em><strong>, CB:</strong></em> The rookie corner had two bad penalties (one on defense, one on special teams) filling in down the stretch. He simply doesn’t look ready for primetime yet. Get well soon, <span>Mike Hughes</span>. They’re gonna need you.</p>
<h3 id="GbWe63">Buy/Sell</h3>
<p id="Zur0Qn"><em><strong>Buy: Establishing the run is something this team can do going forward.</strong></em> The Vikings’ run blocking was very sound for the most part on Sunday, and it appears that should be replicable. The offensive scheme seems to fit the personnel when it comes to the ground attack. </p>
<p id="yWH3CR"><em><strong>Sell: Leaning THAT much on the run going forward.</strong></em> The Vikings aren’t going to jump out to a 14-0 lead every week. There will be plenty of times where they have to move the ball through the air throughout the season. Even with the extremely small sample size, the pass blocking was pretty suspect at times. It’s an area of the offense worth paying attention to going forward.</p>
<p id="r39fOE"><em><strong>Buy: This was a great defensive performance against a very good offense.</strong></em> Atlanta, a team that had the sixth ranked offense in the league a year ago, didn’t score a single point for the first 50 minutes of the game. Of their 345 total offensive yards, 129 of them came on their final two drives when the game was all but decided. <span>Julio Jones</span> had 31 yards a day after signing a contract extension worth $64 million guaranteed. The Vikings defense kept a very dangerous Falcons offense in check until garbage time.</p>
<p id="EscA3v"><em><strong>Sell: This was a clean defensive performance against a very good offense.</strong></em> The defensive performance could have been even better if they hadn’t jumped offside FOUR times on Sunday. I’m sure that drove Mike Zimmer as crazy at it drove us. The Vikings need to cut down on the mental mistakes going forward. The opposing quarterback next week has a reputation for making defenses pay on free plays.</p>
<p id="A5KzMd"><em><strong>Buy: It’s tough to start the season much better than the Vikings did on Sunday.</strong></em> Punt block. Touchdown. Interception. Touchdown. Exchange punts. Force a fumble. Touchdown. If Sunday’s game was being played out on <em>Madden 20</em>, there’s a 100% chance the guy controlling the Falcons rage quits by halftime. The Vikings didn’t just hit the ground running; they hit the ground driving a Bugatti.</p>
<p id="HJZ259"><em><strong>Sell: It’ll be that easy going forward.</strong></em> While the Vikings forced the Falcons into most of their mistakes, Atlanta did some of it to themselves with drive-extending penalties and uncharacteristically bad decisions from <span>Ryan</span>. The Vikings have historically done very well hanging onto an early lead under Mike Zimmer; we’ll see just how good this team is when they don’t get off to such a hot start.</p>
<p id="qpcP8p"><em><strong>Buy: Special teams were outstanding.</strong></em> As we touched on with Maalouf, the special teams phase was virtually flawless on Sunday. Anxiety levels have been significantly lowered for the time being.</p>
<p id="mmtL7k"><em><strong>Sell: We’re completely out of the woods there.</strong></em> There weren’t any field goal attempts by <span>Bailey</span>, and there were was some space for <span>Kenjon Barner</span> to make a few decent returns. We should know better than to completely let our guard down when it comes to the Vikings kicking game.</p>
<h3 id="y1TtYU">Quinn Thompson Quote of the Day</h3>
<p id="rjtyXj">Since I don’t get to write this article very often, I figured I would bring back an old gimmick: stuff my kids say while we’re watching the game. Like most diehard Vikings fans, yours truly did plenty of hooting and hollering at his television during the game. When Cook found the end zone for the second time to give the Vikings a 28-0 lead, I may or may not have done a little victory lap around the living room while turning on the “TOUCHDOWN” lights on my ugly sweater. My younger daughter giggled at me as she put together her puzzle, happily exclaiming to her mother:</p>
<p id="gipagm"><em>“Mommy, Daddy’s so happy!”</em></p>
<p id="A8KnU9">Yes, Quinn, Daddy is very happy. I spent the last few minutes of the game snuggled next to her on the couch, answering random questions she had about the game.</p>
<p id="RsBjJa"><em>“Why are their helmets so big?”</em></p>
<p id="706Wkg"><em>“Why do they have gloves on? Is it cold?”</em></p>
<p id="foFPcQ"><em>“Why do they fall down so much? Do they get owies?”</em></p>
<p id="WdHNN9"><em>[During a shot of Ryan sitting on the bench toward the end of the game] “Why is the guy sitting down in the white shirt sad?”</em></p>
<p id="Q7jalK"><em>[Pointing at </em><span><em>Linval Joseph</em></span><em>] “Whooooaaa Daddy that’s a really big guy!”</em></p>
<p id="uiiqSf">If only every Vikings game was so adorably stress-free down the stretch.</p>
<div id="au4L1Q">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Under five minutes left in the game, and I'm here on the couch casually explaining to my 3 year old why players wear gloves and big helmets and why that guy sitting down in the white shirt (Matt Ryan) looks so sad.<br><br>Life is good in Week 1. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skol</a> <a href="https://t.co/GLzWLrKpic">pic.twitter.com/GLzWLrKpic</a></p>— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_j_thompson/status/1170787480498556930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="BqbkTT"><em>Programming note: I’m filling in for Ted today as he attends the services for grandmother, Leona Niehaus. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 100 earlier this week. Ted tells me that she was a lifelong Cubs fan that didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Our thoughts are with Ted and his family; expect him back in this space next week.</em></p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/8/20855553/minnesota-vikings-stock-market-report-atlanta-falcons-2019-week-1Eric Thompson2019-09-08T15:10:28-05:002019-09-08T15:10:28-05:00Minnesota Vikings 28, Atlanta Falcons 12: Defense dominates in big season-opening win
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<img alt="NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JY4udge7aZY0S6-yRgymKyllTBE=/0x0:4701x3134/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65204386/usa_today_13329106.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Three turnovers all became points for the Vikings</p> <p id="Cwz3DU">We know that the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>’ defense has a ton of talent, and we expect them to be very good. But I’m not sure how many Vikings’ fans anticipated what we were witness to on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>.</p>
<p id="IKg9cm">Forcing three Atlanta turnovers, and turning all of them into touchdowns, the Vikings victimized <span>Matt Ryan</span> and company early and often <em>en route</em> to a 28-12 victory in the 2019 NFL season opener.</p>
<p id="flQlZM">Things got off to a very good start for the Vikings, as they forced a three-and-out on defense on the first drive of the game, and then got a blocked punt from <span>Eric Wilson</span> to set themselves up deep in Atlanta territory. The Vikings then cashed in, as <span>Kirk Cousins</span> found <span>Adam Thielen</span> for a 23-yard touchdown to give the home team an early 7-0 lead.</p>
<div id="TeIDNu">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're Thielen it early.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skol</a> <a href="https://t.co/BNMuHT4vfc">pic.twitter.com/BNMuHT4vfc</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1170746738191155200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="DyXSGn">Minnesota’s defense came up big again, as <span>Anthony Harris</span> intercepted <span>Matt Ryan</span> on Atlanta’s next series to give the Vikings the ball in Falcons’ territory again. This time, <span>Dalvin Cook</span> put the points on the board with a beautiful 19-yard run to make the score 14-0 midway through the first quarter.</p>
<div id="nofYXM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks like a pin-and-pull with a key block from Thielen <a href="https://t.co/yj5FaJxIaH">pic.twitter.com/yj5FaJxIaH</a></p>— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1170750328943177728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="A5Zje9">The Vikings added another touchdown in the second quarter, as <span>Kirk Cousins</span> went in on a quarterback sneak, and the two teams went into the locker room with the home team leading 21-0.</p>
<p id="Yz7we0">Following another interception by <span>Harris</span>, the Vikings took the ball down the field again, and with the help of a couple of personal foul penalties on the Falcons, got themselves into position to add to their lead. <span>Dalvin Cook</span> did just that with his second touchdown of the game, a 7-yard blast to extend the lead to 28-0.</p>
<div id="jUUePQ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dalvin Cook TD x2! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATLvsMIN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATLvsMIN</a> <br><br>(Via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/yXMo0Z91f2">pic.twitter.com/yXMo0Z91f2</a></p>— PFF (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1170780574556073984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="V1JR9X">Atlanta did manage to dent the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, as <span>Calvin Ridley</span> beat <span>Trae Waynes</span> down the left sideline on a 4th-and-5 play for a 20-yard touchdown. The Falcons were unsuccessful on a two-point conversion attempt, making the score 28-6 with just over nine minutes remaining in the contest.</p>
<p id="uX56s8">The Falcons managed another late score when the Vikings were, largely, playing a softer defense. Matt Ryan found <span>Julio Jones</span>, who had a very quiet day overall (six catches, 35 yards) for a 2-yard score. The Falcons went for two again and were unsuccessful, providing the final margin at 28-12.</p>
<p id="pxdwpY">Dalvin Cook had a huge day for the Vikings, carrying the ball 21 times for 11 yards and finding the end zone twice. The rest of the offensive numbers for the Vikings weren’t terribly eye-popping. Cousins only threw ten passes. . .yes, 10. . .but completed eight of them for 98 yards and a touchdown. <span>Adam Thielen</span> was the Vikings’ leading receiver on the day, hauling in three passes for 43 yards and a score. <span>Stefon Diggs</span> had two grabs for 37 yards, including the Vikings’ longest catch of the day, a 31-yarder. Cook had two catches for nine yards, and <span>Chad Beebe</span> also had a nine-yard reception.</p>
<p id="epgH40">Rookie running back <span>Alexander Mattison</span> also had a nice day in relief of Cook. He had the Vikings’ longest run of the game, a 23-yarder that set up the Vikings’ touchdown in the third quarter, and finished the day with nine carries for 49 yards.</p>
<p id="WkJIL0">The star of the day on defense would have to be <span>Harris</span>, who should probably be your NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 1 of this season, barring a huge performance in the late games. He had two interceptions, and was also credited with a recovery of a fumble that was forced by <span>Trae Waynes</span> that stopped a Falcons’ drive in the red zone. <span>Anthony Barr</span>, <span>Everson Griffen</span>, <span>Linval Joseph</span>, and <span>Danielle Hunter</span> each picked up a sack of <span>Matt Ryan</span> on the afternoon.</p>
<p id="V1AWwj">The Vikings move to 1-0 on the season, and will play their first road game of the year next Sunday, as they’ll travel to Lambeau Field to meet the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> (1-0). The Falcons drop to 0-1, and will host the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> next weekend on Sunday Night Football.</p>
<p id="VskYG9">The Vikings throttle the Falcons by a final score of 28-12 and get a big win to start the 2019 season. Thanks to everyone that got their coverage of today’s game right here at The Daily Norseman!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/8/20855759/minnesota-vikings-atlanta-falcons-final-score-game-recapChristopher Gates2019-09-08T14:26:47-05:002019-09-08T14:26:47-05:00Falcons at Vikings: Third quarter recap and fourth quarter discussion
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<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v&nbsp;Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HyfKthlKH5ShT8PW7isgOti5DFo=/0x33:3533x2388/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65204212/1173169831.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s a four-score lead going into the final fifteen minutes</p> <p id="VxIAlh">After a very good first half, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> went into the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium with a 21-0 lead over the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, and got the ball first coming out of the locker room at halftime. The Vikings didn’t do anything with their first drive of the half, and the Falcons put together a nice drive in response, with a pass interference penalty on <span>Trae Waynes</span> giving them first-and-goal at the Minnesota 2-yard line. Then, <span>Anthony Harris</span> struck again.</p>
<div id="fpELGr">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/HOOSDatDude?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HOOSDatDude</a> is making a name for himself today! <a href="https://t.co/jsXKAg2QT8">pic.twitter.com/jsXKAg2QT8</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1170776750181105664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="xF2vfQ"><span>Matt Ryan</span> lofted one towards the back-right corner of the end zone, and no Falcon was able to get to it. . .but <span>Harris</span> did, gathering his second interception of the day and preserving the shutout.</p>
<p id="kBUpBN">Following the interception, the Falcons committed personal foul penalties on a pair of plays, a 31-yard pass from <span>Kirk Cousins</span> to <span>Stefon Diggs</span> and an 8-yard run by <span>Dalvin Cook</span>, to set up first-and-goal from the Atlanta 7-yard line.</p>
<div id="q4kp48">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">Dang Diggsy! <a href="https://t.co/ey1OGBAqLU">pic.twitter.com/ey1OGBAqLU</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1170778244146028544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="N3uVsY">On the next play, <span>Dalvin Cook</span> continued his big day with his second touchdown of the day, this one a seven-yard burst! <span>Dan Bailey</span> was perfect on the extra point, and the lead expanded to 28-0.</p>
<div id="aKAdvh">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dalvin Cook TD x2! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATLvsMIN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATLvsMIN</a> <br><br>(Via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/yXMo0Z91f2">pic.twitter.com/yXMo0Z91f2</a></p>— PFF (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1170780574556073984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="VHyq94">As we start the fourth quarter, the Vikings have the ball back after a three-and-out by the Falcons, and will have first and goal from their own 25-yard line.</p>
<p id="cdfkJ4">We appear to be 15 minutes away from 1-0, ladies and gentlemen, as the Vikings go into the fourth quarter with a commanding 28-0 lead over the Falcons. Come and watch the rest of the game with us right here!</p>
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<a class="twitter-timeline" data-width="400" data-height="600" data-theme="dark" data-link-color="#9266CC" href="https://twitter.com/DailyNorseman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Tweets by DailyNorseman</a> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/8/20855126/atlanta-falcons-minnesota-vikings-third-quarter-recap-fourth-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates2019-09-08T13:56:24-05:002019-09-08T13:56:24-05:00Mackensie Alexander OUT with elbow injury
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<img alt="Arizona Cardinals v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kzfP2CCFmqm1gO7d0Ar-zKFUGiM=/0x261:2482x1916/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65204094/1170347920.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>He suffered the injury in the second quarter</p> <p id="XK3iik"><em><strong>UPDATE</strong></em>: Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the injury that Alexander suffered was actually a dislocated elbow.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> CB Mackensie Alexander suffered a dislocated elbow, source said. Explains why he was in so much pain after the collision. Obviously done for today, but hopefully not a long-term thing for rising nickel.</p>— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1170775308863098880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rjOLuU">
<p id="S6GShk">Leading the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> 21-0 in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> now have to deal with what could be a significant injury in the secondary.</p>
<p id="6fcORt"><span>Mackensie Alexander</span>, who has become one of the NFL’s best slot cornerbacks, left the game in the second quarter and has been ruled out for the rest of the contest. The team is classifying it as an elbow injury.</p>
<p id="RSdyeQ">I’m not sure exactly where Alexander got injured, but near the two-minute warning there was a play were he was down on the field in considerable pain. He got off of the field under his own power, but will not see the field for the rest of the day.</p>
<p id="V2WRV2"><span>Jayron Kearse</span> appears to be Alexander’s primary replacement as the fifth defensive back the rest of the way.</p>
<p id="R0aZGx">If we receive any more updates on <span>Mackensie Alexander</span>’s condition, we will pass them along to you.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/8/20855770/mackensie-alexander-out-elbow-injury-minnesota-vikingsChristopher Gates2019-09-08T13:35:34-05:002019-09-08T13:35:34-05:00Falcons at Vikings: Second quarter recap and third quarter discussion
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<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v&nbsp;Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L6FPUtLxUorfvm3-sfLr7kK6G8w=/0x0:5274x3516/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65204025/1173179773.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Vikings take a three-score lead into the locker room</p> <p id="em822Y">Taking a 14-0 lead into the second quarter, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> were finally forced to punt by the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>’ defense, as we got to see <span>Britton Colquitt</span> in purple for the first time. The Vikings had gained a first down into Atlanta territory on their first play of the second quarter, but a penalty on <span>Riley Reiff</span> wiped it out and things unraveled from there.</p>
<p id="k3jVZw">The Falcons then put together their best drive of the afternoon so far, pushing near the red zone. However, the Vikings’ defense stepped up big again, as <span>Trae Waynes</span> forced a <span>Devonta Freeman</span> fumble, and it was recovered by <span>Anthony Harris</span> to squelch the threat.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a force from Waynes <a href="https://t.co/jVFFsT8Xgr">pic.twitter.com/jVFFsT8Xgr</a></p>— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1170757993094209537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="JPpZbo">Atlanta gave the Vikings a hand on the next drive, committing a couple of third down penalties to give the purple free first downs. <span>Alexander Mattison</span> missed his first NFL touchdown by a few inches, as he had a long run where he was pushed out of bounds inside the 1. On second-and-goal, Cousins went over on a sneak for the touchdown, and <span>Dan Bailey</span>’s extra point made the score 21-0 with just under five minutes left in the quarter.</p>
<p id="Pg5TjM">After the touchdown, Cousins did this:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirk Cousins has perfected the Dad Dance <a href="https://t.co/ZudXNZvJnt">pic.twitter.com/ZudXNZvJnt</a></p>— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/1170761474039406593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
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<p id="RRFwTV">I have no idea what that is. I’m not sure if he knows what that is.</p>
<p id="Sw7p6W">That’s how the second quarter ended, as neither team was able to add any more to the scoreboard, and the Vikings head into the locker room with a 21-0 lead.</p>
<p id="zjUqfo">The big story of the first half was the Vikings running game, and specifically Dalvin Cook. Cook carried the ball 12 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, and has been getting big chunks of yardage throughout the first half. Alexander Mattison has chipped in as well, toting the rock four times for 39 yards, including the longest run of the game, a 23-yarder that set up the Vikings’ third touchdown.</p>
<p id="hXWgm4">The passing game hasn’t done much today and. . .well, they haven’t really had to. Cousins has completed five-of-seven passes for just 47 yards. Half of those yards belong to <span>Adam Thielen</span>, whose 23-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring makes him the team’s leading receiver. Cook has two catches for nine yards, <span>Chad Beebe</span> has one catch for nine yards, and <span>Stefon Diggs</span> has one catch for six yards.</p>
<p id="eI6JoB">Minnesota’s defense has been stout, with <span>Danielle Hunter</span> and <span>Anthony Barr</span> each collecting sacks of <span>Matt Ryan</span> for the Vikings early on. The total yardage figures for both teams are about the same, with the Vikings picking up 167 yards of total offense to the Falcons’ 166, but the Vikings have taken advantage of several Atlanta mistakes to build their margin.</p>
<p id="hZQWFO">We’re ready for the second half of the 2019 season opener at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the Vikings holding a 21-0 lead over the Atlanta Falcons and getting the ball first to start the second half of play. Come on in and watch the game with us, won’t you?</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/9/8/20855125/atlanta-falcons-minnesota-vikings-second-quarter-recap-third-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates