Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons: Box score, player stats and summary feat. JJ McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. - via Imagn/CMS
The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons each drafted a future franchise quarterback in 2024, but neither of their selections would prove to be a major factor in their rookie seasons.
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J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus during the preseason and had to sit out, while Michael Penix Jr. sat behind Kirk Cousins until he was called up in December. But on Sunday, the two, now fully healthy and ready sophomores, faced each other in the league for the first time.
The game began with the Falcons having to settle for a field goal after the loud noise inside US Bank Stadium hampered their huddling. But then they forced a turnover on downs on the Vikings' first drive, then punished it with yet another field goal.
The Vikings then failed to score on their next drive, being forced into a three-and-out. However, Eric Wilson forced a fumble on Drake London that Theo Jackson recovered to regain possession, and it resulted in a field goal - the hosts' first points of the night.
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The Falcons were forced to punt for the first time on the next drive, but Billy Bowman Jr. intercepted a pass to regain possession, leading to yet another field goal. Then, just before time expired, Justin Jefferson had a monstrous 50-yard catch to set up a buzzer-beating field goal from 51 yards.
The second half began with a Vikings punt that the Falcons punished with a field goal. After that, neither team scored in the third quarter again, being forced to punt on the next two drives.
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The drought continued to begin the fourth quarter, when Zach Harrison sacked JJ McCarthy, who lost the ball to Divine Deablo. However, a touchdown remained elusive, as the Falcons had to settle for field goal no. 5.
Finally, a breakthrough happened at the 3:22 mark. After the Falcons forced yet another punt, Tyler Allgeier bruised past the defense for the night’s first touchdown. Xavier Watts then intercepted McCarthy, but the tension did not stop there.
The Vikings managed to force a punt on the next drive, but Myles Price fumbled the return, allowing Mike Ford Jr. to regain possession and end the game.
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About the author
Andre Castillo
Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.
Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.
If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.
Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.
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