The Atlanta Falcons won their first game of the 2020 season on Sunday, defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 40-23. Interim head coach Raheem Morris is now 1-0 since taking over for Dan Quinn.
Atlanta’s defense intercepted Vikings QB Kirk Cousins three times, and the offense put up over 400 total yards. Falcons WR Julio Jones caught eight balls for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while QB Matt Ryan was nearly perfect on the day.
Let’s take a quick look at the team’s offensive, defensive and special teams performances from their Week 6 win over Minnesota.
OFFENSE
Matt Ryan started 9-for-10 and looked decisive while leading the team to an early 17-0 lead. He’d finish with 371 passing yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Julio Jones caught a 30-yard touchdown on Atlanta’s opening drive and looked ten years younger after missing last weekend’s game against Carolina. Jones finished with 137 yards and two touchdowns on the day.
Calvin Ridley caught his fifth touchdown of the season but would leave the game due to injury. Falcons RB Todd Gurley didn’t have his most efficient game, finishing with just 47 rushing yards. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter stuck with the run, though — despite its lack of success — which helped the team close out the game late.
The offensive line was again solid in pass protection, keeping Matt Ryan clean in the pocket for most of the day.
DEFENSE
Linebackers dominated this game for the Falcons. MLB Deion Jones caught an interception on Kirk Cousins’ first pass. Meanwhile, Foye Oluokun played with confidence and continued to fly to the ball with ease. He made a big stop in the red zone and recorded one of three Falcons interceptions.
Rookie A.J. Terrell played his best game as a pro. Terrell caught his first career interception after diving and using his legs to eventually the cradle the ball to the ground. He also made a couple impressive open-field tackles — one on third down to the Falcons’ defense off the field.
Starting SS Keanu Neal continues to work his way back from two serious injuries, but looked good on Sunday. He made a couple of big tackles and showed the physicality fans are familiar with.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Younghoe Koo hit a 50-yard field goal to give Atlanta a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Koo finished a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, and 4-for-4 on extra point attempts.
Sterling Hofrichter averaged 34 yards on two punts, with one pinned inside the 20-yard line. Returner Brandon Powell continues to run with speed. He had a kick return of 29 yards and a punt return of 24 yards on Sunday.
It was a positive performance for this unit in its first game under new special teams coordinator Bernie Palmalee.
