The Vikings defense wasn’t messing around in Sunday’s Week 1 win over the Falcons.
In the 24-12 win, the Vikings forced three turnovers, blocked a punt and limited Atlanta to just 73 rushing yards. They also sacked quarterback Matt Ryan four times.
Safety Anthony Harris led the way with two interceptions, but really, this was a complete group effort and you have to think Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is going to bed a happy man, especially considering the Vikings ran for 172 rushing yards.
With Dirk Koetter as the new offensive coordinator for the Falcons, the hope was that he could help Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Devonta Freeman find their rhythm. Against the Vikings defense, they weren’t able to find any of that.
A few highlights:
- Kirk Cousins had just 10 pass attempts in the game, but completed eight of them. Cousins is a solid quarterback, but if the Vikings don’t have to throw, they shouldn’t. That’s what Zimmer, Kevin Stefanski and Gary Kubiak envision.
- Those to get sacks for the Vikings was Danielle Hunter, Anthony Barr, Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen.
- While Dalvin Cook ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns, don’t sleep on rookie Alexander Mattison. Mattison ran nine times for 49 yards. It looks like he’ll be a good replacement for Latavius Murray.
