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The Vikings (11-2) continued to handle their own business by completely dismantling the Falcons (6-7) in the fourth quarter, turning a tie at 21 points into a 42-21 victory. It was the first time the Vikings have scored 40-plus points in a game since 2019.

Sam Darnold found "pure joy" after hitting career bests in touchdowns (five), passing yards (347) and passer rating (157.9 — a franchise record just shy of the NFL max 158.3).

Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson became the first Vikings duo and fifth instance leaguewide in the Super Bowl era to each have 130-plus receiving yards and two or more touchdowns. Jefferson also became the youngest player all-time with 7,000 career receiving yards.

Joshua Metellus (second of season and fourth of career) and Byron Murphy, Jr., (sixth of season and 14^th of career) each nabbed passes from former teammate Kirk Cousins and hit pop culture celebrations. Their interceptions extended the Vikings streak of at least one takeaway in every game to 13 this season. Minnesota is the only squad with at least one takeaway in every game.

Metellus guaranteed another round of BOGO specials at Caribou Coffee today with his interception early in the second quarter, and Murphy speared his pick with one hand in the fourth quarter to help ice the game.

Each of the players above received game balls from Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell during his victory speech, as well as linebacker Brian Asamoah II and fullback C.J. Ham.

"When we had to have one, B.A. knocking that ball out," said O'Connell, before adding, "Nothing personifies this organization more than the guy who picked that fumble up, Mr. C.J. Ham."

That combined effort, immediately followed the Vikings taking a 28-21 lead and set up a seven-play touchdown drive for a 35-21 margin.

Ham, who was recognized at halftime as the Vikings Community Man of the Year and nominee for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award at halftime, emerged from the pile of humanity with the football.

"At the end of the day, we have to be ready for the ball to come out [of the end zone], no matter where we kick it," Ham said. "B.A. was able to make a great play on it, and I happened to be at the right place at the right time.

"[The reception from fans during the recognition] was very cool," Ham said. "Just a blessing, man. It's been a great week, a very emotional week. Just to see all the love and support is a blessing."

Omg, so awesome for Sam and what this guy's been through for seven years. Even the doubters in our organization who thought we should bring in another quarterback. His 28/10 TD ratio is awesome. He's coming into his own … 11-2 pretty good considering what they thought. Still a little worried about D. Hopefully they can figure it out. Playoff teams won't be settling for 3s and 400-plus yards. Just saying. Congrats Vikes.

— Toby S. in Alaska

I think across the NFL landscape people would be hard-pressed to find folks not happy for Darnold. Maybe the people who are hesitant to admit they were wrong about his potential, I guess?

While there might still be some naysayers, particularly among people filling hours of television content from afar, there were and are plenty of believers in him — especially where it matters most (the Vikings locker room).

Darnold has a passer rating of 100 or higher in 11 of 13 games this season, setting a new franchise record for such games in one season with Sunday's performance. His ability to withstand pressure, escape the rush and create has consistently shown up.

The acquisition of Daniel Jones to Minnesota's practice squad shouldn't be viewed as doubting Darnold. It was a way the Vikings could make a long-term assessment of another QB and bolster depth at the sport's most important position. Everyone in Eagan and beyond is riding with Darnold, who is in a one-year deal and could receive some major offers from other suitors next spring.

Credit the Falcons for moving the ball well and netting 496 yards, but also credit Minnesota's defense with getting stops that forced field goals and with not allowing any first downs by penalties.

It's always better to get off the field sooner than later and before a foe gets into field goal range, but that's a pretty talented bunch on the Falcons sideline.

How many field goals have we given up? This can be a good thing because it means we stopped their TD drive. This is a sign of a good defense. What are your thoughts?

— Gerald Goblirsch

Opponents have attempted 24 field goals so far season and made 18. Opponents have scored 26 touchdowns (seven rushing, 18 passing, one return).

Minnesota's red zone defense is ranked 18^th with a TD allowance rate of 56.3, but the goal-to-go numbers of 61.5 percent rank 5^th.

The past two opponents have combined to go 3-for-11 in the red zone, a trend in the right direction.

Hey Guys,

Two beautiful fourth quarter scores and then another on a 98-yard TD drive to end it at the 3-minute mark. Overall, I didn't think the Vikings defense was so good today, giving up sustained drives, multiple third down conversions, and a ton of mid-range Falcons receptions all game long. Our offense gives up four sacks, missed a FG, and goes three-and-out after the Metellus pick? However, the outstanding fourth quarter offense made up for all of that. Below are my 3 Ups and 3 Downs for the game:

UPS:
1. Nice defensive fourth down stop early by the Vikings. Followed by a long TD pass to Addison. Nicely done on both sides of the ball!

2. Nice drive ending with a beautiful TD pass to Jefferson in the second quarter.

3. Two fourth quarter scoring drives and the interception by Murphy; and then the third TD game with 98-yard game sealing drive led by Cam Akers' running, the Josh Oliver reception, and the Jones TD run. Very nicely done.

DOWNS:
1. The defense gives up a disappointing first drive for a TD to open the game. A long and sustained drive with multiple third-and-long conversions; and a fourth-and-2 conversion. Followed by a disappointing first offensive drive with back-to-back sacks allowed. I expect so much more from both sides of the ball than a weak start.

2. More weak and dumb play after the 2-minute warning heading toward halftime. Given the way the Vikings play at the end of first halves, and the way the Falcons were chewing up our mid-range zone pass defense, why in the world would anyone call a defensive timeout for them under 2 minutes and after a first down? Dumb and greedy — just a different version of trying to field a Packers punt at our own goal line up 28-0 with seconds left in the half? Terrible strategy, again. Not one bit surprised that we give up yet another late first half score after the defense allows them to overcome two first-and-20s in the process. Inexplicable.

3. The three-and-out on offense after the Metellus pick.

A quality win to be sure. We have to get off the field more on defense and eliminate most all the sacks to get even better. 11-2, can't beat that! Looking forward to Da Bears again.

Respectfully,

— Jeff L.

How about that 98-yard drive? It's one thing to seize momentum with a situation like the fumble recovery between two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. It's another thing to not let go of it by driving the entire length of the field.

The touchdown drive allowed to open the game left a bit to be desired, with a 12-yard run to open the game, a conversion on third-and-8 for 28 and on second-and-15 for 16 and on fourth-and-1 with a run, but Cousins made some nice throws, and Bijan Robinson had nice rushes.

The timeout was taken with 1:52 remaining and Atlanta facing second-and-16. O'Connell took it believing his team could get a quick stop, but the Falcons gained 16 on the pass play that followed and eventually added a field goal to make it 14-10 at halftime.

Credit Jalen Redmond for his pass breakup at the line of scrimmage on third-and-goal from the 2 before the field goal, as well as Harrison Smith and Metellus for a tackle for loss on second-and-goal from the 1.

Smith, by the way, appeared in his 189^th regular-season game as a Viking, moving out of a tie with Cris Carter and Tim Irwin for 10^th all-time.

One of my (way too many) Packers fan friends hit me up recently asking why the Vikings aren't getting any blowouts. I pointed out the Houston win, the first half of the Packers game, etc. But while a win is a win, the elite teams have a game or two that makes a statement with a late season lopsided win. It was fun to send my Packer fan friend a screenshot of today's final score.

I could nitpick. Missed field goal (a headline in many Vikings games but a mere blip in this one), rushing yards allowed, no sacks on Cousins (seriously?!), far too close through three quarters, but coaches will handle those things. As fans we simply need to enjoy and savor this very special team and historic season. So far. Plenty of football to play. But this team has a look and a swagger I haven't seen in more than a few years. Let's keep it rolling and Skoling!

Skol!

— Jeff in Sacramento, California

The point margin will be impressive, but even better than that is what went into the Vikings outscoring the Falcons 21-0 in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota racked up 11 first downs, went 3-for-3 on third downs, netted 190 yards and kept the ball for 10:03.

P.S. it is OK for Vikings fans to have friends on the other side of the Border Battle. I appreciate the friendly relationships (and a bit of good-hearted banter) I have with a couple of my neighbors.

Finally, something everyone has wanted, a breakaway WIN! It's been a while, and we are SO capable of doing this. I'm so proud of our coaches & players to step their game up and dominate the last quarter! My concerns are: 1) our offensive line MUST be better in order to win going forward. Being just good enough isn't enough! Line of scrimmage dominance without penalties is the goal! And 2) our strategies & effort to get to the opposing quarterback (sacks, hurries, pressure) must go to a higher level! Beat the Bears! Skol!

— Randy Gronert

Allowing four sacks, seven QB hits and multiple other pressures is definitely something the Vikings will look to reduce down the final stretch of the season.

What an exciting game to watch. The team is on a roll with Addison going off, Jefferson contributing despite defenses attempting to control him, solid TE play and a defense that comes up with a big play when needed. It was nice to have a game that didn't come down to the wire.

Since I live in Mississippi and am an FSU fan, a special shout out to Cam Akers who made several nice runs in the fourth quarter.

Skol!

— Kevin in Pearl, Mississippi

Love the shout out for Akers for how much he has worked through the injury-related adversity of two Achilles surgeries and rehabs. He plays every snap like a man who doesn't know if it's going to be his last.

It goes without saying, that was easily the best performance offensively so far this year. Is it a harbinger of things to come? One can only hope. We moved the ball at will … at times. We had a couple of drives where we looked off, but overall outstanding play. Defensively we gave up too many big plays, which won't win us most games. Especially in the playoffs. However, once again they came through when needed most. The INTs were huge! As well as the fourth down stops. Not really sure why O'Connell chose to challenge the one INT? First replay was clear, simultaneous possession goes to the offense. Seemed to me like a waste of a timeout. Didn't matter though. It's about time both J.J. & J.A. had huge games. T.J. got in the act, too. We ran the ball really well, too. Which was a nice change of pace. Aaron & Cam were an awesome 1-2 punch. So, all around big day for the O! Too bad for Mr. Cousins. It was funny hearing the FOX broadcasters talking about benching him to give [Michael Penix] a shot the rest of the year. Good stuff.

Let's keep it up next Monday against the Bears.

SKOL!

— J.B. Brunet

The irony of the play with Shaq Griffin and Drake London that was called a reception instead of an interception is that had it been called an interception, it automatically would have been reviewed and O'Connell would not have needed to use a challenge.

"The reason why I challenged it, I just saw only one hand from the receiver on the ball. It looked like Shaq (Griffin) secured it first," O'Connell said after the game. "So that looked to me like it was not going to be a 'tie goes to the receiver' situation. It was a big play in the game. I thought it was worth a challenge, and I thought we had enough information to at least make them have to take a real look at it. It was deemed to be a catch, and we moved on down the road. But I did not get an explanation."

UK-based Vikings fan in my 40^th year of occasional highs and much pain — all thanks to a sweatshirt I had with a Viking on the front when American football landed in blighty. I loved that sweatshirt and so my team was set.

So after many weeks of enduring the Vikings getting wins, but ultimately winning dumb, it was fantastic to finally see the whole team starting to click.

Yes, we had some fortune, and yes, the Falcons really fell apart toward the end, but this is just what the team needed as we move toward the business end of the season.

Really pleased for Jordan Addison and hope we see more of the Addison, Jets, T.J. triple threat next week.

Skol,

— Ian Bowden in Southport, England

Thanks for the support from afar. That's a unique origin story. I chuckled a bit last week when Jeff Foxworthy appeared on The Tailgate and (I'm paraphrasing the star comedian) listed the Vikings as a team he supports after the Falcons. I found it a bit humorous knowing how close to the ultimate each team has been.

In addition to a wide swath of the U.S. getting yesterday's broadcast on FOX affiliates, I heard Sky Sports also featured the game in the U.K. Hopefully the folks that have been such great hosts on Vikings trips there were able to enjoy that showing.