Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons: Box score, player stats and summary feat. JJ McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr.

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.

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.

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Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons box score

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Minnesota Vikings player stats

Passing

Rushing and receiving

Defense

Kicking

Punting

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Atlanta Falcons player stats

Passing

Rushing and receiving

Defense

Kicking

Punting

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Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons summary

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.

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.

Edited by Santosh Kumar