Bridgewater guides Vikings to upset victory over Falcons
The Minnesota Vikings, led by rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running backs Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon, ran roughshod over the Atlanta Falcons defense en route to a 41-28 victory.
Here's what you need to know...
- Teddy Bridgewater completed 19-of-30 passes for 317 yards, while adding another 27 yards and a touchdown with his legs. It wasn't all sunshine and slick diving TDs for Bridgewater though, as he left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. X-rays were negative.
- Jerick McKinnon left the Falcons' defense in tatters, rushing for 135 yards on 18 carries. Not to be outdone, Matt Asiata had 78 yards of his own, while finding the end zone three times.
- Asiata's three rushing touchdowns matched his career total heading into the game. His first three career scores also all came in one game.
- The Falcons offensive line was ravaged by injuries, with center Joe Hawley, guard Justin Blalock and tackle Lamar Holmes all leaving the game. The Falcons were so thinned-out up front, tight end Levine Toilolo came in to play right tackle.
- Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, last week's NFC Offensive Player of the Week, completed 25-of-41 passes for 298 yards, three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
- Three Falcons receivers (Devin Hester, Roddy White and Julio Jones) had at least 70 yards receiving, with Jones leading the way with 82 yards on six receptions.
- White's 24-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter moved him into a tie with Terrance Mathis for the most touchdown receptions in franchise history with 57.