MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings opened their house Sunday night, but the game was played on the Falcons terms.
Atlanta won the coin toss, Bijan Robinson ripped runs of 25 and 17 yards on the Falcons first two plays, and the visitors managed the flow of the game in a 22-6 win.
Excluding one snap in victory formation, the Falcons rushed 35 times for a whopping 219 yards and never trailed. Robinson led the way with 143 yards on 22 carries, averaging 6.5 per rush.
Staying ahead of the chains allowed the Falcons to lean heavily on a quick passing game to avoid Minnesota's pass rush.
Michael Penix, Jr., was releasing the ball quickly and connecting before coverage was able to take away slants or rushers were able to get "home." He completed 13 of 21 passes for 135 yards and a passer rating of 80.5.
Atlanta's longest pass play, which went for 21 yards, resulted from a quick slant to Drake London and a missed tackle.