“I just know we had way too many yards, way too many big plays,” Wilson said. “We got some guys who take this personally, so we’re going to do our best to clean this up.”
Fans greeted Thielen with a standing ovation during his first Vikings home game in over 2½ years. The team made Thielen the first member of the offense announced out of the tunnel during pregame festivities.
Thielen, a 13th-year veteran, soaked in the scene in warmups, tossing a football with purple-clad fans in Section 119, right behind the the end zone of the Vikings’ half of the field. One fan in the stands held up a sign that read, “Hooked On A Thielen.” Fans watched a video montage of Thielen’s Vikings highlights and interviews shown on the videoboards before kickoff.
“You definitely heard the energy,” receiver Justin Jefferson said. “I’m glad 19 got to feel that.”
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson hugs Adam Thielen (19) before Sunday's game against the Falcons. (Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Jefferson’s 9-yard catch in the first quarter marked his 500th career reception, and he tied receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. as the youngest players to reach that mark.