"Atlanta Falcons Helmet" by jeffcutler is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Week 6: Falcons Finally Capture First Win of Season Against Vikings

 

It finally happened, the Atlanta Falcons gained their first win of the season after defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 40-23,  with the debut of interim head coach Raheem Morris at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.

In the first half mark, Atlanta shut out Minnesota, marking the first time the Falcons did not allow any points in the first half since Week 11 of the 2019 season against Carolina.

The Falcons offense posted 462 total yards (363 passing, 99 rushing) and four touchdowns. The team’s 40 points were the most by the Falcons since Week 14 of 2019 (40 vs. Carolina).

WR Julio Jones who returned from injury finished with eight catches for 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Sunday’s game marked Jones’ 57th career game with at least 100 receiving yards, which is the most among active players and the fourth-most in NFL history. QB Matt Ryan threw a total of four touchdown passes while completing 30 of 40 passes for 371 yards.

WR Calvin Ridley totaled six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Ridley has a team-leading five receiving touchdowns in six games, which is the most by a Falcon through six games of a season since he had six in 2018. TE Hayden Hurst notched four receptions for 57 yards (14.3 avg.) and a touchdown, his third in six games with Atlanta.

On Twitter Ryan posted, “Great team win yesterday, but we have our work cut out for us. I know our team is focused on one thing keeping this momentum going and winning the next one.  #RiseUP

 

Week 7-Up Next: The Atlanta Falcons (1-5) host the Detroit Lions (2-3) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. ET.