Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after recovering an Atlanta Falcons fumble in the first quarter. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Q1, 6:48 – Falcons 6, Vikings 0
The Falcons were given great field position after the Vikings’ first offensive drive ended on a turnover on downs when they failed to convert a fourth-and-1. Michael Penix Jr. found Kyle Pitts for a 14-yard third-down conversion in the drive, but that was the biggest play. They close the drive with another field goal, this time from 29 yards by Parker Romo
Penix is 3-of-6 for 27 yards while running back Bijan Robinson has five carries for 54 yards.
Q1, 9:18 – Falcons 3, Vikings 0
A four and out, not a three and out, to start for the Vikings offense and J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy appeared to drop the snap on a fourth-and-inches sneak on the Vikings’ 36-yard line. Turnover on downs.
Q1, 11:12 – Falcons 3, Vikings 0
Vikings fans made a different on the opening drive of the game. After Bijan Robinson popped off runs of 25 and 17 yards, the Falcons offense struggled in the red zone under the barrage of a noisy crowd. They took a timeout before third down, then had a false start and came up short on the third-and-10. The offense stayed on for fourth-and-2 but took a delay of game penalty, and ultimately the Falcons settled for a 38-yard field goal kicked by former Viking Parker Romo.
