The Minnesota Vikings set the tone in the first half by saying that they were ready for anything after answering a strong opening drive by the Falcons with some impressive plays of their own. Fast forward to the second half, and it was one-way traffic as the Vikings dominated the Falcons for a 42-21 win at home.
Sam Darnold and the Vikings’ offense were near perfection. The defense disrupted the work the Falcons attempted to achieve, and in turn, they won their sixth game in a row. With the Vikings improving to 11-2, they still remain one game back of the Lions, who are 12-1.
This performance is pretty cut and dry. Everyone is going to get some positive grading. Let’s do our best, do our teacher’s work, and grade this performance.
Quarterbacks
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Grade: A+
When you pass for five touchdowns and 347 yards while only throwing six incompletions you deserve the best grade possible. Darnold is looking like he is finally in a groove and is ready to take the Vikings on a playoff run.
Running Backs
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Grade: A
Aaron Jones is on the brink of rushing for 1,000 yards for the first time since 2022. It would be the fourth time in his career he has eclipsed the mark, and it speaks to the value the Vikings got when they signed him in free agency. His touchdown on Sunday was the cherry on top of it all for the offense, but his impact was much wider than that.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Grade: A+
15 catches, 265 receiving yards, and five touchdowns from Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Do we really need to break it down further than that?
Offensive Line
Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) enters the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Grade: B
The offensive line applied a lot of pressure to the Falcons’ defensive front in the first half. In the second half, they sure things up and gave Sam Darnold all the time he needed to make plays over and over again on his way to a career day. Not to mention, Aaron Jones was able to make an impact on the ground.
Defensive Line
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Grade: B+
It was a quiet game in the boxscore for sacks, but the pressure applied by this group forced some Cousins turnovers and stopped the bleeding that Bijan Robinson created on the ground. Jalen Redmond, though, is emerging as a bonafide stud on the defensive line.
Linebackers
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) celebrates his interception against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Grade: A
Bijan Robinson was held under 100 yards on the ground, and the middle of the field was shut down in terms of pass coverage. Star tight end Kyle Pitts finished with one catch on six targets for just 14 yards, and this group played an integral part in making that a reality.
Secondary
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Grade: A-
Byron Murphy Jr. made the play of the day with his second straight game with an interception and he did so in impressive fashion. They intercepted Cousins twice and were a big part in the former Viking not throwing a touchdown for a fourth straight game.