The Falcons Head to Minnesota in Week 2 After Losing a Close Game to Tampa

Even after losing to a divisional rival, the Atlanta Falcons remain poised and ready for their Week 2 matchup on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings. In the game of football, coming up on the losing side of a close game like Atlanta did to Tampa is only a testament to how good this team can be moving forward by competing with the best the league has to offer. 

The biggest confidence booster heading into Week 2 for Atlanta is their man upfront, the leader of the offense, Michael Pennix Jr. Pennix gathered up 298 passing yards, one TD with a passer rating of 93.2% and a 4-yard TD rush that helped tremendously to keep the Falcons in the game late. His 50-yard TD pass to Bijan Robinson was the tone-setter for the game that let Baker Mayfield and the Bucs know that they’re in for a fight. 

As the Sunday night showdown approaches, Atlanta comes into this game with much anticipation due to last season’s game between the two organizations. The Vikings destroyed the Falcons 42-21 with then quarterback Sam Darnold throwing five touchdown passes while then rookie quarterback Michael Pennix was on the bench. With that in mind, Pennix is looking forward to making sure that his Falcons leave Minnesota with a win. 

Keys to the Game 

As seen on Monday night, the Vikings have plenty of grit and willingness to stay alive deep in the third and fourth quarters with JJ McCarthy leading the way, proving his worth in the league with a 1-0 start to the season. Similarly, in their game against the Bucs, Atlanta has to come out swinging and score at will as soon as they get possession of the ball, and be consistent with plays. Pennix Jr. aired the ball out, yet Atlanta’s run game must step up as well to clinch the road win. 

Prediction 

Falcons 24, Vikings 21