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There was no magic in the fourth quarter of JJ McCarthy in his second NFL start when Atlanta Falcons handled Minnesota Vikings on the way to win their first match of the season, 22-6.
McCarthy stole a victory in Chicago last Monday after orchestrating an exciting fourth quarter against the bears. But Falcons had all the answers to the young quarterback on “Sunday Night Football” to get to the victory column.
McCarthy went 11-of-21 through the air in 158 yards without touchdowns and two interceptions in a game where he had some chances of great acting, but he just didn’t have the real touch on his passports. With the lack of a successful race game, Falcons sent all types of pressure and McCarthy went down into six sacks.
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Michael Penix Jr. From Atlanta Falcons passes against Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of the game at the US Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
But McCarthy’s opponent, Michael Penix Jr., didn’t have the best of games in the Quarterback position either. Penix was only 13-of-21 in 135 yards without touchdowns or eavesdropping. He also missed some throws that could have led to a touchdown earlier than Tyler Allgeier’s score in the late quarter, which was the dagger of Falcons.
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Allgeier’s five-yard Rush was the only touchdown for both teams in this game as it was a field goal match everywhere with both teams struggling to convert on Red Zone Chances. Parker Romo, Falcons’ new kicker when Younghoe Koo was benched after a tough week 1 performance, was up to the challenge when he knocked into all five of his field goals, including his longest from 54 yards out.
JJ McCarthy from Minnesota Vikings warms against Atlanta Falcons before the game at the US Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Although the passport was not effective for Atlanta, Star Running Bijan Robinson returned with 143 rushing 22 carriers to lead the game in that category. Drake London was the leading recipient for Falcons with 49 yards on three receptions.
For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson had 81 yards, though he caught only three passports. After McCarthy’s second interception of the game on Vikings’ last drive, Jefferson became noticeably frustrated with the sidelines, but who wouldn’t be when the offense really clicked in the fourth quarter of the last week?
McCarthy and the Vikings hope to be more consistent from start to finish next week when facing Cincinnati Bengals, who is expected to be without quarterback Joe Burrow after he suffered a toe injury on Sunday.
Bijan Robinson from Atlanta Falcons rushes against Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of the game at the US Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Falcons hit the road again, but against an NFC South rival in Carolina Panthers next Sunday at. 13 et.
