Minnesota Vikings: 3 Standouts vs. Falcons in Week 1

2. Vikings Defense

One of the more impressive things for Minnesota in its win over Atlanta on Sunday at US Bank Stadium was the performance of its defense. The Vikings defense, which has been one of the top defenses in the entire NFL the last few seasons, shut down the very potent Falcons offense throughout a majority of the game.

With the exception of a few late-game touchdowns from Atlanta, Minnesota was able to hold Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and company in check through three quarters, holding the Falcons off the scoreboard until early in the fourth quarter.

Along with holding Atlanta scoreless through three quarters, the Vikings defense put on a show early and often throughout the victory.

Led by Anthony Harris with two interceptions, Minnesota forced Atlanta into three turnovers in the contest, including the two interceptions out of the hands of Ryan, with the third turnover coming on a fumble from Freeman that was ultimately recovered by the Vikings.

During one of the first few drives of the game, Minnesota’s special teams unit also came away with a blocked punt that set the tone for the game right out of the gate.

Ryan did end up putting a nice game together thanks to some fourth-quarter yardage and stat-filling time, finishing the game 33-of-46 with 304 yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota did a really nice job in holding Jones and Freeman in check, holding Jones to 31 yards receiving on six catches, while letting Freeman tally 19 yards rushing on eight attempts.

Everyone was aware that the Vikings defense was and is one of the top defensive units in the league, but their showing on Sunday was awfully impressive against one of the best offensive units in the NFL on the other side of the field.