Leading 23-7 with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Atlanta Falcons lined up on offense facing a fourth-and-3. With nobody open, Matt Ryan initially began to scramble in an attempt to pick up those three yards by himself. When a Vikings defender closed the space and Ryan realized he wouldn't make it, he pulled up just short of the line of scrimmage, drifted backwards a hair and lofted a short teardrop into the hands of Julio Jones.
Nothing about how that play developed suggested it should have worked, but, just like nearly everything for the Falcons on Sunday, the result was a major success.
Jones raced 40 yards after Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney fell to the turf and kept linebacker Eric Kendricks at bay for the improbably touchdown. That one play served as a microcosm for Atlanta's play in its 40-23 win against Minnesota, the first of the season for the Falcons.
The Vikings played tough at times throughout the contest, but right from the jump the Falcons asserted themselves as the better team.
Linebacker Deion Jones kicked things off for Atlanta on the very first play of the game, picking off quarterback Kirk Cousins – one of three on the day for Cousins – and returned it 17 yards to set the Falcons offense up at Minnesota's 29-yard line. After four straight touches by running back Todd Gurley, Ryan connected with Jones for a 20-yard touchdown, the first of two for the duo on Sunday.
From there, Atlanta never looked back.
In all phases, the Falcons looked like a team determined to change their narrative after an 0-5 start to the season. It was the first game for Raheem Morris as interim head coach, and he couldn't have asked for a better showing from his team.
The Falcons gained 462 yards on offense and converted 53 percent of their third-down attempts. Ryan was especially sharp, completing 30 of his 40 passes for 371 yards and four touchdown passes with no interceptions. After missing last week's game against the Carolina Panthers, Jones made his presence felt Sunday. He led the Falcons with eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Calvin Ridley chipped in with six catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, and Gurley added 47 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Atlanta's defense allowed Minnesota to pick up just one first down in the first quarter, while the offense added a field goal to extend its lead to 10-0. The lone blemish for the Falcons in the first quarter was a fumble by running back Brian Hill, but even that led to one of the game's most memorable sequences.
After a 36-yard pass from Cousins to tight end Irv Smith on the final play of the first quarter, the Vikings moved into Falcons territory for the first time. Another deep pass, this time an 18-yarder to rookie Justin Jefferson, moved the Vikings down to the Falcons' 2-yard line and they were poised to cut Atlanta's lead to three. Jefferson was a major bright spot for Minnesota on Sunday, catching nine passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
On four consecutive plays, Minnesota attempted to get into the end zone. And on four consecutive plays, Atlanta denied its opponent. After safety Keanu Neal dropped running back Mike Boone for a 1-yard loss on fourth down, the Falcons regained both possession and momentum.
Atlanta held Minnesota to 365 yards on offense, a large portion of that - 154 yards - coming in the fourth quarter. The Vikings converted just 30 percent of their third-down attempts and had just 32 rushing yards in the contest. The solid play on both sides of the ball allowed the Falcons to dominate time of possession 40:07 to 19:53.
The Falcons defense made another big play on Minnesota's following offensive possession. On a third-and-9, rookie cornerback A.J. Terrell – the team's first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft – dove to the turf in front of Jefferson to make a circus catch and secure the first interception of his NFL career.
Unlike the Vikings, the Falcons made their opponent pay after the turnover. Marching 40 yards, Atlanta moved into the red zone and took a 17-0 lead with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to Calvin Ridley.
Providing a feeling of déjà vu, Minnesota's next drive ended in much the same fashion. This time, it was third-year linebacker Foye Oluokun, who has had an excellent start to the 2020 season, that secured the first interception of his career. The Falcons drove the ball down to the Vikings' 2-yard line before opting to kick the field goal with just four seconds remaining in the first half.
Starting with the ball in the second half, the Falcons wasted no time in adding to their 20-0 lead. Kicker Younghoe Koo netted his third field goal of the afternoon, hitting a 47-yarder to give Atlanta a 23-0 lead and continuing the momentum that the Falcons had built in the first half.
Although the Vikings scored their first touchdown of the game in the third quarter, an 11-yard pass from Cousins to Jefferson, the Falcons continued to dictate play in the second half. The 40-yard touchdown by Jones on fourth down seemed to be the backbreaker for Minnesota, which didn't score its second touchdown until late in the fourth quarter.
The final nail in the coffin for Minnesota came on a fourth-and-1 just before the two-minute warning. Atlanta ran a play-action in the short-yardage situation, and Minnesota fell for it completely. After pulling the ball back from the fake, Ryan turned and fired a pass to tight end Hayden Hurst, who had no defender in the same area code and ran 35 yards for the Falcons' fourth touchdown of the game.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings with top photos from inside U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 6.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Jacob Tuioti-Mariner blocks the ball during the second quarter agains the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates with wide receiver Russell Gage #83 after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 runs with the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes an interception during the second quarter against the. Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after making an interception during the second quarter agains the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrates after making a interception on the first play of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 receives the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action t score a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 and strong safety Keanu Neal #22 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after making a field goal during the first quarter during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes a tackle during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates with wide receiver Russell Gage #83 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrates after making a interception on the first play of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 and. Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
DUPLICATE*Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 cleats are shown before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up with wide receiver Russell Gage #83 before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 walks out to the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gives a thumbs up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 walks out to the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 is shown before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Deadrin Senat #94 warms up before game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 talks to Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith #84 before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 warms up before game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
DUPLICATE*Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris shown before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrates after making a interception on the first play of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris is shown before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank is shown before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 is shown during warm ups before the game Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrates after making a interception on the first play of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 is shown during warm ups before the game against Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrates after making a interception on the first play of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris is shown with Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 during warm ups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 after making an interception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes in interception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action after making a interception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Allen Bailey #93 in action during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates with wide receiver Russell Gage #83 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 blocks a catch during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Allen Bailey #93 sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 runs during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 and defensive end Steven Means #55 gesture during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 stands by in the tunnel during pregame against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 and linebacker Deion Jones #45 make a tackle during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after making an interception during the second quarter agains the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the interior of U.S. Bank Stadium before the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes in interception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 in action during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 runs the ball for. A touchdown during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds #59 shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings free safety Anthony Harris #41 after the game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 leads the huddle during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 talks with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen #19 after the game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands the football off to running back Ito Smith #25 during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks for options during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 makes a tackle during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
The offensive line blocks for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 in action after making an interception during the second quarter agains the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 and defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 in action during the fourth quarter on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and Minnesota Vikings strong safety Harrison Smith #22 are shown after the game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes #21 are shown after the game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson #18 are shown after the game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and Minnesota Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen #19 are shown after the game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds #59 after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 walks with fullback Keith Smith #40 after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary #76 runs off the field with offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds #59 after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 walks with Atlanta Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris after beating the Minnesota Vikings on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Austin Hittel/AtlantaFalcons)
A general view of the interior of U.S. Bank Stadium before the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings game on October 18, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
