Week 1 – Atlanta Falcons
The Vikings got off to an early lead over the Falcons in Week 1 and never looked back. The run game was established from the outset and the Vikings kept pounding the rock all afternoon long.
Kirk Cousins sat back and let the running backs take control with some help from the defense. Minnesota preserved an early lead and then proceeded to chew clock for three quarters.
First Quarter
The Vikings got off to a hot start and did not have to throw the ball much against Atlanta. Already up 14-0 in the first quarter, Diggs got his first target. He had a six-yard reception, but he created five yards of separation from his defender.
Second Quarter
On the first play of the second quarter, Diggs was wide open over the middle. The play called for a screen to tight end Kyle Rudolph but Cousins should have spotted Diggs down the field. The Minnesota quarterback missed Diggs again later on a deep post in favor of an incompletion to Rudolph. Diggs was a step ahead of his defender with no help over top on this play and an easy score was missed.
Third Quarter
Diggs got his only other target of the game near the end of the third quarter. He caught a deep crossing route for 31 yards – and drew a penalty on the tackle – to move the Vikings close to the red zone. Minnesota’s passing attack was pretty quiet in the second half.
Fourth Quarter
Cousins did not attempt a pass in the fourth quarter as the Vikings just ran out the clock. He only attempted 10 passes all afternoon, so nobody really had a ton of targets during this matchup.