The Minnesota Vikings entered Week 2 riding high. Their improbable win against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 left fans thinking this team has a lot to be excited about and that they were putting it all together.
Then Sunday rolled around, and the Vikings put forth one of the most frustrating offensive performances in recent history. The Atlanta Falcons controlled the ball and won the game in the trenches, a place where Minnesota invested heavily this offseason.
The amazing performance in the latter portion of the Week 1 game that earned starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award never came for the fans at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday night.
Which Minnesota Vikings players thrived while others floundered against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2?
Some Minnesota players had solid performances in Week 2, but others struggled to help their team. Let's take a look at who the winners and losers were for the Vikings on Sunday.
Vikings Winner No. 1
Will Reichard - K
Parker Romo for the Falcons and Will Reichard for the Vikings put on a pretty good show if field goals are your thing. Reichard was two-for-two on kicks, including a very nice 51-yard boot as time expired in the first half.
Vikings Loser No. 1
J.J. McCarthy - QB
The stat line for McCarthy in this game was ugly. He completed 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards and two interceptions, adding five runs for 25 yards. However, he also had three fumbles, losing one, and was sacked six times.
Vikings Winner No. 2
Eric Wilson - ILB
Filling in for Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson once again stepped into a starting role and played well. The interior linebacker ended the game with five tackles but had a great play to punch the football out of the hands of Atlanta receiver Drake London to cause a fumble.
Vikings Loser No. 2
Minnesota's offensive line depth
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw was unable to play in this game, and then the team lost center Ryan Kelly to a concussion.
Minnesota already has a rookie at left guard and fullback C.J. Ham recovering from an injury. Michael Jurgens, Walter Rouse, and Justin Skule all stepped into tough situations during this game, but struggled to protect McCarthy.
Vikings winner No. 3
Jalen Redmond - DL
The Vikings' defense got absolutely toasted on the ground by the Falcons, but Jalen Redmond still managed to look solid while the team struggled to shed blocks and tackle.
He was fifth on the team in tackles (six), which included one sack and another tackle for a loss.