Falcons’ rookie defenders led a 22-6 win over the Vikings, sacking J.J. McCarthy six times and forcing four turnovers in a primetime statement.

Atlanta’s defense shut down quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings, limiting them to 198 total yards during a 22-6 win that evened the Falcons record at 1-1. Atlanta forced four turnovers, did not allow a touchdown and only allowed the Vikings into the red zone once.

A number of NFL teams are going to have to rely on their backup quarterbacks in Week 3, but don't expect the Atlanta Falcons to entertain trade offers for their own backup, Kirk Cousins, at the moment.

Zach Harrison had himself a night. PFF credits the edge rusher with three pressures, two sacks (one strip sack), three total tackles (1 solo, 2 assisted) and a defensive stop. Harrison’s sack came early in the fourth quarter, when Minnesota got the ball with great field position (starting near midfield), only down six. It was a big swing of events.

The Atlanta Falcons had the option to release backup quarterback Kirk Cousins over the offseason but chose to keep him around despite his hefty price tag. The veteran signal-caller has a $27.5 million salary for the 2025 season and overall cap hit of $40 million.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is left in awe of how quarterback Michael Penix Jr. handled the pressure on the road against the Vikings.

In Week 1, Watts became the first Falcons rookie with five or more tackles and two or more pass breakups in his debut game since 1994. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said he saw Watts as a player who would never be satisfied and would always strive to improve in the next game.