Kirk Cousins Exits Duel with Sam Darnold, Falcons Fall to Vikings 42-21
Kirk Cousins returned to U.S. Bank Stadium, the place he called home for six seasons, but his Atlanta Falcons were no match for his replacement at quarterback, Sam Darnold. Darnold threw five touchdown passes and over 300 yards as the Vikings moved to 11-2 on the season, 42-21.
Darnold was 22-of-28 for 347 yards with his five touchdowns, while Cousins, who had struggled with turnovers in recent weeks, had no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Falcons’ defense could not contain Darnold, who connected with wide receivers Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson for three combined touchdowns, with Addison leading the game with 133 receiving yards on eight receptions.
Jefferson was right behind with 132 yards on seven catches. The Vikings put the game away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Falcons 21-0, with an Aaron Jones touchdown, who had 73 yards on 13 carries. For the Falcons, Bijan Robinson led the game with 92 rushing yards on 22 carries.