Three Keys For Atlanta Falcons to Beat Minnesota on Sunday Night

Watching Michael Penix Jr. drive 80 yards in the final minutes, only to see the defense crumble against Tampa Bay’s rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, left a bitter taste that’s still lingering in Atlanta.

Week 1 tells you something, but it doesn’t tell you everything. The Atlanta Falcons showed flashes of brilliance against the Buccaneers, particularly in how Penix orchestrated that comeback drive. They also exposed some glaring weaknesses that could haunt them under the Sunday night lights in Minneapolis.

Atlanta Falcons Need To Fix the Left Side of the Offensive Line

The numbers don’t lie, and they’re telling a brutal story about Atlanta’s rushing attack. When the Falcons ran left against Tampa Bay, they managed a pathetic 1.5 yards per carry on 11 attempts. Compare that to 2.8 yards per carry when running right, and you’ve identified the root of their ground game struggles.

Matthew Bergeron is the focal point here. The second-year guard looked overwhelmed at times against the Buccaneers, and now he’s staring down the barrel of Minnesota’s defensive front featuring veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave – two players who combined for 13 pressures in Week 1.

Jake Matthews, at 33, is what he is at left tackle. His pass protection remains elite, but his run blocking limitations are well-documented and aren’t changing at this stage of his career. That puts the onus squarely on Bergeron’s shoulders to elevate his game.

With Kaleb McGary lost for the season on the right side, the Atlanta Falcons simply cannot afford to have their left guard struggle. Bijan Robinson’s breakout season depends on having at least one side of the line creating consistent running lanes. If Bergeron can’t step up, this offense will remain frustratingly one-dimensional.

Contain Justin Jefferson Without Getting Burned Elsewhere

A.J. Terrell actually had an encouraging performance against Mike Evans in Week 1, limiting the future Hall of Famer to three catches while recording two pass breakups. But Evans and Justin Jefferson are different animals. Jefferson’s route-running precision and ability to create separation from any alignment make him the most dangerous receiver the Atlanta Falcons will face this season.

The dilemma facing defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is stark: shadow Jefferson with Terrell and risk getting torched by Minnesota’s secondary options, or provide help over the top and leave other areas vulnerable.

Tampa Bay’s blueprint should serve as a warning. When the Falcons focused too heavily on Evans, rookie Emeka Egbuka became the hero with two touchdown catches, including the game-winner. The difference this week is that Jordan Addison – Minnesota’s typical WR2 – is suspended, leaving Adam Thielen and Jalen Nailor as the primary threats opposite Jefferson.

Generate Consistent Pass Rush Against a Backup Left Tackle

Here’s where opportunity knocks loudest for the Atlanta Falcons. Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota’s Pro Bowl left tackle, won’t suit up Sunday night. In his place stands Justin Skule, a journeyman who surrendered two sacks in Week 1 against Chicago.

Arnold Ebiketie should be licking his chops. The fourth-year edge rusher had one of his finest performances last season against these same Vikings, generating three pressures against Brian O’Neill. Now he gets to attack the significantly weaker left side.

With James Pearce dealing with a groin injury and listed as questionable, Ebiketie might shoulder the majority of the pass-rushing responsibility from the right edge. Against a second-string left tackle making his first start in a hostile environment, this represents the Atlanta Falcons’ clearest path to disrupting J.J. McCarthy’s rhythm.