Falcons trample J.J. McCarthy and Vikings 22-6 behind Bijan Robinson's running, dominant defense
Bijan Robinson rushed for 143 yards and Parker Romo made all five of his field-goal tries in his debut for the Atlanta Falcons in a 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bijan Robinson rushed for 143 yards and Parker Romo made all five of his field-goal tries in his debut for the Atlanta Falcons, who smothered J.J. McCarthy for six sacks and three turnovers in a 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.
Tyler Allgeier added 13 carries for 67 yards and a late touchdown run against a Vikings defense that didn't have much left after it admirably kept the game close all night while the offense crossed midfield just three times and only once got inside the 20-yard line.
Robinson and Allgeier helped the Falcons (1-1) rush 38 times for 219 yards to keep the pressure off Michael Penix Jr. and keep the crowd noise from being a factor after the first quarter. Penix, who went 13 for 21 for 135 yards, has yet to commit a turnover this season.
McCarthy, the first-time starter taken two picks after Penix in the 2024 draft whose rookie year was lost to a knee injury, has four turnovers so far. He overcame an interception return for a score in his debut at Chicago by leading the team to three fourth-quarter touchdowns, but there was no late magic for McCarthy or Minnesota this time.
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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (54) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (54) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Atlanta Falcons place-kicker Parker Romo (39) celebrates a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
