MINNEAPOLIS -- A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 41-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium:
What it means: The Vikings' offense was ignited in Teddy Bridgewater's first career start, racking up 558 yards of offense and finally finding a running game in Adrian Peterson's absence. With Jerick McKinnon running for 124 yards, Matt Asiata scoring three touchdowns and Bridgewater directing all of it with a 317-yard passing day, the Vikings looked like they discovered an offensive identity without Peterson and Kyle Rudolph. But how the Vikings ultimately feel about the day could hinge on Bridgewater's health; he sprained his left ankle in the fourth quarter, being replaced by Christian Ponder and his status could be in doubt for Thursday's game against the Packers.
Stock Watch: The Vikings' offensive line had been criticized for the last several weeks, largely for its inability to protect the team's quarterbacks, but they didn't allow a sack at all on Sunday, and manhandled the Falcons' defensive line on the way to a 241-yard rushing day. Center John Sullivan was particularly effective as a run-blocker, and though the Falcons entered the game with just three sacks for the season, left tackle Matt Kalil fared well in pass protection.
Rhodes shines: Cornerback Xavier Rhodes enjoyed one of his best days as a pro, handling the Falcons' prolific group of wide receivers with just one illegal contact penalty and hammering Steven Jackson for a 2-yard loss in the fourth quarter. On a day where the Falcons sent a flurry of different receivers at Rhodes, he controlled the right side of the field.
Game ball: It has to go to Bridgewater, though there were plenty of candidates. The rookie showed poise, mobility and a thorough command of the offense in his first game as a starter, and he only made a couple of bad throws all day -- nearly throwing an interception in the second half and missing what would have been a long touchdown when he overthrew Jarius Wright. On a day where Cordarrelle Patterson struggled to gain separation from the Falcons' defensive backs, Bridgewater was nonetheless able to throw efficiently, and appeared to be walking around at the end of the game without a limp after getting X-rays on his ankle. If he's able to play on Thursday night, the Vikings have to have some hope they can win at Lambeau Field for the first time since Brett Favre was quarterbacking them.
What's next: The Vikings (2-2) have a quick turnaround, traveling to Lambeau Field on Thursday night to face the Green Bay Packers.
