The Atlanta Falcons are looking to end a three game losing streak and keep their very slim lead in the NFC South this Sunday when they travel to Minnesota to take on a Vikings team that is on a five game winning streak. How can Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons make sure Kirk’s first game back in Minnesota since signing with the Falcons in the offseason ends with a Falcons win? Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and now analyst for the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network Dave Archer told The Morning Shift the three things the Falcons have to do on Sunday to get a much needed win.
1. Sack their QB
Dave gave a great stat while he was on The Morning Shift which was that Sam Darnold has been sacked three or more times in eight of the 12 games he’s played in with the Vikings this season, and with the Falcons’ defense coming off a game last week where they sacked Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert five times Arch wants to see the Falcons’ defensive front carry that momentum into their matchup with the Vikings.
2. Bloody their nose in the run game
The Vikings are fourth in the NFL in sacks with 39, so Dave wants to see the Falcons “find a way to bloody their nose in the running game, so their pass rushers can’t get after you”.
3. Don’t turn it over
The Falcons lost last week because of Kirk Cousins’ four interceptions, that’s just the harsh reality of the situation, and with the Vikings leading the league in interceptions with 18 he can’t “throw the ball to the other team” as Dave put it, and the Falcons can’t turn the ball over period.
Dave Archer’s blueprint to beating a hot 10-2 Minnesota Vikings team seems simple enough, but trying to execute that game plan on the road in what will be a loud U.S. Bank Stadium will definitely be easier said than done. However, it’ll need to be done if the Falcons want to end their three game losing streak and ensure they’ll still be leading the NFC South on Monday morning.
