The Vikings’ Week 2 performance exposed a work-in-progress reality for a young quarterback and a retooling offense. J.J. McCarthy absorbed heavy pressure, racked up sacks and turnovers, and his accuracy wavered as Atlanta’s defense harassed him all night. Minnesota’s coaching staff framed it as a growth process, stressing execution and fundamentals from the line to the play-caller. The locker room’s optimism remains, but the clock is ticking on quick improvements.

With a patchwork line and a high-pressure, turnover-prone night, fantasy managers should weigh the risk of McCarthy’s volatility against potential rushing upside. Expect a shift toward better protection and more designed plays to ease his progression, while veterans like Adam Thielen anchor leadership and steady targets. The long journey is underway; the immediate path is sharper execution and smarter situational play.

Atlanta’s primetime win in Minnesota belonged to the defense, the re-energized special teams, and a rookie class that already looks like Terry Fontenot’s best haul. The pass rush wrecked J.J. McCarthy’s rhythm, Marquice Williams and Mike Ford shored up kickoff and coverage, and John Parker Romo drilled five field goals to erase Week 1 jitters.

Offense moved the ball on the ground but stalled in the red zone, forcing five field goals and prompting questions for Zac Robinson. Still, the 1-1 start on primetime, boosted by Ulbrich’s stingy unit, gives the Falcons plenty to build on as they grow into their identity.