Bijan Robinson, Falcons defense overwhelm J.J. McCarthy's Vikings

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson totaled 143 yards on 22 carries in a win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis. File Photo by Mike Zarrilli/UPI | License Photo

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Bijan Robinson amassed 168 yards from scrimmage, while the Atlanta Falcons defense totaled six sacks of J.J. McCarthy in a domination of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Falcons out-gained the Vikings 326-198, including a 218-78 edge in rushing, in the 22-6 triumph Sunday in Minneapolis. They also logged just one turnover, compared to four from their foes.

"We wanted to establish the run game early," Robinson said on the NBC broadcast. "That's just what we do. When we do that, we are very hard to stop."

Falcons kicker Parker Romo made all five of his field goal attempts, including three in the first half. The Falcons, who scored the game's lone touchdown with a 5-yard run from running back Tyler Allgeier late in the fourth quarter, never trailed.

"Honestly, we just competed," Falcons coach Raheem Morris told reporters. "Everything is hard in this league. We expect it to be hard. Everything is required for us to do it the right way."

Romo hit 38- and 29-yard field goals on the Falcons' first two drives of the night. Opposing kicker Will Reichard made a 33-yard kick midway through the second quarter for the Vikings' first points of the night.

Billy Bowman Jr. intercepted McCarthy on their next drive. Romo proceeded to hit a 33-yard kick on the resulting possession. Reichard made a 51-yard attempt in the final seconds of the half, but the Falcons still trailed 9-6 at the break.

Romo made a 33-yard kick midway through the third quarter to push the Falcons lead to six points. He added a 54-yard kick with 11:16 remaining. Allgeier found the end zone about eight minutes later for the game's lone score.

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 13 of 21 passes for 135 yards in the victory. McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards and two interceptions in his second NFL start.

Falcons defensive linemen Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorius each registered 1.5 sacks. Leonard Floyd and Jalon Walker also earned sacks, while fellow edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro logged half sacks.

"Obviously, a very disappointing performance," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. "It really starts with our ability to take our week of preparation and show up and play a lot better in all three phases. Gotta coach better, specifically me. Our team will handle the adversity that is now right at our feet.

"We've gotta go back to work and improve immediately."

The Falcons (1-1) will face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Charlotte, N.C. The Vikings (1-1) will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Minneapolis.