The Vikings (11-2) continued to handle their own business by completely dismantling the Falcons (6-7) in the fourth quarter, turning a tie at 21 points into a 42-21 victory. It was the first time the Vikings have scored 40-plus points in a game since 2019.

Sam Darnold found “pure joy” after hitting career bests in touchdowns (five), passing yards (347) and passer rating (157.9 — a franchise record just shy of the NFL max 158.3).

Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson became the first Vikings duo and fifth instance leaguewide in the Super Bowl era to each have 130-plus receiving yards and two or more touchdowns. Jefferson also became the youngest player all-time with 7,000 career receiving yards.

Joshua Metellus (second of season and fourth of career) and Byron Murphy, Jr., (sixth of season and 14th of career) each nabbed passes from former teammate Kirk Cousins and hit pop culture celebrations. Their interceptions extended the Vikings streak of at least one takeaway in every game to 13 this season. Minnesota is the only squad with at least one takeaway in every game.

Metellus guaranteed another round of BOGO specials at Caribou Coffee today with his interception early in the second quarter, and Murphy speared his pick with one hand in the fourth quarter to help ice the game.

Each of the players above received game balls from Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell during his victory speech, as well as linebacker Brian Asamoah II and fullback C.J. Ham.

“When we had to have one, B.A. knocking that ball out,” said O’Connell, before adding, “Nothing personifies this organization more than the guy who picked that fumble up, Mr. C.J. Ham.”

That combined effort, immediately followed the Vikings taking a 28-21 lead and set up a seven-play touchdown drive for a 35-21 margin.

Ham, who was recognized at halftime as the Vikings Community Man of the Year and nominee for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award at halftime, emerged from the pile of humanity with the football.

“At the end of the day, we have to be ready for the ball to come out [of the end zone], no matter where we kick it,” Ham said. “B.A. was able to make a great play on it, and I happened to be at the right place at the right time.

“[The reception from fans during the recognition] was very cool,” Ham said. “Just a blessing, man. It’s been a great week, a very emotional week. Just to see all the love and support is a blessing.”

Darnold has a passer rating of 100 or higher in 11 of 13 games this season, setting a new franchise record for such games in one season with Sunday’s performance. His ability to withstand pressure, escape the rush and create has consistently shown up.

The acquisition of Daniel Jones to Minnesota’s practice squad shouldn’t be viewed as doubting Darnold. It was a way the Vikings could make a long-term assessment of another QB and bolster depth at the sport’s most important position. Everyone in Eagan and beyond is riding with Darnold, who is in a one-year deal and could receive some major offers from other suitors next spring.

Credit the Falcons for moving the ball well and netting 496 yards, but also credit Minnesota’s defense with getting stops that forced field goals and with not allowing any first downs by penalties.

It’s always better to get off the field sooner than later and before a foe gets into field goal range, but that’s a pretty talented bunch on the Falcons sideline.

Opponents have attempted 24 field goals so far season and made 18. Opponents have scored 26 touchdowns (seven rushing, 18 passing, one return).

Minnesota’s red zone defense is ranked 18th with a TD allowance rate of 56.3, but the goal-to-go numbers of 61.5 percent rank 5th.

The past two opponents have combined to go 3-for-11 in the red zone, a trend in the right direction.

How about that 98-yard drive? It’s one thing to seize momentum with a situation like the fumble recovery between two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. It’s another thing to not let go of it by driving the entire length of the field.

The touchdown drive allowed to open the game left a bit to be desired, with a 12-yard run to open the game, a conversion on third-and-8 for 28 and on second-and-15 for 16 and on fourth-and-1 with a run, but Cousins made some nice throws, and Bijan Robinson had nice rushes.

The timeout was taken with 1:52 remaining and Atlanta facing second-and-16. O’Connell took it believing his team could get a quick stop, but the Falcons gained 16 on the pass play that followed and eventually added a field goal to make it 14-10 at halftime.

Credit Jalen Redmond for his pass breakup at the line of scrimmage on third-and-goal from the 2 before the field goal, as well as Harrison Smith and Metellus for a tackle for loss on second-and-goal from the 1. Smith, by the way, appeared in his 189th regular-season game as a Viking, moving out of a tie with Cris Carter and Tim Irwin for 10th all-time.

The point margin will be impressive, but even better than that is what went into the Vikings outscoring the Falcons 21-0 in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota racked up 11 first downs, went 3-for-3 on third downs, netted 190 yards and kept the ball for 10:03.

P.S. it is OK for Vikings fans to have friends on the other side of the Border Battle. I appreciate the friendly relationships (and a bit of good-hearted banter) I have with a couple of my neighbors.