Floyd’s First Sack Powers Falcons’ Defense in 22-6 Win

Lead: Veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd notched his first sack as an Atlanta Falcon and fueled a six-sack outing in Sunday’s 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Nut Graf: Signed in late March to bolster Atlanta’s pass rush, Floyd’s debut sack underscores the Falcons’ defensive resurgence and his role as a stabilizing veteran presence on a unit that overwhelmed Minnesota’s offense.

Veteran Makes Immediate Impact

• On first-and-10 late in the second quarter, Floyd breached the offensive line and brought down quarterback J.J. McCarthy for an 8-yard loss.
• That play marked Floyd’s first of the season and contributed to a skid that limited the Vikings to two field goals.

Defense Dominates Through Pressure

• Atlanta recorded six sacks, its highest single-game total since 2018.
• Rookie pass-rushers James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker each added one sack, while Brandon Dorlus (0.5), Ruke Orhorhoro (0.5) and Zach Harrison (1.5) also reached the quarterback.
• The Falcons forced three turnovers and allowed just 198 total yards.

Special Teams Steady, Quirky Moment

• Newly signed kicker Parker Romo converted all five field-goal attempts, including a 54-yard boot early in the fourth quarter.
• In a lighthearted postgame interview, Romo drew laughs by meeting Floyd for the first time on live TV, extending a handshake and quipping, “Nice to meet you.”

Next Up

Atlanta (2-0) returns home to host the Carolina Panthers, aiming to sustain its defensive surge and crowd noise at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.