Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Jones, who did not practice most of the week due to a hamstring injury, led the team with eight catches for 137 yards and two scores. Hurst, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage added 57, 61 and 65 yards, respectively, through the air.
Atlanta's offensive weapons are not secret, but Vikings safety Anthony Harris emphasized that it's no excuse for the Vikings defensive performance.
"Obviously they have two dynamic receivers in Julio and Ridley. We respect their talents," Harris said. "But at the same time, we take pride in our craft and the ability that we have. To give up big plays is not what you want to do; it's not the identity that we try to play with.
"We have to get on the tape and see how we can limit those and be better," he added.
The Vikings played better against the run, limiting the Falcons to 99 total yards rushing. Todd Gurley II led the way with 20 carries for 47 yards, and Hill recorded 28 yards on 10 attempts. Atlanta did not score a touchdown on the ground.
Minnesota now enters its bye week with a 1-5 record, the team's worst start under Zimmer's leadership.
Regardless of how the first six games have gone, the team will continue to self-scout, self-correct and work to improve.
"It's foreign for us," Harris admitted of the poor start, "but at the same time, regardless of the record, the formula is showing up each week. Whether you're 1-5 or 5-1, you have to come to play. It's the NFL and there's a lot of talent – anything can happen each week.
"As long as you carry that identity, you'll have a chance to compete and be prepared to go. That's what we're preaching. That's what leaders do," Harris continued. "We pride ourselves on being vocal, holding ourselves to a high standard regardless of what has happened or what the record is. We're going to keep this thing going. Guys are going to continue to rally, keep showing up each day, come to work looking to improve and whenever we have games look to win. That's the attitude we'll have from here on out."