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Falcons vs. Vikings: 3 Falcons up, 3 Falcons down after Week 6 victory

Fact: Matt Ryan hair smells like lavender and brandy

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

This is the Falcons team we were expecting after a second half turnaround in 2019 and an ostensibly productive offseason. Unfortunately, at 1-5, this will undeniably be a loss season. And truth be told, looking ahead, the best we can hope for are opportunities to play spoiler and build for the future. But tell me that wasn’t a fun game to watch. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Let’s take a look at some of the best and worst individual performances from Sunday’s decisive victory over the Vikings.

3 Falcons Up

Franchise quarterback Matthew Thomas Ryan

Ryan completed 75 percent of his passes yesterday (30/40), racking up 375 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns. Also, for what it’s worth, he doesn’t care what you think about him.

Foye Oluokun

Foye got his first career interception yesterday on a tipped ball and continued to play the solid football that’s characterized his breakout campaign. Foye is an integral part of the defensive core that the Falcons’ next head coach and GM will build on—he’s proven that through 6 games.

Julio Jones

Julio broke out yesterday, racking up 137 receiving yards. He caught 80 percent of the balls thrown his way (8 receptions on 10 targets), including two touchdown passes. He also trolled his haters in epic fashion:

3 Falcons Down

Brian Hill

Hill fumbled and didn’t make much of his 10 rushing attempts (28 yards). I feel like we keep saying this about Hill, but he has to make the most of his opportunities if he wants the Falcons to envision a larger role for him in the future. He failed to do that yesterday.

Arthur Blank

The Vikings aren’t a good football team right now, but the Falcons dominated them in all 3 phases yesterday. Interim head coach Raheem Morris pulled off that win with the exact same personnel Dan Quinn had at his disposal, proving that the Falcons should’ve moved on from Quinn after 2019. That’s on Blank.

Dante Fowler

Fowler logged just 1 tackle yesterday and continues to play unremarkable, mediocre football, particularly as a pass rusher. He did have an impressive goal line stop, but his pass rushing prowess over 6 games has left something to be desired.