Football NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota VikingsJ.J. McCarthy? Nowhere to be found in Week 2. The game was — putting it kindly — lopsided. A reasonably humdrum Falcons team was dominant for the duration of the night, leading to a pile of issues for Minnesota to confront as Week 2 quickly moves into Week 3.

Football The Brutal Vikings Effort in 3 Issues

Issue #1 — Roster Health Gets Worse

PurplePTSD, Janik Eckardt offers a summary of where things stand.

Both of Ryan Kelly and Justin Skule needed to step away from the game due to concussions, further depleting the offensive line. Backup edge rusher Gabriel Murphy was taken out of the game. Starting running back Aaron Jones has a hamstring problem.

Partner these new injuries with the ongoing recoveries for Harrison Smith, Christian Darrisaw, Blake Cashman, Jeff Okudah, and Andrew Van Ginkel (among others). The roster is in a difficult spot.

Kevin O’Connell needs to summon all of his coaching might to put depth players aplenty in a position to succeed. The Week 6 bye is looking ultra important.

Issue #2 — Numerous Numbers are Ugly

Truth be told, Kevin O’Connell’s offense didn’t hold up its end of the bargain. The defense does need to be stingier defending the run, but Brian Flores’ crew did a really nice job overall. The same cannot be said for an offense that’s littered with talent.

Issue #3 — J.J. McCarthy Looks Overwhelmed by the NFL

I’m the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. I am Canadian.