Unlike Week 1, the Minnesota Vikings were never able to get on track against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. Losing 22-6, the offense never found its rhythm, and the defense could only hold up so long before the Falcons’ running game dealt one too many body blows.

There wasn’t a ton for the Vikings to hang their hats on after Sunday’s loss besides the fact that the game ended. Even with the 22-6 score, this game could have been even more lopsided. They have to put this game behind them quickly to get prepared for next Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at home.

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The Good: Three sacks in limited opportunities

The Vikings didn’t have many opportunities to pin their ears back on Michael Penix, Jr., but they were still able to get to him three times, with Jonathan Greenard, Jalen Redmond, and Dallas Turner all picking up a sack.

Redmond is a full-time starter for the first time in his career, a result of the Harrison Phillips trade from last month. Turner got his first career start in place of Andrew Van Ginkel. Greenard battled through an oblique injury to get a sack on Penix.

The bad: McCarthy’s performance

J.J. McCarthy certainly didn’t fool anyone into thinking he was more experienced than he is. Making only his second start, McCarthy was pressured early and often, taking six sacks. He also turned the ball over three times, tossing two interceptions and losing one of his three fumbles.

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Even when he had time, McCarthy struggled. He missed Jalen Nailor on a go-ahead pass on 3rd-and-1 in the fourth quarter that would have resulted in a touchdown. Instead, McCarthy overthrew him, and the Vikings punted on the next play, seemingly conceding defeat.

The ugly: The offensive line

We’ll give McCarthy a little grace since this was his second start, so we’ll place the offensive line in this section. Justin Skule got the start at left tackle in place of Christian Darrisaw for the second straight week, but the results were poor again. Skule was overwhelmed by the Falcons’ pass rush, and he exited the game in the third quarter with a concussion.

Ryan Kelly also left the game, thrusting second-year center Michael Jurgens into the game. It was a tough spot for Jurgens, as the Vikings are counting on Kelly’s experience to help McCarthy at the line of scrimmage. The offensive line also failed to create holes in the running game, as they had against the Bears last week.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: The good, the bad, the ugly from the Vikings loss to the Falcons