Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, in Minneapolis.MINNEAPOLIS - Teddy Bridgewater passed for 317 yards and a key 2-point conversion before leaving with an ankle injury, and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 41-28 on Sunday.
The rookie was 19 for 30 with no turnovers and ran five times for 27 yards and a score in his first career start, but his last carry was costly. His left foot rolled underneath him as he was sandwiched by two tacklers at the 1-yard line. Matt Asiata powered his way in on the next play for his third touchdown, and Bridgewater stayed in to zip a crisp pass to Rhett Ellison to push the lead to 35-28.
As Bridgewater was taken away on a cart for X-rays, Christian Ponder took over at quarterback for the Vikings (2-1).
The Falcons (2-2) lost three starting offensive linemen to injuries and wound up sticking tight end Levine Toilolo at right tackle in the fourth quarter.