'I'm Pissed Off!' Atlanta Falcons Suffer Heartbreaking Loss to Minnesota Vikings in Taylor Heinicke First Start

'I'm Pissed Off!' Atlanta Falcons Suffer Heartbreaking Loss to Minnesota Vikings in Taylor Heinicke First Start

In a game headlined by injuries, missed opportunities and late heroics, the Atlanta Falcons (4-5) suffered a heartbreaking defeat, falling 31-28 to the Minnesota Vikings (5-4) in Sunday's game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Vikings went 75 yards on 11 plays in just under two minutes as quarterback Josh Dobbs, who was acquired via trade from the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week and planned to be the backup to the backup as rookie Jaren Hall replaced injured starter Kirk Cousins, made several big plays when needed most.

Dobbs, who took over in the second quarter after Hall left with a concussion, had a 22-yard scramble on 4th and 7 to extend the drive and found former Falcons receiver Brandon Powell in the endzone for a six-yard touchdown to take a three-point lead.

The Falcons took over with 22 seconds left but couldn't get into Vikings territory and had a desperate heave to the endzone fall incomplete.

The Falcons have now lost consecutive games for the second time this season / Getty Images

Taylor Heinicke made his first start as the Falcons' quarterback, taking over for Desmond Ridder, and finished 19 of 34 for 252 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Is that good enough for him to keep the job?

“I'm not really thinking about that right now,'' he said. (I’m) still pretty pissed off about the loss.”

Atlanta thought it had the victory after marching 79 yards on 13 plays on its penultimate drive, the final 12 being rushing attempts and all but one being by designed. Second-year running back Tyler Allgeier took the last six carries for 35 yards and put the finishing touches on it with a five-yard rushing score on 2nd and Goal, giving Atlanta a four-point lead.

But Minnesota responded and won its fourth straight game while the Falcons lost their second straight.

Atlanta was led through the air by tight end Jonnu Smith, who caught four passes for 91 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown on a screen pass.

On the ground, the Falcons ran for 110 yards on 28 carries, with rookie Bijan Robinson taking 11 rushes for a team-high 50 yards.

Atlanta returns to the field next Sunday, traveling to Arizona for a road matchup with the Cardinals. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. EST.