FLOWERY BRANCH — Here’s what quarterback Taylor Heinicke had to say about the Vikings, the Falcons’ opponent at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

On the Vikings defense under coordinator Brian Flores: “We’ve got a really difficult defense. They do a bunch of different things. That’s enough on my plate right there. I’m focused on being the guy this week. We’ll see what happens going forward.”

On the variety of blitzes: “That’s the thing. A lot of pressures. And it’s not just on crucial downs. It could be first-and-10 at your own 25 and they’re bringing Cover Zero. You (must) have your head on a swivel at all times. They can do anything at any moment. There’s a lot to study there, but I feel confident with the game plan.”

On preparing for the Vikings: “Biggest thing is you just prepare like you’re starting. I remember my first four or five years, I never saw the field. I was kind of the third-string guy. I didn’t even dress on game days, but you kind of practice being the starter by preparing like you’re the starter. I think when your time comes, you know how to prepare.”

The Bow Tie Chronicles

About the Author

Keep Reading

New York Jets safety Tony Adams (22) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Credit: AP

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)