Kirk Cousins started hot in his return to U.S. Bank Stadium, helping the Atlanta Falcons score first in Sunday's anticipated matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, who employed the big-money quarterback for more than a half-decade.

Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21.

When his last pass of the game sailed over the head of tight end Kyle Pitts and landed harmlessly in the back of the end zone, all Kirk Cousins could do was shake his head and begin the slow walk to the sideline.