Minnesota pulled off an upset over Green Bay. The Vikings did so by running, early and often.
Dalvin Cook ran for 163 rushing yards. He also had four touchdowns. The offense steadily hummed along as Kirk Cousins was kept in a very conservative role.
Cousins attempted just 14 passes, throwing for 160 passing yards and no interceptions vs. Green Bay. His one touchdown pass came on a screen, where Cook did most of the work.
Michael Rothstein of ESPN thinks that the Vikings passing offense might look different against the Lions. Rothstein was tasked with writing a bold prediction for ESPN, and he made his about Cousins. Here is what he said:
“Vikings QB Kirk Cousins continues his dominance over Patricia’s Lions with a 275-yard, three-touchdown day in which he completes 75% of his passes. Last year, Cousins threw for 580 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions against Detroit, and he has yet to have a game under 70% completions against the Lions since Patricia took over in 2018.”
Some of the team’s reluctance to pass could be contributed to how cold and windy it was that game. The Vikings’ next game will be at U.S. Bank Stadium, so the weather will not be a factor. Cousins having a big day could help the Vikings get another divisional win and put them one step closer to turning the season around.