The Minnesota Vikings were in a weird place coming into their week 3 matchup with the Detroit Lions. For starters, these aren’t the same old Lions. Though they aren’t quite putting wins together at a regular rate, there is a clear change in the franchise.
For the Vikings, this matchup came on the heels of a highly disappointing showing on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Granted, the Eagles are a juggernaut right now and a clear favorite in the NFC to reach the Super Bowl. Plus, it really puts into question whether the Vikings would be players in the NFC this year.
Started the day for us.
Ended the day for us. @noexcuses_23 pic.twitter.com/5QA3RsIdfq
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 26, 2022
How it Went
The game itself was a head-scratcher. The Vikings have shown themselves to be something of a bipolar team in the past and this game encapsulated that opinion completely. The Lions were clearly in charge early on, going up 14-0.
The Vikings would roar back, tying the game up and heading into the half. Things swung again coming out of the locker room, seeing the Lions grab another 10-point lead. Though, the Vikings completed the comeback with 14 4th-quarter points, capped off by a Kirk Cousins touchdown pass to K.J. Osborn with just 0:45 left on the clock.
A win is a win, right? Well, there’s a lot to look at following this win at home against the Lions.
Really couldn't have done it without our fans today. pic.twitter.com/5GXATu5GS2
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 26, 2022
The Dalvin Cook Problem
There is a bit of a weird situation going on with running back Dalvin Cook right now. Cook battled injuries in 2021, down across the boards in terms of carries, yards, and touchdowns. That said, his average per carry was right around his career average.
Then again, with the emergence of Justin Jefferson in the last couple of years, the offense has moved away from its dependence on Cook. Perhaps they should be looking toward him for greater balance. After all, he racked up 96 yards and a touchdown on just 17 touches over the course of the day.
On the flip side, Cousins threw the ball 41 times. While his stats look fine on paper, anyone who watches the Vikings knows the problem with that (more on that later). Creating a greater balance offensively is ideal, though it is a little tougher when they are trailing for the entire game.
Cook feels a little disconnected from the offense in terms of his importance. Establishing the run can pay dividends for a guy like Cousins, who is particularly good in play-action. Finding a way to keep Cook involved more often could pay dividends throughout the offense.
Dalvin Cook has been ruled OUT for the rest of today's game with a shoulder injury. pic.twitter.com/EWaC01PIJL
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 25, 2022
Will the Real Kirk Cousins Please Stand Up?
It is no secret that Cousins is not good in prime time. Whenever the spotlight is shone on him, he wilts. We were just recently reminded of that during his performance against the Eagles on Monday, seeing him throw a trio of interceptions.
It should be said that Cousins wasn’t necessarily bad here, but he certainly didn’t have the rebound performance to be expected. Is this because the Lions are actually a tough team or because we have seen the real Cousins?
He was spotty at best throughout the game but came through when the team needed him most. What’s even more surprising is that he managed to lead the team back from the jaws of defeat by connecting with K.J. Osborn twice, the last of which was a long touchdown.
Jefferson was non-existent, catching 3 passes for 14 yards. The second option Adam Thielen would have a decent day, catching 6 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.
Cousins had an okay day on paper. He went 24-for-41 for 260 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Still, a problem that has been consistent with Cousins so far this season is that he goes in fits and bursts. On one drive, he will throw a ball that misses the mark by a mile. The next, he drops one right in there which makes you think he is a top QB. It can be maddening as a Vikings fan.
YOU LIKE THAT: Minnesota #Vikings QB Kirk Cousins delivered the DAGGER against the Detroit Lions for his seventh 4th-quarter comeback since arriving in Minnesota. 😤🙏💪 #SKOL pic.twitter.com/J7Hh0dunWI
— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) September 26, 2022
What Will Things Look Like Moving Forward?
The next several weeks will be interesting for Minnesota. They get a banged-up, struggling New Orleans Saints in a London matchup next week. The Saints’ defense is good, but their offense is struggling mightily. More importantly, the game is on at 9:30 AM EST. That means very few eyes watching Cousins.
From there, home games against the Bears and Cardinals, with road games against the Commanders and upstart Dolphins after that. By the time they head into Buffalo to play the Super Bowl-favorite Bills, we should have a good idea of what this team actually is.
If they want to make the jump, start to contend with Green Bay, and move deep into the playoffs, they need to step up to the competition. More importantly, Cousins needs to elevate his game in big moments.
When adversity hit, we could have checked out.
But no.
That's not who we are. #Skol pic.twitter.com/0ildwzT5zH
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 25, 2022
Credits on Featured Image: All-Pro Reels on Flickr
