After a disappointing loss last week against the Bears, the Minnesota Vikings got back on track in Week 5. The Vikings got to 3-2 on the season, after beating the New York Giants 28-10 at MetLife Stadium.
The Vikings had just about everything going right for them in the Meadowlands on Sunday afternoon. The run game got back on track, the defense was getting after the quarterback, and even the passing game found its way.
With the passing game being the biggest storyline during practice last week, it was critical that Kirk Cousins found a way to take advantage of a below-average Giants secondary. Both Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs made it clear they were frustrated with the lack of the passing game, and Cousins answered those issues with a solid performance in Sunday’s win.
Cousins stat line was 22-for-27, 306 yards, two touchdowns and an 81 completion percentage.
It was clear that the Vikings coaching staff wanted to allow Cousins to throw the ball more, and he took advantage of it with his first performance of the season with over 300 yards.
Thielen lead the team in receiving yards, and was also on the receiving end of both of Cousins’ touchdown passes. However, Cousins did a good job at spreading the ball around. Rookie wide receiver Bisi Johnson is starting to contribute to the offense more each week, and Dalvin Cook and Diggs also had their fair share through the air.
All cylinders of the offense were clicking, with the rushing attack also having a dominant performance. Led by Cook and Alexander Mattison, the Vikings totaled 211 yards on the ground.
The Vikings have shown that they want to be a run first team, but it is crazy what can happen when the quarterback is given the opportunity to sling the ball around. Being able to find the perfect balance will help push this team to the next level.
It was clear the Cousins needed a get right game, and it looks as if that is exactly what he had in New Jersey Sunday afternoon.
The Vikings are back at home in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where they will have a more difficult task in a rematch of the NFC Championship game two years ago.
