Cousins-Rudolph go-ahead connection against the Broncos
We all remember the pass from Kirk Cousins to Kyle Rudolph against the Saints — and that play is definitely on here, don’t worry — but Vikings fans shouldn’t forget about another key connection between the two that kept the Vikings undefeated at home through November. Down 23-20 against the Broncos, Cousins rolled out to his left and found Rudolph with daylight ahead of him. Rudolph made the catch and sealed what was an impressive comeback by Minnesota.
The critics asked, Kirk Cousins answered
Cousins was criticized by many after a disappointing game against the Bears, including wide receiver Adam Thielen, who said “you have to be able to throw the ball” after the game, then later walked back on his comments. However, Cousins gave fans a sign of hope, just when it seemed like the season was taking a downturn. Cousins threw for 306 yards, two touchdown passes and no interceptions against the Giants. The Vikings quarterback showed he could still win games with his arm if need be, and fans and teammates alike looked to be in higher spirits than they were the week before, and that was before they even knew that the victory would be a part of a four-game win streak.
Danielle Hunter’s record-setting sack party
Heading into a home game against the Lions, Danielle Hunter was one sack away from becoming the youngest NFL player to get to 50 for his career. Not only did he accomplish the feat against Detroit in the first half, he did so by tallying 3.5 in the game.
You can see the highlights here.
Stefon Diggs’ hat trick
After Kirk Cousins bounced back from the Bears game, the Vikings continued to roll, including a 38-20 victory over the Eagles, a team with the potential to make the playoffs.
Diggs was a big reason for the Vikings’ success that day, snagging three touchdowns and going for 167 yards receiving. His third touchdown was a nice toe-drag reception in the back of the end zone.
Cousins, Rudolph and a playoff win against the Saints
Cousins found Adam Thielen who made an over-the-shoulder, highlight-reel catch against the Saints to set up first-and-goal for the Vikings, but the job wasn’t complete until later. The Saints defense held strong until third-and-goal, when Cousins faced the pressure and delivered a near-perfect ball to Rudolph, who used his length to make the catch and solidify the playoff victory against the Saints. That play, plus the Minneapolis miracle, can give the Vikings faithful a feeling of vindication after what happened in the 2009-10 season against New Orleans.
