Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Day-after observations include Cousins’ success, thoughts on penalties
Cousins bounced back on Sunday with an impressive performance through all four quarters.
Mark Craig of the Star Tribune noted five takeaways from the road win, topping his list with “Cousins cruises in clean pockets.” He wrote:
Based on this observer’s definition of a “clean pocket,” the Vikings gave Kirk Cousins 14 of them in Sunday’s 28-10 win over the Giants at MetLife Stadium. He completed 12 of them for 194 yards, seven first downs and both of his touchdowns.
Craig quoted Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer, who said the following:
“We talked this week about having a firm pocket. That’s important in the passing game, as well. It’s not just throwing and catching. It’s about being in the right place with the protection, backs being in the hole. I thought that part was good.”
Receiver Adam Thielen was targeted seven times from a clean pocket. He caught six of them for 117 yards and a touchdown. Stefon Diggs’ four targets and three catches all came from a clean pocket.
Craig also highlighted the Vikings pressure on Jones, Zimmer losing a challenge of the pass interference penalty called on Trae Waynes, and Minnesota accounting for 12 of the 17 penalties accepted. Another observation included “the good and bad” on special teams.
Dan Bailey made all four field goal attempts and both PATs. He has made 12 straight kicks, including six field goals. On the other hand, [Special Teams Coordinator] Marwan Maalouf’s special teams weren’t up to par in other areas. The Giants only touchdown was set up by rookie Corey Ballentine’s 52-yard kickoff return to midfield. The Giants also started at their own 44-yard line after Golden Tate returned a 57-yard Britton Colquitt punt 17 yards. And the biggest error came when Linval Joseph hit the long snapper when the Giants made a 28-yard field goal … That gave the Giants first-and-goal at the 5. They settled for a 32-yard field goal.