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DAILY CLIPS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 LOCAL NEWS: Thursday, September 19, 2019

Star Tribune

Vikings quarterback : Next time 'I'm going to throw it away' By Ben Goessling http://www.startribune.com/vikings-quarterback-kirk-cousins-next-time-i-m-going-to-throw-it- away/560712682/

Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson has been rock solid since leaving Vikings By Mark Craig http://www.startribune.com/raiders-kicker-daniel-carlson-has-been-rock-solid-since-leaving- vikings/560706462/

The cure for the Vikings sloppy offense is By Sid Hartman http://www.startribune.com/the-cure-for-the-vikings-sloppy-offense-is-dalvin-cook/560722172/

Scouting Report: Vikings vs. Raiders By Andrew Krammer http://www.startribune.com/scouting-report-vikings-vs-raiders/560730072/

Pioneer Press

Ex-Vikings kicker Daniel Carlson returns to Minnesota having made 17 straight field goals for Raiders By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2019/09/18/ex-vikings-kicker-daniel-carlson-returns-to-minnesota-having- made-17-straight-field-goals-for-raiders/

‘This isn’t a charity,’ Vikings’ Kirk Cousins says. ‘You’ve got to earn it’ By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2019/09/18/kirk-cousins-says-he-wont-be-vikings-qb-for-much-longer-if-shaky- play-continues/

Vikings’ expresses remorse for costly penalty By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2019/09/18/vikings-stefon-diggs-expresses-remorse-for-costly-penalty-expects- to-be-fined/

Cornerback update: Vikings’ Mike Hughes close to returning but sits out practice By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2019/09/18/cornerback-update-vikings-mike-hughes-close-to-returning-but- mackensie-alexander-sits-out-practice/

SKOR North

Job in jeopardy? Kirk Cousins’ gives honest assessment of poor performance By Judd Zulgad https://www.skornorth.com/vikings-2/2019/09/job-in-jeopardy-kirk-cousins-gives-honest-assessment-of- poor-performance/

Opposing defenses may force Vikings to beat them on the ground By Matthew Coller https://www.skornorth.com/vikings-2/2019/09/opposing-defenses-may-force-vikings-to-beat-them-on-the- ground/

The Vikings should trade for Jalen Ramsey By Matthew Coller https://www.skornorth.com/vikings-2/2019/09/the-vikings-should-trade-for-jalen-ramsey/

The Athletic

After a dismal game, Kirk Cousins vs. the Raiders carries some added weight By Chad Graff https://theathletic.com/1222781/2019/09/18/after-a-dismal-game-kirk-cousins-vs-the-raiders-carries-some- added-weight/

NATIONAL NEWS: Thursday, September 19, 2019

ESPN

Vikings have 'utmost confidence' in struggling Kirk Cousins By Courtney Cronin https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/28859/vikings-have-utmost-confidence-in- struggling-kirk-cousins

CBS Sports

Kirk Cousins admits he won't be Vikings QB much longer if he keeps playing the way he did in loss to Packers By Sean Wagner-McGough https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kirk-cousins-admits-he-wont-be-vikings-qb-much-longer-if-he-keeps- playing-the-way-he-did-in-loss-to-packers/

MULTIMEDIA NEWS: Thursday, September 19, 2019

Petzing Explains Differences Between Diggs and Thielen's Games, His In-Season Role In Game Planning, More By Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/petzing-explains-differences-between-diggs-and-thielen-s-games-his-in- season-rol

The Voyage | Episode 05 By Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/minnesota-vikings-the-voyage-episode-05

Time For Two More: Zimmer's Ability To Be 'Boss or Dad,' In-Game Defensive Adjustments, More By Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/time-for-two-more-zimmer-s-ability-to-be-boss-or-dad-in-game-defensive- adjustmen

Vikings Coach Special Olympics Flag Football Teams By Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/vikings-coach-special-olympics-flag-football-teams

Cook Present Challenge to Raiders By KARE http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=78dd67eb-f75f-44a4-85de-a853e5dfda5a

Cousins Looks Ahead to Raiders By WCCO http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=b44b03a4-f149-47bc-a7b6-1e331a472cef

Hughes Nears Return By KSTP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=7f1f1e78-b378-4053-9569-f274a162ffa7

VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Thursday, September 19, 2019

Hughes Explains Joy of Fully Practicing, Getting Closer to Return By Craig Peters https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-mike-zimmer-kirk-cousins-emphasizes-playing-within-himself

Cousins Excited for Opportunity to Play at ‘Much Higher Level’ By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-kirk-cousins-excited-for-opportunity-to-play-at-much-higher-level

Lunchbreak: Cook ‘Vaults’ to Top 5 of Maurice Jones-Drew’s RB Rankings By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-dalvin-cook-vaults-top-5-of-maurice-jones-drew-rb-rankings

Game Preview: Raiders at Vikings By Craig Peters https://www.vikings.com/news/raiders-at-vikings-game-preview-2019

PUBLICATION: STAR TRIBUNE DATE: 9/19/19

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins: Next time 'I'm going to throw it away'

By Ben Goessling

In a week where the reaction to Kirk Cousins’ fourth-quarter has been magnified, because of who it was against and what it cost the Vikings, the team has tried to walk the line between putting the pick in context and correcting the tendencies that might have caused it.

Coach said Wednesday the Vikings have “the utmost confidence” in Cousins, whose 52.9 passer rating against the Packers was the third-worst of his career as a starter. Cousins, Zimmer said, is “in a good place where he’s going to play good this week and continue to play good for the rest of the year.”

But when he was asked about the interception — which came as Cousins lofted a back-foot throw for Stefon Diggs while retreating from pressure on first-and-goal — the quarterback said if he had another chance, he’d approach it by doing what Zimmer said he should do on Monday.

“I’m going to throw it away,” Cousins said. “If I’m in that situation again, the ball’s going in the stands. If you’re asking, ‘How do you make tight-window throws?’ I would just say, I’ve probably thrown, I don’t know — 2,000 balls in my career. You just kind of learn after 2,000 reps that, ‘Hey, it’s going to be tight. They’re NFL defenders. I’ve just got to trust what I see and let it go.’ But if you’re outside the pocket, in a situation like what I was in, the ball’s got to go in the stands.”

Cousins, who threw two on Sunday, also lost a and has an NFL-high four this season. For all his impressive statistics last season — a 70.1 completion percentage, 4,298 passing yards and 30 touchdowns among them — turnovers were perhaps his biggest issue during his first year in Minnesota. Though he ranked ninth in the league with an interception on just 1.7% of his passes, his seven lost fumbles, combined with his 10 interceptions, made up a large portion of the Vikings’ 20 giveaways — which matched the most by a Zimmer-led team in Minnesota.

“You try to study it, and see a risk-reward balance, when it’s worth it and when it’s not,” Cousins said. “Every situation can be a little different. So you study it, but I watched Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game last year, throw an interception on the goal line. The guy’s played, what, 20 years now? One of the biggest games of the season, he threw a pick on the goal line. He came back and played amazing the rest of the game, but it happens. You make mistakes. I remember seeing Tom’s reaction after that play; it’s like, ‘How did I do that? Come on.’ That’s the same feeling I had after that play [against the Packers]. I know better, and you just have to come back.”

Cousins will get the chance to do so on Sunday against a Raiders defense that has allowed more passing yards than any team in the league through two games and gave up an NFL-high 36 touchdowns last year. Paul Guenther, Zimmer’s former linebackers coach in Cincinnati, is the Raiders’ , running a scheme similar to the one Cousins practices against every day.

It presents a friendly opportunity for a rebound game at home, at a time where the quarterback could use one.

“I’ve always liked Cousins,” said Raiders coach , who spent several offseasons training with Cousins while he worked at ESPN and Cousins played for his brother Jay in Washington. “He’s a quality person, comes from a great family. Works hard at his game, man. He works hard at football. He’s had a lot of production … He does great, he gets a heck of a contract here to go to Minnesota. Hopefully we can find a way to slow him down and win a football game.”

The contract Gruden mentioned — the fully-guaranteed $84 million deal the Vikings gave Cousins before last season — is already up after the 2020 season, meaning the team could already start making decisions about a new deal for the 31-year-old QB before next season.

While Cousins said he appreciated Zimmer’s vote of confidence in him on Wednesday, he continued to harp on the one thing that will erase the questions: In the words of the late Raiders owner Al Davis, just win, baby.

“In this league, no one’s giving you anything. This isn’t a charity,” he said. “You’ve got to play well to earn people’s confidence. If [Zimmer is] saying [he believes in me], it’s because he’s seen practice reps, he’s seen game reps. He knows what we’re capable of throwing the football. You’ve got to go out and earn it. Believe me, I’m not going to be playing quarterback here much longer if I go out and play the way I did this past Sunday. I understand that, and I’ve got to go out and play at a much higher level.” PUBLICATION: STAR TRIBUNE DATE: 9/19/19

Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson has been rock solid since leaving Vikings

By Mark Craig

Mike Zimmer wished former Viking and current Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson success for every game in which he kicks.

Except the next one.

“He’s done well,” the Vikings coach said of the 2018 fifth-round draft pick who he cut after two games last year. “I’m glad he’s done well. I hope he doesn’t do well this week. I wish him success in the future. He’s a good kid. He’s an athletic, very talented kid. Just sometimes that’s the way it goes.”

Zimmer released Carlson the morning after he missed all three attempts in a 29-29 tie at Green Bay. Two of the misses came in overtime, including a 35-yarder as time expired in a 29-29 tie.

Since then, Carlson has made 18 of 19 field-goal attempts — two of two this year — and all 22 point-after attempts for a Raiders team that’s 1-1 this year heading into Sunday’s game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

From the podium Wednesday, Zimmer sidestepped a question on whether he thinks there’s less pressure for Carlson on a team that’s not billed as a contender. But in an interview with the Star Tribune this summer, Zimmer opened up when asked if he had any regrets about releasing Carlson.

“Maybe the pressure of being on a team that supposedly is going to the Super Bowl wasn’t the same as it was for him out there [in Oakland] last year,” Zimmer said. “So I don’t know. In hindsight, 20-20, yeah, I probably should have kept him. But we did what we felt was right at that time. And he had missed some in the preseason and all that. So, we just felt like we can’t lose this season because of the kicking game.”

Hughes says he’s ready

Zimmer said he’s seen enough of Mike Hughes in practice to play the much-needed slot corner on game day.

Ditto, says Hughes, who hasn’t played since tearing multiple ligaments in his left knee in Week 6 of his rookie season last year.

But …

Both mentioned Hughes’ availability Sunday is in the hands of the team’s medical staff.

“I’m sure they’re going to do everything in my best interests,” Hughes said. “I feel I’m ready. I trust [the knee] 100 percent.”

Hughes said the team will have him play with a knee brace in his first game back because, “I haven’t had any contact yet.

“After that, we’ll figure out what we want to do,” he added. “It doesn’t limit me. I still feel like I can move pretty well. I’ve been playing good on receivers, trying to stay on top. I feel like I still have my speed from before I got hurt.”

Hughes anticipates an “emotional” moment when he does finally see live action. He’ll no doubt be remembering all the little goals achieved on the long road to recovery.

“Those first six weeks, I couldn’t walk,” he said. “You never really think of how many things you take for granted.”

Hughes was a full participant in practice Wednesday. In other injury news, left guard Pat Elflein (knee) returned to practice, while linebacker (groin) and cornerback Mackensie Alexander (elbow) remained sidelined. All three missed Sunday’s game. Linebacker Anthony Barr (groin), safety (hip), defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (knee), linebacker (wrist) and Elflein were limited in practice.

Everson at ‘100 percent’

A year ago this week, defensive end began a five-week absence from the team as he dealt with mental health issues. Asked how far Griffen has bounced back since then, Zimmer said, “One hundred percent,” adding that Griffen had so many standout plays in Sunday’s game at Green Bay that Zimmer showed the clips during his team meeting Wednesday morning.

“He’s been a good leader, very, very hard worker,” Zimmer said. “Very much a team-oriented player. He had some great effort plays last week.”

Diggs to be ‘strapped up’

Receiver Stefon Diggs said he understood and accepted Zimmer’s “coaching point” about keeping his helmet on no matter how frustrated he gets in the future.

Frustrated by two earlier pass interference penalties, Diggs was penalized 15 yards for removing his helmet after he caught a 45-yard touchdown pass in Sunday’s loss. The PAT was moved back to 48 yards and Dan Bailey’s attempt was blocked.

“I was definitely frustrated,” Diggs said. “I’m a very passionate player. I wear my sleeves on my emotion and I try to use it to my advantage. But things happen. But I’m fully accountable, fully responsible. And moving forward, I’ll be strapped up.”

Asked if he’s been fined by the league, Diggs said, “It ain’t in my locker, but it’s on its way. Wanna split it?” PUBLICATION: STAR TRIBUNE DATE: 9/19/19

The cure for the Vikings sloppy offense is Dalvin Cook

By Sid Hartman

The Vikings loss at Green Bay continued a trend that started with their loss to the in Week 17 at home last season — a loss which made them miss the postseason and led to the revamping of their entire offensive coaching staff — where this team continues to find new ways to beat themselves.

Last season the Vikings were the most disciplined team in the NFL, they had the fewest penalty yards in the NFC with just 779 on 92 penalties. But after two weeks of the 2019 season, they lead the NFC in penalty yards with 200 on 19 penalties and are also tied for second in the NFC with four turnovers.

Coach Mike Zimmer said this week that the team has to change those stats if they’re going to compete this season.

“We made too many mistakes, had some bad penalties and we have to make those corrections, get them corrected fast and then move forward,” he said. “Home game this week and time to get back with it, which we will.”

Yes the fact is the Vikings should have won that game at Lambeau Field. In the first half the Packers outgained the Vikings 230-209 but in the second half there was no contest as the Vikings outgained Green Bay, 212-105.

But that second half also had some real ugly moments for the Vikings offense, as they committed five penalties for 55 yards, lost a fumble and had Kirk Cousins throw an interception late in the fourth quarter.

Zimmer said that after watching the game film, he was not pleased with what he saw from his team.

“Undisciplined. I know [Garrett] Bradbury had two [penalties]. I think [Stefon] Diggs had two. I think [Adam] Thielen had two,” he said. “They got to start playing within the rules. And they know the rules, it’s their responsibility to do what they’re supposed to do.”

And for all the focus on Cousins, he is off to a much slower start than last year.

In two games in 2018 — a 24-16 win over San Francisco and a 29-29 tie at Green Bay — Cousins completed 55 of 84 passes for 669 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. This season through two games he has completed just 22 of 42 passes for 328 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

But if you want to find a big positive, the Vikings set out to improve their run game this season and that has been extremely effective.

Through two games last year they had rushed for just 184 yards on 50 attempts — a 3.7 yard per carry average. This year they have rushed for 370 yards on 65 attempts — a 5.7 yard per carry average.

The difference in the run game is night and day as they lead the NFC in rushing and are tied for the NFL lead in yards per carry.

Cook’s historic pace

And speaking of that running game, the Vikings have had a lot of great runners in their long history, but Dalvin Cook’s 265 rushing yards are the third highest total in team history after Week 2.

The only running backs to put up more yards through two weeks of the season were Adrian Peterson in 2009 and Robert Smith in 1998, when the Vikings broke the record for most points scored in a season.

Cook has 265 yards rushing through two games while Peterson had 272 and Smith had 269.

He said that this is all the product of preparing in training camp and the offseason.

“We have been working extremely hard, putting this thing together,” Cook said. “Whatever outcome we got out of it, it wasn’t shocker, what we accomplished. But it’s just a start. We have to finish how we’ve started.”

Yes and the fact is Cook did enough to help the Vikings get a win on Sunday, his 154 rushing yards were the second highest total ever for a Viking at Lambeau Field — trailing only Peterson (210 yards in 2012) and Ted Brown (179 yards in 1983).

“It definitely was a memorable moment,” Cook said. “That’s our rivalry and part of this culture. Being a part of it is definitely great.”

Still he said the loss was tough to take.

“A division game. Another game. We want to win them all, as competitors,” he said. “So it’s tough.”

Maybe the most confusing play of the game came when the NFL umpires reviewed a touchdown pass to Diggs and called Cook for an offensive pass interference penalty that took back the score.

“I have never been called for offensive pass interference in my life and I wasn’t planning on being called for it on Sunday, either,” Cook said. “It just comes with the territory, I guess.”

When it came to the Cousins turnover in the redzone in the fourth quarter, Cook said he doesn’t concern himself with play-calling.

“However many times they wanted to give it to me, I would have ran it,” he said. “I don’t get into play calling. I just want to go run the ball.”

After two games, Cook is tied with Julio Jones of the Falcons for the NFL scoring lead, with three touchdowns. And his 311 total yards from scrimmage easily top the second place mark of 274 by Saquon Barkley of the Giants.

Healthy and prepared

After rushing for 354 yards in six games before tearing his ACL during his rookie season, and rushing for 615 yards in 11 games last season as he worked his way back from that knee injury, Cook is showing that he can be the best running back in the NFL.

What’s changed this season to set him on this early pace?

“Just staying healthy, that’s it, staying on top of everything and pretty much being self critical for myself,” Cook said. “Every little thing, I am staying on top of it and just being a student of the game. That’s it.”

Does he think this offensive line is improved enough to keep putting up these kind of numbers?

“I don’t like to compare recent years, but we definitely did a good job of bringing in guys, drafting guys, moving guys around to find the right fit for this thing,” he said. “I think it has been great for us.”

Sunday figures to be a challenge for the Vikings running game, because the Raiders have been excellent against the run.

They rank fifth in the NFL allowing just 63.0 rushing yards per game.

Cook said the Vikings will be ready.

“A new opportunity to go win a football game,” he said. “We’re back home. Fans are going to be loud. They’re expecting a win and we’re expecting a win. We’re going to go fly around and play some good football.” PUBLICATION: STAR TRIBUNE DATE: 9/19/19

Scouting Report: Vikings vs. Raiders

By Andrew Krammer

ABOUT THE RAIDERS

• Oakland (1-1) surrendered 28 second-quarter points to the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a 28-10 loss at the Coliseum. Oakland’s defense has given up at least 268 passing yards in both games this season.

• The Raiders have the NFL’s ninth-youngest roster with an average age of 25.6 years, including three rookie first- round picks in defensive end Clelin Ferrell, running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram.

• Tyrell Williams is the Raiders’ leading receiver with 11 catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns after Oakland cut enigmatic star Antonio Brown on Sept. 7.

• Paul Guenther, the Raiders’ defensive coordinator, has installed schemes similar to the Vikings after serving as an assistant under Mike Zimmer in Cincinnati from 2008-2013. Raiders linebacker , another former Bengal, leads that unit.

PLAYER SPEAK | QB Derek Carr

• Carr, in his sixth NFL season, was the fourth quarterback selected in the 2014 NFL draft behind (Vikings), Johnny Manziel (Browns) and Blake Bortles (Jaguars). He’s, however, the richest among them after signing a five-year, $125 million extension two years ago.

• Carr has been supported by just one 1,000-yard rusher, Latavius Murray in 2015, but he’s already gotten 184 rushing yards in two games from Jacobs, the rookie out of Alabama.

• Raiders head coach Jon Gruden: “Carr can play at a very, very high level.”

• Gruden on protecting Carr, who was sacked 51 times last season: “Trent Brown certainly helps. He’s a great right tackle. Kolton Miller, our left tackle who was a first-round pick last year, is healthy, he’s stronger and more experienced. He’s playing better. It’s a combination of that. Hopefully that continues.”

COACH SPEAK | Jon Gruden

• Gruden is in his 13th season as an NFL head coach with a 105-99 record. He’s 5-13 during his second stint leading the Raiders. He spent nine seasons out of coaching from 2009-2017 before returning to Oakland on a reported 10-year, $100 million contract.

• During his first season in 2018, Gruden’s Raiders offense ranked 23rd in yards and 28th in points. Oakland is ranked 22nd and 25th, respectively, through two games this season.

• On Jacobs’ production at running back: “He’s really coming around as an every-down back. He really didn’t get that opportunity in college.”

• On former Vikings kicker Daniel Carlson: “He’s been very, very high percentage in terms of making kicks. Just really been a huge addition to our team. Sometimes a change of scenery just works out. We’re excited to have him.” PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 9/19/19

Ex-Vikings kicker Daniel Carlson returns to Minnesota having made 17 straight field goals for Raiders

By Chris Tomasson

Daniel Carlson left the Vikings last September with a streak of missing three straight field goals. He’ll return to Minnesota on Sunday having made 17 in a row.

Carlson began last season as the Vikings’ kicker after being a fifth-round pick out of Auburn. He was waived after two games, having gone 0 of 3 in field-goal attempts at Green Bay in his second one.

Carlson eventually signed with Oakland, which visits U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. He has made his first two field goals this season after closing last year by hitting 15 in a row.

“I’m glad he’s done well,’’ Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Wednesday. “I hope he doesn’t do well this week, but I wish him success in the future. He’s a good kid. He’s an athletic, very talented kid.’’

As for Carlson having developed as a kicker elsewhere, Zimmer said, “Sometimes that’s just the way it goes.’’

Since joining the Raiders, Carlson is 18 of 19 overall on field-goal attempts and has made all 22 of his extra-point attempts.

“Obviously, he’s been really good for us,’’ said Raiders coach Jon Gruden. “He’s been kicking the ball off, getting some touchbacks now. He’s been an iceman for us. … Just really been a huge addition to our team. Sometimes a change of scenery just works out. We’re excited to have him.”

BRIEFLY Zimmer and Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther both were Cincinnati assistants from 2008-13. After Zimmer left as defensive coordinator to become Minnesota’s coach, Guenther was the Bengals’ coordinator from 2014-17. “He’s a good guy, a good friend,’’ Zimmer said. “But I’m trying to beat him.’’ Minnesota receiver Stefon Diggs said Oakland’s defensive scheme is “kind of like our defense.’’ Running back Dalvin Cook leads the NFL with 265 yards rushing, but he’s not concerned about that. He said his goals revolve around winning games. “That’s what I’m all about,’’ he said. The Vikings have won three rushing championships in their history, all courtesy of Adrian Peterson (2008, 2012 and 2015). After playing the first two games last season, defensive end Everson Griffen missed five games with a mental health issue. Zimmer said he’s come along “100 percent” since leaving the team last September. “He’s been a good leader, a very, very hard worker,’’ Zimmer said. “Very much a team-oriented player.’’ PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 9/19/19

‘This isn’t a charity,’ Vikings’ Kirk Cousins says. ‘You’ve got to earn it’

By Chris Tomasson

On the heels of his worst game with the Vikings, quarterback Kirk Cousins figures he had better turn things around in a hurry.

In last Sunday’s 21-16 loss at Green Bay, he completed 14 of 32 passes for 230 yards while throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble.

“I’m not going to be playing quarterback here if I play the way I did this past Sunday for much longer,” Cousins said Wednesday. “So, I understand that, and I look forward to getting out there and playing at a much higher level.”

Next up for Cousins and the Vikings (1-1) is Sunday’s noon game against Oakland at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Two years ago, Cousins had one of the best games of his career against the Raiders. With Washington on Sept. 24, 2017, he completed 25 of 30 passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns and a passer rating of 150.7.

Games like that played a part in Cousins signing a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract with Minnesota in 2018. There always has been pressure to deliver; now it’s really on.

Cousins threw a 45-yard touchdown to Stefon Diggs in the third quarter against the Packers but finished with a completion percentage of 43.8 and passer rating of 52.9 — each by far his lowest in 18 games since arriving in Minnesota.

Trailing 21-16 Sunday and facing first-and-goal at the 8 with 5:17 left in the game, the Vikings had their fate sealed when Cousins threw into double coverage at the back of the end zone and was picked off by cornerback Kevin King.

Asked what he should have done instead, Cousins said, “I’m going to throw it away. If I’m in that situation again, the ball’s going in the stands.”

Cousins had seven lost fumbles last season, tied for the NFL lead. He fumbled twice against Green Bay in the first quarter. The Vikings recovered the first after an 11-yard run by Cousins and lost the second after he was sacked.

“It’s important to get the ball out of my hand, one — avoid sacks however I can,” he said. “Two, try to make people miss, and then three, sometimes a sack is OK. … The coaching point there is to take a sack, hold onto the ball, don’t fumble and take a sack.”

Raiders coach Jon Gruden is expecting Cousins to bounce back. He has followed him closely since Cousins participated in Gruden’s QB Camp prior to his third-round selection by the Redskins in the 2012 draft.

“I’ve always liked Cousins,” Gruden said. “He works hard at football. He’s had a lot of production. … He does great (in Washington), he gets a heck of a contract to go to Minnesota. Hopefully, we can find a way to slow him down.”

Cousins has received plenty of coaching pointers since last Sunday’s game. Head coach Mike Zimmer anticipates he will respond to them.

“Kirk had an up-and-down game last week,” Zimmer said. “He’s going to be fine. We have the utmost confidence in him. He’s in a good place where he’s going to play good this week and continue to play good for the rest of the year.”

Diggs, the intended target on King’s interception, said he deserves some blame on the play for not catching the ball or knocking it down.

“I don’t want (Cousins) to take full responsibility because we all played a part in that,” he said. “We’re all pieces of the puzzle, and him taking full responsibility, it’s a quarterback thing to do. He’s a leader, but at the end of the day it’s not all his fault. … We’ve got to have his back at all times.”

Cousins appreciates the support but knows he must deliver on the field.

“You’ve got to go out and earn it,” he said. “In this league, no one’s giving you anything. This isn’t a charity. You’ve got to play well to earn people’s confidence.” PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 9/19/19

Vikings’ Stefon Diggs expresses remorse for costly penalty

By Chris Tomasson

By the end of the week, Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs expects to receive an envelope from the NFL commissioner’s office.

Diggs knows he’s likely to be fined for removing his helmet after scoring a touchdown and taunting the crowd in last Sunday’s 21-16 loss to Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

“It isn’t in my locker yet, but it’s on the way,” Diggs said Wednesday.

Diggs’ antics came after he scored on a 45-yard reception from Kirk Cousins in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 21-16. The Vikings were penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Dan Bailey’s subsequent 48-yard extra-point attempt was blocked.

“It’s definitely a coaching point,” Diggs said. “You know me, I’m always accountable and I take full responsibility. … You’ve got to control your emotions. I’m a very passionate player. I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I try to use it to my advantage to the best of my abilities, but you know things happen. But I’m fully accountable.”

After the game, head coach Mike Zimmer called Diggs’ penalty “stupid” and “selfish.”

It was part of a frustrating day for Diggs, who didn’t have any other catches. He had a three-yard touchdown reception wiped out by a penalty called on running back Dalvin Cook for offensive pass interference in the second quarter and was the intended receiver on two Cousins interceptions.

The three-yard catch would have cut the deficit to 21-14 in the second quarter, but a replay official in New York ruled Cook should have been called for pass interference, a decision Zimmer on Monday dubbed a “bad call.” The Vikings settled for a field goal.

Diggs said he was confused by the NFL’s decision on that play.

“I made some phone calls actually,” he said. “I tried to get some details on that and watched it a couple times. I don’t know what happened. … I called a couple of my coaches, a couple receiver coaches, as well, just to see what the rule is on that. I asked my position coach () to see what it was. They said they called it, so that’s what it is.”

Diggs’ offensive pass interference came on Minnesota’s next possession.

“It’s definitely going to be that kind of season as far as them having an emphasis on offensive PI,” he said.

Diggs was the intended receiver on interceptions thrown by Cousins in the first and fourth quarters. The big one came when the Vikings, trailing 21-16, faced first-and-goal at the 8-yard line with 5:17 left in the game.

Cousins’ pass to a double-covered Diggs at the back of the end zone was intercepted by Kevin King. Cousins has said he should have thrown the ball away, but Diggs pointed the finger at himself.

“I take ownership for that one,” he said. “If the ball is in there one, it’s mine or two, I should be able to try to get the ball out or do anything I can to create an incompletion.”

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 9/19/19

Cornerback update: Vikings’ Mike Hughes close to returning but Mackensie Alexander sits out practice

By Chris Tomasson

Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes could play on Sunday his first game in 11 months, and it would be emotional.

“This is the longest I’ve went without the game, so of course there will be a lot of emotions,’’ he said Wednesday.

Hughes suffered a torn ACL and other ligament damage to his left knee on Oct. 14, 2018 against Arizona, the sixth game of his rookie season. He has been a full participant in practice since last week, and could return for Sunday’s game against Oakland at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“I feel like I’m ready,’’ he said. “I just want to get the OK from the coaches and doctors. I’m sure they’re going to do everything in my best interest. I’m just following the plan, trusting the process and whenever they decide I’m ready to play, I’ll be ready.’’

Hughes could add depth to a depleted secondary. In last Sunday’s 21-16 loss at Green Bay, the Vikings were without cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who suffered a dislocated elbow Sept. 8 against Atlanta. They also are without cornerback Holton Hill for the first eight games because of an NFL suspension.

Alexander and linebacker Ben Gedeon, who was inactive against the Packers because of a groin injury, both sat out practice practice Wednesday.

Guard Pat Elflein, inactive against Green Bay because of a knee injury, was limited in practice. Also limited were linebackers Anthony Barr (groin) and Kentrell Brothers (wrist, hamstring), defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (knee) and safety Jayron Kearse (hip).

Kearse replaced Alexander as the nickel back against the Packers. Eric Wilson took over for Gedeon.

Hughes was activated off the physically unable to perform list Aug. 26. He was limited in practice until being a full participant last Friday for the first time.

“He’s been going full through practice,” said Vikings coach Mike Zimmer. “We just have to get the OK from the doctors and we’ll see where that goes.”

Hughes said he will wear a knee brace in his first game back. He doesn’t anticipate that will be an issue.

“It doesn’t limit me,’’ Hughes said. “I still feel I can move pretty well. I’ve been playing good on receivers, staying on top. I still have my speed from before I got hurt. I don’t think it’s really a factor.’’ PUBLICATION: SKOR North DATE: 9/19/19

Job in jeopardy? Kirk Cousins’ gives honest assessment of poor performance

By Judd Zulgad

Kirk Cousins’ season of self-awareness continued on Wednesday as the quarterback reflected on his poor performance in the Vikings’ 21-16 loss at Green Bay.

“I’m not going to be playing quarterback here much longer if I play like I did on Sunday,” Cousins said during his midweek press conference at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.

This comes after Cousins pointed the finger at himself for his awful game on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Cousins was 14 of 32 for 230 yards with a touchdown, two interceptions and a 52.9 passer rating in the loss. His second pick came on a brutal throw on first-and-goal from the Green Bay 8 in which Cousins came under pressure and decided to throw a ball into double coverage for Stefon Diggs in the corner of the end zone. It was picked off by Packers cornerback Kevin King. The Vikings had moved from their own 40-yard line deep into Green Bay territory with seven run plays and one pass before Cousins decided to launch the ball into the end zone.

Cousins has completed 52.4 percent of his passes, averaged 7.8 yards per attempt and fumbled four times (losing one) in the Vikings’ first two games. He attempted only 10 passes in the Vikings’ 28-12 victory over Atlanta in Week 1. Cousins is ranked 30th in DYAR, 31st in DVOA and 32nd in QBR through two weeks. Trust us, none of that is good.

Then there is this:

Steve Palazzolo ✔ @PFF_Steve Highest percentage of uncatchable passes through two weeks:

Cam Newton 34.2% Mitchell Trubisky 27.8 Ryan Fitzpatrick 27.3 Kirk Cousins 27.0 Kyler Murray 22.9 Matthew Stafford 22.9

4,190 12:48 PM - Sep 16, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy 1,410 people are talking about this Vikings coach Mike Zimmer expressed confidence in Cousins on Wednesday. “Kirk had an up and down game last week. He’s going to be fine,” he said. “We have the utmost confidence in him. He’s in a good place where he’s going to play good this week and continue to play good for the rest of the year.”

Cousins is right in saying that his performance on Sunday wasn’t near what the Vikings expect from him, but he is wrong in saying he will lose his job as the team’s quarterback. Unless Cousins is injured, he is going to start ahead of backup Sean Mannion.

Cousins is in the second season of a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million contract with the Vikings that will pay him a base salary of $27.5 million this season and $29.5 million next year. You don’t pay a quarterback that type of money to bench him, you pay him that because you expect great things. So far, that hasn’t come close to happening. PUBLICATION: SKOR North DATE: 9/19/19

Opposing defenses may force Vikings to beat them on the ground

By Matthew Coller

EAGAN — The spent the 2019 offseason talking about how they planned to “marry” the running and passing games together with an aim to create explosive plays on play-action and by wearing down opposing defenses. But Sunday’s 21-16 loss to the may have revealed a tactic that opposing defenses plan to use to handle the Vikings’ strategy: Dare them to win with the run.

On Wednesday Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was asked about Green Bay’s defense often focusing more on defending play-action throws than stopping the run. One particular example came when outside linebacker Preston Smith rushed up field toward where the quarterback would be on a play-action rather than covering a potential cutback lane.

“It’s partly why the run was effective because they weren’t challenging the run a lot of times,” Zimmer said. “The outside guys weren’t rushing or they weren’t squeezing down on the runs so the cut back lanes were there. We’ll take the runs all day if they’re going to play pass.”

Taking the runs has been effective largely because Dalvin Cook is averaging a league-best 4.51 per carry after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. He rushed for a 75-yard touchdown against the Packers and has carried the Vikings to the second best running game in the NFL in total yards, only behind Baltimore.

The play-action game, however, has suffered. Through two weeks, Kirk Cousins, a historically strong play-action QB, has completed just 7-of-14 passes with play-action for 4.5 yards per attempt with zero touchdowns and one interception. Without play-action he is netting 9.6 yards per attempt.

Of course these are small sample sizes and Cousins’ past history suggests that he will still be a good play-action QB but there is no guarantee that his numbers will sustain if defenses change their approach.

We can see from the numbers below that the Vikings plan to be a run-heavy team, especially on first down, is working and they have a positive win probability added on the ground but their first down passing offense has been largely unsuccessful.

Overall the Vikings rank 17th in total offensive Expected Points Added per Pro-Football Reference in the first two weeks and 20th in scoring percentage.

In the past Cousins has flourished throwing the ball on first down. Over his career, he averages 8.1 yards per attempt on first down as opposed to 7.1 on third down. Last year they averaged 7.2 yards per pass play on first down, which was tied for 16th in the NFL and ranked 10th in first down percentage (31%). Cousins’ QB rating was eighth on first down throws.

In comparison — even with Cook’s excellence — the Vikings gain 5.8 yards per run and have a 20% first down percentage.

Certainly some of his success on first down throws was tied to play-action. Cousins had a 116.1 rating when using play-action last year. But if opponents are gearing up for play-action at every opportunity, that could change the equation.

Winning on the ground is not impossible as we saw from the Ravens last year but very challenging. Pro-Football Reference estimates using EPA that having the No. 1 rushing game is worth about the same number of points over 16 games as having the 18th best passing game.

PUBLICATION: SKOR North DATE: 9/19/19

The Vikings should trade for Jalen Ramsey

By Matthew Coller

These two things are true about the Minnesota Vikings: They are in the midst of a winning window and a championship can only be won on the back of their defense. If we all accept those two premises, the Vikings should be on the phone with the Jacksonville Jaguars about disgruntled cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Last week in a 13-12 loss to the Houston Texans, Ramsey got into an altercation with head coach Doug Marrone. Following the game ESPN reported that Ramsey asked to be traded.

“I want to f—ing win,” Ramsey said in a press conference on Tuesday in which he also claimed leaks of his request came from the team and not him.

The price tag would no doubt be high. The Jags reportedly want two first-round picks. Of course it’s unlikely they could actually snag that much draft capital considering young star DB Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to Pittsburgh this week for one first-rounder and change.

Assume that the Vikings would have to part with their 2020 first-round selection and possibly current starting cornerback in order to make the cap space work. Considering both players’ recent performances and future outlook, such a deal would not only raise the level of play from the current defense but set up the Vikings with a No. 1 corner for years to come.

In his first three seasons, Ramsey allowed opposing quarterbacks ratings of 76.6, 66.4 and 73.8 when throwing into his coverage (per PFF). In 2017, he graded as the NFL’s second best corner in terms of pass coverage and 14th best in tackling. He was fifth in interceptions and 11th in pass breakups.

Last year the Jaguars began to deteriorate around Marrone and Ramsey’s grades slipped — though he still ranked as the 24th best corner in the NFL. Some have speculated that the Jags have used more zone coverage with Ramsey than in previous years.

In past years Rhodes was the Vikings’ version of Ramsey but last season Rhodes ranked 72nd of 78 corners by PFF grades. Against Green Bay last week the veteran corner gave up seven completions on seven targets for 93 yards and committed a pass interference penalties. His grades last year were greatly impacted by a high number of pass interference calls.

Considering Mike Zimmer’s past success with , it’s likely that Ramsey would become an “island” corner with the Vikings, allowing him to jump right into the defensive system. He would give the Vikings the missing piece to getting back to 2017 form when they ranked No. 1 in the NFL in fewest points allowed and fewest yards allowed.

As for the matter of giving up draft capital, the Vikings would be getting a 25-year-old star who is likely to stay at the top of his game for another five-to-seven years. There are more questions than answers at the cornerback position going forward. Will the Vikings re-sign and Mackensie Alexander? Will Mike Hughes become a top- notch player? Ramsey will need a new contract but cap space opened by Rhodes would allow the Vikings to keep him long term.

The Vikings made a similar win-now move when they traded a first-round pick for Sam Bradford in 2016. Despite giving up the pick they still landed Dalvin Cook and starting left guard Pat Elflein in the following draft.

One concern about Ramsey has been his volatile personality but Zimmer has plenty of past experience with players like Adam Jones and Vontaze Burfict. Players have recently signed long-term deals and returned to stay within the Vikings’ culture. And if he just wants to win, they still have high odds at winning the NFC North with the Packers, Bears and Lions all showing weaknesses.

With star players taking their own futures into their hands, the Vikings could be a major beneficiary of their success over the past five years under Zimmer. PUBLICATION: The Athletic DATE: 9/19/19

After a dismal game, Kirk Cousins vs. the Raiders carries some added weight

By Chad Graff

On the day after Kirk Cousins’ worst start with the Vikings, perhaps his worst game since becoming a full-time starter in 2015, he returned to the team’s practice facility to dissect video of the game the way he usually does. He had a “good day” breaking down the plays with coaches, even if he conceded that there were open wide receivers in Green Bay that he missed and even if he had to re-live one of the worst throws of his career, a costly interception in the end zone.

But then, he said, it was time to turn his focus to the Oakland Raiders and the suddenly important game against them this weekend. For much of this offseason, this seemed a mostly mundane matchup, an out-of-conference, early- season home game against a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2002. But rather abruptly, it now means plenty to the Vikings’ quarterback, a chance to rebound as the critics mount and the questions increase.

“I’m not going to be playing quarterback here if I go out and play the way I did this past Sunday for much longer,” Cousins said. “I understand that and I look forward to getting out there and playing at a much higher level.”

This was supposed to be the easy game in the early part of the Vikings’ schedule before they go on the road the week after and return to where they were soundly beaten on national television last year. Now it seems even more important that Cousins plays well against the Raiders considering the task gets no easier against the Bears’ talented defense a week later.

“He’s going to be fine,” Mike Zimmer said. “We have the utmost confidence in him. He’s in a good place where he’s going to play good this week and continue to play good for the rest of the year.”

As Cousins reflected on a 14-for-32 performance that was most scarred by a fourth-quarter interception, he looked at the game’s best quarterback for inspiration. A year ago, Cousins recalled watching Tom Brady make a similar poor throw in a big game.

On second-and-goal in the AFC Championship game last season, Brady was intercepted on a pass from the one- yard line. That part, Cousins said, is where the comparison begins.

“The guy has played, what is it, 20 years now, and in one of the biggest games of the season he threw a pick on the goal line,” Cousins said. “I remember seeing Tom’s reaction after that play. He was like, ‘How did I do that? Come on.’ And that’s the same feeling I had after (the interception in Green Bay).”

But now, Cousins said, he needs to do what Brady did after his interception. Brady, of course, led the Patriots to a 37-31 overtime win in the AFC Championship Game, then a victory in the Super Bowl over the . It’s not quite the Super Bowl for the Vikings this Sunday, but it is a chance for Cousins to put Green Bay’s flop behind him.

“It happens. You make mistakes,” Cousins said. “I know better, and you just have to come back, and that’s what Tom did. He came back the rest of that game and played well, and then in the Super Bowl he played well, and they won the Super Bowl. So the key is how you respond.”

Throughout the offseason, Cousins recognized a need to give his top two wide receivers more of a chance to make plays. At times, he felt, he was too cautious considering Stefon Diggs and routinely rank among the NFL’s best at contested catches.

So perhaps, then, part of the harm in Sunday’s interception would be if it causes Cousins more apprehension of throwing passes that give Diggs and Thielen a chance to make a play.

“You just gotta bring your best shit each and every day and support your guy,” Diggs said of Cousins. “Don’t be that guy who if everything isn’t going to go right (doesn’t support him). I would never be that guy to be like ‘well this’ or ‘what about this’ — it doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is we play the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.”

Diggs added that he was impressed with the way Cousins took the blame for the team’s loss.

“It takes a different kind of man to take responsibility,” Diggs said. “We’re a team. I don’t want him to take full responsibility because we all played a part in that. We’re all pieces of the puzzle and him taking full responsibility, it’s a quarterback thing to do. He’s a leader, he’s leading his team, but at the end of the day it’s not all his fault.”

Part of Monday’s study session for Cousins included re-watching the interception he threw in the end zone after throwing off his back foot 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. He said he knows what to do if that arises again.

“I’m going to throw it away,” Cousins said. “If I’m in that situation again, the ball’s going in the stands. So if you’re asking, ‘How do you make tight-window throws?’ I would just say I’ve probably thrown, I don’t know, 2,000 passes in my career, so you just kind of learn after 2,000 reps, hey, it’s going to be tight. They’re NFL defenders. I’ve got to trust what I see and let it go. But when you get outside the pocket, in a situation like what I was in, the ball’s got to go up in the stands.”

Hughes nearing a return Mike Hughes was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, his second time working without restrictions, opening the door for a potential return from a near-yearlong injury on Sunday.

“I feel like I’m ready — just want to get the OK from the coaches and doctors,” Hughes said. “I’m sure they’re going to do everything in my best interest. I’m just following the plan, trusting the process and whenever they decide I’m ready to play, I’ll be ready.”

Hughes suffered a torn ACL in Week 4 last season and has been rehabbing since. He’s worn a brace on his surgically-repaired left knee in practice and plans to do so for at least his first game back.

“I’m hoping it’ll be back to normal,” Hughes said of when he returns. “I’ve been doing everything that they told me to do and it’s gotten me this far. I’ve been working my tail off to get back to this point. Hopefully everything will feel back to normal and I can get back to playing football and having fun.”

Daniel Carlson returns One year after the Vikings cut ties with Carlson, the player they made the highest-drafted kicker in 2018, the 24-year- old will return to Minnesota on Sunday with a much better track record with his new team.

The Vikings cut Carlson after an 0-for-3 game in Green Bay in Week 2. He was with the Raiders for the final 10 games of last season and made 16 of his 17 field goal attempts with Oakland.

“Obviously he’s been really good for us,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. “He’s been kicking the ball off, getting some touchbacks now. He’s been an iceman for us. He won a game at the buzzer last year, beating Arizona. He’s been very, very high percentage in terms of making kicks. Just really been a huge addition to our team. Sometimes a change of scenery just works out. We’re excited to have him.”

His time in Minnesota ended after a tumultuous training camp was followed by a 1-for-4 start to the season.

“All I know is he’s done well,” Mike Zimmer said. “I’m glad he’s done well. I hope he doesn’t do well this week, but I wish him success in the future. He’s a good kid. He’s an athletic, very talented kid. Sometimes that’s just the way it goes.” PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 9/19/19

Vikings have 'utmost confidence' in struggling Kirk Cousins

By Courtney Cronin

EAGAN, Minn. -- Away from the mean tweets and outside hysteria over Kirk Cousins' dismal performance against the Green Bay Packers in a Week 2 loss, the foundation isn't cracking for the Minnesota Vikings.

Coach Mike Zimmer and others offered their support for the quarterback on Wednesday and believe Cousins' dismal game on Sunday (14-of-32 passing for 230 yard with a touchdown and two interceptions) was more of an anomaly than cautious trend.

"He's going to be fine," Zimmer said. "We have the utmost confidence in him. He's in a good place where he's going to play good this week and continue to play good for the rest of the year."

The encouragement holds meaning for Cousins, who shouldered responsibility for the game-changing interception he threw in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field that cost Minnesota its chance at taking the lead with 5:10 remaining in a 21-16 loss.

"It's nice to be believed in," Cousins said on Wednesday. "You've got to go out and earn it, though. In this league, no one's giving you anything. This isn't a charity. You've got to play well to earn peoples' confidence, so if he's saying that, it's because he's seen practice reps, he's seen game reps, he's seen what we’re capable of as an offense throwing the football. So you've got to go out and earn it.

"Believe me, I'm not going to be playing quarterback here if I go out and play the way I did this past Sunday for much longer. So I understand that, and I look forward to getting out there and playing at a much higher level."

Stefon Diggs, who was the intended receiver on the ball Cousins threw in the corner of the end zone, said the QB taking responsibility was what he expected from the leader of the offense.

"It takes a lot," Diggs said. "It takes a different kind of man to take responsibility. We're a team. I don't want him to take full responsibility because we all played a part in that. We're all pieces of the puzzle, like I said, and him taking full responsibility, it's a quarterback thing to do. He's a leader, he's leading his team, but at the end of the day, it's not all his fault. Everybody's included, everybody can play better, everybody can do things better. We had a chance to win the game. We didn't do enough to get it done as a unit. So it's not all on him."

Cousins has moved past the errant throw and noted how well Monday's day of corrections following the game went, but he says he'll use the play as a learning experience.

"I'm going to throw it away," Cousins said. "If I'm in that situation again, the ball's going in the stands. So if you're asking, 'How do you make tight-window throws?' I would just say I've probably thrown, I don’t know, 2,000 passes in my career, so you just kind of learn after 2,000 reps, hey, it's going to be tight. They're NFL defenders. I've got to trust what I see and let it go. But when you get outside the pocket, in a situation like what I was in, the ball's got to go up in the stands." PUBLICATION: CBS Sports DATE: 9/19/19

Kirk Cousins admits he won't be Vikings QB much longer if he keeps playing the way he did in loss to Packers

By Sean Wagner-McGough

The Minnesota Vikings did not beat the Green Bay Packers in an early, but key intra-division clash on Sunday, falling by a final score of 21-16. They did not win for a variety of reasons -- falling into a 21-0 hole in just over 15 minutes being one of them -- but the one reason that sticks out above the rest is quarterback Kirk Cousins, who submitted yet another dismal performance against a good team.

On Sunday, Cousins completed only 14 of his 32 pass attempts (43.8 percent) for 230 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and a 52.9 passer rating -- in addition to fumbling twice. On Wednesday, Cousins offered a brutally honest assessment of his performance, admitting that he won't be around long in Minnesota if he continues to play the way he did on Sunday.

Through the first two games of the season, Cousins has completed 52.4 percent of his passes and averaged 7.8 yards per attempt while throwing for two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 74.3 passer rating. He's already fumbled four times. By DYAR, he ranks 30th -- one spot behind Mitchell Trubisky. By DVOA, he ranks 31st -- one spot ahead of Jameis Winston. And by QBR, he ranks 32nd, only ahead of Ryan Fitzpatrick.

So no, those numbers are not what the Vikings had in mind when they gave Cousins a three-year, $84 million fully guaranteed contract last offseason.

Steve Palazzolo ✔ @PFF_Steve Highest percentage of uncatchable passes through two weeks:

Cam Newton 34.2% Mitchell Trubisky 27.8 Ryan Fitzpatrick 27.3 Kirk Cousins 27.0 Kyler Murray 22.9 Matthew Stafford 22.9

4,190 12:48 PM - Sep 16, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy 1,410 people are talking about this

Joe Kipp @JuhKipp NFC North quarterback grades (out of 34 qualifying QBs) from @PFF after two weeks:

13. 18. Matthew Stafford 32. Mitchell Trubisky 34. Kirk Cousins

There are only 32 teams.

286 10:27 AM - Sep 17, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy 56 people are talking about this Really, the contract is the Vikings' biggest problem. It's why Cousins will still be the Vikings quarterback for the foreseeable future. Even if Cousins continues to underwhelm, the Vikings are stuck with him through the 2020 season because of that deal, which is paying him $29 million this year and $31 million next year. They don't have a way out of that contract unless they find a way to trade him, but there's probably not another team out there that would be willing to give up draft capital for an expensive quarterback who isn't playing like one.

But it shouldn't be considered all doom and gloom in Minnesota. Despite Cousins' poor start to the season, they're 1- 1. He's also only played one bad game this season. In a win over the Falcons in Week 1, he threw the ball only 10 times, as the Vikings relied almost exclusively on their ground game -- a strategy that worked.

Furthermore, through the first 18 games of the Cousins era in Minnesota, he has completed exactly 69 percent of his passes, averaged 257 passing yards per game, thrown 20 more touchdowns than interceptions (32 to 12), and accumulated a 98.1 passer rating. Those aren't bad numbers. They're pretty much in line with the statistics he posted in Washington as the Redskins' starter for three-plus seasons.

The problem is, Cousins and the Vikings can't seem to manage to win the big games. We saw it in Week 17 last year when they needed to beat the Bears, who had already clinched the NFC North, to make the playoffs, but got stomped by 14 points as Cousins averaged four yards per attempt and posted a 79.4 passer rating. And we saw the type of thing happen again on Sunday -- the kind of thing has unfortunately come to define Cousins, an otherwise good quarterback, to this point in his career.

Fair or not, Cousins won't be judged by his final stat line with the Vikings. He'll be judged by the amount of postseason success the Vikings see with him at quarterback. There's still plenty of time for Cousins to guide the Vikings deep into January and maybe even February, but to do so, the Vikings will need to start beating the Packers and Bears. Last year, Cousins and the Vikings went 1-2-1 against their NFC North rivals, which really would've been 1-3 if not for a questionable roughing the passer penalty that allowed the Vikings to tie the Packers in their first matchup. PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 9/19/19

Hughes Explains Joy of Fully Practicing, Getting Closer to Return

By Craig Peters

EAGAN, Minn. — Walk. Run. Practice. Play.

Vikings second-year cornerback Mike Hughes has accomplished the first three of those goals in his journey of rehabbing a torn ACL that was suffered in October 2018.

Hughes, a first-round pick who impressed upon arrival in Minnesota and through his first six pro games, practiced fully last Friday. It was his first such session since he was preparing for the Vikings-Cardinals game in Week 6 of his rookie campaign.

Hughes spoke with media members on Wednesday after fully practicing again, albeit with a brace on his left leg.

“It feels good just to get out here and finally do some football drills and just to be out here with my brothers, get back on the field and compete,” Hughes said. “I’ve been taking everything in stride, and I’m just ready to play.”

Asked if he’s ready for a game, Hughes said, “I feel like I’m ready.”

“I just want to get the OK from the coaches and the doctors,” he added. “I’m sure they’re going to do everything in my best interest. I’m just following the plan and trusting the process. Whenever they decide I’m ready to play, I’ll be ready.”

Hughes became the first Vikings rookie to return an interception for a touchdown in his NFL debut when he picked off San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo and took it 28 yards in the 2018 season opener. He also totaled three passes defended and three tackles.

In five-plus games, Hughes recorded 20 tackles (19 solo), two tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He also returned four kickoffs a total of 107 yards (26.8 average) and two punts a total of 13 yards last season.

Instead of continuing his groove, Hughes was faced with season-ending surgery and left with the grueling grind of a long rehab.

He missed playing but said he is grateful for the support he’s had along the way.

“This is the longest I’ve gone without the game, so of course there will be a lot of emotions,” Hughes said. “I just hope everything plays out normal. I just want to go out there and compete.”

Hughes said he doesn’t know when he’ll make his 2019 debut. He said the plan is for him to wear a brace at least in his first game back and then, “we’ll figure out what we want to do.”

In addition to the hardware, Hughes will have an added appreciation for the opportunity to play the sport he loves as well as the satisfaction of accomplishing so many rehab goals along the way.

“Those first six weeks, I couldn’t walk. You never really think about how many things you take for granted,” Hughes said. “I think that was a big step for me, to start walking, and once I started running, everything started moving pretty fast. Every milestone that I hit was pretty important. It’s a lot to name, honestly, but I’ve just been taking everything in stride and am glad to be back.” PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 9/19/19

Cousins Excited for Opportunity to Play at ‘Much Higher Level’

By Eric Smith

EAGAN, Minn. — Kirk Cousins isn’t ignorant of the criticism he’s received since Sunday’s 21-16 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field.

He’s aware that Vikings fans weren’t happy, and that people around the football world have scrutinized his play over and over again.

“Believe me – I’m not going to be playing quarterback here if I play the way I played last Sunday for much longer,” Cousins said Wednesday in the Vikings locker room. “I understand that, and I look forward to getting out there and playing at a much higher level.”

The Vikings quarterback gets it, too, especially since he’s coming off a game when he completed just 14 of 32 passes for 230 yards with a touchdown.

He also had two interceptions to go along with a lost fumble, and his passer rating of 52.9 was the third-lowest of his career as a starter.

But Cousins is also embracing the opportunity that lies ahead, starting with a bounce-back effort Sunday at home against Oakland.

Cousins said he’ll rely on his 80 games of NFL experience as a starter, and that he’ll go back to things that worked when he faced adversity in the past.

“I think it does help that I’ve played a lot of football,” Cousins said. “You play the next game, and what was difficult or had you down three weeks ago is quickly forgotten once three weeks go past.

“You realize that you have to play each game at a time and that each one is the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but then you’re right back at it. What’s so important is that you can’t let one [rough outing] turn into two, three, four,” Cousins added. “As a younger player, I’m sure that can happen. But when you’ve been around the block, you’d like to think you’ve been through that before and you’ve learned.”

Cousins on Wednesday also took accountability again for his fourth-quarter interception in the end zone against Green Bay. The turnover came with the Vikings inside the 10-yard line and trailing by five points with just over five minutes remaining.

He rolled out and lofted a pass toward Stefon Diggs, but Packers cornerback Kevin King had ample time to position himself for the pick.

If or when Cousins is in that scenario again, he said he’ll simply chuck it away and move onto the next play.

“I’m going to throw it away. If I’m in that situation again, that ball is going into the stands,” Cousins said. “If you’re asking how to make tight-window throws, I would say I’ve probably thrown 2,000 passes in my career.

“You learn after 2,000 reps that it’s going to be tight with NFL defenders and that I have to trust what I see and let it go,” Cousins added. “When you get outside the pocket like the situation I was in, the ball has to go in the stands.”

Much like immediately after Sunday’s loss, those within the Vikings organization voiced their support for the 30-year- old quarterback despite his rough outing.

“Kirk had an up and down game last week. He’s going to be fine,” said Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer. “We have the utmost confidence in him. He’s in a good place where he’s going to play good this week, and continue to play good for the rest of the year.”

Added wide receiver Stefon Diggs: “It takes a different kind of man to take responsibility. We’re a team. I don’t want him to take full responsibility because we all played a part in that [loss]. We’re all a piece of the puzzle. Him taking full responsibility is a quarterback thing to do. He’s our guy, he’s our leader. But at the end of the day, it’s not all his fault.”

Minnesota in Monochrome: Vikings-Packers View exclusive black-and-white images from the Vikings victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Through two games, Cousins has completed 22 of 42 passes for 328 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The quarterback is now tasked with helping the 1-1 Vikings get back on the winning track against the Raiders, who are also 1-1.

Cousins said he understands the spotlight will be on him at U.S. Bank Stadium. But he added that won’t be much different than any other week.

“I do know that when you’re a quarterback in the NFL, you’re going to be evaluated, critiqued and if you’re not playing at a high level, you’re not winning, then all the more so,” Cousins said. “You invite that on yourself. I just look forward to the challenge of playing better than I did this past Sunday. And I look forward to that opportunity this Sunday to play at a much higher level.

“But as long as I’m playing in this league, you’re going to be coached and scrutinized,” Cousins added. “But that’s OK, it comes with the territory.” PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 9/19/19

Lunchbreak: Cook ‘Vaults’ to Top 5 of Maurice Jones-Drew’s RB Rankings

By Eric Smith

Through two games, Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has racked up 265 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Fans are getting a glimpse of a healthy Cook, and it’s reminiscent of his hot start as a rookie in 2017 before suffering a torn ACL in Week 4.

Cook is once again drumming up attention across the league, including from three-time Pro Bowler and running- back-turned-analyst Maurice Jones-Drew.

In his running back rankings heading into Week 3, Jones-Drew slotted Cook at No. 4, jumping up three spots from his placement ahead of last Sunday’s Border Battle. Jones-Drew wrote:

Cook had another stellar performance in Week 2 and now leads the league in rushing yards, which is why he vaults into the top five of this list.

Ahead of Cook on Jones-Drew’s list (from Nos. 3-1) were Le’Veon Bell, who has 128 rushing yards and 93 receiving yards for the Jets; Ezekiel Elliott, who has 164 rushing yards and two touchdowns; and Saquon Barkley, who has 227 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Giants.

The Vikings will face Elliott in Week 10 and Barkley in Week 5. Jones-Drew said the following of Barkley, who last year was named the 2018 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.

No matter how much the Giants struggle, Barkley never seems to have a really bad game. With his 27-yard touchdown run on the Giants first drive, the second-year running back tied a franchise record with Odell Beckham, Jr., for most TDs (16) in his first 18 games.

Ranked behind Cook were Christian McCaffrey (Panthers), Todd Gurley II (Rams), Alvin Kamara (Saints), Derrick Henry (Titans), Nick Chubb (Browns), Marlon Mack (Colts), Chris Carson (Seahawks), Mark Ingram (Ravens), Aaron Jones (Packers), Josh Jacobs (Raiders) and Austin Ekeler (Chargers).

Vikings defense aiming for faster start moving forward

Minnesota’s defense got off to a sluggish start at Green Bay before clamping down and stalling the Packers for the remainder of the afternoon.

Will Ragatz, who writes for Sports Illustrated’s Viking Maven platform, delved into the defense’s Week 2 performance and the unit’s focus on improvement. Ragatz wrote:

It’s a group that is frustrated with the way it played early in the game, even if it completely flipped the switch after the first quarter.

Ragatz quoted Vikings safeties Harrison Smith, who emphasized Monday that “there’s no warm-up period,” and , who said that players “individually took turns not really executing.”

Smith agrees that the issues can be traced to execution and not “playing how we're coached to play.” In his Monday press conference, [Vikings Head Coach] Mike Zimmer attributed the slow start to mistakes on the back end and in the running game. “We’ll get that fixed,” he said.

The encouraging thing for the Vikings is that they didn’t have to wait until this week of practice to fix their defensive struggles. They did so during the game.

The Vikings held the Packers scoreless on their final 11 possessions and limited Green Bay to a 2-for-12 showing on third downs after giving up conversions on the first three.

It was, for almost a full three quarters, a nearly flawless performance that showed how terrifying this defense can be when everything is clicking.

“At the end of the day, we lost,” Smith said. “We start faster, we’ve got a better chance. That’s all that matters.” PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 9/19/19

Game Preview: Raiders at Vikings

By Craig Peters

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are back at U.S. Bank Stadium this week for the first visit to the venue by the Raiders.

And they’re bringing friends in the form of more than 100 Vikings Legends who are planning to attend Sunday’s noon (CT) kickoff.

The 1969 Vikings team that went 12-2 in the regular-season and recorded the first two postseason victories in franchise history will be honored in a ceremony at halftime. Members of that team are scheduled to participate in events beginning Friday in conjunction with Fantennial Weekend, a celebration of the NFL’s 100th season.

Minnesota and Oakland prevailed at home in Week 1 against the Falcons and Broncos, respectively, and both fell in Week 2. The Vikings lost 21-16 to the Packers in Green Bay. The Raiders dropped a 28-10 decision at home against the Chiefs.

This will be Oakland’s first road trip of 2019, first visit to Minnesota for a regular-season game since 2011 and final time of departing the Bay Area for the Land of 10,000 Lakes because the Raiders are scheduled to relocate to Las Vegas in 2020.

In addition to leading the NFL with 265 rushing yards and three scores on the ground, Dalvin Cook also has the longest rush in the NFL in 2019 after zipping for a 75-yard score at Green Bay.

The Vikings are tied with the Raiders for the most tackles for loss in the NFL this season with 14 apiece.

TV BROADCAST

TV: FOX 9 KMSP in Minneapolis/St. Paul

Play-by-Play: Dick Stockton

Analyst: Mark Schlereth

Sideline Reporter: Jen Hale

LOCAL RADIO

RADIO: KFAN 100.3-FM/KTLK 1130-AM in Minneapolis/St. Paul

Play-by-Play: Paul Allen

Analyst: Pete Bercich

Sideline Reporters: Greg Coleman & Ben Leber

Radio Pre-game Show: Mike Mussman | 10 a.m. (CT)

KFAN and KTLK serve as the flagship stations for the five-state Vikings Radio Network.

SATELLITE RADIO

Sirius: SIRI 108 or Streaming 824; MIN 146 or Streaming 819

XM: OAK Streaming 824; MIN 231 or Streaming 819

STAT OF THE WEEK

The Vikings have run for 370 rushing yards in the first two games of the season, which is tied for second in the NFL. That two-game total is the most by a Vikings team to open a season since 1966 when Minnesota rushed for 406 to open the sixth season in franchise history.

NORSEMAN NOTES

The Vikings are seeking their 500th victory (including regular-season and playoffs). Minnesota is a combined 499- 427-11.

Dalvin Cook’s 265 rushing yards are the fourth-most in the NFL in the first two weeks of a season since 2010.

Danielle Hunter and are tied with Buccaneers LB Shaquil Barrett and Steelers DE Stephon Tuitt for second in the NFL with four tackles for loss each.

Harrison Smith is the only player in the NFL with at least 15 tackles, a pass defended, a forced fumble and fumble recovery this season.

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer is 12-8 against AFC teams and posted a 3-1 mark against the AFC West in 2015.

Kyle Rudolph needs five receptions to pass Sammy White (393) for seventh place on the Vikings career receptions list.

VIKINGS-RAIDERS CONNECTIONS

Raiders K Daniel Carlson was drafted by the Vikings in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and appeared in two games for Minnesota.

Raiders General Manager served as the Vikings preseason TV analyst from 2007-11.

COACHING CONNECTIONS

Minnesota Head Coach Mike Zimmer was the defensive coordinator at Washington State while Raiders Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson was a graduate assistant in 1989.

Zimmer was defensive coordinator for the Bengals from 2008-13 when Raiders Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther was an assistant with Cincinnati.

Vikings Defensive Coordinator George Edwards coached with Guenther at Washington from 2002-03.

Vikings tight ends coach Brian Pariani was a scout for the 49ers when Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden was an offensive assistant in 1990.

Vikings Roster in Photos View photos of the Vikings 53-man roster for the 2019 season.

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer (2008-13) and linebackers coach (2013) overlapped with part of Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict’s time in Cincinnati (2012-18).

Vikings P (2016-18) and DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (2018) overlapped with Raiders QB DeShone Kizer (2017) and DB Juston Burris (2018) in Cleveland. Colquitt also teamed with G Jonathan Cooper on the 2016 Browns.

Minnesota K Dan Bailey (2011-17) teamed with Raiders WR/RS Dwayne Harris (2011-14), LB Kyle Wilber (2012-17), DE Benson Mayowa (2016-17) and Cooper (2016-17) in Dallas. Raiders Special Teams Coordinator Rich Bisaccia (2013-17) coached Bailey in Dallas.

Vikings C Brett Jones (2015-17) and DT Linval Joseph (2010-13) teamed with Raiders DT Johnathan Hankins (2013- 16) for the Giants. Jones also teamed with Harris (2015-17) in New York.

Vikings G teamed with Burris at the Jets in 2018.

Odenigbo teamed with Raiders WR J.J. Nelson, QB Mike Glennon and Mayowa for the Cardinals in 2018.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins (2012-17) overlapped with Raiders WR Ryan Grant (2014-17) and TE Derek Carrier (2015- 16) in Washington.

Vikings QB Sean Mannion (2015-18) teamed with Raiders S Lamarcus Joyner (2014-18) and Carrier (2017) at the Rams.

Vikings G Josh Kline (2016-18) and Oakland S Curtis Riley (2016-17) were teammates in Tennessee.

Minnesota RB (2015-18) and T Riley Reiff (2012-16) teamed with Oakland LB Tahir Whitehead (2012-17) in Detroit.

COLLEGE CONNECTIONS

Vikings C Pat Elflein (2012-16) and DT (2014-17) played at Ohio State with Raiders CB Gareon Conley (2013-16). Elflein also teamed with Oakland DT Johnathan Hankins (2012).

Minnesota CB Mackensie Alexander and S Jayron Kearse were teammates of Oakland DE Clelin Ferrell for one season and WR Hunter Renfrow for two seasons at Clemson.

Vikings DT Linval Joseph and Raiders WR/RS Dwayne Harris teamed at East Carolina from 2007-09.

Minnesota CB Xavier Rhodes teamed with Oakland C Rodney Hudson and S Lamarcus Joyner at State.

Vikings LB Ben Gedeon and Raiders DT Maurice Hurst were teammates at Michigan State.

Minnesota TE Irv Smith, Jr., and Oakland RB Josh Jacobs starred together at Alabama from 2016-18.

Vikings CB Nate Meadors and LB teamed with Raiders OL Andre James and T Kolton Miller at UCLA. James and Miller played under Vikings running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu in 2016 when Polamalu was the Bruins offensive coordinator.

Vikings T and Raiders RB Jalen Richard were teammates at Southern Miss for three seasons.

Minnesota WR and Oakland LS Trent Sieg played together for Colorado State.

Through The Years: Vikings-Raiders View images of past games between the Raiders and the Vikings.

VIKINGS TOP PERFORMERS VS. RAIDERS

Offense

Kirk Cousins: 1 game (1-0 with Washington), 25-of-30 passing, 83.3 completion percentage, 365 passing yards, 3 TDs, 150.7 passer rating

Kyle Rudolph: 2 games, 4 receptions, 14 yards, 1 TD

Defense

Everson Griffen: 2 games, 8 tackles, 1.0 sack, 15 PBU

Danielle Hunter: 1 game, 3 tackles, 1.0 sack

Linval Joseph: 2 games, 15 tackles, 1 FF (one game was with New York)

VIKINGS BIG DAYS VS. RAIDERS

Kirk Cousins: 25-of-30 passing for 365 yards with 3 TDs for a 150.7 passer rating in 27-10 win on Sept. 24, 2017 (with WAS)

Kyle Rudolph: Recorded first career TD reception (1 yard) in Minnesota on Nov. 20, 2011, just 11 days after turning 22

Everson Griffen: 5 tackles, a sack and a PBU at Oakland on Nov. 15, 2015

Linval Joseph: 7 tackles and a forced fumble at Oakland on Nov. 15, 2015

Danielle Hunter: 3 tackles, including his third career sack, at Oakland on Nov. 15, 2015

VIKINGS-RAIDERS SERIES NOTES

1. The Raiders hold a 10-5 edge in 15 contests that include a victory in Super Bowl XI.

2. The series began in the 1973 season opener. Chuck Foreman scored his first career touchdown, catching a 9-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton to put the Vikings ahead.

3. Daunte Culpepper has the unique distinction of recording the most passing yards by a Vikings QB against the Raiders (396 on Nov. 16, 2003) and by a Raiders QB against the Vikings (344 on Nov. 18, 2007).

Longest Vikings winning streak in series: 1 game (wins in 1973, 1987, 1996, 2007, 2015)

Longest Vikings losing streak in series: 5 games (Jan. 9, 1977 through Oct. 14, 1984)