Why the Vikings must capitalize on a golden opportunity vs. Giants
The Minnesota Vikings (11-3) have a golden opportunity to exploit an ideal matchup when the New York Giants (8-5-1) roll into town on Christmas Eve. Christmas came early for Kirk Cousins and the Vikings in the form of the largest comeback win in NFL history last week. Cousins engineered a masterful second-half effort behind another […]
The Minnesota Vikings (11-3) have a golden opportunity to exploit an ideal matchup when the New York Giants (8-5-1) roll into town on Christmas Eve.
Christmas came early for Kirk Cousins and the Vikings in the form of the largest comeback win in NFL history last week. Cousins engineered a masterful second-half effort behind another monstrous day in the passing game.
Cousins has totaled 885 passing yards in his last two outings, setting a franchise record for Minnesota.
While water always finds its level, and Cousins’ offensive explosion is nearly impossible to replicate, there is reason to believe his tremendous play will continue for at least one more week.
The Giants enter Saturday’s contest with the 16th ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 216.9 yards per game through the air. But New York’s secondary could be without its two biggest playmakers in the secondary this week.
Safety Xavier McKinney and cornerback Adoree Jackson have each missed over one month, making their way back from Injured Reserve. Though each are nearing a return, Giants head coach Brian Daboll didn’t offer much optimism in his media availability on Tuesday.
Daboll revealed that McKinney will not return to practice this week. On the return of Jackson, Daboll kept his cards close to his vest saying, We’ll see.”
If the pair is unable to suit up for New York, Vikings wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and K.J. Osborn should have plenty of opportunities to make plays deep down the field.
Vikings fans are hopeful that the team can carry last week’s momentum into Saturday’s matchup, as the team marches on in hopes to secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker – USA TODAY Sports
