LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Cooper Kupp #18 of the Los Angeles Rams embrace after their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams crosses the goal play line in the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
The bad things vs Rams
Picking on Anthony Barr.Jared Goff is a smart quarterback who can identify mismatches. His first two touchdown tosses of the game were when linebacker Anthony Barr was covering them. If this is a trend, Zimmer may want to reconsider dropping him back into coverage in the future.
Dumb penalties. Whether a player lines up in a bad spot or Xavier Rhodes kicks a penalty flag that is on the ground, there are those mistakes that are easily preventable and just plain foolish. It feels like every week these things need to be addressed in the Ups and Downs.
Clock management. Once again, Minnesota tried to run a play at the end of the first half and save their time out, but that mistake cost them the opportunity to take a shot at the end zone as they took way too long to get set. The Vikings need to improve on this area in a big way!
The running game. It feels like the Vikings always abandon the run game way too early. This game, Minnesota only ran the ball 13 times with their running backs, gaining 26 total yards for a disappointing average of 2 yards per carry. The leading rusher for the Vikings: Kirk Cousins with 28 yards.
Stopping Jared Goff. There was no stopping Goff today, as he made pinpoint throws and had time to pick apart the Vikings defense. He ended the game with a perfect passer rating of 158.3, throwing for 465 yards and five touchdowns while completing over 78% of his passes. When you’re on, you’re ON!
