7 takeaways from the Vikings’ preseason win over the Cardinals

Cousins looks lost without Thielen

When the Vikings’ first-team offense took the field for their first drive on Saturday, it was without one of their most talented receivers. For precautionary reasons, Adam Thielen did not suit up for Minnesota in their preseason matchup against the Cardinals.

Without Thielen on the field, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled mightily on Saturday. During Minnesota’s first three offensive drives, four of Cousins’ five passes were incomplete and the veteran quarterback was also sacked twice.

Cousins’ longest completion of the day came near the end of the second quarter when he found Stefon Diggs in the middle of the field for a 29-yard gain. He had the chance to connect with Diggs on a deep pass in the first quarter, but Cousins overshot his target by about five yards.

Should the Vikings be worried about the way their quarterback played on Saturday? Probably not, but it certainly isn’t the type of game Minnesota wants to see from Cousins at all this season.