Week 2 – Green Bay Packers
Green Bay got off to an early lead in this game which was the exact opposite way things started for the Vikings in Week 1.
Minnesota was in panic mode in the first half, but Kirk Cousins could not find Stefon Diggs in the passing game. It seemed as though every time Diggs got an opportunity, something went wrong for the Vikings. Penalties negated a number of positive plays in his direction.
First Quarter
The opening drive saw Diggs create separation and become wide open at the chains, but Cousins hit Thielen over the middle for a first down instead.
Cousins missed another opportunity to get the ball to Diggs later in the drive when the quarterback rolled to his right and Diggs continued his route all the way to the corner of the end zone. Rather than attempting the 30-yard throw for a score, Cousins threw the ball away.
Diggs was finally targeted on the next play but Packers corner Jaire Alexander made a play to break up the pass. That was his only target of the quarter.
Second Quarter
After a big run from Dalvin Cook, the Vikings were able to get back in the game. Green Bay’s lead was cut to 21-7 and momentum was starting to shift in Minnesota’s direction.
The second drive of the quarter could have changed the rest of the afternoon. However, with Diggs streaking down the left sideline in single coverage, Cousins did not have time to throw. The pass rush got to him and the Vikings quarterback was forced to throw the ball at C.J. Ham’s feet.
Cousins threw a pass to Diggs a few minutes later, but then he uncharacteristically dropped it. There was no excuse on that play, Diggs just let the ball bounce off his fingertips. On the next possession, Diggs was wide open on a post route and Cousins never saw him.
Diggs 1-on-1 with a safety and you take a 4 yard crosser
— Josh Mensch 👿 (@JoshMenschNFL) September 17, 2019
Seriously man, what more do you want? pic.twitter.com/7KsatHO5l8
To make up for missing a wide-open Diggs, Cousins tried to force a throw to him that was intercepted. Cousins threw into triple coverage and the Packers defense easily made a play on the ball.
#Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has to do a better job of looking off the WR. Don’t stare Diggs down in triple coverage. Look at Diggs and shoulder pump then come back to Rudolph or throw the ball away and live to fight another day. #NFL #RonsReel pic.twitter.com/YyXnoUZmQ2
— Ron Johnson (@3RonJohnson) September 15, 2019
Diggs had a touchdown taken away by a questionable offensive pass interference call near the end of the half. Then, on the final drive, Diggs was called for a push-off that negated another reception.
Third Quarter
Diggs recorded his first and only catch of the game in the third quarter. He went deep down the middle and hauled in a 45-yard touchdown pass to bring the game one score closer. That was his only target of the quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Cousins looked for Diggs on a third-down early in the final period. Diggs had a couple of steps on his man and Cousins missed him for a would-be touchdown.
Later, the Minnesota quarterback was intercepted when targeting Diggs once again. This was the infamous first-and-goal, back-foot heave that was intercepted in the corner of the end zone. That was the last time Diggs was targeted in this game.