The Viking Age
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5 most trusted pass-catchers for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins

By Dustin Baker

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings
Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings  (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Kyle Rudolph, TE

With Cousins:

  • Yards per Target: 7.70 yards
  • Percentage of Touchdowns to Target: 7.69 percent
  • Percentage of First Downs to Target: 43.08 percent

Heading into his 10th year with the Minnesota Vikings, tight end Kyle Rudolph makes the cut for a reason that vastly outshines all others: his mastery of scoring touchdowns in crucial moments.

Rudolph is affectionately labeled “Rudolph the Redzone Reindeer.” This is not a coy marketing campaign or a title with a cute ring to it–the name is richly merited.

Since 2011, Rudolph has grabbed 12 receiving touchdowns in the fourth quarter of games when the score margin is within 10 points. This is the very best in the NFL among tight ends in the last nine years and it is the fourth-best among all players, including wide receivers. The man is clutch.

Rudolph notoriously walked-off the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs last season and it is no surprise whatsoever Kirk Cousins entrusted him with the assignment. Vikings quarterbacks before Cousins demonstrated confidence and Rudolph, and the current Minnesota signal-caller has furthered the trend.

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