Minnesota Vikings MVPs: Week 14 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Photo by Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) Irv Smith Jr.
(Photo by Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) Irv Smith Jr.
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) Dalvin Cook

Offensive MVP – Honorable Mentions

One look at the scoreboard and fans of the Vikings have to be scratching their heads. This team is far too talented offensively to only score two touchdowns on the day and that frustration is completely understandable.

But the points weren’t there for Minnesota in Week 14 because of offensive line woes and kicking struggles, both of which look to be major issues going forward. However, the team has more than enough weapons that they should have been able to make the game more competitive.

Kirk Cousins – QB

It can’t be easy to be an NFL quarterback when your offensive line is playing like wet toilet paper. Much like last week, Kirk Cousins was beaten up by the Tampa Bay defense as they were able to get a dozen hits on the Vikings quarterback that led to a fumble and him running for his life at times. Despite the constant pressure, Cousins completed 24 of his 37 pass attempts for 225 yards and a touchdown while adding 41 rushing yards on five carries.

Dalvin Cook – RB

Coming into this game, the Bucs were the NFL’s top run defense. They were able to slow down Dalvin Cook, but not stop him entirely. Minnesota’s running back picked up 102 yards on 22 carries and found the end zone once on the ground. He added two catches for eight yards, giving him a total of 110 yards on the day.

Riley Reiff – LT

For the most part, the Vikings offensive line was putrid during this game. There were injuries and replacements with overall ineffectiveness from some of the linemen. One individual actually had themself a very good game and that was Riley Reiff. Thank goodness the big offensive tackle is on the team because he has been a steady and solid presence this season as well as an anchor for that left side of the line.

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