4 takeaways from the play of Kirk Cousins vs. the Lions in Week 5
By Dean Jones
Cousins and Jefferson were dialed in early
The ongoing chemistry between Kirk Cousins and stud wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a joy to watch. They’ve clearly picked up where they left off in 2020, and if this is something that continues trending in the right direction, it’s going to give the Minnesota Vikings a real shot of returning to the postseason.
Whenever the Vikings needed a big play, Cousins looked for Jefferson.
More often than not, the former first-round pick delivered. Even if most of his production came in the first half.
Jefferson is one of the best in the business and is only just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of. The LSU product is a flawless route-runner with the ball skills to match, with his presence also raising the production of Cousins considerably over the last two seasons.
The Detroit Lions had no answer for Jefferson, who was exceptional throughout. He eventually finished the game with seven receptions from eight targets for 124 receiving yards, taking his tally for the season to 462 yards and three touchdowns from 33 catches.
Even without the services of Dalvin Cook, the Vikings got it done.
Cousins has proven capable of doing more when called upon without their best offensive weapon. Having someone like Jefferson to pick up the slack isn’t the worst security blanket in the world by any stretch of the imagination.