The Washington Commanders [4-4] host the Minnesota Vikings [6-1] Sunday in a matchup between two of the NFL’s hottest teams.
There are multiple storylines ahead of this game. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins makes his return to Washington for the first since leaving after the 2017 season. Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke began his NFL career with the Vikings back in 2015. And former Washington offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell is Minnesota’s head coach.
There are several interesting matchups in this game. How will the Commanders fare against Vikings running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Justin Jefferson?
To learn all we could about the 2022 Vikings, we spoke with Vikings Wire managing editor Tyler Forness ahead of Sunday’s game. Tyler gave us outstanding information, and his thoughts on Kirk Cousins sound awfully familiar to Washington fans.
How is Kirk Cousins playing this season as compared to the previous four years?
TF: Cousins has had a weird season thus far. His stats are down across the board, but he is playing more clutch than he ever has before. Last season, the Vikings were 6-8 in one-score games and are 5-0 thus far and Cousins led three come-from-behind game-winning drives in those games. The discussion surrounding Cousins is often exhausting and most don’t want to do anything but confirm their priors. Is he better than prior years? That is a great question. That depends on how you quantify better.
How do Viking fans view Cousins?
TF: For being such a nice guy on the surface, Cousins incites the worse on both sides of the fanbase. It’s like die-hard democrats and republicans: no matter what new information comes out, the opinion doesn’t change. There are those that love him and others that just want the team to move on due to his contract. If the Vikings end up winning 12-13 games this year, I doubt things will change, as Kevin O’Connell will likely get the credit from those who dislike him.
Is Minnesota’s offensive line a strength?
TF: It’s certainly not a weakness anymore! The one weak link has been rookie right guard Ed Ingram, and his flashes have been good enough to keep in the game. The real stars of the unit have been the tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. The Vikings have left them both on islands to help strengthen the interior, and it’s worked really well. Darrisaw currently ranks as PFF’s third-best tackle so far this year and the evidence of leaving them both on an island is substantial.
What is your opinion on the defense?
TF: It’s truly a bend, but don’t break defense. They have allowed the 14th most points and 18th most yards in the NFL. Teams have been so scared of Danielle Hunter that Za’Darius Smith has thrived. Jordan Hicks has been incredibly inconsistent on the second level, but Eric Kendricks has been good. The secondary has it’s warts, but they have done a great job keeping everything in front of them.
What is the best way to attack the defense?
TF: Quick game and taking what the defense gives you are the two easiest ways to beat the Vikings defense. The difficult part about this is that teams will have to string together cohesive, long drives in order to get points. The Vikings defense will make you earn everything.
Prediction
TF: The Vikings are primed to improve their record to 7-1 heading into a big matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The team is starting to find its groove and will be able to take advantage of a Commanders team that won’t have enough weapons to score enough against their defense. Vikings 27, Commanders 17
