Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Pre-game question: Could the Vikings snap out of their offensive funk?
The Vikings entered Week 3 ranked dead last in passing yards per game (171.5) and time of possession (20:10). Minnesota also ranked 30th in net yards per game (278.5) and 20th in rushing (107.0 yards per game), although the latter may have been more of a lack of opportunity than execution in the run game.
In-game action:
The Vikings put together three impressive possessions from the 6:01 mark of the first quarter until less than two minutes remained in the first half.
Minnesota drove 76 yards in seven plays, which was capped by a 39-yard touchdown run by Cook. It was his second-longest touchdown run and gave Minnesota a 7-6 lead with 2:43 left in the first quarter.
The Vikings followed with a 10-play, 88-yard touchdown drive on their next possession that built off momentum from a Harrison Smith interception. Adam Thielen ended that drive with a 16-yard touchdown catch one play after Jefferson reeled in a 30-yard reception.
Minnesota then built a 17-9 lead on a 41-yard field goal by Dan Bailey after driving 52 yards on seven plays.
Kirk Cousins finished the first half a crisp 10-of-14 passing for 144 yards with a score and no interceptions for a passer rating of 128.3.
Cook headed into the locker room with 76 yards on 10 carries, and Minnesota rushed 15 times for 87 yards, averaging 5.8 a pop.
Jefferson posted a first half for the record books, becoming the first Vikings rookie to have 100 receiving yards in a half since Randy Moss on Thanksgiving Day in 1998. He added a 71-yard touchdown in the third quarter, but Jefferson wasn't targeted the rest of the way.
Kyle Rudolph again showed he can one-hand a touchdown grab with the best of them and also demonstrated nifty footwork with a toe tap.
The Vikings finished with a time of possession of 28:28 and 464 net yards of offense (including 226 rushing).