Cook 'Turns it Loose' for 206 Yards in Yet Another Historic Outing

[Viktor]

The Vikings have totaled 448 rushing yards over the past two divisional games behind an offensive line that Zimmer said is "settling in."


"When you can run the ball … like we have, it tightens everything up," Zimmer said. "They had a whole bunch of zero blitzes in there today, or extra rushers coming, really, to stop the run. Once that happens, then you have some more opportunities to create some plays down the field. The score didn't tell us to do that at those particular times, but for us to be able to run the football against those kinds of things and get big runs – you know, if you get the one extra guy blocked, you have a chance to get some big opportunities."


Minnesota's success in the run game also took the pressure off Cousins. He finished 13-of-20 passing for 220 yards, three touchdowns and a 141.7 passer rating against a Detroit defense that featured former Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen.


"We've been able to be explosive with those fewer attempts and still be able to move the football," Cousins said. "I also think it keeps us from having to drop back all of the time, which is what defenses want. [They] want to be able to rush the passer, so anytime you can run the football, it really gives your entire offense, and you're able to kind of control the situation, so it's a real positive."


Rookie Justin Jefferson led the team in receiving with 64 yards, followed by Kyle Rudolph with 40. Cousins connected in the end zone twice with second-year tight end Irv Smith, Jr.; the third airborne touchdown went to running back Ameer Abdullah.


Usually utilized more frequently on special teams than on offense, Abdullah made the most of his only target against his former team.


The screen play capped off a six-play, 1:04 drive just before halftime. The Vikings moved the ball well and picked up chunks of yardage, including a 29-yard catch by Cook, without the need for any deep shots.


"[The Lions] were doing a good job taking away some things down the field," Cousins said. "You have to go where your reads take you, and those guys have to make plays down the field. Dalvin did on the linebacker in man coverage, and Ameer obviously did on the screen. We had a couple runs that hit as well, so it was a nice combination of plays to get down there."