Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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3. Kirk on the run
The Vikings ran for 162 yards against the Buccaneers, which is the most rushing yards allowed by Tampa Bay's defense in the past 32 games.
Dalvin Cook led the way with 102 yards and a score on 22 attempts, while Kirk Cousins added a career-best 41 yards on five carries. The quarterback now has 130 rushing yards, the second-most of his career, on 24 attempts in 2020.
Zimmer said Monday that Cousins' athleticism helps keep the opposing defense honest when he drops back to pass.
"Obviously it's been good," Zimmer said. "The more times he does that, the more stress it puts on the defense and the less times they can play man-to-man.
"Then if he starts doing it, it slows down the pass rush and everything else," Zimmer added.
Zimmer did add that he'd prefer his starting quarterback to slide more rather that dive headfirst like he did multiple times against the Bucs.
"I probably do. The one time he dove, it wasn't even for the first down, I don't believe," Zimmer added. "He needs to be a little more smooth, let's say that, when he hits the turf."
4. An early word on Patterson
Minnesota's kick coverage unit will need to be on point Sunday, especially with Cordarrelle Patterson waiting in the opposite end zone.
Patterson had a 104-yard kickoff return for a score in the team's first meeting of the season in Week 11. The former Vikings first-round pick is tied for the most kick returns for a score in NFL history with eight.
"He's probably the best in the league right now," Zimmer said. "He's strong, physical, fast, hits the creases with power."
Patterson leads the NFL with 873 kickoff return yards and an average return of 30.1 yards.