Skip to content

Vikings' passing game comes alive in win over Giants

Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Minnesota Vikings' aerial attack finally ignited at just the right time.

Kirk Cousins answered his critics emphatically Sunday, going 22-for-27 with 306 yards and two touchdowns while re-establishing his connection with Adam Thielen in the Vikings' 28-10 win over the New York Giants. It was Cousins' first game with multiple touchdown passes this season.

The run-up to the Week 5 matchup was dominated by discussion about the issues surrounding Minnesota's fledgling passing game, and the struggles of Cousins in particular.

Thielen publicly called out the Vikings' offense after last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, saying the NFC North team has to "be able to throw the ball" when needed.

Minnesota entered Sunday with the 31st-ranked passing attack, averaging just 169 yards per game.

The Vikings righted the ship by going to their top pass-catcher early and often, as Thielen finished the game with seven catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Stefon Diggs, meanwhile, had a relatively quiet outing after questions over his future with the team, catching three passes for 44 yards.

On Thursday, the wide receiver admitted to being frustrated with Minnesota's offense while addressing ongoing trade rumors.

But despite reportedly receiving a ton of interest in Diggs, the Vikings apparently are intent on keeping their talented offense intact and the wideout shares that sentiment.

"I'm a team guy. I'm here. I want to win," Diggs said after the game, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox