Heading into the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, Daniel Jones and the New York Giants will be taking on Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings. In this highly-anticipated matchup, these two sides could once again be due for a big game.
When these squads faced off in Week 16, the Vikings won by a score of 27-24. In the matchup, the Giants were without several key players, specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
Now, with the Giants set to be close to 100 percent on both sides of the ball, they will be looking to make a statement against this Vikings team. But to do it, they will need to slow down several players. If they can contain this group, it could be their key to winning:
4. QB Kirk Cousins
Cousins has proven to be one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the NFL. He has now once again put together a strong campaign. Cousins finished the regular season appearing in all 17 games for the Vikings. He finished the year throwing for 4,537 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
On several occasions this season, Cousins looked to be an elite option. And he was a key factor in the Vikings success from Week 1. Throughout the season, Cousins recorded at least two passing touchdowns in eight games. This included the Week 16 matchup against the Giants.
As Cousins took on the Giants secondary, he delivered one of his best outings of the season. He finished the game throwing for 299 passing yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. But he will now be facing a Giants secondary that will have both cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and safety Xavier McKinney back in action. And this could give Cousins and the Vikings offense problems.
If the Giants can contain Cousins, the rest of the offense could be stopped in their tracks. This could be exactly what is needed.