The Minnesota Vikings offense was stymied by the Chicago Bears defense on Sunday. Even running back Dalvin Cook — who has torched the league thus far — couldn’t muster up much against the Bears, as he gained a mere 35 yards on 14 carries. It was time for the Vikings’ pass offense to step up and it failed to do so.
Behind the arm of Kirk Cousins, the Vikings were only able to score six points the entire game and subsequently lost 16-6. It was a loss that frustrated many, but none was more frustrated than Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen. After the game Thielen criticized the team’s offense, especially the passing game.
“At some point, you’re not going to be able to run the ball for 180 yards, even with the best running back in the NFL,” Thielen told reporters. “That’s when you have to be able to throw the ball. You have to be able to make plays. You have to be able to hit the deep balls. You have to do that.” Thielen’s comments suggested frustration mounting over the entire season and not just one game. Thielen only has 13 catches through four games so far.
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Cousins, who is now 5-27 against teams with records over .500, did not ignore Thielen’s criticisms. Instead, the quarterback took them to heart. Cousins went on Minnesota radio to talk about the missed opportunities he cost his team.
“I really want to apologize to (Thielen) because there’s too many opportunities where we could have hit him on Sunday & post game when I talk to the media I always say ‘Hey until I watch the film it’s hard for me to really give you a straight answer,” Cousins said.
The QB is doing his best as a team leader. He is clearly taking the blame and trying to improve based on the criticism every week.
The Vikings’ next matchup might be exactly what the doctor ordered to fix their passing attack, as they face a New York Giants team filled with defensive injuries. There might be many more issues than just a wide receiver’s valid criticism if they can’t get things back on track this week.
