When the Minnesota Vikings hired head coach Kevin O’Connell last offseason, the expectation was that he’d bring an offensive scheme that would allow quarterback Kirk Cousins to thrive. O’Connell did just that and elevated the skill-position players on the team.
Through 17 regular-season games, Cousins finished with a career-high 643 pass attempts. Those pass attempts and receptions are records for the Vikings, who became the ninth team in NFL history to have four players get 60 or more receptions in a season.
Justin Jefferson-128
Adam Thielen-70
K.J. Osborn-60
T.J. Hockenson-60
The emphasis on the passing game has paid dividends and is a big reason why the Vikings won 13 games. The Giants — Minnesota’s opponent in the wild-card round — had one of the worst coverage defenses in the NFL this season and allowed Jefferson and Hockenson to make 25 receptions when the two teams faced off on Christmas Eve. The Vikings will have another opportunity to showcase their playmakers on Sunday in a win-or-go-home game.
