USA Today via Reuters
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
What started to look like a blowout in the first half turned out to be the game for the history books in the league.
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What happened in the locker room?
The Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed the conversation between the team in the locker room at halftime of the week 15 clash. He said cornerback Patrick Peterson told the offense that they need just five touchdowns to win the game.
“I’ll never forget it as long as I live,” O’Connell said in the post-game press conference. “I walked out to address the team before we went back out there, and I just overheard him walk over to the offense and say, ‘We’re gonna get stops. You just need five touchdowns. That’s nothing.’ It was a nice little moment to lead in off of, and I said, ‘Pat, you’re exactly right.’ That’s what we needed at the time,” O’Connell added.
The Colts led 33-0 at halftime but ended up losing 36-39. The Vikings’ offense did get their five touchdowns.
Inspired Kirk Cousins
The Colts’ defense shut out Kirk Cousins and his offense in the first half. They forced multiple turnovers, including a blocked punt that resulted in a Colts touchdown and another pick 6. But the second half was different.
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The Vikings’ defense allowed just one field goal in the second half while the Cousins-led offense scored for fun. Cousins used every weapon at his disposal, including Dalvin Cook, who scored a 65-yard touchdown, and Adam Thielen. And in the end, placekicker Greg Joseph scored a game-winning field goal in the OT to win the game and clinch the division title. And it became the biggest comeback in terms of points in the history of the NFL.
Kirk Cousins threw for 417 yards in the second half.
He's the first player since at least 1991 to throw for 400+ yards AFTER halftime pic.twitter.com/xzHpJxe2UG
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 17, 2022
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Kirk Cousins threw a whopping 460 passing yards in the game in 34 completions. He threw four passing touchdowns while the Colts picked him twice. With the divisional title in the bag, the Vikings can focus on their preparation for the playoffs. And all other franchises will have to take note of their prowess.
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