Going into tonight’s game, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins had a 12-20 all-time record in primetime contests. After a sloppy first quarter performance, the record dropped to 12-21 as the Vikings fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 34-28 on Thursday Night Football.
According to Cousins, they weren’t the main reason for the loss. He finished the night throwing for 364 yards and four touchdowns on 31/43 passing.
But it was the Vikings’ terrible ball protection that led to Cousins as well as running backs Alexander Mattison and receivers Brandon Powell and Justin Jefferson.
Meanwhile, the Eagles — who just picked up a nail-biting win over the New England Patriots a week ago — stuck with their running game and found great success.
That was largely thanks to the efforts of D’Andre Swift, who Philly recently acquired from the Detroit Lions in the offseason.
He rushed for 175 yards on 28 carries with one touchdown as the Vikings’ defense couldn’t stop the game.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts didn’t make much of an impact through the air — passing for 193 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
But the former Alabama and Oklahoma product rushed for two touchdowns on the night — as he made his impact.
His main target through the air was Devonta Smith, who had 131 yards and a touchdown on just four catches.
Smith’s highlight was a 63-yard snag and score where he torched the Vikings’ secondary and nearly strolled into the end zone, sending the home crowd into hysterics.
As for the losing team, it was a strong night in the receiving game for Vikings star Justin Jefferson.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 159 receiving yards on 11 catches but failed to find the end zone.
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins threw for 364 yards and four TDs, but also coughed up one of four catches.
He now owns an NFL career mark of 12-21 in primetime games.
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins threw for 364 yards and four TDs, but also coughed up one of four catches.
He now owns an NFL career mark of 12-21 in primetime games.
The closest he came was a play in the second quarter, where he threw the ball into the end zone before falling out of bounds for a turnover and a touchback.
Receivers Jordan Addison (three catches, 72 yards) and K.J. Osborne (three catches, 34 yards) each had a touchdown to claim.
Meanwhile, tight end T.J. Hawkinson had seven catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns on the night.
All told, the Eagles ran 20 more plays and held the ball for nearly 19 more minutes than their white-and-purple-clad counterparts.
Minnesota falls to 0-2 to start the year after an embarrassing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
They hope to get their first win of the season next Sunday at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia now has complete control over the NFC East at 2-0.
They will continue their winning ways against the Bucs on Monday Night Football next week in Tampa Bay.