EAGAN, Minn.—The Minnesota Vikings have hit their familiar stride on defence during the second half of the season after some uncharacteristic earlier struggles.
There's been no better example of this lately than Anthony Barr.
“He's always been a good player," coach Mike Zimmer said. "I think he's probably taking it to another level right now.”
MINNEAPOLIS—With a new play-caller in place, the Minnesota Vikings re-committed to running the ball.
And Dalvin Cook proved again his capability—when healthy—of taking over a game.
MINNEAPOLIS—Once Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings took the lead on Green Bay, they played with a fierce refusal to let it go.
They held onto the ball with the same determination.
MINNEAPOLIS—Danielle Hunter had three-and-a-half of Minnesota's franchise-record 10 sacks and a fourth-quarter fumble return for a touchdown, making for a miserable afternoon for Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions in a 24-9 victory by the Vikings yesterday afternoon.
MINNEAPOLIS—No miraculous play was needed for New Orleans to win this game in Minnesota, no where-were-you moment that instantly went viral.
MINNEAPOLIS—The Minnesota Vikings played a back-to-the-basics game, leaning on Latavius Murray's powerful legs and a smothering defence that was in prime form.
The Arizona Cardinals just couldn't keep up on either front.
MINNEAPOLIS—Josh Allen played with the poise of a well-seasoned quarterback, hustling to give Buffalo an early lead in his first NFL road start.
Then the Bills turned their defence loose on Kirk Cousins and delivered a stunningly-lopsided victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
MINNEAPOLIS—Kirk Cousins gave the Minnesota Vikings exactly what they needed for a victorious debut by their new quarterback.
The throws Cousins made in tight coverage at important times were on target.
And unlike Jimmy Garoppolo, he kept the ball out of the other team's hands.
MINNEAPOLIS—While Jose Berrios struggled through a four-start stretch that began in mid-April, the Minnesota Twins were reeling for most of that time.
His last two turns have been masterpieces—and maybe the injury-affected Twins have found a groove again.
MINNEAPOLIS—Fernando Romero's major-league debut for Minnesota carried the extra weight of a Twins' team that won only once in its previous 12 games.
No pressure, kid.
Well, he sure didn't appear to feel any.
Romero kept Toronto scoreless while pitching into the sixth inning, giving the Twins a badly-needed boost in a 4-0 victory over the Blue Jays yesterday afternoon.
