Week 4 kicked off brilliantly on Thursday night, which saw the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 38-31. In a battle which was bereft of much defensive performances, we were treated to a shoot-out in LA. And who doesn’t want that?
Kirk Cousins Puts Up Numbers, Yet Failed On the Final Product
Kirk Cousins played a blinder yesterday. He completed 36 of 50 passes for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns. Fantastic numbers to say the least. His number one target, Stefon Diggs, amassed 11 receptions for 123 yards in another impressive performance. He was also joined by Adam Thielen, who on just 8 receptions gained 135 yards and a touchdown. Furthermore, Cousins was able to connect with 9 of his receivers in the game, showing great versatility in the pocket.
On defence, there simply was not enough plays made. Danielle Hunter got the only sack for his team on the day, whilst the Vikings were picked apart by Jared Goff on offence for the Rams.
In spite of the defence’s failures, Cousins had kept the team in the game with 2 minutes on the clock left. With the game on the line, Cousins snapped the ball around the 40-yard mark and was promptly sacked by defensive end, John Franklin III. This sack forced him to fumble which was recovered by the Rams, who’d eventually enter victory formation and win the game, 38-31.
This a scene all too similar for fans of Kirk Cousins, who has a habit of fumbling the ball in the closing stages of a game:
Kirk Cousins has fumbled 41 times in 66 games.
It’s an issue.
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoRCC) September 28, 2018
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The Vikings are now 1-2-1 on the season and are now faced with the challenge of digging themselves out of an increasingly large hole.
Jared Goff Shines in LA
It’s no surprise at this point in the season that the Rams are a fantastic team. Yet, Jared Goff keeps proving why they might just be the best in the league. Completing 26 of 33 passes thrown, he compiled 465 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in an enthralling performance at the helm of this young team.
His receiving core were also superb on the day. Cooper Kupp for example, caught two touchdown passes and accumulated 162 receiving yards. Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods also had standout games, with 116 and 101 receiving yards respectively. Finally, Todd Gurley was arguably player of the game behind Goff, totalling 156 all purpose yards and 1 touchdown.
This huge victory for the Rams improves their record to 4-0, and solidifies their chances as a Super Bowl contender.
The @RamsNFL stay UNDEFEATED. 🙌 #LARams pic.twitter.com/ZkQDsrUnWx
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2018
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This guest piece has been written by Greg Forbes. Greg is a Pittsburgh Steelers who not only has love for his team but the NFL itself too. You can follow Greg over on Twitter at @G29750721.
Image credit: NFL