Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was more effective connecting with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay when targeting Justin Jefferson.
The Minnesota Vikings had the opportunity to make a statement on Monday Night Football on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team did defeat the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, so a win over the Eagles was not off of the table on paper.
Well, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins once again struggled in a primetime game, as the team lost 24-7 to the Eagles. Cousins could not do anything against Philadelphia’s secondary, especially when he was targeting star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who was defended by cornerback Darius Slay.
How bad was it?
This stat shows how dominant Darius Slay was when defending Justin Jefferson
According to ESPN Stats and Info, Cousins targeted Jefferson five times when Slay was his nearest defender. Jefferson caught just one pass, while Slay caught two.
If you needed visual proof of how well Slay was in coverage against Jefferson, take a look at highlight reel that ESPN showed near the conclusion of the game.
Following one of the two interceptions that Slay had recorded, he decided to run it over to the sideline to give it to an attendee at Lincoln Financial Field. That person turned out to be 76ers star James Harden, and it was revealed that Slay autographed the football for him after the game.
It was a night to forget for Cousins, as he completed 27-of-46 pass attempts for 221 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Jefferson caught 6-of-12 targets for 48 yards.
The Eagles looked like the favorites to win the NFC East title, thanks in part to the play of the defense and starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Next week, the Eagles take on the rival Washington Commanders in their first divisional matchup of the season.
As for the Vikings, they take on the Detroit Lions, who earned their first win of the season against the Commanders.
