Vikings passing game vs. Ravens pass defense

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is one of the NFL’s least daring passers, averaging just 6.6 air yards per attempt (compared to Jackson’s league-leading 10.8), according to Next Gen Stats. He has generally made it work, completing 69% of his passes with just two interceptions and 10 sacks through seven games. But the Cowboys held him to 184 passing yards on 35 attempts and kept the Vikings out of the end zone after their opening drive. Cousins has a pair of dangerous receivers in Adam Thielen (43 catches on 59 targets, 471 yards, six touchdowns) and Justin Jefferson (43 catches on 63 targets, 563 yards, three touchdowns). He also throws frequently to tight end Tyler Conklin (27 catches on 37 targets, 297 yards). As we saw in the Ravens’ loss to the Bengals, even short passes can turn into big plays against a defense that has struggled to tackle for much of the season. Joe Burrow became the third quarterback to surpass 400 yards against the Ravens, who rank last in pass defense after ranking sixth in 2020. Cincinnati’s superstar rookie, Ja’Marr Chase, torched Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey in that loss, and Humphrey has acknowledged he will need to play better. Meanwhile, opponents have targeted cornerback Anthony Averett relentlessly, with mixed results. Averett was overwhelmed as the Ravens surrendered more than 400 passing yards to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 5 but held up better against the Bengals. Given their coverage struggles, the Ravens are rushing more conservatively, blitzing on 32.5% of dropbacks, compared to 44.1% last season. Veteran outside linebacker Justin Houston has been their most effective pass rusher in recent weeks, though rookie Odafe Oweh still leads the team with three sacks. EDGE: Vikings