Cousins, McVay back together as Vikings visit Rams
Kirk Cousins was an eager young quarterback and Sean McVay was a precocious offensive coordinator when they got together in Washington.
After they collaborated on two tremendously productive seasons, the partnership led to big things for both men: McVay became the NFL’s youngest head coach in Los Angeles, and Cousins got an $84 million contract in Minnesota.
“I’m very grateful for having crossed paths with him,” Cousins said. “And I’m always rooting for him. But certainly, though, we want to get the ‘W’ this week.”
Indeed, they’re getting back together tonight in a compelling early season NFC showdown between McVay’s Rams (3-0) and Cousins’ Vikings (1-1-1).
And both say they wouldn’t be there under the Coliseum lights without the other.
“I feel fortunate to have worked with Kirk,” McVay said.
“Sometimes you hear people talk about not having the strongest arm or whatever, (but) I’m not sure what film they’re watching,” McVay added.
“He can make every single throw. I think he has the ability to speed it up with excellent twitch. He can change the launch point. So you’re not limited in any way that you can utilize him. And I couldn’t be happier for Kirk, and I’ll be rooting for him the rest of the year after Thursday night.”
Their meeting will be an interesting barometer for both teams’ early season fortunes.
The Rams have been largely outstanding during their unbeaten start to a season that has picked up right where McVay’s first team left off.
But coach Mike Zimmer’s Vikings defense gave perhaps the most impressive performance of last season against the high-octane Rams, who managed only one early touchdown from Todd Gurley in a 24-7 loss at Minnesota.
“We didn’t run the ball as well as we had in other games against this defense,” said Aaron Kromer, the Rams’ running game coordinator. “They’re a stout defense. They’re built to stop the run. That’s their No. 1 goal . ... We have to do a much better job. I think we’re a lot smarter football team than we were in the past, so I hope that shows on Thursday night.”
Colts: After Andrew Luck quickly moved Indianapolis into position for one final, desperation heave Sunday at Philadelphia, he came out.
With 5 seconds left and Indy at its 46-yard line, coach Frank Reich put in Jacoby Brissett.
As a result the questions started popping up, and Luck attempted to put them to rest.
“I know I’m at a level where I can make all the throws and I feel confident that I’m going out there with my full arsenal,” Luck said Wednesday. “I don’t think anything is holding me back. But again you can always get better and I don’t think I’m anywhere near scratching the surface of realizing my full potential.”
Bills: Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy vows he’s playing at Green Bay on Sunday after missing one game with a rib cartilage injury.
McCoy made the announcement after saying he was able to run at full speed during practice Wednesday. McCoy has been sidelined since Bills center Ryan Groy fell on the left side of McCoy’s chest in the third quarter of Buffalo’s 31-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 16.
Patriots: New England placed running back Rex Burkhead on injured reserve, three days after he left the game against the Detroit Lions with a neck injury.
The Patriots also placed linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley on IR. Running back Kenjon Barner and defensive end John Simon were signed to fill their spots on the roster.
Packers: Green Bay signed defensive back Bashaud Breeland, adding a veteran to take Davon House’s place after the cornerback was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
A fifth-year player out of Clemson, Breeland played 60 games with 57 starts in four years with the Washington Redskins.
Rams: Cornerback Aqib Talib was placed on injured reserve, sidelining the veteran until at least Thanksgiving.
The Rams also promoted cornerback Dominique Hatfield from the practice squad.
Texans: Safety Andre Hal’s Hodgkin lymphoma is in remission.
Hal was diagnosed with the disease in May and immediately began treatment. He received the news of his remission on Sept. 18. He chose not to undergo chemotherapy, instead opting for a less aggressive form of treatment.