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News | Minnesota Vikings – vikings.com

Presser Points: 'Everything is Clickin' Right Now Offensively'

Through the past four games, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is 91-of-116 for 1,261 yards, 10 touchdowns and just one interception.

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer likes that.

Zimmer spoke with Twin Cities media members via conference call on Friday and was asked if this was the "investment" that Minnesota anticipated when adding Cousins as a free agent in 2018.

"He's playing great right now," Zimmer responded. "I think he's in a good place, and this is kind of what we envisioned when we signed him. I think it's all been good.

"Hopefully we can continue to do that, continue to help him with the plays," Zimmer added. "I think everything is clickin' right now offensively."

View postgame celebration images from Thursday as the Vikings beat the Redskins by a 19-9 score.

Here are four other topics he covered during his call:

1. Hindsight 20/20 on fourth-and-1

Late in the third quarter, the Vikings faced a fourth-and-1 from their own 34, and Zimmer opted to go for it.

Cousins attempted a quarterback sneak but was stopped for no gain by Washington's Daron Payne and Landon Collins, and the Redskins took over on downs in Vikings territory.

"Well, honestly, it was a mis-executed play," Zimmer said before adding with a laugh, "but it was probably the dumbest decision I've made since I've been here."

Fortunately for Minnesota, Vikings safety Anthony Harris intercepted rookie QB Dwayne Haskins on the second play of Washington's ensuing drive.

"I felt good," Zimmer said of Harris' interception. "I said, 'Thank God.' "

2. Happy with Harris

Speaking of Harris, Zimmer is pleased with the safety's production.

He stepped in as the full-time starting safety across from Harrison Smith this season and has made a number of big plays, including a trio of interceptions.

Against Washington in addition to the pick, he recorded two tackles (press box stats) and a pass defended.

"I think Anthony is playing well. He's a really smart kid that understands what we're trying to do," Zimmer said. "I think he's done a nice job in the running game. Been good in the pass. Yeah, that was a big interception last night."

3. A review of Rhodes

Zimmer answered questions about cornerback Xavier Rhodes in his postgame presser Thursday night and spoke about him again Friday.

He was asked about weighing out the balance between Rhodes making big plays while avoiding penalties. The veteran corner was flagged against Washington for pass interference.

"Well, sometimes he's going to have some [penalties]. The one last night, that one does not bother me," Zimmer said. "Honestly, we're going to continue to work on his technique and the things he needs to do and change up some of the things he has to be a little better.

"I'm good with Xavier," he added.

Zimmer also clarified that Rhodes was not playing in off coverage on a couple of plays in question.

"He was not off on those hitches. He was pressing," Zimmer said. "He had a 7-stop that he was off that he should have gotten help at safety. He was expecting help from the safety and didn't get it. And there was a bite where we were in a 2-deep zone."

View images of the Vikings as they take on the Redskins in their Purple Primetime jerseys on Thursday night.

4. Another screen game success story

Cook on Thursday once again had a big outing.

He racked up 98 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and also was the Vikings second-leading receiver with five catches for 73 yards through the air.

Cook's longest play gained 31 yards on a screen pass.

"Dalvin, when he gets in space, he's pretty dangerous – I think you've seen that now for several weeks," Zimmer said. "But the offensive line did a nice job if you're talking about the screen. I think they got out and got a couple guys out in front of them, and then once he gets into some clear space, he's got a chance to do a lot of damage."

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