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Lions vs. Vikings Week 7 Scouting Report: Kirk Cousins is heating up

By Jeremy Friedrichs

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2 players to watch for the Lions

Jarrad Davis, LB – It remains unclear exactly what the Lions have in their third-year linebacker. Simply put, however, they need much more than what he’s given them so far this year. Since returning from a preseason ankle injury, he’s played all but 13 defensive snaps in the three games in which he’s appeared, and figures to rarely leave the field again on Sunday.

Yet, he hasn’t made much of an impact and the Lions are in desperate need of more playmaking from their front seven. Davis will likely never be great in coverage, and his pass-rushing burst is generally relegated to occasional blitzes. If he can’t help improve the Lions’ declining run defense against one of the NFL’s most prolific rushing attacks, where does he fit?

Rick Wagner, RT – He’s the Lions’ highest-paid offensive lineman, and has also been the unit’s shakiest performer this season. No problem, since he only has to go up against flamethrowing edge rusher Danielle Hunter on Sunday.

Hunter has eaten Wagner’s lunch ever since Wagner joined the Lions in 2017, a big reason why the Lions are 1-3 vs. Minnesota during that time. Wagner will undoubtedly need occasional chip help on his side, but what better time for him to live up to his sizable contract than with a signature performance in a critical game?

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