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Watch: Kirk Cousins given 'Top 10' chain after dominant 'Monday Night Football' performance
Kirk Cousins Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Kirk Cousins given 'Top 10' chain after dominant 'Monday Night Football' performance

"Kirko Chainz" is back like he never left.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins gained the nickname last year after celebrating wins by wearing his teammates' chains, including offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw.

He earned his chain on Monday night with an incredible game against an excellent 49ers defense in a 22-17 win. Cousins finished 35-of-45 for 378 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and no sacks.

His performance was even more impressive considering Minnesota was without All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring). 

Rookie first-rounder Jordan Addison stepped up in his absence, finishing with seven receptions, 123 yards and two touchdowns. His best play came when he fought the ball away from defensive back Charvarius Ward and scored a 60-yard touchdown after Ward got the best of him earlier on an interception.

The win reframes Minnesota's season and makes them a threat for a playoff spot in a weak NFC. While they were more lucky than good last season, the Vikings (3-4) have been more unlucky than bad through the first seven weeks of 2023. 

Cousins has played well all year; through Week 7, he's second in the league in passing yards (2,057) and first in passing touchdowns (16).

"Kirko Chainz" has been around all season. On Monday night, Cousins - and the Vikings - finally had something to celebrate.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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Angry Mike Vrabel vows to find 'rats' within Patriots organization who leaked major news
NFL

Angry Mike Vrabel vows to find 'rats' within Patriots organization who leaked major news

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Commanders veteran blows final audition with future on the line
General Sports

Commanders veteran blows final audition with future on the line

The Washington Commanders' final preseason engagement against the Baltimore Ravens represented the last chance for players looking to make a big impression before their respective fates are determined. Some thrived under the pressure, but others wilted. And for one veteran whose future was firmly on the line, their status looks all but sealed after another dismal outing. Things looked promising for Chris Moore earlier in the offseason. The wide receiver caught the eye over early workouts, displaying the reliability and contested catch prowess that managed to stand out in a crowded room. Unfortunately for the player, things have taken a downward turn since. Chris Moore blew another shot to impress in Commanders' preseason finale Moore couldn't keep up his initial consistency at training camp. Things got even worse in the preseason, which began with two crucial drops in Washington's opening warmup outing versus the New England Patriots. With several starters and rotational pieces sitting out at Northwest Stadium, this was Moore's chance to silence his doubters and prove worthy of an extended stay. And his final audition arrived when quarterback Sam Hartman delivered a deep ball down the sideline that fell within his catch radius. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati, who began his NFL journey with the Ravens, needed to make this catch. Much to the dismay of fans, the wideout fluffed his lines. Moore dropped the target when it was makeable. He did bring in one reception for five receiving yards after that, but the damage had been done. And any slim hope he had of making the 53-man roster evaporated in the blink of an eye. Competition for places in Washington's receiver group is fierce. While Hartman and Josh Johnson didn't do their pass-catchers many favors, Moore's problems were self-inflicted. It's hard to envisage how he makes the team now, and even sticking around on the practice squad might be a stretch if others also come through waivers. It'll be an anxious wait for Moore. However, the experienced pro has been around long enough to know what comes next. And when his inevitable fate is sealed, he cannot have many complaints. The Commanders gave him chances to excel. Moore didn't take advantage of them emphatically enough, and this won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters when he starts to trim the fat. Whether Moore comes back onto the practice squad or not is anyone's guess. But after a preseason to forget, even that is hanging in the balance now. More Commanders news and analysis

Mets manager confirms veteran pitcher done for the season due to 'pretty significant' injury
MLB

Mets manager confirms veteran pitcher done for the season due to 'pretty significant' injury

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Brooks Koepka Calls Out Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf Semis
General Sports

Brooks Koepka Calls Out Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf Semis

Brooks Koepka has called out Bryson DeChambeau for avoiding a direct matchup at the LIV Golf Semifinals and described him as a “strange cat.” The five-time major winner did not hold back after DeChambeau chose not to face him head-to-head in the Miami Team Championship on Saturday, reigniting one of golf’s most talked-about rivalries. Koepka Labels DeChambeau “Strange Cat” The Semifinals format allowed team captains to set up matchups, giving fans the chance to see blockbuster pairings. Many expected Koepka, captain of Smash GC, to face DeChambeau, captain of Crushers GC. Koepka even placed himself as his team’s top singles player, seemingly anticipating that showdown. Instead, DeChambeau put his teammate Anirban Lahiri against Koepka, while he took on Talor Gooch. The Semifinals represented a chance to reignite the rivalry on the course for many fans. A head-to-head match between Koepka and DeChambeau could have provided a dramatic highlight in a team event that thrives on drama. Instead, the matchup was avoided, leaving Koepka openly questioning DeChambeau’s mindset. That decision frustrated Koepka, who later questioned DeChambeau’s choice and argued that DeChambeau had robbed fans of the battle they wanted to see. “I don’t know what the thinking was behind that,” Koepka said. “I’d probably say the people would want to see that. I don’t know what he is afraid of. It’s just kind of… he beats his own drum, so he is a strange cat.” Koepka and DeChambeau Continue Rivalry The rivalry between Koepka and DeChambeau has been one of golf’s biggest storylines over the past five years. It began on the PGA Tour, when the two frequently clashed over comments, mannerisms, and competitive tensions. Their back-and-forths often spilled into press conferences and social media, making them headline figures even off the course. The move to LIV Golf has not cooled things down, and this latest incident shows the rivalry is still very much alive. When asked if he had any strategy he wanted to discuss regarding Bryson putting himself in the second singles slot, DeChambeau said: “I’ve got my reasons and it ain’t personal though. I can tell you that, it’s not personal.” DeChambeau decision to choose Gooch instead of Koepka may have been tactical. Gooch has been one of LIV’s most consistent performers, and Crushers GC were looking to secure a spot in the final. Still, the optics of skipping a direct face-off with Koepka gave plenty of fuel to critics and added another layer to their long-running feud. Whether the two will face each other in future events remains to be seen, but the demand from fans is clear. Their rivalry has often brought out some of the most memorable moments in modern golf, and many believe a head-to-head showdown is overdue.