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Skeptics in and around the NFL have tried to sack Kirk Cousins from the day he entered the league. But it finally appears he's fully equipped to beat the incessant blitz of criticism. Cousins' performance for the Minnesota Vikings in Thursday night's  19-9 victory against the reeling Washington Redskins  isn't going to make many highlight reels. But it's film he should be proud of.  Coming off a scalding trio of games (976 passing yards, 10 TDs and 1 INT with Minnesota averaging 36 points), Cousins entered Week 8 as the league's most efficient passer with a 114.3 QB rating. Even if he didn't fill up the box score against his former team, he maintained a steady hand on a stage where he's struggled: ► He completed 23 of 26 passes for 285 yards despite lacking No. 1 receiver Adam Thielen, who sat with a hamstring injury. Cousins' 88.5% completion rate for one game established a Vikings record. ► Cousins, who prepares as thoroughly as a...

Final: Vikings 19, Redskins 9 Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 23 of 26 passes for 285 yards. His counterpart, Case Keenum, was 12 for 16 for 130 yards in the first half, but suffered a concussion and was replaced by rookie Dwayne Haskins in the second half. Haskins was 3 for 5 for 33 yards and one costly interception. Minnesota didn’t punt in a game for the first time since 2004. Adrian Peterson rushed for 76 yards on 14 carries. He passed Jerome Bettis and LaDainian Tomlinson and moved into sixth place on the all-time rushing list. Stefon Diggs led all receivers with seven catches for 143 yards. Fourth Quarter Minnesota is burning clock:  The Redskins went three-and-out after Minnesota took a 10-point lead. At the 2-minute warning, the Vikings were in the midst of a nearly 7-minute drive.  (Vikings 19, Redskins 9, 2:00 Fourth Quarter) Vikings take a two-score lead:  Dan Bailey’s fourth field goal, a 40-yarder, extended the Vikings’ l...