The Green Bay Packers could face a more formidable Minnesota Vikings offense following Kirk Cousins’ return. During his previous years in Minnesota, Cousins regularly threw for more than 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns per season. He also spent two seasons with current Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, in 2022 and 2023.
Minnesota’s passing game has averaged 160.8 yards per game, ranking 31st. Cousins’ arrival could put renewed pressure on opposing defenses, including the Packers’ secondary. Green Bay cornerback Keisean Nixon, who could match up against Justin Jefferson and/or Jordan Addison, responded to a question about facing Cousins with a joke: “I don’t know. He’s not my cousin.”
Nixon and Cousins were both in the NFC North in 2022 and 2023. Nixon joined Green Bay after former special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia brought him over from the Las Vegas Raiders. In his first season with the Packers, Nixon mainly handled return duties. He took on a larger defensive role the following year, making 13 starts.
Nixon has never intercepted a pass from Cousins. He could get his first chance at Lambeau Field this weekend.
