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Thielen frustrated with Vikings' offense: 'You have to be able to throw the ball'

Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It's no secret that the Minnesota Vikings' offense is focused on its running game. Last year, head coach Mike Zimmer dismissed his offensive coordinator for straying from the rushing attack.

Entering Sunday's game, the Vikings owned the league's second-ranked rushing attack, though it came at the expense of a passing game that ranked 31st.

In Week 4, the Chicago Bears bottled up the entire Vikings offense, and receiver Adam Thielen couldn't hide his frustration after the 16-6 loss.

"At some point, you're not going to be able to run the ball for 180 yards, even with the best running back in the NFL," Thielen said, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. "That's when you have to be able to throw the ball. ... You have to be able to hit the deep balls."

Quarterback Kirk Cousins went 27-for-36 for 233 yards in Sunday's loss. While fellow star wideout Stefon Diggs had seven receptions for 108 yards, Thielen was held in check, recording two catches for 6 yards.

Last season, Thielen set a record by topping 100 yards in eight straight games to start the year.

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