MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Budda Baker #36 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball for a touchdown after intercepting Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
The Bad Things vs Cardinals
A really bad decision. Kick Cousins had a defender in his face in the second quarter and made the poor decision to float a ball in the direction of David Morgan instead of throwing it away and letting Minnesota punt. In a one-possession game, field position can be a big deal.
That’s not how it works. Running next to a receiver isn’t the same thing as covering a guy. While it’s part of it, there is also watching for clues as to if the ball is going to come your way and trying to make some kind of play on the ball. Normally, you can get away with it, but a gambling QB will try those throws.
Protection for the quarterback.Kirk Cousins is good at making quick throws when necessary, but when his first read isn’t there he doesn’t have a lot of time to adjust based on leaky blocking from the offensive line. Sacked multiple times and stripped once from behind, Cousins needs more help.
More clock management. Getting a delay of game on 2nd down at the end of the first half is not a good way to help your kicker or maybe even get a touchdown. Minnesota has struggled with time during this season and needs to be more aware to avoid penalties and be more efficient.
No converted 3rd downs in the first half. That was a brutal affair on 3rd down in the first half no matter who you were rooting for. Seeing these two teams unable to convert a single time in the first half was entertaining when Minnesota was on defense, but not as fun when they were on offense.
