7 takeaways from the Vikings’ loss to the Packers in Week 2
By Adam Patrick
![(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F1174862903-850x560-fbf2f597e11423d91f37ead59d9888b8b6c2a17ff8472ebd490650ad47ee05d6.jpg)
Cousins still isn’t clutch
For whatever reason, Kirk Cousins hasn’t really been what people would refer to as “reliable” during big-game situations in his NFL career. Whether he gets spooked out by the bright lights or not, Cousins hasn’t been able to lead the Vikings to wins against some of their toughest opponents during his tenure with the team.
This was the case once again on Sunday in Minnesota’s matchup with the Packers. Cousins really didn’t have to do a whole lot other than manage the offense and not turn the ball over.
Well, he failed to do both in Green Bay. Cousins turned the ball over three times on Sunday (one fumble, two interceptions) and they ultimately played a big part in the Vikings’ leaving the field with a loss.
The biggest turnover committed by the Minnesota quarterback against the Packers came in the fourth quarter.
Lined up on the Green Bay 8-yard line, Cousins rolled out to his right and decided to launch a pass towards the back, right corner of the end zone. Instead of hitting his intended target in Stefon Diggs, the ball was picked off by Packers corner Kevin King and the loss was pretty much sealed for the Vikings after that.
Minnesota didn’t need an amazing, stat-shattering performance from Cousins on Sunday. But during the few times they asked for his help against Green Bay, the Vikings quarterback failed to come through.