Kirk Cousins: Highs and Lows from the 2019 NFL season
By Dustin Baker
2. Low – Cousins did not scamper all that often
Fans tend to take one look at Kirk Cousins and dismiss him as an immobile quarterback. He’s not Lamar Jackson, but he’s also not Philip Rivers. Cousins has some wheels, sort of.
In Washington, former head coach Jay Gruden gave Cousins the leeway to tuck and run. In spots, he does this with the Vikings but it’s largely discouraged or just flat-out doesn’t happen. While he was a full-time starter in Washington, Cousins galloped to 13 touchdowns in three seasons. He’s scored two rushing touchdowns in Minnesota.
A more mobile version of Cousins would likely generate more fumbles because that’s the nature of the beast. Yet, there are several scenarios where it outwardly appears he should take off and reach the sticks with his two feet. Perhaps his reluctance to do so is a byproduct of age and/or maturity, but sometimes the Vikings just need a handful of yards, and Cousins seems hellbent against running the ball.
Minnesota now has a new-ish offensive coordinator in 2020 with Gary Kubiak. This season will serve as the verdict on Cousins’ rushing acumen. Will he continue to relent from tucking-and-running or will Kubiak give him the green light?